Hysteri-CAL

News !!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-01-08T20:33:00.000Z

I am now an Independent Stampin Up! Demo - whoop whoop !!

Below you will see an example of one of the cards that I have designed for a Card Class. I have designed five cards altogether, and if you are interested in holding a class in the comfort of your own home (I will bring everything you need), then please contact me - details under the Class & Workshop tab (above), or just leave a comment below and I will contact you.

Please also contact me if you would like to purchase a Stampin Up! catalogue priced at £3.95, the value of which will be deducted from any order you place.

If you are interested in attending either a Cardmaking Workshop, Scrapbook Workshop, Project or Technique-based Workshop - then please contact me via the Class and Workshop tab above.

(I will soon have a link to the SU online catalogue - I promise)

Stampin Up! Class example

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas, and I wish you health and happiness in 2011.

Love 'n' hugs.

Crafty Day

2010-08-30T09:29:00.002+01:00

Had a fabby crafty day at Lianne's yesterday with Sarah and Elise - will upload and download photographs of the layouts I produced later. Must say, that we made a serious dent on the scrummy food that Lianne provided - strawberry cheesecake biscuits, toffee and apple cookies, strawberry bon bons, fruit sweeties, and the most delicious chilli with cheesy bread and Doritos - yum yum !!! We did do some crafting - honest !

Anyway, aside from the delicious food, I got to play with some of the new My Minds Eye that Sarah has in store, and some of the amazing new Cosmo Cricket ... two of my very favourite brands. I love the fact that with both of these company's papers, you can mix and match other ranges together ... anyway, will take some photographs and upload later.

For now though ... here are some photographs from my favourite place in the whole wide world - Ireland .... enjoy !

Starting Again .......

2010-08-06T12:14:00.000+01:00

I can't believe how long it is since I blogged *insert shocked smiley*

So, I'm going to start again. I've literally just got back to Lancashire after going to my second 'home' - Ireland. My first home will always be my parents home. No matter where I go in the world, home is home. However, my son and I have recently been travelling to Ireland to visit his relations - and thats where our tale begins ... again ....

Kids Cybercrop class ......

2009-10-04T18:39:00.003+01:00

This is the class I did for the UKS kids cybercrop - it was to teach them how to distress and ink.

GET OVER TO UNITY - QUICK

2009-09-17T21:20:00.003+01:00

................... they have heaps and heaps of new releases - oh, and hop it over to the blog and see the latest Secret Agent film HERE ..... its hilarious !!!

Angela has manufactured some fabby new stamps that will suit both cardmakers AND scrappers ... some great new ideas as well.

Let me know what ya think of em - catch them all HERE

Awards !

2009-08-27T13:43:00.008+01:00

I received these two awards from the gorgeous Hannah from THIS BLOG .

The first one is the Honest Scrap Award and you have to list 10 honest things about you.

1. I smoke. 2. I'm stubborn. 3. I'm loud (occasionally) 4. I find it hard to let go of the apron strings. 5. I love singing, anywhere and everywhere even though i'm crap. 6. I feed Jack Jnr under the table even though he has food in his dish. 7. I used to bite my toe nails (can't reach now) 8. I hate all insects - anything that creeps, crawls or flies. 9. I have a shocking memory. 10. I'm a terrible for doing things last minute. They get done, but always last minute.

The second Award is to confess to 5 things you're addicted to so here we go:

1. Scrapbooking stash

2. Handbags

3. Shoes

4. Everything has to match

5. Cheese and onion Seabrook crisps - yum yum

Now I have to nominate 7 people to pass these awards on to, but rather than do that, I would like everyone who reads this blog, to please accept these awards, and forward them on to those bloggers in your life.

Thanks for reading !

Luxury Weekend ...

2009-08-20T21:18:00.004+01:00

I spent a glorious weekend down in Bedford with Gwyneth. Honestly, it was like staying in a 5* Hotel !!! That woman has more stamina than I will ever have, and kept me up into the wee small hours laughing and chatting. I really managed to completely chill out and was extremely sad leaving to go home. If you're reading Gwyn - once again, very many thanks xxxx

The twinchies and frame above is a gift that I made for Gwyneth. I used all TH dye ink pads, mostly TH stamps together with Hero Arts, Autumn Leaves and UNITY. Lots of sandpaper, distressers, blossoms, dye cuts etc. were used, and some of the images are 2/3 layers of stamping.

Thanks for popping by !

Wow - I can't believe .......

2009-08-07T19:03:00.004+01:00

...... its been so long since I posted. I had a bit of a horrendous time for a while there, and I couldn't see the wood for the trees. However, with the help of some wonderful friends, I managed to lift myself out of the myre and come back to reality.

Reality it is ... so .... onto some of my latest work. Ok then, old work, that is new to the blog !!

The top layout has been made using Basic Grey Wisteria from the fabby Sarahscards . The photographs are of my twin brothers wedding that we attended at the end of May. What a fantastic week we had - can you believe, that nearly 100 bottles of champagne were drank in two days !!!

The middle layout was made using the truly lush and gorgeous My Minds Eye Andrea Victoria line HERE. The photograph is of our naughty Jack Junior. At least once a day in our house, you will hear the cry "Oh Jack. Oh no" !!!! If he didn't have such a pretty face, he would be going !!

The last layout was again made with the fabby Andrea Victoria papers, together with an eclectic mix of embellishments. The photographs are of my twinny and I messing about at Christmas.

Right ... must be off - i'll be uploading a few more cards and layouts shortly. Thanks again for popping by - and thank you to the people who messaged, phoned or emailed me to check that I was ok. You're all very special xxxxxxxx

Blog Giveaway ....

2009-06-06T14:51:00.001+01:00

Click on the link HERE, for a fantastic blog giveaway !

Busy busy busy .... and UNITY

2009-04-11T20:00:00.004+01:00

For some reason, I have had a crafting splurge ... anyway here goes ... everything used including the stamps etc. are from the fabby Sarahscards HERE

Anyway .... off we go ... a couple of layouts of Jack Jnr. just after the 'just chilling' layout, he ate all 6 cushions !!! BOBL !!! The one of me was taken in France at Christmas and turned into black and white in Adobe.

Anyway, not a lot to add .... except to say, have you checked out UNITY lately ? Angela has the most fabby sale on this weekend, and all the 'Tree' stamps and nature stamps have got a huge percentage off them in honour of Earth Day - AND - there's other bundle offers as well ... so what ya waiting for ... ???

++ For 'S' ++

2009-03-29T12:06:00.002+01:00

RIP :(

New Layouts

2009-03-23T19:20:00.003Z

Made these two layouts using the lush new Pink Shoebox papers (etc. etc.) from Sarahscards HERE

These papers are fab, and they really really mix well together. I love em !

Good Luck Monica ..... (stampin up candy)

2009-03-23T19:16:00.003Z

With the new Stampin Up challenge blog - I'm sure it will be a great success xxxxxxxx

By the way, if anyone is reading this ... if you hop on over to STAMP WITH US there is a heap of stampin up candy being offered (above). xxxxxxx

I don't believe I'm doing this .........

2009-03-21T10:58:00.006Z

The wonderfully funny-but-slightly-demented Dyan from Art from the Heart tagged me from her blog ..... The idea being I had to take a photo of myself there and then. No brushing of hair or touching up of anything. Result - one photo taken of me at 6.30am this morning !!! *insert shocked smiley* NOW people know why I won't leave the house until I have my eyeliner and mascara on !!!

I now have to tag a few peeps ..... erm erm .... back in 2 ......

The lovely Maggie, who currently has some beautiful photographs of culzean castle on her blog, which just happens to be my most favourite place in the whole world. Its a great place to repair broken hearts. Maggie's blog is HERE

Secondly, the fantastically talented LISA Hetrick ... please spend a second looking at her fabulous work.

Thirdly, the lovely Julie aka scrappydandydo ... HERE

Fourthly, the gorgeous Gwyneth .. I love this woman to death. I reckon she's a trendy young hip-hoppy-type-gal-in-the-disguise-of-a-pensioner .... she's amazing, she does the most amazing work, and she is mad as a bloody hatter ! I love her !

Wedding Present Canvases

2009-03-19T19:29:00.005Z

I painted this set of three canvases for my brothers wedding present. He did commission me to do a painting for him, but I figured these would be more appropriate. Each canvas is 3'x2' and are a lot larger than they look on the photo - click to enlarge it.

I must explain that he lives in a traditional French house, and these are (obviously) designed to go in his kitchen.

They were made by first priming the canvases. I then used a selection of medium to form a collage background (newspapers, paper tissue, cardboard). The canvases then were given another priming, and the vegetables roughly drawn on the canvas. I then dabbed on the background using a rough green and yellow cleaning sponge with different shades of green and yellow acrylic paints (mainly Claudine Hellmuth - her fabby blog is HERE ). I built up the layers over a few days. I then started on the vegetables themselves, again building up the layers.

I must state at this point, that I received help from our Head of Art Elaine who helped me build up the layers. I always want to go for pretty, but with this type of artwork, you need to use a 'flowy' painting technique. She also helped me with the lighting and shading, making sure I really made the vegetables 'pop' by using charcoal.

The completed canvases were given a final layer of glaze so that the charcoal wouldn't rub off.

I know these aren't to everyone's taste, but I don't think they're too bad for my first canvases !

Amazing ... and I mean amazing Weekend ... at

2009-03-15T20:20:00.002Z

Art from the Heart !!! OMG it was amazing. I have learnt 40+ techniques using paints, inks, gel medium, gesso, the FAB FAB FAB Claudine Hellmuth paints (which are to die for) and the most amazing alternative for H20s/Pearl-ex/Pearl etc.... the Blonde Moments Minasie Pearl Pigments - wow, the effect they give is amazing.

Need to check with Dyan, but if its ok, I'll put some sample tags on my blog over the next few days.

Dyan is the most amazing teacher. You are on the go the whole time, and all the while, Dyan is giving you hints and tips in an easy to understand manner. I really did think I knew 'quite a bit' about inks and paints - but honestly, hand on heart, I knew nothing. This woman is a mine of information. What she doesn't know about these mediums isn't worth knowing. I was so impressed ... and if I am truthful - totally in awe.

Dyan isn't just a damn good teacher though, the inspiration all around the walls of her studio is breathtaking. Works of art are hung everywhere. Altered books of every type and description are on bookshelves all over. Cards and layouts are displayed everywhere ... and where there is space, the most amazing canvases you will ever see. It really is just like walking into a true artists workshop.

I am buzzing and feel fresh. I can wholeheartedly recommend these classes and workshops ... why not have a look at the up and coming classes HERE For me, this weekend of techniques although tiring, was worth every single penny ..... I have done a bit of begging for another weekend of techniques, so keep your eyes peeled.

On the off chance that you ever pop on here Dy .... thank you, you truly are an inspiration to us crafters..... and Jane - thanks for the wonderful hospitality - i've had a fabby time !!!!

Crop, Layouts etc..

2009-03-03T09:35:00.003Z

I was at the fabby Warrington crop on Sunday. I love this crop so much, and there is always a scrum to get on the list for the following month - it is so worth the effort. Sarah and Lianne put so much effort into each crop, and it shows. We're all served drinks and goodies during the morning. Lunch is made for us, and then we get more drinks and pastries etc during the afternoon. No worrying about anything. We're just expected to scrap and enjoy ourselves, which we do by the bucket load. Perfect day eh ?!!

I can't remember all the papers etc... that I used on the above layouts, but some are from the new 3 Bugs ranges, and some are the new Pink Paislee papers together with embellishments from the same ranges - all from the fabby Sarahscards.

The adorable CathyC very kindly gave me some photos of her equally adorable granchildren (again) to scrap. Don't you think Olivia is sooooooooo photogenic ??

Talking of stash - I've been having a sort out. I'm starting a craft group at the local Community Centre near where I work, and decided I'd have a good sort out to help get us started, as we are literally trying to start the group with zero stash.

