Kids And Capers

A Little Perspective...

2012-02-11T12:03:00.002Z

I have spent the last year worrying about school tests and what school Amy could be going to next year. This morning I have realised how unimportant in the big scheme of things this really is. I should be happy and content that I have two healthy and happy children. I heard an hour ago that a local family whom I know have lost a three year old child. There was no history of illness. We think she had a fit of some sort this morning and she simply died. I am stunned. I cannot begin to imagine the depths of their grief. I can only pray that they can find some comfort.

Psalm 46:5
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.

I cannot move.....

2012-01-30T16:03:00.010Z

I have eaten and drank much too much since Friday night and I have yet to stop!! Hee Hee! The reason.....

Yes...it finally crept up on me and I celebrated my 40th birthday yesterday. Actually the celebrations began on Friday night when Peter and the kids whisked me away for a surprise weekend to the North Coast.

Portrush is a typical wee seaside town that is rather dreary looking in the winter with only the sounds of tacky arcades rattling in the background, BUT, I love it! I lived in it for nearly three years as a student and have always had a real affection for the place. The scenery is breathtaking as you can look around the Antrim coastline along the headlands in the direction of the Giants Causeway. Over the course of the weekend we went on many cold, but invigorating walks. The kids particularly liked walking around Ramore head and watching the sea pound into the Devil's Washtub...not a place I would like to fall into!

The rest of the weekend was spent eating, relaxing, eating, reading, eating, knitting, eating, eating...I'm sure you've got the picture!! LOL!!

On Sunday morning the children woke me up and presented me with some gorgeous cards (Amy made her own and I am going to pinch the idea!!) and some pressies. They gave me two dresses (which they picked for me on Saturday) and a bottle of my very favourite perfume. My brother and family had given me my present a few days before and I had kept it to unwrap on Sunday. It was a beautiful bracelet and charm. Mummy and mummy-in-law gave me money so I can feel a little spree coming on!

Once we got home on Sunday evening we relaxed and watched a DVD with the kids and my neighbour called to see me with a lovely pair of earrings. Another bottle of wine was shared!!

The party continued this morning when my coffee and craft friends appeared bearing lots and lots and lots of food and champagne for a Birthday Brunch. I received lovely gifts and we had a great morning chittering. Needless to say, someone else did the school runs today!!☺

Tomorrow should finish the celebrating when I meet my two uni friends for coffee and chat. One celebrated her 40th two weeks ago and the other celebrates in April so we are all in the same boat!

Wednesday......SLIMMING WORLD!!!!! AGAIN!!!!

A Cosy Morning

2012-01-16T14:43:00.008Z

Hasn't today been a lovely, pleasant day? Although it is cold, the sun is shining and there is a faint feel of Spring in the air ♥ . I started the day well with my "date" with Davina and I had few errands completed by 9:45. Then it was home again to loveliness...

It started with my breakfast in my favourite bowl (a little treat in the sales!). It is aptly named, the Goldilocks bowl, as my favourite start to a day is porridge.

This has to be consumed with a LARGE mug of coffee and some appropriate reading material!!

Then it was on to some crochet. This is what I am attempting to make....

The colours are gorgeous but a little too bright for me. I like more subdued tones...

I am loving how they are coming together. The little piles of squares are adding up. The colours and yarn have been Ravelled here.

A little baking was done to feed hungry children coming in from school. Banana muffins were the order of the day as I had a few bananas to use up quickly. Yum Yum!

Now the kids are home, homework is being done and I have dinner on. Lovely roasting smells wafting through my kitchen. I will leave you with a picture of the socks I FINALLY completed at the weekend. I am quite pleased with them. Much better than my first pair...at least both feet are the same size this time!! Hee Hee!

They almost look blue here but they are green. This shows the colours much better..

♥♥♥Have a lovely week my bloggy friends ♥♥♥

Love is....

2012-01-08T20:32:00.002Z

As much as I love my very darling hubby I wish he had kept this little gem to himself!! LOL!! Sniffing and sneezing, that's me!!

Will continue the slow theme of pottering and hibernating this week. A little sorting, some crafting (may get my socks finished) and plenty of tea!

Hope you all have a lovely weekend!

On a go slow....

2012-01-05T11:58:00.003Z

Does it ever feel like this for you too? Lack of sleep due to the storms that wrapped themselves around the house last night again meant that that there was very little sleep! That along with the heavy breather (he has a stinking cold!) lying beside me!! Today I am finding it VERY difficult to get into gear. I am pottering and getting a little bit done around the house, a little tidying and organising and putting things into bags for a charity shop run and the washing machine is on BUT my to-do was a little bit longer than this and it may just not get done.

Aw well...tomorrow's another day!

Can it last?!

2012-01-03T16:07:00.006Z

The kids are enjoying the last day off and I am starting to think again of routine and what I will do when they are back in school.

We went out for an hour this afternoon and I visited the library. I am a book addict and with one of my resolutions being to be more frugal, a big area I need to work on is my spending on books. I do use the library from time to time but I get frustrated when they don't have the books or type of books I like. It is easier to buy fairly cheaply online BUT...today I took my first step in thriftiness!!! (How long can this last I hear you cry?!!!!) Here is what I got (no fiction which is unusual!).....

Will this, can this happen?!

My aim to buy very few, if any new clothes

I can dream!

Just because it looked good!

I have spent a little quiet time since I got back having a coffee and a little browse and frankly becoming just a tad excited by it all. Should be an interesting year!

Before I go I must show you the "little" pressie that my very sneaky (I like it!!) husband and his mum got me for Christmas. I love the retro digital radios but wanted a practical one as well. I have talked about them for a while but certainly didn't think one would appear...certainly not at Christmas anyway as there is a rather large birthday looming at the end of the month!

♥I LOVE IT!♥ It has the look but I can also dock my iPhone on it to charge and play my music from my iPod! Not having to wrestle an aerial to find a station is bliss! Radio 4 has never sounded better!

Off now to make a cup of tea for my very bedraggled and wet husband who has just walked in from work...

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T19:12:00.003Z

Christmas is over (Sob!) and I am starting to think of getting the house back into some sort of order. We had a truly lovely Christmas. The kids were very excited as usual and have had a fabulous time playing with all their gifts. We spent the days around Christmas at home and then spent a few days with my mum and dad, returning home today. Tomorrow will be spent sorting the decorations and storing them safely for next year. At least the kids still have another two days of holiday left...I do dislike them returning to school!!!

Resolutions have been made. I want to decorate some rooms this year so more frugality is needed in other areas! More frugal living then is my main resolution. This also applies to my crafting...more of it to be done but USING MY STASH and NOT buying as much new stuff!!
My final resolution is to maintain my weight now that it's at the right place (have to shift a few Christmas pounds first though! LOL!). Exercise and sensible eating here I come!

May I wish all my lovely bloggy friends a healthy, peaceful and loving 2012!

Alternative 12 Days of Christmas

2011-12-23T15:28:00.002Z

Frank Kelly, a.k.a. Father Jack in the Father Ted series created this. It will give you a giggle for Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-21T07:00:00.000Z

The Christmas Holidays start today and we are all very excited. Friends are calling, we are travelling to see my parents on Thursday into Friday, baking is almost complete, the parcels are ready for under the tree and we are nearing the end of our journey in the Advent story, The Christmas Mystery (the kids are hooked!!),. We are counting the hours and minutes until Sunday!

I hope you all have a blessed Christmas and a peaceful and healthy 2012!

Christmas questions and answer

2011-12-18T12:01:00.003Z

I saw this over at LissyLou's and thought I'd give it a go....

Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?

Neither!

Does Santa wrap presents or just puts them under the tree?
Santa doesn’t wrap his presents but we wrap ours. Santa leaves his presents by the fireplace and the rest are under the tree.

Coloured or white lights on tree/house?
White lights on the tree. Not that keen on lights on the house. There are very few that look tasteful!

Do you hang mistletoe?
Yes!! Any excuse!!

When do you put your decorations up?
Normally the first of December.

What is your favourite holiday dish? Full Christmas dinner!

Favourite holiday memory?
Getting up at 7am as a child, getting my brother and mum and dad and rushing to see what Santa had brought. The best year was when Tiny Tears arrived!

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
The kids open new pajamas on Christmas eve.

How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
Lots of baubles collected over the years. Some are handmade by the kids.

Snow! Love it or dread it?
Like it if I don’t have to go out in it....otherwise dread it!
Can you ice skate?
Yes but not well!!

Do you remember your favorite gift?
Tiny Tears!

What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Watching the children and sharing their excitement

What's your favourite holiday dessert?
Mince pies

What is your favourite holiday tradition?
Getting up at 7am with the kids and watching them open their stocking

What tops your tree?
An angel
Which do you prefer: giving or receiving?
Giving...I love watching everyone open their parcels!
Candy canes... yuck or yum!?
Yuck!

Favourite Christmas show?
White Christmas without a doubt! You can never have too much Bing Crosby

Saddest Christmas Song?

Do They Know It’s Christmas?

Christmas Makes..