(Incidentally, if anyone has any stash of any description from papers to peel-offs, I will gratefully take it off your hands ....... please email me or PM me via UKS/SCS )

Anyway, it really got me thinking ... how do people use all their stash. If you buy a kit, do you just do one or two layouts and then put the kit away ? OR, do you use the whole kit straight away ? I've decided to challenge myself and use my kits to make layouts (maybe 2 or 3), then make cards with the leftovers ... and then, if there is anything left, to make ATCs or inchies until the whole lot has gone ! Does anyone else do this ?

OR - how about when you buy a new range of papers, but you have strips or whole sheets left that weren't quite right ... what about swapping with someone else to try something different ? Would it work ? These are just random thoughts, but I wonder if it could work with small groups .....

*goes off wondering and muttering*

Couple of Layouts

2009-02-22T20:18:00.007Z

...... I 'borrowed' these fabby photos from CathyC of her gorgeous grandchildren. I love scrapping them as they're the most adorable beautiful babies.

The first layout of Henry is using MME papers from Sarahscards (which are in her HUGE sale) together with AC thickers, 7gypsies paperclip, Jenni Bowlin embellies, Adornit mini-alphas and a few other bits and bobs.

The second layout of Olivia is using the newly released lush Pebbles Inc. Downtown papers from Sarahscards. The alphabet is AC thickers, the background card is also newly released, but is from the Kraft range by Jillibean Soup, and the few embellies are K&Co cute as a bug.

Hope everyone reading is safe and well. Thanks for dropping in. Hugs xxxxxxxxx

Unity Wednesday Challenge

2009-02-11T08:15:00.001Z

This weeks challenge was set by Lori - she explains here ....

Here's my idea for the 2/11 challenge. I'd bet that this week and next, lots of people are helping their kids get ready to celebrate Valentine's Day at school. Most of these events involve the little store bought cards that are about ATC size with a cute image and a coordinating short, funny/catchy saying. For this week's challenge, come up with a tiny Valentine along these lines--one image, bright and colorful, Valentine-ish sentiment. Maybe you'll even be inspired to make some for your kids to exchange with their friends . . .
I'm attaching a printable sample of the kind of cards I'm thinking about in case anyone is unfamiliar with them. As a kindergarten teacher, I'm much more familiar with these little things than I care to be . . .
http://www.kidsturncentral.com/holidays/valentines/vpcards.htm

Soooooooooooo I used red bazzill cardstock and rhonna farrer merry & bright papers - together with a new release Unity stamp called Boom Goes My Heart - so cute !!!

Will defo, defo, defo promise to start uploading photos from France .... and ... some fabby new papers from CHA !!!

Have a lovely week everyone xxxxxxxxx

Unity Wednesday Challenge

2009-02-04T09:00:00.000Z

YAY !!! I'm back into the fold .... and this weeks challenge was set by me !!

Make a valentine card using a stamp you wouldn't usually use, use ribbon and buttons. I've just remembered that I haven't used buttons - oh poo and pants !

Papers are the new Pebblesinc that have just been released at CHA and are the Downtown range, and will shortly be in the UK via http://www.sarahscards.co.uk/. Stamps - are obviously Unity - yay !!!! Don't forget to check out the Unity Hip Hop on Thursday.

Catch y'all soon with photos from France - and some exciting news !

Happy New Year ....

2009-01-13T18:49:00.004Z

Well, these are a couple of layouts for Scrappydos design team using 7 gypsies products, and lots of other added embellishments etc.

Happy New Year to everyone who calls in, I hope 2009 is kind to you and yours.

Well, we had a fantastic time in the South of France with my twin brother and his fiancee. We went to some fantastic places, and had a real hoot !! I'll post some photographs in a couple of days once I've had time to download em and sort them all out - last count there was over 300, but a load of them were rubbish. Thankfully, the ones of Father Christmas arriving on an iceberg into St Tropez harbour have turned, which considering the crowds of people, i'm most surprised about !!

Jeez - was it expensive there .. *insert shocked smiley* £27 for 4 coffees, 1 tea and coke !!

Anyway, it was all worth it, and a good time was had by everybody !

Oh, oh, oh ... did I mention that my brothers friends live next door to Johnny Depp ??? Whilst visiting Lisa and Evan, I excused myself to go for a cigarette and tried to crawl through the hedge - but it was too thick, so I tried to peep through, but the hedge was too thick ... so I climbed onto the roof of the pool room and slid off ... damned security grease ... In the end, the dogs gave me away by barking - little sods ... but hey=ho .. I can claim that I attempted to crawl through Johnny Depps hedge. Is this really the rational behaviour of a grown woman ??? Does it matter - its Johnny Depp !!!!!

Apparently he's there this week - now THATS sods law !

More photos to follow ................

Award, Mags & Going Away ....

2008-12-18T23:03:00.004Z

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

This lovely award was given to me from Toni, and I am so delighted to be given it from someone so very special xxx

I will pass it on when I get back from my Christmas holiday.

Talking of holidays .... We are all off to the South of France to spend Christmas with my twin brother and his fiancee. It will be the first time in 7 years, that we have all been together as a family for Christmas, and I am soooo looking forward to going. I love the South of France .. its such a beautiful area of the Country,partcularly where Colin and Del live. They live in a traditional French village with a really cute village square which has a pond and the obligatory boulles square, surrounded by tiny little shops. We will be attending the Christmas Eve Mass procession through the village and up to the church with the locals who will all be bearing lit candles - it really is a stunning event. While there we will be ski-ing and ice skating, and maybe a bit of snowboarding *insert shocked smiley* so please think of me and hope that nothing untoward gets broken !!!

Oh, just a quick mention that I was extremely privileged to have two layouts published in Scrapbook Inspirations this month - my first ever - yay !!! I'll scan a photo of the pages when I get back !

I'd just like to wish everyone who comes to visit this blog, a very merry, happy christmas whatever you are doing, and whatever your 'faith' is or isn't. xxxxxxxxxx

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow .....

2008-12-02T16:58:00.006Z

... yay !!! We have snow !

I woke up to the normal sound of Jack Jnr crying and scratching for one of us to come down and see to him ... so I dragged myself down he stairs. Peeped out of the landing window - and there it was - snow !! Heaps and heaps of it - yay !!!! I tentatively opened the back door and Jack flew out ... oh my god, did he love the snow .... he was leaping and jumping at the snow flakes and chasing the flurries of snow - sooooooo funny ! Downside was that he didn't want to come back in :( so after much shaking of doggy biscuits, he finally gave in, and came back in for a warm.

Its quite amusing how a flurry of snow brings everything in the UK to a stand still. What is normally a 5 minutes drive to my school, turned into a 45 minutes nightmare journey of skidding and skating all over the place. There was therefore no way that Stewart could have driven the extra distance to Aaron's school, so it was a day off for Aaron.

When I eventually arrived at school, there were very few staff who had managed to make the drive, so our school was closed for the day and I was sent home early - yay !!!!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the photographs of Jack at approx 6.30am this morning and then later on this afternoon on the green outside our house.... happy snow everyone !

Want some candy ???

2008-11-26T11:17:00.003Z

............... My friend Jo (madhattermillie) is giving away some blog candy HERE. There's some amazing Stampin Up ribbon (which is truly brilliant quality - and the colours are lush, lush, lush) together with some 3x3 notelets and envies.

Her creations are stunning - so why not pop along and have a nosy at her work and pick up some inspiration...

My Unity Customer Challenge

2008-11-25T16:05:00.003Z

.......... in order to recognise Aaron's 13th Birthday this weekend, you must use the colours red and white. AND ... in recognition of my American friends celebrating Thanksgiving, the card must have a 'thankful' theme.

The above is the card I produced.

Recipe: Bazzill Kraft cardstock, Anna Griffin papers, Dewdrops and most importantly - Unity September and November monthly stamp kits.

Wishing all my American friends a happy Thanksgiving xxxxxxxxxx

I'm back ..... and Unity Customer Challenge

2008-11-05T09:00:00.000Z

After heaps of PC problems, caused by a certain almost-13-year-old, I have a new PC with Vista - so I'm still finding my way around ... hence my lack of postings.

Major apologies to those lovely people who regularly pop on for a visit, and who have either emailed, PMd me or spoke to me - I'm fine honest !

Anyway, this weeks Unity challenge was to take inspiration from the plates above. Hopefully, you will think my effort is appropriate.

I used K&Co Amy Butler papers, with the individual quote stamp from Unity, and the butterflies from the September Unity Kit of the month. Oh, and heaps and heaps of Jo Sonja's Opal Dust !!

Come back soon - hysterical photos of Jack coming shortly ...and maybe some more pieces of my work that I can show off ..... some has to stay hidden for now due to the Secret Santa Advent Swap on UKS .......

7th Unity Customer Challenge ........

2008-10-07T21:23:00.005+01:00

......... and the challenge was set by Jess. We were asked to make a card any shape that we wanted, but NOT A2 size ... Please support the other girls by visiting their blogs - links are on the left.

Don't forget to join the Unity Thursday Hip Hop fun ... with heaps of prizes from Unity and lots of fun - go to Splitcoaststampers and click onto the Unity forum ... you'll find us all there ! Any new customers to Unity who order stamps tomorrow valued at $15 or more, will get the single So&So AND *all* orders to the value of $30 or more will receive a free single stamp OF YOUR CHOICE.

Recipe:- Paper/card - Tinkering Ink, Bazill. Stamp Set(s):- Dogstooth background Stamp, and Flaunt it set (not the right name, but can't access stamps at the moment). Inks:- Stazon, colorbox chalks .. and lastly, fabby Dewdrops !

Thanks for popping by xxxxxxx

24-hour Pink Booby Crop .....

2008-10-05T22:01:00.004+01:00

....... well it was the annual 24-hour Pink Booby Crop @ Golbourne, and laughter and merriment were the order of the day ......... oh, and some scrapping and crafting ! Thanks go to the fabby Sonja, Nina and Ali for organising the whole day and for keeping us fed and watered.

Thanks also go to everyone for being such a fab crowd of the most talented girls I know. The work on display was incredible - particularly, the 'booby' layouts - brill, brill, brill.

Above are a few layouts that I managed to work on and the other 'projects' will be ready shortly. The last layout was done for Jayne, and she is going to add her own journalling.

If you are reading this ... please remember to check your 'boobs' - its better to be safe than sorry xxxxx

6th Unity Customer Challenge

2008-10-01T09:35:00.005+01:00

YAY !!! Its the 6th Unity Customer Challenge, and this week the challenge was set by Maggie and the challenge was to use the above sketch. Please follow the links on the left to see everyone else's examples.

Don't forget Unity Hip Hop Thursday on Splicoaststampers - loads of giveaways, new releases and great discounts - what more could a stamper ask for .... so hip hop over to the Unity forum on SCS every Thursday - see ya there !

Recipe: Stamps: Unity Stamp Co September kit of themonth, Bazzill: kraft cardstock, paper: KI lace cardstock, Scenic Route Sanoma papers, colorbox chalks, dewdrops, American Craft ribbons.

Maggie's Challenge

2008-09-29T19:40:00.004+01:00

The lovely Maggie is one of the gorgeous Unity Challenge girls, and invited us to join in her challenge on the Challenge blog that she is a member of, and this is my attempt.

Recipe: Papers: American Craft Travel papers and ribbons, Unity Stamps: August kit of the month stamps, dewdrops, Adornit alphas.

What does YOUR name mean ..

2008-09-28T10:49:00.001+01:00

What Carole Means

You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily.
You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind.
A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.
You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.
You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.
You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.
You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.
At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.
You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.
Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Wow - how accurate is this ?!!!! It describes me to a 'T'.

Scrummy time !

2008-09-26T08:43:00.005+01:00

Just thought on .... i've not blogged about our gorgeous new addition to the family .... Jack Jnr. Isn't he just as cute as a button ?? He's a 9 weeks old Jack Russell and believe me, he is keeping us on our toes !!! Yesterday he ate - amongst other things - a slug. There was no way I could grab the slippery little bugger out of Jacks mouth, and within mili-seconds, the slug was gone :(

All afternoon Jack was as sick as a .... erm dog .... and I was really worried. However, I'm pleased to say that he's back to normal this morning ! YAY !!

Also on the scrummy side of things - dontcha just loooooove the new Sanoma papers .. The contents of the picture frame above was made using them together with the fabby Unity Stamp Co. September Kit of the month. The whole range of papers (and embellishments) are currently available from http://www.scrappydos.co.uk/RANGES-Scenic-Route-Scenic-Route-Sonoma/c363_392_616/index.html?osCsid=4q75ef4mjbhv71o2966le37pu4 and believe me .... i've been buying it up. The papers are so adaptable - i'm going to use them for my Xmas cards this year as the colours are so lush ! The stamps are (as always) available from Unity Stamp Co.

5th Unity Customer Challenge !!

2008-09-23T14:11:00.005+01:00

Soooooooo this is the 5th Unity Customer Challenge. This weeks challenge was set by Sherryl, and we were asked to make a card using paper piecing. I (obviously) pieced together the lion and the monkey ! Sherryl's friend is recovering from a broken foot, but sadly injured herself again on Saturday, so my card is going to be sent to Kim Muhl (Nutsymuhl) on SCS in the hope that she picks up soon !

Recipe 1st card:- Blank card, Papers: Scenic Route- Sanoma, Stamps: Unity Sept Kit of the Month stamps, Embellies: SR - chipboard bird, dewdrops !

Recipe 2nd card: - Blank card, papers: Scenic Route - Sanoma, KI Mem lace cardstock, Stamps: Unity Wild & Crazy Bunch, Sentiment: 7 gypsies and lastly - some dewdrops !

Thanks for dropping by xx

4th Unity Customer Challenge

2008-09-17T09:00:00.002+01:00

The challenge this week was set by Jeanne, and she asked us to make a card using the colours Pink & Black and using Unity Stamps - of course ! I made a pop up card, the tutorial for which is on SCS.

To view everyone else's cards, please follow the links on the right >>>>>>>>>>>

Once again, well done to Jenn (Jennifer Buck) on being selected for the dirty dozen on SCS.

Recipe: Bazzill cardstock, Tinkering Ink papers, Unity:- Dogtooth background stamp, Hey Chick set.

What dya think of the new Blog ??

2008-09-12T19:06:00.002+01:00

...... the utterly fantastic-extremely-patient-extremely-talented Veronica from VK Designs designed it all for me ... new banner, new layout, new siggy, new Ollie Owl ... I love, love, love it ! Veronica's details can be found on the left hand side under VK Designs.

Once again Veronica, thank you so much for sharing your talent.

The 3rd Unity Customer Hop !!!

2008-09-09T09:00:00.000+01:00

The third Unity customer hop is underway - yay !!!!

Latisha chose the fabby challenge this week, which is to make a square card using scallops and to follow her sketch. My offering is above.

Ingredients:-

Scenic Route Sonoma papers, bazzill border - Scrappydos
Unity Stamp Co stamps - Growing in Unity, Wild Bunch and distressed dots b/ground
Please make a cup of coffee and have a hop around the Unity blogs on the right >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Enjoy !!!!!!!

The 2nd Unity Customer Hop Hunt !

2008-09-03T10:00:00.001+01:00

The challenge this week was set by Cat, and her challenge is to make a card using the Unity colours.

Again, if you visit the other Unity blogs >>>>>>>>>>> (on the right) you will find some amazing work.

Products Used:-

Unity Stamps:- paisley background stamp, United in Unity
Inks:- Brilliance
Card:- Bazzill
Dewdrops:- brown (from crop stop)
Punch:- Stampin Up
Ribbon:- unsure - soz !

Thanks for popping by and visiting !!

Unity Hip Hop Challenge Girls

2008-08-27T11:00:00.001+01:00

A group of Unity customers decided to get together and do a Customer blog hop similar to the DT blog hop on Hip Hop Thursday.

We decided that this first challenge should be a 'case/lift' of one of the DT members cards.

Above is Heather Mollstrum's card that I lifted, and below it is my take on it.

All you need to do to join is to hunt for the blog with the prize from the list on the right >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> and then leave a link to YOUR 'case/lift'.

Supplies Used:
Patterned Papers: Crate Papers Katlin collection from sarahscards
Stamps: Unity July Kit of the Month

Happy Hip Hopping !!

Fab Kit and Fab Service (includes update)

2008-08-17T14:22:00.006+01:00

I received the above fabulous My Minds Eye Kit from Sarah @ Sarahscards last week.

At the time I was feeling that my mojo had upped and left me without so much as goodbye... however, once I got these lush papers in my mucky mawlers ... I couldn't stop.. All the above are made with the kit - and I still have heaps of papers left !

Customer Service

I have been after the tiny glass dew drops for forever and a day, and a thread caught my eye today on Splitcoast stampers discussing the very things ... so I followed a link to an online US store called Crop Stop. Anyway, for one reason or another, I couldn't get through checkout via paypal, so I emailed to explain my problem. I couldn't believe it, but within 10 mins, I had a reply, a fix and the problem sorted. Remember when we had really good customer services, well this company should give lessons to BT, British Gas ... and whoever else has crap customer services. I can wholeheartedly recommend em 100%.

It really made me feel that my custom was appreciated !

ETA: Good lord .... my parcel from Cropstop has arrived already *insert VERY shocked smiley* ... you certainly can't beat that for service !!!

ETA: a couple of the layouts have been moved for publication - sorry !

The Wylde Women Award !

2008-07-29T13:57:00.004+01:00

The Wylde Women award has been passed on to me from the wonderfully talented Voodoo Vixen - Annette, whose work is sickeningly brilliant - link HERE.

The Wylde Women award was created by Tammy Vitale can be passed on to one person or a hundred. It is for being generous (for instance with your ideas or time) towards other crafters. You must take a minute and go and see Tammy's artwork it is truly stunning and inspirational. Try following some of the links on her blog, and you will find the most amazing work !

So I would like to give this award to ROZ - because she is another wild woman, and I learned everything I know from her !!!!! *insert grinning smiley* and also her jokes are hilarious - and if you scroll down her blog to the last two videos, you will understand why this Award is so very well deserved !

New Stuff with fabby New Kit !

2008-07-28T19:02:00.003+01:00

I received a fabulous kit from Jo @ Scrappydo's. It was the Love Elsie - Cody kit, and it was jam packed full of goodies. I've still got heaps left as well, so keep your eyes open for more creations !

YAY !!!! Its the school holidays !! Unfortunately, so far it hasn't been rest and relaxation. Aaron had to visit the allergy clinic at Alder Hey, so as we were going that way, we made the most of it and spent a few days with Mother. Aaron had to go back to Alder Hey for blood tests on Friday, so it was only a short visit.

The sale of our house should be going through on Wednesday - yay !!!! Thankfully, the girl who is buying the house hasn't pulled out, despite the 'juttery' housing market at the moment. Its such a relief to have the burden of running two homes taken off me .... *insert happy dancey smiley*

I'm currently waiting for my new Unity stamps to arrive, and once they're here, I'll let have have a peep ! If you haven't tried these stamps yet, then you're mad - they're utterly fantastic !

Anyway, I know Ruth has tagged me, so I really must go and sort that out...... catch y'all later xx

The funniest thing I've ever seen in my life .....

2008-07-19T23:19:00.001+01:00

If you really need a good laugh ... I beseech you to watch this video ... I have tears rolling down my eyes ... please watch the two of them ... Ho ho ho ho ho ....

HERE is the video itself .... ha ha ha ha ha....

Unity Giveaway ... LOOK !!!!

2008-07-19T12:55:00.002+01:00

The wonderfully talented Anne-Marie is giving away the fabulous Unity Cupcake stamp set in celebration of reaching 50,000 hits.

HERE is the link.

Give it a go, yer never know !

Oops I'm a poet and I know it !!! Ha ha ha ... I do crack myself up at times !!

Tagged - twice

2008-06-30T16:20:00.002+01:00

Thanks to Quackas and Ruth for tagging me xx

What was happening 10 years ago - I was a legal Conveyancer and I was a single mum to a scrummy gorgeous 2 year old son.

5 things to do today -

Wrap a present, shop for refreshments for school production, finish off the props, sort out the stage make-up ready for matinee performance today, find out if I'm still going on a Drama residential course this weekend (which I'm not - yay) !!!

Snacks i like - anything savoury, but especially Mccoys crisps, pasties & prawns.

What would i do if i was a millionaire - buy a huge house with lots of land. Convert the garden into a football/cricket pitch and install a huge craft room especially designed for me. Sort my mum out - and then go and visit ALL of my friends in Canada.

Places i have lived - The Wirral, Rochdale

I tag,

See below right for my new tag from Ruth. I also tag the same people above.

Guest Designer

2008-06-29T14:53:00.004+01:00

I was really honoured to be asked to do some design work for Carolinez Crafts this month. The fabulous kit I have been using can be seen HERE. Talk about good value for money. I am still working on projects using the kit, and will add these as I get them finished and photographed. Included in this Love Elsie kit, is loads and loads of embellishments, obviously fab papers (heaps of), cardstock, buttons, Love Elsie brads, ribbons ... loads !

Other News

Well its our school production of The Wiz coming up this week. Yesterday was spent doing a full dress rehearsal. Typically, some of the kids can't remember lines, and others can't remember all the words to their songs ... some of the props are still in the making (naughty naughty me) .. and our first matinee performance is tomorrow !
*insert shocked smiley*
However, as it normally the way, by our Tuesday evening performance, all should be well !

Just in case, please keep everything crossed for us !!! I'll post photos after the event.

Love to you all xxxxxx

What type of fruit are you ???

2008-06-21T20:26:00.001+01:00

You Are a Banana

You are mellow, easy going, and a total softie on the inside.

People find it really easy to get along with you. You suit most tastes.

And while you're very sweet, you're not boring or ordinary.

You have an attraction to the exotic, and you could show up anywhere... doing almost anything!

You are spirited, energetic, and a total kick to be around.

You're also quite funny. Your sense of humor is on the goofy side, and it fits you well.

What Type of Fruit Are You?

I thought this was quite funny, so what fruit are you ???? Please let me know !

Unexpected Gestures ...

2008-06-10T17:45:00.002+01:00

I'm not feeling my normal jovial, happy self at the moment. In fact, up until 5 minutes ago, I was feeling downright blurdy miserable.

However ... I received a random PM on Splitcoaststampers from someone that I have never ever 'spoken' to in my life. I won't go into the details of the PM, but I burst out crying because of the kind words contained therein. It was literally nothing, just a few words. But it was unexpected kind words at a time I never expected them. I know the person reads my blog, so I really just want to say thank you ... your timing was impeccable !

Anyway, upwards and onwards.

I went to the Warrington crop on Sunday, and had a lovely day. Great company, great class (Lianne) and a lot of fabulous stash - what more could a girl ask for !!?? Well UNITY actually - I know, I know I keep harping on about them, but if you haven't checked out their online store then you are deranged. They truly cater for the scrapper and the cardmaker - the quality of the stamps are amazing for the price - a real bargain ... and the service by Angela is 2nd to none.

Anyway, the above Book of Me and cards are made using two of the 'kits'. Me, Myself and I and the gorgeous Owl always Love You.

Thanks for popping by - catch ya soon xx

Acrylic Layout

2008-05-24T22:20:00.002+01:00

..... this layout was made using the fantastic stamps from Unity Stamps. Everything except the Upsy Daisy papers was made using the Me, Myself & I stamp set.

You *must* try out this stamp company. Apart from the fact that the mounting system is such a fab concept, the stamp sets (and singles) are amazing .. you wanna see the way they arrive to you. I won't spoil the surprise, but the care and attention is amazing.

Nothing is too much trouble for the owner Angela to sort out for you, and you can meet the DT on splitcoaststampers on the Unity thread, and they too are available to help you with anything - a great crew !

Jungle Fever !

2008-05-11T17:35:00.003+01:00

A couple of cards and a layout I made using BG Mellow and Scenic Route Grafton papers from Scrappydo's. The stamps are from Clever Cut and Autumn Leaves.