2011-12-15T00:01:00.000Z

Lots of Christmas Cards...

Some Plum Gin. Yum!A couple of pressies...

And a make of Amy's. Her Christmas angel..

Christmas cake will be iced in the next day or two and mince pies, shortbread and cookies will be baked.

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

Celebrating...

2011-12-14T12:54:00.005Z

..the end of test hell! The AQE tests finished last week and we CELEBRATED!! The Christmas tree and the house were decorated, cake was made and consumed....

and Amy and I spent a lovely morning in Belfast, having coffee and browsing (a.k.a. shopping!) in Waterstones and finishing with lunch at the Continental market.

BLISS!

Simplicity

2011-12-06T19:06:00.003Z

For years I have been fascinated by the Amish culture and way of life. I admire these people for their quiet, hardworking lives. I think they set an example of how life could be if we retained our strong sense of community and family, the belief that ALL work should be carried out with total commitment but primarily that a strong faith in God is central to all areas of life. I want to spend December focusing and reflecting on this quietly, amidst all the hustle and bustle that our not so plain and simple lives bring.

A pretentious, showy life is an empty life;

a plain and simple life is a full life.
Proverbs 13 v 7 (The Message)

AQE Tests...Blah!!!

2011-11-26T13:46:00.002Z

AQE Tests (11+ in disguise!!).....horrible, horrible tests.....horrible, horrible pressure!

2 Down 1 To Go!!!

Sanity and normal life might then resume! Roll on 11am, Saturday 3rd December!

Remembering

2011-11-13T21:28:00.005Z

My great uncle...

In Memory of

Private THOMAS SEMPLE

19306, 1st Bn., Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
who died age 23
on 25 October 1918
Son of William and Margaret Semple, of Killen, Castlederg, Co. Tyrone.
Remembered with honour
TYNE COT MEMORIAL

My dad's cousin...

In Memory of
Corporal TOMMY SEMPLE  

549415, Royal Air Force 
who died age 25 
on 02 November 1944 
Husband of Joyce Daisy Semple, of Blackfield, Hampshire. 
Remembered with honour

SINGAPORE MEMORIAL

Those who served with my dad in the Royal Artillery 1939-1945 in both the North Africa and Italy campaigns....

For The Fallen
With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England's foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.

Normal Service...

2011-10-11T12:35:00.005+01:00

has resumed! I'm back in the land of the living! Last week was a funny old week...nothing wrong that I could pinpoint....just out of sorts! Back to "normal" (my normal!!) now in full Autumnal mode!

Most days were spent just tootling around home. I didn't have an actual duvet day much as it would have been VERY nice, but instead, I blocked out Wednesday morning for a "me" morning. Peter took the kids to school so that I could have a leisurely breakfast. Then I just did what the mood dictated! I cross stitched for a while (I haven't done this for a very long time), I read for a while and I started to make some family Christmas Cards.

The Cross stitch is for a little Christmas present. I have resolved this year to make more presents with the hope that they will be well received....fingers crossed! Like many, the old purse strings are having to be pulled in a little, make that a lot, this year, but it is making me think creatively and I am hoping that the thought will definitely count for something!!

A friend had spotted my crochet dishcloths when she came to visit and she has put in a request for some of those, so that is another one sorted!

An exciting event which happened last week (there was ONE!) was my meeting, for the first time, a blog and Ravelry friend, Nicky. We had discovered that we only live a few miles apart and our children have mutual friends. We met at the local coffee shop and spent a great morning chatting and knitting. I sat in AWE! I aspire to someday knit even half as well as she can!!

I was quite nervous when we were meeting up as you never really know if you'll get on as well in reality as in cyberspace but I needn't have worried. The hours whizzed by and I feel as though I have known her forever. We had another knit and natter this morning with a few other friends. It was lovely and relaxing. She also brought me a few knitting and crochet books to have a wee look through. Lovely!!

Mum and dad came to visit for a few days which I enjoyed. Mum and I pottered around a few shops, tested lots of coffee (!) and generally enjoyed catching up. Dad enjoyed the relaxation and just pottered around the house. I "delivered" them to my brother and his family on Saturday and they spent another few days there before going home yesterday.

Yesterday was a domesticated sort of day. Washing and cleaning...not so nice...and baking....very nice. "Wee buns" were made for the kids and my big kid...

and I began the preparations for my mum's Christmas cake. She herself bakes 8 or 9 Christmas cakes every year and gives them as presents, so I like to make hers. No one in this house likes Christmas cake so I don't make one for here, but I love the process of making it and I LOVE the smell of it cooking, so making one for mum gives me the best of both worlds!

This year I am using Mary Berry's Victorian Christmas cake recipe which I found in the recent issue of the BBC Good Food Magazine. The fruit is now soaking and I am so enjoying the Christmassey smell which wafts out of the bowl when it gets its daily stir!!

There are lots of other tempting recipes which I might just have to try soon. I particularly liked the section on foody Christmas presents. I had been considering making chutney for a few people and the magazine has given me a little encouragement to give it a go. It is many years since I last made it so at least there are many more exciting recipes to consider. Do you have interesting, but simple, ideas? I'd love to know!

Anyhows, that's me pretty well caught up! School runs and "mum's taxi service" are beginning to call. Have a lovely week, whatever you are doing!

Duvet Days

2011-10-03T16:09:00.003+01:00

Oh how I wish this could be me!!!!! Tired and wanting to retreat a little! Hopefully will be back to par soon and normal blogging service will resume. Until then....

The Adventures of Barnaby Bear

2011-09-26T11:10:00.003+01:00

Hello! May I introduce myself? I am Barnaby Bear and I am a friend of James'. My home is in the P.3 classroom in James' school. I love living there and get very excited as each weekend I am allowed to go home with one of the children and go on lots of adventures with them. This weekend I spent some fun time with James. These are the things I did with him....

Campaigners on Friday night

Watching the rugby on Saturday morning
Playing at the park
Stopping for a snack at Barista

We had so much fun playing all weekend and I had much to write about in my passport! Back to school today. I wonder where I will be off to next weekend.......

Template Dilemmas

2011-09-22T21:50:00.001+01:00

I am easily bored and cannot leave my blog template alone for long! I need your opinion....does this one stay or go?

Busy! Busy! Busy!

2011-09-21T08:58:00.005+01:00

It has been a busy few days here in my cosy little corner of the world. The weekend was so crammed packed that it went by in a real blur (the blur could also be attributed to late nights and early mornings!).

Friday
The evening was spent with some American friends. Aine's dad is originally from my hometown but has been living in Massachusetts for over twenty years. Now, his daughter, Aine, has returned to Northern Ireland. She came to study at University of Ulster for her Masters Degree and has now found a job and is staying on. Her mum, Anne, was here for the last two weeks for a visit. We had a lovely evening chatting, eating, laughing and generally putting the world to rights! It was late when my head hit the pillow!

Saturday
Up early and off to my favourite place in Belfast...St.George's Market. I have written and raved about it many times before and probably will again. Aine had been before but her mum had not had the pleasure so we picked them up and took them with us.

Beautiful, beautiful stalls assaulted us as we entered, laden with the most DELICIOUS food. I don't really like sweet cakes anymore but I was severely tempted when I saw this...

The kids as usual went to the lovely French man who sells the most FABULOUS crepes and acquired very chocolatey smiles! ☺

I, on the other hand, wandered around coffee in hand, and purchased some lovely fresh veg and my favourite thing of all from here...HUGE bunches of DAHLIAS.

There are also quite a few craft stalls and second-hand stalls. One such stall was selling second-hand craft books, mainly knitting (I resisted..just!), wool and used hand-made bags. I saw one hanging that caught my eye. I liked the shape and remembered I had made one that was similar. I decided to take a closer look....the material was familiar.....I looked inside and there sitting out quite nicely was a little label proudly boasting....my name!! Hee Hee! Not what I expected to see but a lovely surprise! I sold it a couple of years ago so I am glad to see it is still making the rounds!

The rest of the day was spent tidying up the house a little. My friend Liz had kindly offered to keep the kids for the night. Peter and I thought about going out (his birthday was a few days later) but felt quite lazy. Too much effort would have to be put into dressing up, deciding where to go, etc, etc...The decision was made to stay put. I cooked a meal. We took our time eating it..no children to rush us and we spent the rest of the evening, cosy, in front of the fire watching a DVD! (I do believe we are getting old!! LOL!). It was lovely!

Sunday
After a lie in to 9am (unheard of I tell you!) we collected the kids, headed to church and then back for a quick lunch before going to see Peter's parents. His dad is in a nursing home so every week we collect his mum, go and collect his dad and bring them out together. We usually end up somewhere nice having coffee and scones! It's lovely to see the joy in his dad's face when he sees Peter's mum. His memory is poor but there is no doubt what he thinks of her!

The rest of the evening was spent finishing off Amy's copious amount of homework and test preparation. Yuck!

Monday
Back to the grindstone. Catching up on all the little jobs around the house. The builders finished completely last Friday so the clearing and tidying can begin properly. It may take a while!!