Well hubby is home from hospital. He's doing really well, although he has good days and bad days. He's slowly able to do a bit more every day, and the stitches are coming out tomorrow and then he starts physio ! Phew ! Its a busy time for us, and I'm worn out fetching carrying and doing all the driving - but it will be worth it in the end !

Its nearly the end of the football season - not sure if I'm happy or not. However, I am happy that my boy won man of the match today (YAY) and will be the Captain for their last match next Sunday. Bless ! Oh well .... on with the cricket season now !!!

Phew - just getting round to updating !

2008-04-13T14:05:00.004+01:00

Sorry for not updating, but I have so much going on at the moment. Hubby is due in hospital at the end of the month, and we're still panicking over his anaesthetic because he's allergic to them. We have a visit to the anaesthetist on Tuesday, so fingers crossed he can work something out for the operation.

Anyway, the cybercrop is also underway at UKScrappers, and I'm very proud to be a 'Queen' this year, as I am leading the Comedy Kings team. Lots of work, but heaps of fun, and I have the bestest team in the whole wide cybercrop world !!!

Hope you like some of the DT work in this post.

The first two images are a layout and card that were made using the lush American Crafts Spring & Summer papers from Angela at Angel Crafts.

These last three creations (layout, handbag charm and mini-matchbook) have been made using the fabulous Scenic Route, Grafton range from Jo at Scrappydo's, and it took me forever to want to cut into them !!

Ooops - again !

2008-02-18T19:22:00.004Z

Gosh its been a while since I last blogged.

Photographs are of the acrylic album i've just made mainly using Bo Bunny and Tinkering Ink papers, grungeboard, flourish stamps, bling, blooms and other things !

Sooooooooo...... what does your name mean - Carole means ....??

You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.

You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.

At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.

You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.

Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.

You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.

At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Anyway, have a lovely day xx

Tagged and DT work

2008-01-08T22:50:00.000Z

Just before Christmas, I was sent a fabby DT kit from Angela and Angel Crafts. It contained the most beautiful Rouge de Garance papers .. and believe me, I really didn't want to cut into them.

Anyway, I got Christmas out of the way, and the following work is what I managed to achieve with the kit - a Birthday card and card holder, another card and a layout of my gorgeous Sophiekins ... isn't she just adorable ?!!

Anyway, i've been tagged by Willow (you must check out her blog to see not only her fantastic work, but also her incredible tattoos )!!!

Rules

Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog. Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog, we all want to know them. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog1:

1. I love the colour pink and red
2. I'm a mad Liverpool supporter
3. I love WWE wrestling, in particular the Undertaker
4. I'm a union rep
5. I had a famous uncle, but he's passed away now.
6. I always wanted to be an actress
7. I used to be quite adept at playing the piano and guitar

I will tag :- (will come back to it tomorrow)

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T07:53:00.000Z

.......... and a Happy New Year to everyone xxxxxxxxx

Christmas is Creeping up on us ........

2007-12-02T10:58:00.000Z

Here's a selection of 'envelope' cards that I've been making from the Figgy Pudding kit that Jo at Scrappydo's sent for me to play with !

The ribbons I used were from Lianne @ Little Silver Hat ... Talking of LSH (little silver hat) - wait until you see their December kit .. .if you have a spare minute have a look at this months kit - it is without doubt one of the lushest blingiest christmas kits ever !

I also made the XMAS wall hanging and altered a Kaizer wood tag book using the Figgy Pudding. The Basic Grey chipboard and stickers are fabulous to use, and save so much time in covering, sanding and inking.

Growing Up

My boy hit 12 on Thursday. I know I keep saying this, but where is the time going ? I'm missing some of his years ... did I blink and someone stole a couple of years from me ?? Well if they did, I want them back.

Christmas

I am nowhere near ready. No sirree, not even close to getting ready. I have Aaron's main present, my mums more or less sorted, and thats it. I'm going to cop out this year, and send money/vouchers to the kids I normally buy for. I'll make them a nice card for it to go in though ... dya think that will easy my conscience ??!!!!! LOL !

RIP Diane xx

2007-11-18T15:55:00.000Z

Your battle is over and I hope you are now at peace.

My heart is breaking and I'm missing you already. You're my hero. xx

Diane:- 1963-2007

Education must change

2007-11-17T09:41:00.001Z

When oh when will the government give those working in education the powers back to discipline pupils ??

To me anyway, discipline begins at home. I expect good manners and thoughtfulness from my son (and husband). Manners are manners and as the old saying goes 'manners cost nothing'.

Who is the idiot in government who allowed pupils to laugh in the face of teaching staff, refuse to do any work whatsoever, and then when disciplined - take it to a higher level so that the teacher is then in trouble for disciplining the child ??? Is it the Heads fault ? Is there that much pressure on Heads from the government, that they have taken 'inclusion' to this extreme ??

Its madness. Sheer and utter madness.

Having had reason to discipline three disruptive pupils this week - yesterday I was 'officially spoken to' by my Head of Department. In two of the incidents, pupils were removed from the class for being disruptive, and in the third incident a Prefect refused to do any work .... and I am being 'officially' spoken to ?????? Why ? For disciplining pupils !!!!!!!!

FFS what is this world coming to ?

When are the government going to realise what is going on in the teaching profession and give teaching staff the right back to punish these disruptive kids ?? What is going to happen when they go out into the big world out there and start working ??? What will happen when these kids start fighting and abusing their work colleagues ? Who will be to blame then ....

Oh yes - the schools !

I rest my case. Sermon over. Anyone got any jobs going ??

Weekend Away

Last weekend, I went away with a group of like-minded crafters and friends, to the Lake District in a beautiful Manor House.

I haven't laughed so much in a very long time.

The talent on show was utterly amazing, friendships were forged, fingertips sliced and sides were split.

For a look at some fabby pics from the weekend, take a looksie here !!

Catch y'all soon !

The things kids say ....

2007-11-03T09:29:00.000Z

I arrived at Lianne's the other day to be greeted by Sophiekins chatting away to 'Baby Pingi'. Baby Pingi goes everywhere with her, and I mean everywhere ! I was laughing to Lianne about the way she just natters away telling Baby Pingi everything ... and we were discussing how funny it is the way kids all of a sudden just get this huge vocabulary of words out of nowhere.

Lianne was saying that the evening before, her and Sophiekins were discussing her play zoo and about the times they've visited the zoo. Sophie was saying that she loved the elephants (she loves everything at the moment) and that she also loves the giraffe's ... Lianne asked her was there anything else she loved at the zoo and she said yes, she really loves the chicken sneeze. Lianne said to her "chicken sneeze "? and Sophie started laughing and said "Yes, the chicken sneeze make me laugh".

After thinking about it for a while ....... Lianne realised that chicken sneeze was ...............

the chimpanzees !!!!!
I must say, I haven't laughed so heartily in such a long time !!! Heh heh heh ... chicken sneeze .... Jeez, i'm laughing again !!!

Kids eh ?

Ooops - bad bad Blogger !!

2007-10-19T10:25:00.001+01:00

Seems I haven't blogged for a while !!!!

So much has gone on the last few weeks that I'm only just catching up on myself ..

I've had man flu ... yes it WAS man flu honestly ! Not that i've changed sex, or ever wish to god almighty what a thought ... eeek imagine have a 'man bit' nooooo yeuch, gross yicky !!! Anyway, I digress ... I had man flu for weeks and weeks and weeks - well 3 all in. What a bummer, I was good for nothing, missed out on heaps and more importantly missed out on the UKS 5th Biffday Party cybercrop. Thankfully tho its being run over 3 weekends, and I have now caught up with most of the classes and challenges - well those I knew I could get done quickly within the timeframe.

The two pictures above, are the Mystery Kit challenge and the Pre-crop challenge. The mystery kit is literally what it is. A pizza box full of stash and you have to make what you can with it - I made the wall hanging (sorry for the crap photo, but i'm struggling to get a good one of it) .........

The party shoes are my pre-crop challenge entry.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOTE FOR ME THEN PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DO SO .... I WON'T STOP YOU I PROMISE .. JUST GO TO UKS GALLERY AND SEARCH either for my name or for my team Jiggly Jellies and find me there !!! Thank you xxxxxxxx

Anyway ........... I am now driving myself mad by the amount of times I use the word anyway ... it is just sooooooooooooo annoying, I must stop it ....

Good news on the health front - my blood pressure has come down massively - well the top line has, the bottom one needs a bit more work - but at least i'm heading in the right direction.

Can't wait for the North West Breast Cancer booby crop tomorrow !!!! I am soooo excited. Cherry and Bevvie are, as we speak, driving up here now and of course chaos will reign upon their arrival. Stewart calls them the 'gruesome twosome' and Aaron is in a permanent state of shock the whole time they are here. They enliven and enrich my life so very much and I am so very lucky to have them as friends.

Well, thats about it for now ... could I ask that you all keep your 'things' crossed for Saturday as we have another viewer at the 'old' house and it would answer all my prayers if this buyer buys !!

REMEMBER: If at first you don't succeed, redefine success. :)

Love to you all xxxxxxxx (well whoever is reading this apart from me) !!

My baby's gone ..... to High School !!

2007-09-05T16:43:00.000+01:00

Well today was Aaron's first day at High School. He was up early, excited and apprehensive. He was straight in the shower, dressed and ready for the off by near enough 7am !!!! He even ate his coco pops in his blazer - PML !!

I must confess to having sobbed my ickle heart out this morning ... and worried about him all day. Thankfully tho, he is home and hasn't been bullied, didn't get lost, met up with friends and ate a hearty lunch.

He has however, come home as a young man. His whole attitude seems to have changed in one day .... he took his uniform off as soon as he got home, prepared his school bag for tomorrow and has demanded his tea !!

I'm sure i've blinked and missed some of his important formative years ... where has the time gone ??? I love this boy so much that at times my heart could break. I have so many dreams and wishes for him - the main one being that he grows up confident and independent - yet how does he become these things if I don't cut off the apron strings or at least loosen them ?

Its hard being a parent - but I wouldn't have it any other way ...

Love to all you parents out there xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Most Excellent News Update

2007-09-02T17:47:00.001+01:00

The wonderful DC who has been working on our case has just phoned. They have arrested and charged our burglar. He is going to court this week.

It turns out that it was his first burglary offence. He left home after disagreements with his partner and ended up in a Salvation home. While there he got in with two 'burglars with a record' ... whilst wandering around the streets during the day - they spotted our empty house ... and decided to come back one night and rob the copper.

When they actually got in and realised there were all the boxes here - they thought it was all their birthday's and christmases rolled into one - and took OUR belongings instead. :(

As the Police only have evidence for the one burglar, they can only bring in the other two, question them and caution them because there is no conclusive evidence that they were here except from the word of the burglar.

They're going to seek compensation, however as the man arrested hasn't got two ha'pennies to rub together ... I won't hold my breath on getting it.

Our lovely DC did say though that he is absolutely full of remorse and will probably never burgle again .... thank god .... and the other two who committed the offence weren't even from this area, and were only here because there wasn't a Salvation Army place for them anywhere else. They've now been moved completely out of the area - but will definitely be questioned and cautioned.

Halleluya !!!!!!!!!! :lol: I want to jump from the rooftops !!!

I really can't say enough about the service and kindness we have had from the Rochdale Police force... everyone involved in our case - from the two constables who arrived here on the morning of the break-in up, the lady from Forensics and the DCs .... have all been so kind and professional.

I'm buzzing - absolutely blurdy buzzing ! I KNOW they won't be back ... and I can be happy and safe in my beautiful home !!! YAY !!!!!!!!!

Once again ... thank you to everyone for all your kindness, concern and thoughtfulness shown to Stewart, Aaron and myself - we can't ever thank you enough. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I promise, I won't mention any of this again .... i'm sure you're all bored stupid now ... in fact, I might even start my jokes again !!!!

"The Shrine"

2007-09-02T12:15:00.000+01:00

Some photographs of Aaron's bedroom. Unfortunately, its pretty bleak outside, so the photographs haven't come out as bright as they should have.

The posters aren't all up yet ... and his 'touch' Anfield plaque still needs to be put up - but we're seriously considering having it put up on the staircase so that when we all walk down the stairs we can 'touch' it !!! :)

I've done some work - yay !!!!

2007-09-01T22:29:00.001+01:00

The layouts were made using the DT kit from Little Silver Hat ... I'm not a purple lover normally, but honestly ... I can't get enough of this kit - i've even been looking for more purple papers - which is just not me ! Lianne really does have a fab colour sense - she can combine colours that I wouldn't even dream of putting together. The quality of the ribbons is always exceptional - and Lianne offers a paper matching service - i mean how cool is that !!!!

The cards were made for Sarahscards. She very kindly asked me to 'guest' for her using her brand new released Card Kits. You have just got to check these out .... talk about great value for money - but not only that ... the kits are exciting and refreshing. The quality is typical for Sarah .. but believe me when I say - i've not used this type of quality blank card for a very long time. Included in the kit is heaps of 6x12 bazzill, 6x12 patterned paper (American Crafts - Play), 3-d foam, ribbons, buttons, flowers ... i can't remember what else - but i know that after making 15 cards, I still have stash left. I've tried not to 'add' anything to the cards from my own stash - but just show what is in the kit.

It really has been great crafting again ... I feel as if my life is now 'back to normal' and everything else is in the past.

Bella's

The lovely Kezza from UKS very kindly sent me a heap of stamped Bella's for me to try out - wow, they're fabby !!! I have spent nearly 4 hours just sitting and painting ... and I feel well chilled out .... watch out for my Bella cards !! Thanks again Kerrie xxx

New School for my Boy

Well Aaron starts High School in in 3 days ... he is getting really excited. His uniform is ready .. all his shirts and trousers are pressed, we've bought new sox and boxers ... his blazaer and tie are waiting for him ...... and we've had to buy over £150 worth of shoes, trainers and footie boots because he's grown a size - again !!!!!!!!!!!

How does it happen ???? Why do feet grow without any warning .... when did shops stop selling half sizes ? I am going to bind his feet Chinese style so that he can't grow anymore.

At the beginning of this year, I swear he was a size 3 ..... he's now a size 5 - two sizes in one year ???? Is that normal ... has my boy got 'alien' feet .... I'm stressing over feet now ... his feet look enormous !!

However, on the bright side .. he takes the same size as me now - so I can borrow his 'hip and trendy' trainers and look as if I'm 'with it' !!!

Dya think at my age i'd get away with it ??? Mwah ha ha ha ha !

Catch y'all soon ........... hugs 'n' snogs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Good News !

2007-08-30T15:45:00.000+01:00

The Police have been in touch and they have a suspect !

They're taking 'him' in for questioning today. Fingers crossed its our guy !

Settling In ..... and Stuff !

2007-08-23T18:41:00.000+01:00

Aaron is home now from Scotland thank goodness. I truly hate him going away ... gawd knows what I'm going to be like if/when he ever goes to University !! I will be totally inconsolable !

We collected him from my mums on Monday, and brought him home. He was totally gobsmacked by his new Liverpool bedroom (aka "the shrine") and it really did help take his mind off the robbery. We'd invited two of his friends to stay that night, and all in all .. and despite the fact they were all still laughing and chatting at 1.30 in the morning .... I think he did really well his first night. HOWEVER .............

Tuesday dawned ... and so did the mail ..... and so did the packages.

The wonderful people of UKS had sent cards and gifts for Aaron and myself. There was a fabulous 'popper' book for both Aaron and I. There was playstation games, books and DVDs. All the while Aaron was opening these gifts, he just kept saying "why would strangers send me these things when they don't know me" .... he was totally overwhelmed by people's kindness and generosity.

The sentiments held within the cards and messages I have received have really helped keep me strong. I'm not a pessimist by nature, but even I was struggling to find the goodness in a break-in ... yet, my many friends have given me a reason for believing in good again - and for that, I can't thank everyone enough.

There are heaps of people I need to thank ... but I have promised them that I won't do it publically, so ... to all of those wonderful people who know who they are .... thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Barstewards !

2007-08-16T08:02:00.000+01:00

On Sunday we had moved loads of boxes up to the new house in order that we could get a free spare room to put 'not important' stuff in ... so we emptied Aaron's room of boxes ... and my craft boxes that had been packed ... and took them to the new house.

We then spent the rest of the day putting up curtain poles, curtains and running backwards and forwards for more loops and curtain hooks ... by tea time we were physically knackered .. locked up and went back to 'hillcrest'.

Arrived at 'new' house on Monday morning to discover that we had been broken into We were met by utter chaos. We couldn't even get into the house because they'd jammed up commodes against the inside door (the elderly couple who lived in the house previously had a wide and varied collection of commodes) .... Honestly, you couldn't write this stuff ....

We managed to get the door open and were met by total carnage All my craft boxes were tipped up all over the ground floor of the house. Boxes of beads had been deliberately emptied and strewn everywhere (each box of beads was approx £100 worth) and I had 9 boxes ... rubber stamps everywhere .... papers trodden over ... absolute carnage ... I went upstairs, and all Aaron's room had been trashed .. everything pulled out their cuboards (that had already been sorted out) ... they'd stolen his books, videos, DVDs, playstation games, PS2 games .... hockey stick(which as worth £100 on its own) ... and worse than anything .. they'd stolen his brand new cricket bag .. containing all his cricket gear. His wicket keep gloves alone are worth £35.

The Police arrived within 20 mins and were absolutely fantastic ... the forensics came at lunch time and again, they were brilliant. Our new neighbours were in a total state of shock because nothing like this has ever happened. (sods law it had to happen to us).

Anyway, the Insurance doesn't start on the new house until Saturday (our proper moving in date) and the Insurance at 'hillcrest' won't cover it either despite numerous phone calls from me checking every nook and cranny in the contract. The alarm was cut so that never went off. A neighbour opposite heard banging and smashing and looked out but couldn't see anything - the huge bushes in the garden hid her view ... so we're stuffed ... absolutely stuffed.

Thankfully none of the large stuff had been brought to the house .. but neverthless, with Aarons stuff and my stash, we've lost thousands and of course Stewart and I are absolutely devastated.

I'm not bothered about my stuff, I had too much stash anyway - but why steal from a kid, the bastards knew it was a kid they were robbing from ... a lot of what has been stolen are things that Aaron had saved up for himself - and why trash the place ?? Whats with that ... surely stealing from someone is enough heartache without trashing someone's home ? It beggars belief.

Having had a couple of days to calm down - i'm now just thankful that no-one got hurt. All Aaron's belongings can be replaced over time .. and lets be honest, kids these days get and have so much stuff anyway.

We've now got the home contents insurance sorted and today the alarm fitters are arriving to install a complete new system that no-one will be able to hack.

I'd also like to say thanks to the very many people on UKS, Canny and SCS who have pm'd me, emailed me and telephoned me to let me know that they are thinking of my family and I. Knowing that people are thinking and praying for us has touched us deeply. Thank you.

Hugs 'n' snogs to you all xxxxxxx

I am moving !!!

2007-08-09T06:52:00.000+01:00

Unfortunately our 'old' house hasn't sold yet *insert sad smiley* ... as our buyers have gone AWOL. We haven't heard from them in nearly 6 weeks despite having paid for a full survey and all the searches. *insert another sad smiley*

However ... we were offered our 'new house' two weeks ago and we've been in there decorating it ready for the great move next week. To say i've been stressed is an understatement !!! We were supposed to be moving this weekend, but our new carpets can't get fitted until a week today and we therefore can't move in any of the big furniture until this is done.

We've had to empty Aaron's bedroom for now (thankfully everything in his room can be taken down) and he is now sleeping on a fold out camp bed - which he thinks is an adventure !!! The loft is emptied, and despite sorting through it all and chucking, tipping and free-cycling heaps and heaps ... the remainder still takes up every spare space upstairs !

Aaron is going up to Scotland with my mum this weekend, so it at least means we can fold up his camp bed and move 'non-essentials' in there so that we can start taking apart wardrobes etc in anticipation of the move ....

Anyway, its a nightmare and I never wanna move again .... So without further delay .... some photos of our new house. Please ignore the garden because it is completely overgrown ... once we've sold the 'old' house, we're going to have it completely landscaped and made 'pretty' !

I've been tagged again .. but internationally tagged, if you don't mind !!!!

2007-08-02T21:56:00.000+01:00

So to those people I am about to tag ... you need to read what you have to do here ...

So .......... i'm going to tag ...........................

I've been around the world ... so hopefully, you have linked to my tag and have followed me here. If you have ... thank you very much. Please collect your tag and pass on your PIF/RAK or Happy Mail as instructed.

Hey ....... imagine everyone in the world receiving Happy Mail ... how cool is that ?!!!!!!

Yippeee Yooooooooooooooo ! I've been tagged !!

2007-07-26T20:00:00.000+01:00

YAY !!!!!!!!! I've seen them on EVERYBODY'S (and I mean everybody's Blog)...... but I've never been tagged with one .... up until my mate Roz tagged me wiv it .....

It may not seem much to the average-normal-streetwise person ... but I was feeling a little neglected ....... nay ........... if I'm honest .......... and I'm gonna be right honest here ................ I was feeling paranoid !!!!!

Anyway, less of my nutty ramblings ........... I've got one now .......... so if you haven't got one

Na na na na na !!!!!!!!!!!!! Only kidding !!!!!!!! So, have YOU got one ?? If not, please post here and I promise that I will come and tag you - you have my word. I couldn't live with myself knowing that you are going through the same feelings that I WAS going through until I got my pink Rocking Girl Blogger badge.

Roz - you're the bestest bloggy mate EVA !!!!!!!!!! Love, hugs 'n' snogs to all my bloggy friends - you gals (and guys if you're reading) are the best !!!!

Rock on !

School Holidays - yippeee yooooooo !!!!!!!!!

2007-07-24T13:24:00.001+01:00

Well, its the start of the school holidays ... and I've managed to get a couple of layouts done using the fabulous sarahscards monthly kit. I've also used up some 'bits and pieces' to try and get the mountain of stash down - yeah yeah !!!
Holidays
We were hoping that if the house sold quickly (our buyers have a family problem and we've not heard from them for 3 weeks - so i'm flapping) then we would hop on a flight to Canada ... and go and see as many of my Canadian scrapping pals as possible. Anyway, we've put the house back on the market (just in case it has definitely fallen through) and I'm doing a 'drop in' club at school instead.
I know I know .. glutton for punishment ... but it will help the new Year 11's to catch up with coursework and/or get some one on one help if they need it. I'm running the club on a Tuesday and Wednesday morning 9am-12 ... so fingers crossed that someone turns up to it !!!
Scotland
Aaron will be going up to Scotland with my mum at some point. I had tried to put her off driving and hinted at her to get the train instead .. .but she's insistent that she's driving. Driving in a car with my mother is like driving with Lewis Hamilton around a GP track ... the last time I was in a car with her she was doing 90mph ... and then she tells me off when I go over 30mph in a 40mph zone - I can't win .... Anyway, I hate him going with my mum for their yearly 'jolly' to Scotland. The house is too quiet ... and I miss his company dreadfully. I suppose I just hate letting go of him - but he's mine and I lubs him .... will see what happens anyway ... yer never know, the trip 'might' get cancelled.
Cricket
Aaron's cricket team won their first tournament on Sunday. It was an all-day affair, and there were 8 teams altogether in the tournament. He was absolutely buzzing as he managed to 'stump' out (????) two players, and his first 'four' .... not sure what it all means, but he's well chuffed about it all !!!! YAY !!!!!!!!!!
Sorting Out
I have too many clothes .... I don't just mean I have too many ... I mean, i now have nowhere else to put them. Why have I got about 100 t-shirts ?? When will I wear them ? Why do I hoard the ones I don't wear ..... Why have I got about 40 jackets, when at least half of them are too small, and even if I do 'slim' into them ... will I wear them ? No. So its all going. Over these holidays, I am determined to 'downsize' my clothes. I might just keep one or two for 'old times sake' .... but honestly, the rest are going to the charity shop ... I promise !!