I did get the chance though to finish the cardigan that I began in Scotland. In general I am happy with it as it is only my second large piece of knitting. There are a few tweaks I would make if I were to make it again, but on the whole I am pleased. You can find the details on Ravelry.

Tuesday
Errands were run and mother-in-law was brought to the dentist. Much more important though, it was Peter's birthday. Cards were made and given and presents presented. He was thrilled with his new screwdrivers (?!). The cake was baked. He is a man of simple pleasures...a Victoria Sponge with melted chocolate (no fancy icing here!!) and sprinkles was requested....what age is he anyway?!! Happy to oblige!
Now maybe the rest of the week can slow down a little...not likely though!!

Exciting!

2011-09-15T22:43:00.002+01:00

A few weeks ago I got an email from a website which features home and creative blogs. I have been listed in their Best Of Web. There are LOADS of fantastic sites listed (much better than mine!!). The website is Be@Home. Go check it out!

Christmas Preparations In September...?

2011-09-12T14:33:00.003+01:00

Well only the important preparations!!

What did I prepare this morning...

PLUM GIN of course!!

The big question is "Will it last until Christmas?"

Maybe. Maybe not.

Renovations

2011-09-11T18:51:00.000+01:00

We have lived in this house since 1999 and although I love it and think it is big enough there has always been one problem with it (in my eyes!)....the kitchen! The kitchen I had was beautiful and not very old, it was quite large but it was narrow and for me that meant I could not have a table in it! I am a country girl. For me the kitchen is the centre of a home. I spend a lot of time there. However, as it stood, unless I was being helped with something, the rest of the family did their thing in the rest of the house. I know I don't have a mansion so they were only ever a room away, but I wanted the kitchen to be a communal, warm area to be in. So, we planned and discussed and planned and discussed some more. What to do?

Well...make use of the most unutilised, misused space in the house.....the garage! My "utility" area was at the back of it and the rest of it was used as a dumping, sorry, STORAGE space for everything that couldn't find a home!! We have never parked a car in it and neither did the previous owners! Much better to convert it...so we did!

On Monday 1st August work began to extend my kitchen into the garage (without changing my existing kitchen units) and to create a separate utility room at the front. It has been messy (I didn't realise quite how much dust would be created and filter throughout the entire house!!), noisy, chaotic and occasionally frustrating but SO WORTH IT! Here are some photos of work in progress....

Some VERY wet days!

Some extra help for the builders!

The new space at the end of the kitchen with lovely new doors opening on to the garden which was also transformed!

The kitchen originally ended at the wall where you can see the TV

As you can see, inside is basically finished and we are thrilled! I love my new bright space. We are all using it and I now spend 80% of my day in here!

The utility room is also a godsend. A clean, bright area to do my washing and a neat area to store all the bits and pieces.

Please excuse the paint pots!

The ground at the back of our house has always been very damp and marshy. A small patio area sat unevenly outside the conservatory and my washing line was in the middle of mud outside the back of the garage.

This is it now.....

The builders should be finished later this week when they have finished the path alongside the side of the house and put up a new fence and gate. They have been great to work with (they have worked sooo hard) and in a funny way I'll miss having them about (not too much though!) to make coffee for and have a wee chat!

Hopefully you have enjoyed the renovation tour and not found it too boring! Just the rest of the house to redecorate now! Funny how when you decorate one area it shows up the need in the rest of the house! Pennies need to be saved though and a husband to be persuaded.....

I'm Sad....

2011-08-31T15:01:00.005+01:00

....the summer is over! I now feel it is officially Autumn as the kids started back to school this morning. Although many heaved a collective sigh of relief that their kids were back at school, this year, I didn't. We had a lovely summer and I was just a little sad that it was really and truly over. It will be a tough enough year for Amy as it is her last year of Primary School and she has tests to sit before Christmas which will determine what school she will go to next. Enough said about that today though. I will think about those tomorrow...!!

Admittedly though they were quite excited to get back, meet their new teachers and see their friends once again. Both skipped in quite happily! New uniforms were on and new schoolbags were packed with new pens and pencils. This is one memory of school that I love..."a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils"....the excitement of going to my local shop and buying the prettiest pencils, pens, rulers, etc that I could get! Lovely!

What was I to do to console myself once they had gone in.....why....coffee and craft of course!! Off I went to Coffee Bean Deli to my little corner seat. Today I felt justified in ordering a little pick-me-up......a cappuccino and a scone!! Almost unheard of since the weight loss began, unless away on holiday, but hey ho, today it was NEEDED!!

It was lovely to meet up with my friends again as I haven't seen much of them over the summer. There was much chitter, everyone vying to tell their news! A little knitting was done (2 rows I think!!) as there was too much to chat about!

The kids got out of school early and when I picked them up they were "treated" to McDonalds. My treat (yes, I know, the cappuccino was my treat!) was a pretty bunch of flowers and some new sock wool (thinking possible Christmas pressies here). The wool is Superba Mexico from Rico Designs and I can't wait to get stuck in. I know I should hold off for a little while and finish my Ballet Cardigan but whoever heard of having only 4 or 5 WIPs at any one time?!! Unheard of!! LOL!

Well, I'd better be off now as homework (yes...already) has to supervised and books backed. Here's to another year!

Macs At Rest....

2011-08-30T23:04:00.004+01:00

Worrying.......?!!!

Summer Crafting 2011

2011-08-25T08:32:00.008+01:00

Although it has been a busy summer it has also been a productive summer creatively. Before it began I had begun to knit a vest top for myself. Knitting is NOT my craft but as the daughter of a consummate knitter I was determined that at some time in my life I would be able to knit. By the start of my holiday in Scotland I had the back finished and was almost finished the front...but...I had a problem...I did not know how to do the edging of the neck and the arms. What was I do? My plan was to wait for a few weeks until I saw my mum. However, I found my solution a few miles from our site......Cafe Craft in Garelochhead, Argyll and Bute.

In a way we found it by chance. There has been a coffee shop here since we began to visit this area but when I first visited it a number of years ago it didn't really appeal to me. We dropped in this year only to see if they sold any paintings of the area as I thought I had seen some on display as we drove past. Imagine my pure, absolute delight when I discovered it was not only under new management but it was also a form of craft heaven where GORGEOUS, DELICIOUS yarns were for sale, fabrics could be bought and copious amounts of other delights could be found! I spent a long time browsing, my husband had to eat lots of cake, the children were mollified with sugar and I SPENT TOO MUCH MONEY on more supplies!!
Oh how I wish I lived closer to Garelochhead and didn't have to put up with an annual visit. The classes that are being held sound sooooooo tempting.

Anyway, back to the vest! I got talking to Trisha, the owner, about the vest and the problem I was having. She told me to come back in a few days and to bring the vest with me, which I did. With a few cups of coffee in hand and Trisha's patient tutoring, I learnt how to knit the edging. Once I was confidently working on the neck I was able to head home and finish up my vest...

By the way, the vest isn't wet!! I couldn't get a photo without shadow!! LOL!

I finished it up with a little brooch that I bought from Cafe Craft as I feel the vest is part of there!!

Project no.2 was a life long ambition and is also a result of my trip to Cafe Craft. I have ALWAYS wanted to knit socks and have tried in the past but soon gave up. One of my purchases was the sock wool and the needles. Before I got to my mum's in August I had the leg knit and when I was visiting her she showed me how to turn the heel and graft the toe. I was so excited when I finished the first sock! When I got home I knit the second one (with a few calls to my mum when I reached the heel again! LOL!)

The third project is a Ballet Style cardigan. I began it on holiday when I finished the vest and am about two thirds finished. It is knitting up really nicely and I can't wait to get it finished.

A crochet project was also started but not much progress has been made yet and I have no photos!!

I was not the only one though to start knitting this summer. Amy had started to knit a scarf (taught by granny) a while ago but didn't get very far. In July she started again and did BRILLIANTLY! Her first scarf is complete and she is sooooo proud of herself! She has started a second project...a baby jacket (for her teddy!!!!!!!).
So all in all a busy busy summer BUT a fantastic one. If you can get to Garelochhead, Cafe Craft is definitely a fantastic stopping point. Who could ask for more when you get coffee and craft combined?! My idea of bliss!

Summer 2011

2011-08-22T20:39:00.011+01:00

Oh my goodness! Where has the time gone? The kids two month summer holiday is almost over (one week left...shhhhhh!) and we are starting to think of school days again.

This has been a mad, chaotic, action-filled yet strangely relaxing break. It has been a summer of two halves.

July

The first two weeks were quietly spent pottering around home. Peter also took his holidays at the start of the month so it was lovely having everyone home, no timetables to fulfill and just enjoying down time.

In the middle of the month we headed off to my beloved Scotland. I spend the first six months of every year planning my trip and dreaming of lochs and mountains and I spend the second half of every year remininscing and dreaming of the same lochs and mountains!!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it.....midgies and all!!!