I hope everyone going on their jolly holly's have a fab, safe time. xx

2007-07-09T18:02:00.000+01:00

School Reports & SAT Results

*blows nose*

I've just got Aarons Year 6 school report and SATs results.

I am just so very proud of him that I want to shout it out from the roof tops !!!

English - Level 5
Maths - Level 5
Science - Level 4A (with a note that he was 1 mark off a Level 5)

He's such a quiet, shy boy who lives in the shadow of his gobby mother. He enjoys life to the full and crams in as many sports as possible - yet still manages to do all his homework and extension work - AND often does more research without complaining.

The comments that his teacher and Head have put in his report have reduced me to tears and I am a jibbering wreck.

I am such a proud mum tonight, and i'm filled with that much love that I think I am going to explode !!!

Layout (above)

The Nooby Boobie (my team on UKS) challenge for July. We had to scrap an achievement using more than one photograph, more than three patterned papers AND had to have a song title as the title.

Cyber Classes

2007-07-01T12:06:00.000+01:00

I was asked to produce a Cyber Crop class for Scrapstars using a fab Angel Crafts kit. The kit contained amongst a lot of things, the fab Cosmo Cricket Dutch Girl papers.

The two layouts above and the ATC are three of the things I designed, and I STILL have heaps of the kit left.

Stamping Up

I'm sitting on tenterhooks waiting for the new Fall 2007 Stampin Up catalogue to be launched on their website..... its being launched at Noon ... but I haven't got a clue which time zone !!!

Will provide you with a link once its 'live' !!!

Actually got some crafting done - yay !!

2007-06-23T23:31:00.000+01:00

Aaron was out at an all day Paintballing party today, so I had a whole day to myself to craft ! YAY !!!

The card above (for sarah from sarahscards) was made using Stampin Up Very Punny set, Paperamia alphabet set (dontcha just love how cheap they are) BG Lollipop Shoppe (they have just GOT to bring it back), fabby ribbons from Little Silver Hat ... and a couple of Lil Davies heart pins.

Also managed to get a stack of other cards made and 3 layouts. One of my pupils brought in some photographs from a wedding she attended in Pakistan and they were just begging to be scrapped with Rhonna Farrer papers .. HOWEVER .. i've had to keep the layouts pretty plain, because i'm not sure how 'embellished' her mum wants the pages - hence why I've only made up 3 for now until I get a better idea.

Can't wait for tomorrow, as I'll be attending the Warrington Crop and will get even more crafting done ... well inbetween the Costco cookies and pastries .. oh, and pizza hut at lunch time !!

Catcha soon - take care out there xxxxxxxxxxx

Oooops - I forgot my poor blog !!

2007-06-18T15:55:00.000+01:00

Thank you to everyone for nagging me to update my Blog !!

Well, I've got heaps of news !

Firstly - we've sold our house - yippee !!! The 'For Sale' sign went up on the Friday, we received a phone call from the Estate Agents on Saturday. The viewers came round on Sunday and they put an offer in on Monday. The buyers Surveyor came round today - so hopefully it will just be a couple of weeks until its done and dusted.

Secondly - I have a new job. Its on top of my normal job, but its an extra 8.5 hours on top which will run through all the holidays as well. The job is basically a Transition Mentor for Key Stage 4 kids - which means that I will be helping selected cohorts through their GCSE exams, and then help them to select specific college/training courses etc.,. It also means that I will be able to follow these cohorts/young adults for a year after leaving school.

For me personally, it means that I can stick with my 'special kids' and not have the stress of worrying what they're up to without me !!

Will add some crafting work shortly !

RIP Denise

2007-05-18T18:32:00.001+01:00

My friend Sue from 'home' phoned me on Wednesday night to inform me that yet another of my friends had passed away.

Denise was an alcoholic and had been for years. She was 38 and left two young children of 12 and 7.

In our single days, there used to be about 6 of us who would meet up on a Wednesday, go for a drink and then land at Sue's house and have a take-away. Our weekends would be spent drinking and nightclubbing.

However, once we were all married and/or had our children, we just kept up our Wednesday night 'dates'. Over time though, it was obvious that Denise had a problem. I won't go into details, this isn't the place, and I'm not sure I won't word it right, but I need to get things off my chest. Denise lost a great job, a wonderful husband who tried for years to help her, she lost her home and then she eventually lost her kids. Surely at some point, something would have 'registered' with her that something was wrong??? Surely something more could have been done. As friends we tried to talk to her about it, and she confessed that she knew she had a problem, but that it was under control. Eventually, she would just get nasty if you mentioned it.

The last time I remember seeing her, she looked like a tramp and stank of booze.

I wish to god I had given her a good shake then and tried to make her see sense. Even after being hospitalised on many occasions - she still carried on.

I just can't find a rhyme or reason to it .... I wish I had an answer.

I know now that she is at peace and rid of this wretched illness.

Love to you and yours xx

I've been tagged .... again !!!!

2007-05-13T22:19:00.000+01:00

..... by Bev ... so ........ 7 things about me ..... hmmmmmmmmm

1. I always try to see the funny side of things, which can often lead me into trouble.

One of my best mates 'Little Sue' had a fab budgie called Eric. He died. She told me. I was devastated for her because I knew how much Eric meant to her ... what did I do ? laugh .... I think it must be a nervous thing.

Its like when someone tells you bad news .. what do we say "nooooo you're kidding/joking/lying' ... I mean why do we say it ?? We know they're not kidding/joking/lyin ... but still we say it ...... mad or wot ???

2. I hate hate hate those green rubbery things ..... no no no not rubber washing up glovey things ...... what are they called ..erm ... erm ... advocados .. jeez they're 'orrible. They're green and rubber and gross - yeuch yeuch.

3. I appeared on daytime television 3 times. *shuts gob* *says no more*

4. I go to church - only occasionally, but I do go.

5. I talk a lot !!!!!!! Now, who never knew that ????? PML !!

6. I once stole a bus. *says no more*

7. I am a twin.

8..... this is a bonus one ......... I haven't got a clue who I am gonna tag .. but I'll come back and let ya know !

Check out my Guestbook!

2007-05-13T17:15:00.001+01:00

What Year Do You Belong In ????

2007-05-07T22:42:00.000+01:00

You Belong in 1993

With you anything goes! You're grunge one day, ghetto fabulous the next. It's all good!

What Year Do You Belong In?

More UKS Cybercrop details ....

2007-05-03T17:55:00.000+01:00

This is the challenge class that I was asked to design. I made two 'teapots' for the challenge - as you can see, one was painted, and the 'flowerpot' was decorated with blossoms and flowers ... and hundreds of brads !!

Hope you like ! xx

More News .....

2007-05-03T17:42:00.000+01:00

I was asked by Rebecca at Rebeccas Scrapbooking Stash to do some altering work for her. These are two of the projects I made.

If the pictures come out ok, then the top photographs will show the altered cigar box made with yummy Dream Street papers, lil david hardware and blossoms .... and the purse underneath was made using Tim Holtz alcohol inks and stazon stamping. I'm going to use the purse to hold Prima's in and clip it to my tote !

I really enjoyed making these projects .. and Aaron has already claimed the cigar box for his teacher when he leaves school in July - although he's requested that it gets stuffed with chocolates .... one had to bite one's tongue to stop myself from telling him to 'get stuffed' !!!

UKS Cybercrop Weekend Win

2007-05-03T17:33:00.000+01:00

UKS Cybercrop weekend was last week. I was very fortunate to be in the Clubs team ... and what a team we were, as we went on to win the competition !!! Go girls !!!

Anyway, I also amazingly won one of the Mystery Kit challenges along with three other very talented crafters, and this is what I made. For info (and my cousin Gill xx who reads my blog) you can only use whatever is in the kit and nothing else.

Its called Scrapology and its based on the game of Monopoly. Instead of buying the normal streets, you buy UKS sponsors shops and instead of buying the Utility companies, you can buy UKS forums !! There is a Community Chest and Chance ... and instead of getting sent to Jail you get sent to the Kitchen to do some housework !!

Hope you like the photographs.

Holiday - yay !!!!

2007-04-01T22:06:00.000+01:00

YAY !!! Broke up for the holidays on Friday - yippeee yay !!!

I really need this rest - so much has been happening in school. We've had ongoing racial disputes with pupils for a while now, but more recently the tension has been mounting and mounting. There have been fights nearly every day and I was first on the scene to one particular nasty fight and ended up getting a couple of kicks and a punch trying to separate it. Not nice.

Anyway, I've been joining in with the Cyber Crop weekend on Scrapstars this weekend. I only found the site on Friday courtesy of Angela @ Angel Crafts, and I have been really warmly received. Their Cyber Crop has been going on all week and runs into next week again, but the climax was this weekend. The layout above is one of the digi-projects that I took part in - but used stash instead. I don't know what it is about digi-scrapping, but I can't do it, and I just don't think I could get my ahead around not being able to sniff and stroke my stash !!!

Well, I'll be heading to Mums at the end of the week. Aaron is at football from Monday to Wednesday, so I reckon Stewart and I could get some serious cleaning done ! I'll just play it by ear and go with the flow tho ....

Stamping Up !

2007-03-23T15:59:00.000Z

YAY !!! My first lot of Stamping Up stamps arrived yesterday from Canada. These two first sets I've managed to get are sets that I've been after for some time. Paris in Spring and Alphabet Soup. The cards above are three of the cards I've made today whilst I've been having a play.

I've got another two sets coming any day now .... and I'm therefore busy stalking the postman !!

There's a whisper that SU are coming to the UK in 2008, which will be fab news. They don't only sell stamps and rollerstamps, but also cardstock, amazing ink pads, patterned papers and heaps of embellishments - all of which co-ordinate with each other. Cardstock to match inkpads - I mean how cool is that !!!

Why oh why can't we get British manufacturers to do the same thing :(

Angel Crafts Design Team work

2007-03-18T22:33:00.000Z

Mad busy ... but ......

2007-03-18T22:29:00.000Z

This is a commissioned canvas I have done for a colleague at work.

Used: Scenic route papers, maya road chipboard flourishes, AC ribbons from little silver hat and heidi swapp alphas.

Will follow this post with some DT 'offerings' ...........

Sunday 11th March

2007-03-11T15:08:00.000Z

(This is the layout I mention below where you can't really see the 3-d effect)

Not a lot to report really. I've been busy making more cards for school - Mothers Day and more Birthday cards - don't know why my cards are suddenly starting to sell so well, but i'm not complaining !!

Did a nice layout during the week, but sadly you can't see all the stand-out flowers on them or the doodling. I seriously need to think about buying a decent camera, but other 'needed' things keep being 'needed' :(

Anyway, i've got a mad couple of weeks coming up at school - loads going on. Kids need to take their ROAs home tomorrow (Record of Achievements) and I need to double check that everything is inside them that should be so that their parents can read them and comment upon them at Parents Evening.

Tuesday is Interform, where the whole Year group competes against each class - In two years my class has only won one category - the boys hockey !!

Parents evening on Wednesday (can't wait as I really need to have serious talks with some parents and I am going to be brutally honest instead of trying to keep the discussion about their child 'positive') . There's a limit to how many times a child can get away with saying "Shurrup ya gay or Shurrup ya slag" without me wanting to turn em over and slap their backsides.

I believe that the positive approach with kids does work, and I also believe that inclusion works. However, as is always the case, there are the exceptions to the rule. I seem to have all the 'exceptions' in my class tho !! Sometimes the heavy handed approach works better (and I don't mean physically), but it has to come from both school AND the parents. What's the point of phoning home and having parents come into school when the same child goes home, walks up to their room and starts playing on their playstations, listening to their Ipods and watching TV via their DVDs ......

If I were ever called into Aaron's school - then I'm afraid all he'd be left with in his bedroom would be a mattress and covers .. and a book. End of. We used to get the threat of the ruler at school and/or cane depending on the severity of the punishment and at home, I used to have the threat of my mothers wooden scholl. Neither did me any harm, and I do feel that it gave me a good grounding.

Grrrrrrrr - sorry, just needed to let off steam there ....

I digress, Thursday will be getting the school ready for Red Nose Day which will be on Friday. We have male teachers being waxed, female teachers 'colouring' their hair for the day, some forms are having PJ parties ... and one Key Stage Manager is going to be dunked and savagely attacked by soft tomatoes - gross !!!

Anyway, inbetween all this, I hope to have some free evenings to be able to relax by crafting. I would hate to think how high my BP would be if I didn't have this wonderful activity to help me relax.

Hope you all have a fabulous week xxxxxxxxx

Back ... sorry for the delay

2007-03-04T22:01:00.000Z

Above is the fab Calendar Book we made with Emily Adams using the equally fab Rock Star Imagination Gin-X papers that Emily designed - cool or wot !!!!! You get heaps on the chipboard sheets so well worth buying !

Above are the fab tags we made with Tim Holtz - if you would like the instructions of each technique used, please feel free to email me.

Away with the Fairies Retreat

Wow - i've been so busy this week its been unbelievable ... anyway ... the Away with the Fairies Retreat.

OMG - it was fab ......

Arrived Friday in Oxford and went to a local shopping mall to do some shopping (obviosuly) !!! The hotel was only 10 mins away, but there had been an accident, and it took us over an hour to get to the hotel .... We had to sign in at 7pm and then instructed to go straight to class ... well it was only a class by the incredible Emily Adams from Imagination Gin-X .... OMG she was fabulous. So easy to talk to and get along with ... i think she thought we were all mad .. but anyway, here's a video on HER blog ... with us lot on it ... we're the last table she came to ..

Here (look for Teaching at Away with the Fairies)

Guess who else was there ..... Tim !!!!!!!!!!! OMG he was standing in front of me ... and I tried to play it cool, but I was actually physically shaking. I couldn't breathe, couldn't speak .. nothing ... then I pulled myself together ... got a photo took with him, and got on with Emily's class. I'd been looking at their new papers from CHA and thinking I could do a fab journal with the Rock Star ones .. and lo and behold the class was with the Rock Star papers - freaky or wot !

Saturday morning came ... and my first class was with Tim Holtz ... we made the most beautiful necklace made using a watch fob, diamond crown and silver wings, oh and the inside is a miniature collage (below)...... The second class was all about techniques using the new Adirondak Acrylic Paint Dabbers/Daubers .... wow ..... wow ... wow.... He really teaches in such a laid back manner .. and nothing is too much trouble ... anyway, above is the tag book we made using the techniques Tim taught us.

I'll upload class 3 tomorrow ............ phew !

I'm Away .......

2007-02-22T23:04:00.000Z

with the fairies .... at the Away with the Fairies retreat - back on Monday ....

Oh, and did I mention I get to meet 'Sir Tim' ??? Boy, I can't wait.

Catch ya soon one an all xxxxxxxxxxx

Wow - that went quick ....

2007-02-16T23:10:00.000Z

My weeks holiday from school that is - swoosh .... its gone ....

Anyway, a week from today, I will be at the Away with the Fairies Retreat ... I just soooo cannot wait for it. In honour of the event, I have been doing some stamping and a bit of collaging ... and a bit of experimenting. I used to really love stamping, and then sort of went off it a bit. Sold a heap of my stamps on ebay for a pittance and I now find myself looking for stamps that have gone :(

Anyway, above (or wherever it ends up) is a card I made by bleach stamping. I used to love using this technique because it turns out different every time - Edited: altered it slightly so that it would comply with the sketch challenge on Card Positioning Systems (CPS) a new card sketch challenge blog - pop over and have a look !

Have a fabby weekend everyone - Heaps of hugs - me xxxxxxxx

Most Excellent News - and Happy Valentines !

2007-02-14T18:15:00.000Z

I have been selected to join the Angel Crafts Design Team !!!

I truly didn't think I would make the team especially looking at the galleries of everyone else who has been selected, but YAY !!! I did !!

Valentines Day

Well, here was me thinking that Stewart and I had agreed to not buy each other anything, and lo and behold this morning he presents me with a hoooge box of my fave Lindt chocolates AND ... a bottle of my fave champagne !! I was sooooooo chuffed ! Bless, i'll let him off doing no housework today ... and I'll even forgive him for not even doing the breakfast dishes !

Lianne and I toddled off to one of the many Retail Centre's in Manchester today with Sophie and Aaron. I couldn't believe it, but I managed to get some of the place/order holders to clip my happy flowers onto. I'll take a picture later and load them up ! Anyway, whilst we were there, Lianne decided to look for some 'wee' trainers for Sophiekins ..... As we were waiting for the Assistant to bring us some trainers, we spotted these humongous trainers - and I mean humongous !! They were absolute whoppers ! They looked like canoes ..... well we laughed and giggled at the size of them ... the Assistant came back, and he nearly died when I said to him "is it true what they say about big feet because if it is, I bet fellas who were these shoes have their 'doodahs' strapped to their legs ! Said Assistant howled with laughter and was still giggling as we were leaving ... but honestly - you have never seen a pair of shoes in your life as big as what these ones were ........... again, i'll load a picture of them later !

Anyway - love and kisses to you all on this most wonderful-lest of Valentines Days xxxxxxx

Blog hopping and Away with the Fairies !

2007-02-12T22:46:00.000Z

I have been blog hopping this afternoon - and came upon the most fantastic blog ... wait until you see these creations - OMG - utterly fab fab fab ... here's the link to Lea Lawson's blog .. please just spend a minute looking, you won't be disappointed !

Anyway, I can't believe its less than two weeks until we all trek down to Oxford for the Away with the Fairies retreat.

Lianne and I were chatting about it tonight, and I was talking about how I will react when I actually get to meet one of my heroes Sir Tim - anyway, just i'm starting to buzz about Sir Tim, the phone goes and its Orlando !!! I had forgotten to send in my meal order for at the Hotel ... anyway, we chatted for ages about the retreat, and I was nearly peeing my pants - oh boy, I just cannot wait another 10 sleeps until I get there .......... well I will have to, but I really don't want to wait .... anyway, I'm sure I'll pee my pants by the time I get to meet the 'man' himself .... I have a feeling I will faint if he even says hello to me.

This really is a dream come true for me ... i've followed him for years and years (not stalking following, but following following if you know what i mean) .... never once thinking that I would ever get to take a class with him .... and here I am, little old me .... going to not only meet him but take a class with him - i'm gobsmacked. Honestly !!!!!!!!

Well, the layout above was made tonight while Lianne was here - for once we actually got some scrapping done instead of scoffing, drinking pop and laughing !

Take care everyone and don't forget to follow your dreams because you never know, one day they might come true. xx

My my ... loads to catch up on ......

2007-01-27T12:58:00.000Z

School

We've had the school production of Oliver this week, and I always get roped in to doing the make up for the kids. This year we involved 18 primary school kids from surrounding schools, and they were absolutely fantastic !!! I haven't posted a picture of them for obvious reasons, but the kids at my school (and parents) have given the ok for theirs to be posted ... so here/there/wherever ... are a few of our kids in all their glory !!!

Thank goodness its all over tho. The show was on for 3 nights, and I had to be back in school for 5.30 every night .... I really do feel a bit knackered today ... but it really was well worth it !!!

Other News

So much going on at the moment that I'm meeting myself trying to catch up !!! Had a bit of a health scare last week when I got carted off by ambulance with a suspected heart attack - it turned out to be IBS and my fault because I haven't been taking the tablets properly ... 3 a day I'm supposed to be taking NOT one when I feel unwell !!! Ooops ! Week before that, my BP soared and my heart was racing so Doc has put me on Beta Blockers - I feel really fab on them ... so thanks to Dr Majunder - he has a lot to put up with from me !!!

Scrapping wise I haven't done a lot, as I've been busy making Valentine cards and other commissioned cards - god knows why i've got a run on cards at the moment. I must get some scrapping done tho as I have a load of photos to get printed off and scrapped !

Joke

Our Four Sons

Four guys went golfing; one went in the clubhouse to pay while the others waited at the first tee. One of the guys says, “I'm so proud of my son. He is a stock broker and he's made enought that he just gave away a huge portfolio.” The next guy said, “I'm so proud of my son. He's a car dealer and he's doing so well, he just gave away a Ferrari.” The third guy says, “I'm so proud of my son. He's got enough money that he just gave away a million-dollar home.” Just as the third guy fininshes talking, the fourth guy joins them and asks, “What are you guys talking about?'“Just about how good our sons are doing,” the three men replied. “Well, my son is doing very well,” says the fourth man, “He's a male stripper and just last week he got a huge portfolio, a Ferrari and a million-dollar home.”

Have you seen ........

2007-01-18T20:32:00.000Z

......... the new Blog by Fairies with Tude ? ..... well, I made this chipbox after accidentally stumbling into their Blog .... cool or what ? It can be used for sooooo many things ... an address book, a card reminder, send gifts in ..... absolutely allsorts ... I am soooo chuffed with this !!!

I made mine using American Crafts papers and heaps of ribbons from Little Silver Hat

Catching up ...... (and I've been tagged again)

2007-01-17T22:44:00.000Z

Oops - I seem to have been a tad remisce in posting on my blog ... anyway ...

I've had a bit of a heart scare (again). BP very high and my heart was racing, so doc has added a beta blocker to the mound of tablets that I'm already taking. Funnily enough, I only had a banging thumping headache that wouldn't shift .. but other than that, I felt ok in myself - ho hum. I'm feeling fine now, but stressing myself stupid about dying ... I need to get the thought out of my head, and stop being stupid so someone please give me a kick up the posterior.

Anyway, my latest round layouts, should be somewhere in this post .... again, where they turn up is anyone's bet !!!

While I've been off school, i've also made a start on Valentines cards - the kids at school always ask me to make a 'special' card for them, so in preparation i've made a start. I got some fab lushy lush ribbons from Lianne (www.littlesilverhat.co.uk) and i'm on a role .... isn't it funny that a single ribbon/piece of paper/embellishment can set you off on a role ... but a role I am on anyway !!

Swimming

Aaron started swimming lessons at the new baths tonight. He has no confidence in the water whatsoever even at 11, and although i'm not a pushy mother, I really have been pushy over this swimming malarky. He was previously having lessons at the main pool in Rochdale, but because of the confidence issues, they put him in a class with the toddlers !!! I could have cried for him ..... anyway, the class he is now with are kids his own age or just slightly older and he feels so much more happier about it now .... Well he must be happier because he swam a whole length on his back without floats and he's never done that before - rock on Aaron !!!!

Besides which, my brother who is now a [sea] Captain was exactly the same and hated the water until he was about 14 - ironic or wot ??

Tagged again .... by Hosiemosie

1. grab the book closest to you

2. open to page 123, go down to the fourth sentence

3. post the text of the following three sentences on your blog

4. name of the author and book

5. tag three people of you own

"When Sergeant Player arrived at the committee headquaters, a requisitioned building in the Place de la Madeleine, he took his place in line waiting to receive a folder of information about what was expected of him, while he was on Allied territory - how to locate the Eiffel Tower, which clubs and restaurants were within his price range, how to avoid catching VD. It looked as if this advice was being dispensed by a group of middle aged ladies who couldn't possibly have seen the inside of a nightclub for the past twenty years".

Jeffrey Archer - The Fourth Estate

Tagging - Debbie Duck, Chrissie and Roz

(will add links tomorrow)

Crop and latest 'round' Layout ...........

2007-01-06T23:30:00.000Z

Had a fab crop today at the Manchester crop - Sam had bought the obligatory danishes and the most delicous butter scones that I've ever tasted - yum, yum pigs bum !

Anyway, I took my delicious-es-es-es-es Basic Grey Blush .... started the next round layout, and what happened .................. I only went and knocked a whole cup of tea all over it .... I could have cried. The photograph I had used was an original and was the first one of my mum holding Aaron at four days old. He was so damaged and jaundiced after giving birth to him,that I was the only one allowed to touch him. So the photograph is just sooo special to me.