On route...cuddling up on the ferry

Sailing up Loch Ryan

There was much sunshine (unusually!! LOL!) which meant many hours outdoors. Normally we are running from here to there and going on lots of daytrips. This year, with a few exceptions, we spent most days pottering around the campsite and just sitting...

Amy and James with their friend, Alison

The zip slide

On our first day we had the enjoyment of watching the Red Arrows. They put on a display just before the Tall Ships left Greenock. It was a fantastic experience watching them twisting and turning in such close proximity. As I write this I feel quite emotional when I think of the tragedy that befell them this week. My heart goes out to the family of the young pilot.

It was lovely to see Peter relax so much during the holiday as he works so hard throughout the year. He doesn't usually have much time to read so it was great to see him literally plough through the books!
James also began reading in earnest this summer which is very exciting. I cannot keep him in Beast Quest books. He is eagerly anticipating his birthday when he has been promised the next set in the series.

We went out for lovely walks...

and got up close and personal with the local farm and wildlife...

Amy and I escaped occasionally for coffee and a girlie chat. She is growing up so quickly.

While we were away she celebrated her 11th birthday. We took her skiing in Glasgow again and took her out for dinner.

Most of the time though I simply drank in the views...

Unfortunately it all had to come to an end and we returned home at the end of July. On the 1st August the builders moved in...

August

For the past few years we have talked about extending our kitchen into our garage and for the past months we have been waiting on planning approval. Our kitchen is already quite big but it is narrow and there was no room for a table. I am a country girl and want a country kitchen. I also want a utility room instead of a space at the back of my garage.

I have never seen such an amount of dust. It is everywhere and I feel as though I have been wearing it and eating it!! The builders have worked really hard and the inside work is almost complete. The plumber has to finish plumbing the utility room and once the plaster is dry the walls can be painted.

They have now moved outside where they are building up some ground at the side of the house and then are laying new patio across the back of the house. There is a lot of digging and a lot of mud but they hope to be finished by the end of next week.

Although the mess is extreme it is well worth it. I will post some pictures soon.

During the middle of this work Amy went down for a holiday for 3 weeks to my parents. James and I joined her for the middle week and had a lovely time pottering around, relaxing, reading, knitting and catching up with all my mum's news.

The next week will be spent sorting uniforms, sewing on name labels and maybe even sneaking in a few day trips before the school run begins again. I am off now to enjoy my few remaining days of freedom....

*Giveaway Winner**

2011-08-01T11:13:00.003+01:00

Sorry folks for the prolonged silence! We got back from our holiday in Scotland last Monday and found our internet was down. It has not been restored yet and I am having to post this in my local library...so it will be short and to the point!

The winner of the Avoca Giveaway is................

Emily from Unravelled

A little parcel will soon be winging its way to you! Enjoy! (P.S. I cannot comment on your blog from this location for some unknown reason!! Grrrr! Could you email me your details so I can get it posted out to you?)

Hopefully normal service will resume VERY soon! I am really missing you all (welcome all new followers) and can't wait to catch up on your blogs (it is much too strenuous trying to do it on my phone?!!!). Lots to share about Scotland 2011, books read, projects completed and projects started! See you soon.....

✳✳✳✳GIVEAWAY✳✳✳✳

2011-07-17T00:01:00.002+01:00

I told you a little while ago that I had spent a little time pottering in town. Whilst there I spent a few minutes browsing in my favourite shop....Avoca. What to get was the question I posed. Well....a number of weeks ago my followers reached the amazing number of 50 and I had planned to do a giveaway then. However, as Wallace would say, I prevaricated around the bush and didn't do it. Shockingly the numbers crept up a little more and while standing in heaven that day I knew what to do...a little Avoca Giveaway!

So, who would like a few treats...?

To sign up you must be a follower of my blog. Just leave a comment on this post to enter and, if you blog about my giveaway and let me know, I'll add your name twice.

I'll leave this open until 5pm on Sunday 31st July.

Good luck!

14 Years....

2011-07-04T22:35:00.009+01:00

It is 4th July...American Independence Day...and my wedding anniversary! 14 years today! Hubby greeted me this morning with a lovely card and a bunch of pretty flowers.

We spent a nice day pottering around town (I can't show you my purchases yet....!), having lunch, going to the park with the kids and then out for dinner courtesy of my mother-in-law.

I also spent a little time looking through my wedding album (It's the only time I do!!) and thought I would try to take photos of my photos to share with you?!!!

It was such a lovely day and only seems like yesterday! Hope you enjoyed my little trip down memory lane.

Can You Believe It.........

2011-07-02T13:22:00.005+01:00

THE SUN IS SHINING IN NORTHERN IRELAND!!! It is actually warm enough that I have had to come inside for a few moments to cool down!! Unheard of I tell you!

The pasty, white legs have been lathered in sunscreen and are on display...kind of!

General living has moved to the garden. Blogging, sewing and reading all done in the great outdoors...well, the front lawn!

The kids are having a ball! Amy is off out with her friend. Sleepovers are fabulous things! James is enjoying his "new to him" toy....

He has also been feeling creative....

Now it's time to go back out. Sunscream has been reapplied. James did the top of my back with enough cream to cover most of the neighbourhood so no worries about sunburn there then. Even the top of my dress need not worry about sun damage!! LOL!!

Enjoy your weekend whereever you are!

The Holidays Have Arrived!!

2011-06-30T15:49:00.003+01:00

Yippee!! School is out for two LONG, GLORIOUS months and I LOVE IT!! The kids finished school today at 12:15 and don't have to darken its door until 31st August. I feel like skipping!! No early mornings, no packed lunches, no homework and no transfer tests!!! Just pure, unadulterated FREEDOM!

The next two months will be spent on day trips, longer trips, crafting, reading, playing, friends and just general all round relaxation. Nothing is set in stone except for the annual Scottish trip (I CANNOT WAIT!).

Off now to start on that relaxation thing......

Just Dropping By....

2011-06-27T19:32:00.002+01:00

to say a quick "hello"! Things are so busy here at the moment that I barely have time to breathe let alone blog! The kids are on the countdown to their summer holidays from school (2½ days to be precise!!) and my parents are here for a few days. The kids and I went down to them on the bus at the weekend so that we could come back here in the car with them ( daddy wanted a co-driver as he hasn't driven so far in a while). Life will slow down a little at the weekend and I hopefully will get caught up with you all then! Have a lovely week everyone!

The weather I wish we had...but don't!! LOL!!

2011-06-19T23:03:00.004+01:00

GO RORY GO!!!!!

Mollie Makes.....Catherine Makes....

2011-06-17T18:01:00.005+01:00

I am sure by now most of you have got your totally scrummy, highly tempting Issue 2 of Mollie Makes...

Such treats!! What to do with the free gift though? Weeeeeellllllll.......I LOVE bags so a pattern (Burda 8235) was produced from the sewing pile.

One piece of denim + one piece of left over fabric from my kaftan = New Bag!

New Bag + one free gift from Mollie Makes = Loveliness! Loveliness! Loveliness! (Well ...I think so anyway!! Hee Hee! )

Perfect for carrying my books to Book Club which I must nip off and get ready for! Have a lovely weekend!

Sun and Showers

2011-06-10T19:42:00.012+01:00

A week ago while the sun was shining for a few moments there was this......

There is a rose growing through the bramble hedge at the side of our garden. This rose came from my grandfather's garden to my dad's garden and now to mine. I love this old fashionned rose. I do not know its name but I think it is beautiful...

The kids planted these.....

Amy with her sun flower grown from seed

James planted some broad beans courtesy of the National Trust

In the house I had this.....

It made me want to make this....

Shearwater Kaftan - Sewing pattern by Make it Perfect

with this.....

Dena Designs Fabric Leanika Jardin Natural

so I did.....

HOWEVER, then there was this......

School Sports Day June 2011
It poured!!

which made me want to make this.....

This is where I have got to.....

Back done

Which season are we in now? It is hard to know!! LOL!! Mind you, it helps the variety of creativity!!

Cushion Swap

2011-06-06T13:11:00.005+01:00

I meant to write this post at the weekend but time got away on me. After all the enthusiasm for making my own stuff I was REALLY excited when the postie delivered this little gem on Friday...

This had winged its way all the way from Australia and the very talented Jess...check out her blog. It's sooooo lovely getting something that has been hand-made by someone else! You can really appreciate the work that has gone into it!

Isn't it just gorgeous?!

One problem though....who gets to keep it? Me or my very pretty and purple liking daughter? Active negotiations are ongoing.........

A BIG THANK YOU TO JESS FOR THE CUSHION
AND
TO
VIC FOR ORGANISING THE SWAP!!

Creating....

2011-06-02T10:23:00.003+01:00

This past week my fingers seem to have been constantly sewing or crocheting! It has been really lovely! Each room seems to have a little basket sitting with a project in it that is itching to be worked on, so wherever I am in the house I can indulge!

The crochet I am working on is many, many, many, many circles for a blanket. I keep them in a little tin and wherever I go, the tin also goes. It is often to be found in the car and wherever I am stopped the crochet appears (all safe though!! Mr Plod need not worry about me stopping at traffic lights to crochet....unless Peter is driving that is!! LOL!!). This project will take a long time to complete, but I am still enjoying it!