Thankfully everyone around me jumped up as I'm in a state of frozen panic - and people came from nowhere with tissues and kitchen roll. June snatched the layout, ripped off the photograph and dabbed it quick - and thank heavens it was ok ...... I then borrowed Pauls (Olbas Paul) heat gun and dried out the layout ..... I couldn't believe it when it turned out distressed !!!! It was fabby !! So thank you to everyone for saving the day !!

Anyway, here/above/at the side .... wherever it bloody turns up once i've posted it - is the 'distressed' BG Blush layout !!!!

Joke (for those who have missed them)

A man is strolling past a lunatic asylum when he hears a loud chanting.

"thirteen thirteen thirteen!" goes the noise from the mental hospital wards.

The mans curiosity gets the better of him and he searches for a hole in the security fence. Its not long before he finds a small crack, so he leans forward and peers in. Instantly, someone jabs him in the eye. As he reels back in agony,the chanting continues ................

"fourteen fourteen fourteen!"

Ok - hands up all of those who would have peeked through the hole !!!!!!!!!!

First layout 2007

2007-01-02T11:50:00.000Z

I spotted a round layout on PageMaps, and thought what a fab idea it would be to do a whole album of round layouts as a BOM (book of me) .... so, this is my first !!

Just need to make an album to contain the layouts now, but I'm looking forward to the challenge !!

I've also decided to do a lot more stamping this year ... i've sort of got a bit despondent about my talents with stamping and have decided that to get better I need to practice. I'm going to try and do a bit of stamping on each layout .... she says - famous last words !!

So ...... what skills/techniques are you going to try and master this year ???

Happy New Year ... and Interesting Reading !!

2006-12-31T12:00:00.000Z

Happy New Year to all my friends old and new.

2006 has been a funny old year for me. It started off so well .. and then I had the mini-strokes at Easter and life changed. I've always been 'flippant' ab0ut life. I have always expected to grow old very disgracefully, but the mini-strokes sort of brought me up to a halt. I have changed my life gradually, although I often 'slip' at times .... but I have decided that 2007 is the year that I will do something about my lifestyle.

I have lost three very dear friends this year. Lynne, Joanne Ward and over Christmas an old friend from school Andrew Duncan passed away. Joanne could do nothing to change her untimely passing. Nothing she could have done would have saved her. Lynne and Andy had they have known, could have taken steps to ensure a longer life - which sort of puts things into perspective for me.

On a lighter note I have had so many highs this year.

At school, I have made massive headways to win over 'challenging' students and in some cases, to make real friendships with them.

I have been accepted for three design teams - what a boost that has given me !

And lastly, through the wonderful art of scrapbooking I have made many lifelong friendships. You are all so very special and dear to me. You enhance my life and without you all I wouldn't be the person I am - so thank you xx

Write a list!

Just saw this on Debbie Ducks blog who found it on Chrissie's blog.

Those in red I have done, and if I tell you about them then I'd have to kill you !!!

1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
2. Swam with wild dolphins
3. Climbed a mountain
4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
5. Been inside the Great Pyramid
6. Held a tarantula
7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
8. Said “I love you’ and meant it
9. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game (and survived the crush afterwards)
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest (pregnant nun)
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert” (three times)
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Had a one-night stand
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children (or…raising children)
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking (I'm always doing it)
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds (cumulatively, if you count pregnancy! lol!)
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi (BLEUGH)
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes ... yum!
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care (dad)
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life

Lubberly Night Out .... desertion ... :( ...... and YAY .... and Joke !

2006-12-19T20:48:00.000Z

A gang of us went out last night to celebrate both Lianne's Birthday and Joanne's love of sour cream. Apparently, on a trip to Holland to see Anita, Jo fell in love with sour cream (according to Dutch rumours ... she ate a bucket full) .... so we dedicated a trip to Chilli Jacks in Warrington to Joanne and it shows how meant to be it was ... that it fell on Lianne's Birthday !!

It was a truly lovely night. Good friends and excellent food and I know Joanne would have loved it as well.

I say we count our blessings for all the wonderful friends we have made through scrapping - you're a rare and special breed !!! xxxxxxxxxx

Desertion !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lianne has deserted me.

Gone.

:(

Its awful :(

I went to call round to her house at lunchtime and then remembered that she'd 'gone dowen sowf' :(

*insert woe is me smiley*

I truly feel as if my left arm has been cut off. I feel bereft :(

*insert another woe is me smiley*

Isn't it funny how you don't need to live in one anothers pockets, but still miss someone so much ?? I don't know how she wangled her way into my heart, but she did and she has ... and I miss not being able to 'pop' round or pick up the phone.

I feel bereft :(

*hopes someone takes pity on me*

YAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have broken up from school - i can lie in ..... as such ... Aaron is still at school for two days but at least I don't have to rush about with my head between my tails as I do most mornings !!!

YAY !!!!!!

Joke

A man walks into a doctor's office. He has a cucumber up his nose, a carrot in his left ear and a banana in his right ear. "What's the matter with me?" he asks the doctor. The doctor replies, "You're not eating properly."

Manchester Crop ... Celebrity Stalking and more !!!

2006-12-17T19:41:00.000Z

Well, we had a truly fabulous day at the Manchester Crop yesterday. I managed to get the last of the ordered Star Books done - the picture of it is above !!!

Sam had left little gifts, christmas crackers and candy cane for everyone at their desks and I was so touched that she'd gone to so much effort, it was lovely. I received so many beautiful handmade cards that I could have cried at the effort people went to - thank you all, they mean so much to me xx

Anyway ... lets get to the gossip and the celebrity stalker ... JulieM (UKS) .......

Well, Anita (Mundt) attended our crop (It was actually Anita's first UK crop) ... I mean how cool is that ?!!!! BUT .. and here it comes ... our little celebrity stalker friend JulieM totally monopolised Anitas time. She sat elbow to elbow with poor Anita the WHOLE day ... she kept going and making ANITA cups of tea, bringing her plates of grub from the buffet, laughing at her jokes ...looking dreamily into Anita's eyes ... get the picture ???

Did WE ... her friends get so much as a cup of tea - NO

Did WE .... other crafters get to speak to Anita ... well yes, but with Julie in tow

Did WE .... even get to sit near Anita - NO ... because JulieM was too bloody scared to shift her backside in case someone sat by Anita !!! She sat there glued to her flipping chair the whole day !

Now those who attend the Manchester crop know that this is not Julie - she's always fussing about, always making cups of tea ... always encouraging us to do our work etc., etc., ..... but not on this occasion .. oh no ! The celebrity stalker that IS JulieM sat on her posterior and didn't budge ... NOT ONCE !!!

......... and there is worse to come ............ her long standing friend, the lovely, wonderful cook that is JOOLS ... was dumped/ditched/fired off/ignored .... Julie sat that far away from Jools you'd have thought Jools had the lurgy ! My heart goes out to Jools who has supported and befriended 'she who cannot be named' for over 14 years !!!!

*insert sobbing smiley for Jools*

Due to the upset that this all caused ... I felt it my duty ... no ... my right to have to say something to 'she who cannot be named' .... I mean ... poor Jools ...... So of course, once something was said .... that was it .....

We laughed and laughed and laughed .. I haven't laughed so much in such a very long time !!!! I'm not sure if Anita caught on at first that we were all winding Julie up ... but quickly she realised what was going on and just 'went with the flow' !!! PML - I really don't think Anita will ever forget her first UK crop - not ever !!

I suppose you needed to be there - but OMG we are NOT gonna let JulieM live it down - EVER !!

EDITED: Forgot to mention that 'she who cannot be named' has demanded aka wants us all to curtsey to her ... me ? curtsy ? Oooooooooooh I just don't fink sooooo ....

Thanks to everyone who was there - it really was a fabulous fabulous day xx

Chrimble Tree

Its done !!!! YAY !!!! It doesn't look as bushy or full as in real life - but it is lovely honest !!!

Updates ... flying .... news ... goss ...

2006-12-13T11:15:00.000Z

Haha I just luuuuuuuurv this new beta blog - soooooo much faster !

Anyway, updates .... Secret Santa Dave is a hit ... literally .. He came to see me first thing Monday morning to ask when his next stage performance will be !!! He gave me a huuuuuge kiss on the cheek, lifted me up (which isn't easy believe me) and swung me round .... bless ! I couldn't believe it, but the girls were queuing up to speak to him and they were all giving me dirty looks ... ME ... dirty looks !!! I wonder if I should give up teaching and just become Davids manager ???

Book of Me

As promised after reading Anita's beautiful eulogy to Joanne on UK, I've started my BOM - yay !!! First page describes me to a 't' ... but hey, I can live with that ... I'll pop it on here somewhere ... as I never know exactly WHERE the photos are gonna pop up !!!

Does anyone else find it difficult scrapping themselves or putting thoughts about yourself down on paper ??? I don't like admitting I have faults (and I only have a couple - honest) !!

Flylady

Ok, so after all my protestations about the woman, I decided (after reading her somewhat hefty website) that I did MOST of the routines that she does - so I've gone for it .... must say, the house is looking decidedly tidy and I feel great for making it decidedly tidy ... although it must be said I really enjoyed making it very untidy ... IYKWIM !

General House news

Aaron is off poorly from school today, hence my catch-up on my blog and upgrade to BETA blog ... anyway, his face looks like the elephant man you know the boggy eyes and swollen face - bless ! Surprise surprise tho, he's feeling much better (happened at exactly 9.01am) and after a visit from the postman with Xmas cards for him with heaps of dosh inside .... dya think i'd get away with slipping out a few of the fivers and making them disappear in scrap shops ???

I still need to put the tree up and decorate, but as this means the start of the

'squabble season' its not really enticing me to start .... last year I checked and double checked all the lights .... put them on the tree, switched them on .... rearranged them (because they have to be just so) .... sent hubby for more lights ... put them on ... switched on .... rearranged them .... switched on (yet again) .... and phut ! Two sets blew ... just like that !!! So I de-stripped (if there is such a word) the tree of all its lights ... sent hubby out for more lights .... beautifully arranged the lights again ... and yay they worked ...... for 2 days ... and then another 2 sets blew !!! I blurdy hate lights - but I just can't imagine a tree without them ........ so .... let the squabbles begin ........... tonight ... or tomorrow ... but then I am going to my mums for Xmas so dya think i'd get away without a tree this year ????

Nahhhhhh didn't think I could ... what a bummer !

*stomps off to find lights* >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

<<<<<<<<<<<<< *stomps back with a joke*

Excuse Notes ....

These are actual excuse notes teachers have received, spelling mistakes included.

My son is under a doctor's care and should not take P.E. today. Please execute him.

Please excuse Lisa for being absent. She was sick and I had her shot.

Dear School: Please ekscuse John being absent on Jan. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and also 33.Please excuse Gloria from Jim today. She is administrating.

Please excuse Roland from P.E. for a few days. Yesterday he fell out of a tree and misplaced his hip.

John has been absent because he had two teeth taken out of his face.

Carlos was absent yesterday because he was playing football. He was hurt in the growing part.

Megan could not come to school today because she has been bothered by very close veins.

Chris will not be in school cus he has an acre in his side.

Please excuse Ray Friday from school. He has very loose vowels.

Please excuse Tommy for being absent yesterday. He had diarrhea and his boots leak.

Irving was absent yesterday because he missed his bust.

Please excuse Jimmy for being. It was his father's fault.

I kept Billie home because she had to go Christmas shopping because I don't know what size she wear.

Please excuse Jennifer for missing school yesterday. We forgot to get the Sunday paper off the porch, and when we found it Monday, we thought it was Sunday.

Sally won't be in school a week from Friday. We have to attend her funeral.

My daughter was absent yesterday because she was tired. She spent a weekend with the Marines.

Please excuse Jason for being absent yesterday. He had a cold and could not breed well.

Please excuse Mary for being absent yesterday. She was in bed with gramps.

Please excuse Burma, she has been sick and under the doctor.

Ho Ho Ho Ho Ho !!!!

I've moved !!!!!

2006-12-13T11:02:00.000Z

......... to the new Beta Blogger ..... i'm hoping now that I can leave posts on other people's Blogs ... Debbie and Roz ... I haven't been ignoring your blogs, I just haven't been able to post :(

Will go and see if I can now >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>