At the end of last week I ordered a skirt kit from Clothkits. I love all their skirts but have been very nervous about getting one as the thought of adding zips and lining fill me with dread. However, I thought it was time to give it a go. The service from this company is excellent. I ordered the kit Tuesday of last week, posted the cheque on Wednesday and the kit was on my doorstep on Saturday.

Even the packaging is first rate. I love the ribbon!

By Saturday evening the skirt and lining were cut out. Sunday was spent on a day trip with the family so the skirt was left until Bank Holiday Monday. The instructions were so easy to follow that I began the skirt after 3pm and had it finished by 6pm, lining and dreaded zip inserted with no problems whatsoever! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my new skirt!

Next project....No, not a big flower but new dishcloths! I was sitting one night watching TV and wanting a quick easy project. Searching through my yarn I found cotton and thought I could do with some cloths. I almost don't want to use them though! LOL!

In March I told you about a patchwork project I was starting that very day. Well, I didn't!! I took it all out of the packet, read the instructions which appeared to be written in Russian and promptly put it all away again thinking it too difficult! Weeks passed and it sat atop my dresser mocking me! It thought it had beaten me but NO! Last week, when I was feeling as though I could easily read Russian (!) I removed it from the package again and reread the instructions which it turned out were written in the simplest form of English imaginable!! How stupid had I been those previous weeks?!! The pieces were cut within an hour and I placed them to check my colours....

Now they have been assembled into little piles and the sewing has begun! Such fun! They sit in a little basket in the conservatory which is my favourite room at the moment and every time I can sneak in there for some peace and quiet I lift a few squares and sew to my heart's content! Normally I machine stitch but as this is a fairly small project I want to hand piece it! After all there is no great hurry!

Anyway, I can hear the crochet call (son is home from school sick and wants me close to hand...good excuse for me to sit!) so....

Mary Poppins: Bag Giveaway....

2011-05-27T17:36:00.002+01:00

Mary Poppins: I Got One!!!! Bag Giveaway....

Go and have a look!!

Postman's Knock

2011-05-25T14:49:00.006+01:00

Don't you just love it when you hear the door knock, you go out to the doorstep and the lovely, lovely, LOVELY postman has left one of these DARLING boxes?!!

And what was in the box? Well, first of all there was my new favourite author....Alexander McCall Smith. Now, I don't like the Ladies Detective series. I find it dull and slow, but at my Bookclub this month the girls told me that there was a Scotland series. Well, magic to my ears! As everyone who knows me is aware I LOVE ALL THINGS SCOTTISH!!! I was delighted to find the audio book of The Importance of Being Seven: 44 Scotland Street in Bargain Books and thought I would give it a go. When I was driving up and down to mum and dad's last Thursday/ Friday I listened to it and was immediately hooked! Amazon got trawled when I got home and I picked up the books below. I don't think any of them cost more than £1.75!

THEN.....when looking for the above I found another treasure which was bought purely because I COULD NOT RESIST IT! Just look.....

Have a peek inside.......

Oh! Oh! Oh!

♥ D ♥♥ I ♥♥ V ♥♥ I ♥♥ N ♥♥ E ♥

What a Difference...

2011-05-24T20:31:00.002+01:00

Not even that a day makes but just a mere few hours! The past twenty four hours has seen these shores buffetted by gale force winds with some major structural damage being done (thankfully not chez nous). Getting the kids from school yesterday felt like a major expedition as torn down branches that were littering the road had to be avoided. Walking from the car to the school gate felt like a major workout as you were pushing against the wind all the time. However, now.....it is beautifully calm, there is that lovely late evening light and the birds are filling the trees with their song! All is well with the world!

The last few days have been very busy on the whole with a few oases of calm in between. Thursday saw me travel to my parents' house for the night (they live a 2 hour drive from me). My dad had a hospital appointment on Friday at a hospital 30 miles from his home and he was unsure if he would feel up to driving home from it after they had poked and prodded a little bit. Now I have to tell you, he is 93 so the fact he was considering driving it anyway....!! My dad is an amazing man! The doctors could not believe he is 93 as he looks at least 10 years younger! He also has all his mental capabilities and was able to keep the doctor right in a few things!! Hee Hee! Anyhoos, the result of his tests were good. Any breathing issue he has is a result of the TB surgery he had 60 years ago!!!! It is not serious and does not need any treatment!

That took up most of Friday as I had the round trip with them, the wait at the hospital and then the return 2 hour drive home. Exhausted on Friday night!

Saturday was partly spent taxiing Amy to her final Brownies activity. She is now moving up (reluctantly...she LOVED Brownies) to Guides. The rest of my day was spent tidying and cleaning.

Sunday was my little oasis of calm. The kids headed off to Portrush, on the North Coast, with my brother and his family to celebrate my niece's birthday, and Peter was out playing a golf match in a local tournament. An afternoon of peace, baths, Radio 4 (catching up on the week's Women's Hour while soaking in the bath with a fabulous Face Mask on!!), crochet and a scrummy tea of Mussels, homemade bread freshly made and still warm washed down by a lovely beaker of beer! A day of DELICIOUS DELIGHTS! It was bliss!

The weekend set me up nicely for this week as it has been full on so far! Peter has entered the frantic period in work when the students are finishing up their exams, he has to mark and moderate them, listen to final year projects and then collate all the results from his degree course to present to the external examiners in a week or so's time! He is stressed so I try to carry the rest of the load for a week or two! Am I not glad I had a weekend to recharge batteries before this began in earnest!

The kids are off school on Thursday, Friday and Monday so we are looking forward to that! A little down time with maybe a few little jaunts thrown in for good measure! We'll wait and see...

Granny Spike Cushion

2011-05-17T17:55:00.002+01:00

This is mainly a picture post. Nothing much going on at present except for this!!

I wanted to try something a little different, not a lot, just a little!! Jacquie, a.k.a Bunny Mummy, had created the Granny Spike stitch so having decided to give it a whirl I followed her tutorial, found here.

I also followed her tutorial for the cushion back. You can find it here.

All in all I am thrilled with the finished product. Another cushion to add to the ever growing pile that will end up in the presently non-existent kids' playroom!

Mollie Makes

2011-05-15T21:01:00.004+01:00

My goodness! Two posts in one day! I was so excited though that I had to add this one. My friend Mags had told me about the new magazine Mollie Makes and I just had to have it!

Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh Boy! My heart has been going skippety skip all afternoon! The images, the articles....Oh my!

The free gift is gorgeous and has been completed already.....

A new home for my little phone and it is so happy to be there!!

Roll on Issue 2!!

Springhill

2011-05-15T11:41:00.005+01:00

Yesterday we visited Springhill, a National Trust property set in the heart of Northern Ireland. It was a VERY WET DAY but we didn't care. Picnic was packed and inappropriate footwear was worn and we had a GREAT time!

Let's have a look around.....

17th Century "Plantation" House - Front View

Back View

My ideal front door!!

Beautiful bluebells amongst...

Spectacularly vivid Rhododendron

The Terrace

A little hidey place to have a rest and a ponder...

The tour of the house, as usual was fascinating. The kids loved the stories of Olivia, the resident ghost!
I think Springhill will get a return visit in the not too distant future....hopefully on a dry day so we can explore the grounds a little more!

Mind you, no matter what the weather, trips out for the day ALWAYS end up with a visit to playground....!!!

Happy Punters, methinks!

Blogger!!!!

2011-05-13T18:00:00.001+01:00

Blogger has been strange! Has it been strange for anyone else? It has completely deleted my post from yesterday! Admittedly the second half was a rant but the start was quite pleasant..... LOL!!

Coffee, Cushions and a Rant!!

2011-05-12T17:56:00.001+01:00

This morning began with coffee, some chat and a little bit of hooky time with some friends. On the way home I dropped into the local supermarket to pick up a few bits and pieces and found a little favourite amongst the magazines (not that I was looking for it of course?!!!). So as my morning ended with coffee, so my afternoon began with it....

As much as I would have liked to have sat in the warmth of the conservatory with my little read ALL afternoon, I knew I had things to get on with before the kiddies came home from school and needed my attention.

Vic, over at Punky & Me, is hosting a Cushion Swap and I have been in a quandry about what I should do for it. Then I remembered I had a piece of cross stitch I had recently completed and had been unsure of what to do with it. Cross stitch + Fabric stash + buttons = Cushion Swap Cushion Cover :)

It now needs to be packed up to wing its way to Australia. I hope my swap partner likes it!

Once the school runs were done, homework had to be completed. Thankfully James' was short because Amy's was anything but!! Last year Northern Ireland officially got rid of the 11+ Transfer Test. However, the Grammar Schools were not happy with this and have created their own Transfer Test to replace the one from the Department of Education. The primary schools are not meant to be preparing the children for these tests but most of them are. Now don't get me wrong...I don't have a problem with the children being tested. We do need to have some indication of where the children are at. What makes me SO CROSS is the social snobbery that goes along with these tests. We are very blessed in this little country of ours to have FANTASTIC schools, both Grammar and Secondary. I taught in secondary schools for over 10 years and although the kids attending may not have been the academic high flyers OR in many cases from the more priveleged sections of society, but, they were on the whole hard workers and lovely kids who have gone on to do very well for themselves! The school that Amy goes to however pushes the philosophy that if you do not get a high mark in the Transfer Test you will not get into a "good" school. Her class were actually told at the start of the year that their future depended on these tests!!!!!! What rot to tell a 10 year old that they are basically a failure if they do not get to a Grammar School!! I was furious!!! My daughter is a grafter and works so hard to please but she may not be going to a Grammar School. Does that make her a failure? ABSOLUTELY NOT!! As she has been told by us, hard work is what counts! Her dad, many years ago, "failed" his 11+. He now has his Phd and is a Senior Lecturer in the University.

Tonight Peter and I have to go to a meeting about the Transfer test. I will be interested to see what is said at it. The really crazy thing is, the test is not until November!! They are already doing TWO practice papers a week in class. What will my nerves (or Amy's) be like when the actual tests take place (3 papers through November and December...best 2 marks taken)?

I have just realised that this began as quite a pleasant post and quickly turned into a LONG RANT! For that I apologise, and if you are still with me CONGRATULATIONS!! LOL!

Time to breathe and relax for a little while....

Loveliness!

2011-05-06T14:42:00.003+01:00

Before Easter I entered a giveaway at Cathy's blog, Potter Jotter and I was lucky enough to be picked! I LOVE ceramics so this was especially exciting. Today my little parcel arrived and this is what I got....

Isn't everything just lovely? I am really going to enjoy these bright and cheery little pieces! If you haven't been over to Potter Jotter you should nip over now with a cup of coffee in hand and have a little browse.....

Thanks again Cathy!

Belfast City Marathon Fun Run 2011

2011-05-02T13:53:00.002+01:00

Phew! Enjoyed that!

Giveaway

2011-04-30T22:54:00.001+01:00

Go here at Stuff 'n' Bits and check out the fabulous giveaway!

Today in Pictures

2011-04-29T14:28:00.004+01:00

If only.....

To the Baron and Baroness of Carrickfergus!

The Big Day's Here!!!!

2011-04-29T08:43:00.004+01:00

Watching avidly.......! I hope you all enjoy the day! Can't wait to hear how you all celebrate!

Congratulations to the Happy Couple!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-21T21:12:00.003+01:00

So much sunshine my toes have made an appearance......

and the kids are having a ball!

Littly is mine...Biggy belongs to my friend!

Off to my mum's for the weekend. Simnel Cake made (1st one and a little bronzed!!) for her.

Happy Easter to all! Enjoy your weekend!

Sunshine

2011-04-20T12:59:00.005+01:00

Isn't this weather just GLORIOUS! Much time has been spent outside reading, hooking and simply sitting. The joy is that now I have somewhere nice to sit. We spotted this set on Mothers' Day at Mount Stewart in the National Trust garden shop. It was looked at, oohed and aahed over and left! I came home and researched it a bit more and found that strangely the National Trust was the cheapest place to get it!☺So off we trotted back to Mount Stewart the following weekend and bought it! Yay!

I got some material from Dunelm Mill and made the cushions. I could now easily and comfortably spend all day out here.....

Front

Back

and I just may!

Enjoy your Easter! See you sometime next week!

Chaos and Craft

2011-04-15T11:10:00.003+01:00

Do you ever think the state of your mind reflects the state of your house? Well....here, this week, both are in chaos!! We are eventually changing our central heating system from oil to gas so my house feels as though it is upside down, with every room having been taken over, every door in the house open and workmen traipsing through. Although I am pleased the work is being done, it makes me very unsettled. The chaos in the house really starts to affect how I feel, so today I am edgy and not just a little fraught. I can't leave the house for obvious reasons, yet there is little I can get on with!
Easter holidays from school start today so that adds to the mix as will the extra children I am looking after tomorrow night (my two nieces and their other cousin)!
Anyways...to stop moaning (sorry folks!)....

I did sit down this morning and finish a project I had started a while ago. This cushion is for the kids playroom when it takes shape later in the year. I backed the crochet with denim and made a red cushion for the inside. I thought a bit of colour would be nice peeking through the crochet. Odd buttons were put on the back for decoration. Please excuse the quality of the photos (taken on my phone!). Someday I may invest in a good camera....maybe....

After all my moans, I AM looking forward to the school holidays. It has been a LONG term and we are all in need of rest and some quality family fun time. Visits will be made to grandparents, picnics will be made and consumed and some trips will be organised and enjoyed. Mainly, though, there will be lazy mornings and NO SCHOOL RUNS! What could be better than that?!

Have a lovely weekend!

A Weekend Full of Promise

2011-04-08T17:25:00.004+01:00

The sun is shining and the weekend is waiting. Time to be spent with family, time to have fun, time to rest in the sunshine and maybe even a little time browsing in a garden centre with a cup of coffee......Who knows what the weekend will bring? I am certainly looking forward to it....

Mother's Day

2011-04-04T18:31:00.010+01:00

Breakfast in bed...followed by cards and pressies...

From James

From Amy

The inside of Amy's Card

James's masterpiece on the left and Amy's masterpiece on the right

A new mug and a new book

Off out for the first picnic of the year......

The plan had been to eat outside but.....weather sunny but decidedly nippy so retreated to the car!!

Presents whilst sitting in the car

Our view of Strangford Lough...

On the shoreline

On to Mount Stewart, an absolutely fabulous National Trust property.....

Not the best photo in the world!! LOL!!

A rather fancy dovecote

Travelling in style

A view over their lake to Tír na nÓg (the family burial ground)

A swan nesting

Partner returning home?

The formal gardens....

The Red Hand of Ulster shaped with tulips

Posing!!!

The grounds....

Nature Study...counting the rings (over 100!)

The rhododendrons just starting to bloom.....They are EVERYWHERE at this property!

Tucked in behind the trees...so enchanting!

My favourite people! (Even the one who decided NOT to smile!! LOL!!)

Mother's Day....3rd April 2011....a PERFECT day! I couldn't have asked for better! Thank you so so so much Peter, Amy and James! I LOVE Y♥U more than you will ever know!

Where do you craft?

2011-03-31T12:28:00.004+01:00

This little pile of squares has grown over the last few months. My initial intention was to make a "patchwork" throw for my bed with them......BUT.....I have no patience whatsoever and decided it was going to be a much smaller project. I have enough made to make a large cushion for the kids playroom (which doesn't exist yet...by the end of the summer it might!!!) so yesterday decided to make a start at joining them.

I had begun to do this at home but the great thing about crochet.....it travels!! The school run is a favourite place to take it. If I have time to spare I go a little early, get a fairly decent parking space, switch on some Radio 4, sip some coffee and whip out the project.

Once the squares are together I will look for some pretty, colourful fabric to back it with. Needless to say, I am excited and VERY impatient to see the finished article!!

Back to my title though. Where do you craft? I would love to hear about all the usual and not so usual places......

A Sunny Day

2011-03-26T18:58:00.006Z

ANOTHER gorgeous day! Can you believe the week we have had? Much of mine has been spent in the garden. I am by no means green fingered and most of our garden is just lawn, but we do have one flower bed which hubby created a while ago using old railway sleepers. The soil is TERRIBLE! Heavy, heavy clay! So I spent a lot of this week trying to create a slighty better environment for at least SOME plants to survive in!

The green that seems to flourish.....weeds!!

A bit better!

Although I am very definitely NOT a gardener I can see why people wax lyrical about it. The smell of the soil, the feel of the fresh air and oh the sounds....! I had been prepared to bring my radio outside with me but as I worked without it I listened to the sounds of trains and traffic in the far distance and the more insistent bird sounds close to me, and I felt totally at peace. I could have stayed in this little cocoon for ever!

Today after a little bulb planting with the kiddies I decided it was time to get out and about. The kids and I drove about 25 minutes from here and ended up in one of my favourite places....Brown's Bay (where Peter proposed to me many years ago! ♥). I love it here. On a clear day (today was misty over the Irish Sea) Scotland is so visible that cars can be seen glinting in the distance. We went for a walk around the headland and chatted and played. It was just lovely! Precious us time! No interruptions from the outside world! Bliss!

The ferry to Scotland....Oh to be on it!

The coconutty smell....BEAUTIFUL!

On the way home we stopped for ice-cream (them!) and coffee (me!) at a "famous" ice-cream shop..The Rinkha. Ohhhh! The temptation!!!

A perfect day! Now back to the real world....

A to Z Of Me

2011-03-24T11:52:00.005Z

I saw this over on Sophie's Blog Chez Sophie and thought I would join in.

A. Age: 39 Years ....another 10 months until 40

B. Bed size: Double, covered with Kingsize quilts

C. Chore you dislike: Not sure if I like ANY of them!!

D. Dogs: None...too much work!

E. Essential start to your day: Cuddles from my kiddies

F. Favourite colour: Green

G. Gold or silver: Silver (except for my Wedding Ring)

H. Height: 5ft 2”

I. Instruments you play(ed): Piano and trying to learn clarinet

J. Job: Mummy!

K. Kids: 2 gorgeous "little" people....Amy (10) and James (6)

L. Live: Northern Ireland...just on the outskirts of Belfast on the shores of Belfast Lough

M. Mum’s name: Sarah...but known as Sadie
N. Nicknames: None

O. Overnight hospital stays: Just having my babies

P. Pet peeves: Bad manners

Q. Quote from a movie:

"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address. On the other hand, this not knowing has its charms"

R. Righty or lefty: Righty

S. Siblings: 1 older Brother

T. Time you wake up: Between 7 and 7.30am

U. Underwear: Pretty but comfy

V. Vegetables you don’t like: Not fond of carrots unless they are hidden in something!

W. What makes you run late: Children!!

X. X-rays you’ve had: Teeth, wrists, ankle and chest!!!

Y. Yummy food you make: Scones

Z. Zoo animal favourites: Lemurs

2011-03-22T18:29:00.002Z

Look what I got! Many thanks to Gill from Gillyflower! If you haven't been over to see her yet, nip over now!! ☺

Now, I have to pick 5 blogs and pass this on! DIFFICULT!!!!! I LOVE all the blogs I visit so I am going to pick randomly.

Coco Rose Textiles
Marmalade Rose
Michelle Made This
Miss Sew & So
Pink Milk

Enjoy your browsing! ♥

An Allsorts Sort of Day

2011-03-20T10:05:00.007Z

Yesterday began as a lovely little day. James had gone off with a friend and his family to Exploris, a local sealife centre, and my girl and I nipped down to our local coffee shop for a nice quiet cuppa. We sat quietly and read and it was bliss.

Next stop was the local garden centre. I love having a browse around here. There is lots of inspiration. Unfortunately, I am not particularly green fingered when it comes to outdoor gardening, but plants ARE beginning to survive a little longer than usual indoors! LOL! I picked up a pretty white geranium for my kitchen windowsill. It's strange how my attitude to geraniums has changed over the years. I used to think they were really old fashionned (and not in a good way!! LOL!!). Now, I have quite a fondness for them!

I also picked up this....

I have a weakness for jugs and this one is perfect for my workroom. The artificial flowers I got to go into it finish the look. I didn't want real flowers for here as I am not in this room every day and wouldn't get to enjoy them for what short life they have.

Once we got home and hubby left for his therapy of the week....golf.....I pottered around a little, tidying up, prepping the dinner in the slow cooker and finally putting the last pieces from the kitchen back into the cupboards that had been fixed earlier in the week.

Amy was content watching The Princess Diaries so I headed to my workroom and finally, after quite a break from it, made some cards!!

It was lovely...

except for...

the heart palpitations....

that WOULD NOT STOP!!

For the past month or so I have had a dreadful cold that settled in my chest about a fortnight ago. After one course of antibiotics failed to clear the chest infection, I called with the doctor during the week, who put me on a different course of antibiotics and a steroid. When the heart palpitations started I wondered if it was a side affect of the steroid. The page that came with them did not enlighten me and after a few hours of it I was beginning to panic a little. I phoned the out of hours doc for advice. She said I had to go to the hospital IMMEDIATELY!! I was also told to stay calm....AS IF!!!! Hubby duly rushed me there having dropped the kids off to my MIL. The next three hours were spent hooked up to monitors, having bloods taken and x-rays done. Final outcome....apparently I am as healthy as a trout!!!! They don't know why I am having these sensations as my heart test showed a perfectly normal ryhthm. The doctor did say though that I was on an unknown set up of steroids for him and a particularly strong dose of them?! I have to check with my GP tomorrow. Until then...my heart continues its merry little fluttering. A bit frightening but....

Anyhows, to finish on a merrier note. Hubby has let me have a lie in today and has brought me my breakfast in bed. There is an upside to everything! ♥

2011-03-18T14:26:00.000Z

Praying and thinking of the people of Japan.

Happy St.Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T00:01:00.001Z

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

HAPPY ST.PATRICK'S DAY!

A Go Slow Sort of Day

2011-03-15T12:40:00.004Z

Do you ever get days like this? When you know there are things to be done, none of them particularly arduous, but you just can't seem to get into gear and get them done? Well, today is one of those days.

We were to have had a meeting with the architect this morning to discuss the final plans for our mini building work but this had to be postponed....and it has knocked my day completely off balance!! LOL!!

Yesterday the doors on some of my kitchen units were replaced. I am really pleased with how they look now. However, to get this done I had to empty all my cupboards, the contents of which are now in my dining room. I quite enjoy rearranging cupboards, decluttering and filling up again, but today.....

I did think I might go into Belfast and have a wee poke around one of my favourite shops...Avoca...but with cupboards to refill I thought that might not prove to be a good idea!! Too much temptation and a purse that might not be able to stretch that far!!

So....deep breath, boost of caffeine to the system and off I go.....well, in just a minute or so....

New Project

2011-03-11T16:40:00.000Z

My latest project......

Aren't the colours fabulous? I picked up the kit a couple of years ago and like many others it has sat at the bottom of a bag since then. I decided it was finally time to bring it into the light of day. Amy loves the colours so I am going to sew it for her room which is going to get a new look in the next few months. It's a while since I had a project like this so I am looking forward to it. I'll let you know how I get on. What is everyone else working on?

Colour and Cakes

2011-03-09T20:29:00.005Z

This week began with Amy going off with her class from school on a three day residential trip to Corrymeela. The house is quieter and just a little strange without her! She was soooooo excited going and I am sure she is having an absolute ball trying all the different outdoor activities. She is so much braver than her mummy and is willing to give all them all a go!

Today began for me with a little trip out to meet friends at the local coffee shop. This routine is a vital part of my day. The staff know me so well they have my coffee poured and my toast in the toaster before I walk in the door!! Sad, but true!! LOL!! After a short chat though it was time for the rest of my day to take off.

Tesco was visited and I was glad to pick up some colour to add to the house...

There is nothing quite like a lovely, full bunch of daffodils. They instantly cheer!

I also picked up this little beauty for only £5!! The colours of the flowers are beautiful but just look at the GORGEOUS little basket they came in.

New reading material was also gathered, along with the new copy of 25 Beautiful Homes. I am looking for inspiration as minor renovations are going to begin on our house in the next month or so. More details of this as they unfold.....

By the way, I did also do what I was meant to do whilst in Tesco....the grocery shopping!!! The lovelies picked up along the way though made this part of it more bearable!! LOL!!

When James came home from school and homework was done, he decided he wanted to make a chocolate cake and who would I be to argue with such a splendid idea! Unfortunately, I can never do a taste test as I think a cake such as this would completely blow any attempt at staying within my limit for Slimming World!

Some shortbread biscuits were also baked for hubby who loves them!

And what way am I finishing my night? Am I delving into my new reading material? Am I getting the opportunity to indulge in some hooky time?

No.....this is the what I am doing...

Watching my all time favourite football team do battle with Milan.....

COME ON YOU SPURS!!!

Dolly Giveaway!

2011-03-03T19:23:00.002Z

Isn't she gorgeous! Click here to read about this very exciting giveaway!

Time Out!

2011-03-03T12:49:00.003Z

(Unfortunately not a view of my garden)

As I type I am sitting on my doorstep in the sunshine and relative warmth, eating my lunch. It is just lovely!

Today has had a very gentle and pleasant start. Once the school run was over I nipped out to TKMaxx. Yesterday I had seen pale blue LeCreuset soup bowls whilst there but had not bought them. Those little bowls and their very cute little lids have tormented since. I went to sleep thinking about them and woke this morning thinking about them!! They just had to be mine....and now they are!! Yay!!!

Feeling very jubilant about my little purchase I stopped off at my local coffee shop and had a cuppa with my friend. For those who know me I can wile away quite a few hours in my corner seat but today wasn't one of those days. I had a chat with Darren who works there about the restoration of his VW camper van (envious!) and then spent a little while with my friend.

Before leaving for work this morning hubby put in an order for some more cupcakes. These have been duly baked but not yet decorated. Flakemeal biscuits (his favourite) are in the oven baking at the moment. I think I just may have resurrected my love of baking! Twice in one week!

Once the kids are home from school and homeworks are done I hope to cut out the fabric for a little project which I will tell you about later. As for now I had better go and get the biscuits before they become Cajun biscuits!!!

Have a lovely day!

It feels like Spring.....

2011-03-01T11:16:00.004Z

Today is about the following....

Sunshine and colour on my doorstep.....

The anticipation of buds about to bloom and add colour to my rooms.....

A little reading material, lots of inspiration........

Some baking, ready for my little people coming home from school.....

And what else is lovely about today......

A load of washing flapping gently outside....

Radio 4 quietly in the background....

Copious mugs of coffee......

And doing the school run on foot for a change!!

Spring....I do HEART you!!!

Let it Snow....I think NOT!

2010-12-21T13:12:00.005Z

I have had enough of this winter 'wonderland'. Time for good familiar old rain! I will NEVER complain about it again (well..maybe a little!! LOL!)

We have had a lot of snow with temperatures falling to around -10°C. We had planned to visit my parents for Christmas on Sunday past but the mountain and the roads between here and there were treacherous. It has reached -18°C with them!!

The lane to our house has been covered in snow and when we went to dig it out yesterday there was a layer of ice an inch thick underneath. We cleared it and have the sore shoulders to prove it!! LOL! I have never enjoyed a bath as much as the one I had last night!

The kids have now "officially" finished for Christmas. They have had a couple of snow days off as the school could not open but the official holidays started at lunch time today! They are now getting very much into the Christmas spirit with old movies being watched, decorations being made and helping with some Christmas baking. Before they finished school James had his performance as the donkey in the Nativity play and Amy sang with the school choir at the Carol Service and then took part in some carol singing at the local coffee shop.

I completed the Christmas sewing I had to do and am now thinking out a patchwork wall hanging for Amy's room as we will be redecorating it sometime in the new year. It's fun at the planning stage!

Off now to get the Cranberry Sauce made and get some yummy cooks baked. If I don't get a chance before, have a wonderful Christmas time everyone and a happy and healthy 2011! Stay warm!

Crafting Mojo returns!!

2010-12-11T17:17:00.002Z

My crafting mojo is back!! A very pleasant afternoon was spent at the sewing machine. A Christmas present has been completed and I am VERY happy with the result. Let's hope the recipient is pleased :)

Photos will follow after Christmas just in case......

A Christmas List

2010-12-11T01:58:00.003Z

I saw this over on Floss' blog and thought I would give it a go.....

1. Hot Chocolate or apple cider?

Hot chocolate

2. Turkey or Ham?

Both.....Can't have one without the other!!

3. Do you get a fake or real-you-cut-it-yourself Christmas tree?

Fake.....So it can go up at the start of December

4. Decorations on the outside of your house?

A wreath on my front door and a Santa Stop Here sign in the garden

5. Snowball fights or sleddin’?

Neither...I DETEST snow!!

6. Do you enjoy going downtown shopping?
Yes....but I like to get it done early before the Christmas rush

7. Favorite Christmas song?

A tie between "In The Bleak Mid Winter" and Bing Crosby singing "White Christmas" (even if I hate snow!! LOL!!)

8. How do you feel about Christmas movies?

Love them!

9. When is it too early to start listening to Christmas music?

November

10. Stockings before or after presents?

Before....as soon as we wake up!

11. Go to someone else’s house or they come to you?

My in-laws come to us

12. Do you read the Christmas Story? If so when?

Throughout the Christmas season

13. What do you do after presents and dinner?

Play with toys, watch TV and sleep!

14. What is your favorite holiday smell?

Cinnamon and ginger

15. Ice skating or walking around the mall?

The mall! I value my limbs being intact!

16. Do you open a present or presents on Christmas Eve, or wait until Christmas day?

Christmas Day in the afternoon, after dinner

17. Favorite Christmas memory?
Waking up and rushing down to see what Santa had brought! My childhood Christmas' are full of treasured memories. I hope I can recreate something of them for MY children!

18. Favorite Part about winter?
Curtains drawn, the fire lit, a good book and a large cup of coffee

19. Ever been kissed under mistletoe?

Wouldn't that be telling?!!!

Now you give it a go:
1. Hot Chocolate or apple cider?
2. Turkey or Ham?
3. Do you get a fake or real-you-cut-it-yourself Christmas tree?
4. Decorations on the outside of your house?
5. Snowball fights or sleddin’?
6. Do you enjoy going downtown shopping?
7. Favorite Christmas song?
8. How do you feel about Christmas movies?
9. When is it too early to start listening to Christmas music?
10. Stockings before or after presents?
11. Go to someone else’s house or they come to you?
12. Do you read the Christmas Story? If so when?
13. What do you do after presents and dinner?
14. What is your favorite holiday smell?
15. Ice skating or walking around the mall?
16. Do you open a present or presents on Christmas Eve, or wait until Christmas day?
17. Favorite Christmas memory?
18. Favorite Part about winter?
19. Ever been kissed under mistletoe?

Advent

2010-11-30T10:39:00.002Z

Advent 1955
John Betjemen

The Advent wind begins to stir
With sea-like sounds in our Scotch fir,
It's dark at breakfast, dark at tea,
And in between we only see
Clouds hurrying across the sky
And rain-wet roads the wind blows dry
And branches bending to the gale
Against great skies all silver pale
The world seems travelling into space,
And travelling at a faster pace
Than in the leisured summer weather
When we and it sit out together,
For now we feel the world spin round
On some momentous journey bound -
Journey to what? to whom? to where?
The Advent bells call out 'Prepare,
Your world is journeying to the birth
Of God made Man for us on earth.'

And how, in fact, do we prepare
The great day that waits us there -
For the twenty-fifth day of December,
The birth of Christ? For some it means
An interchange of hunting scenes
On coloured cards, And I remember
Last year I sent out twenty yards,
Laid end to end, of Christmas cards
To people that I scarcely know -
They'd sent a card to me, and so
I had to send one back. Oh dear!
Is this a form of Christmas cheer?
Or is it, which is less surprising,
My pride gone in for advertising?
The only cards that really count
Are that extremely small amount
From real friends who keep in touch
And are not rich but love us much
Some ways indeed are very odd
By which we hail the birth of God.

We raise the price of things in shops,
We give plain boxes fancy tops
And lines which traders cannot sell
Thus parcell'd go extremely well
We dole out bribes we call a present
To those to whom we must be pleasant
For business reasons. Our defence is
These bribes are charged against expenses
And bring relief in Income Tax
Enough of these unworthy cracks!
'The time draws near the birth of Christ'.
A present that cannot be priced
Given two thousand years ago
Yet if God had not given so
He still would be a distant stranger

And not the Baby in the manger.

A PJ Day

2010-11-01T09:45:00.002Z

It's the last day of the half term break and we are taking it easy. James is recovering from a really horrible cold and we decided that today would be a day for cuddling up around the fire, watching lots of TV and maybe if we can be bothered, playing a few games!

Days like this happen so rarely in this house that I am really savouring this one. The kids are little for such a short period of time and there will come a day when they will want to be doing other things with other people. So for now...cuddle up....

Better Late than Never

2010-10-30T21:07:00.004+01:00

I know I promised I would be back and then didn't deliver. I am sorry. Life just has a habit of getting in the way of blogging!! LOL!

Since the summer ended and Autumn began with full steam, school, the kids and their activities have pretty much taken over.

Amy is in her second last year of primary school and I cannot believe how thick and fast the homeworks are coming. They have really ramped up the pressure. The old 11+ transfer test was "abolished" here a year ago, but the grammar schools didn't accept this and have set their own tests. The schools, although not officially meant to, are still gearing all their work towards these tests. The pressure that this is putting on the kids is terrible (never mind the parents). Although Amy will be given the opportunity to try them, we are really playing down their importance. She is working her very hardest and will go the school that will best suit her....when the time comes!

James is really really enjoying his P2 year. It is such a joy to see his progress, particularly the relative ease that he appears to have with his reading. He is reading EVERYTHING!! As a bookworm, I love to see that he has apparently got the bug too!

They both have their after school activities. Amy has joined the school choir and is heavily involved with the Brownies. James has started swimming lessons and loves going out to Boys Brigade. (I want to get a Neon "Mum's Taxi" for the top of the car!!)

Unfortuately I am going through a very non-crafty phase at the moment. I am not really feeling inspired! The only things I have created are cards that have been requested. I did join a Scrapbooking class which I get to occasionally, but it ca be hit and miss.

I mentionned a very long time ago that I was on a weight loss "regime". This really has become a bit of an obsession. The weight is nearly on target (just 2 more pounds and I will have lost 4 stone!!) so now I am pretty much on to maintenance. I have probably become quite boring (TOUGH!!!) but I am fairly addicted now to exercise (something I never thought I'd claim!! LOL!). I joined the local gym, am trying to incorporate running into my week, and I am starting swimming lessons on Wednesday! I can swim BADLY and am frightened of being out of my depth. The lessons are to develop my confidence and stamina....I hope! Just to bore you further, here are my before and after photos....

The kids are now off on half term. We have had a lovely week pottering around and generally relaxing. The treat was going to see "Despicable Me". I was dubious beforehand but have to grudgingly admit I LOVED it! It was very clever and very, very funny!

Amy then went with her cousin to visit granny and granda. They have been there a few days now and we are looking forward to travelling down tomorrow to visit and bring Amy home again. Monday will be spent relaxing at home and then back to school on Tuesday and the start of the routine again.

I hope you all have a lovely Halloween break!

Autumn Return

2010-09-10T23:15:00.002+01:00

I am coming back....slowly.....but surely!

I am going to blog again.....

I am going to craft again....the knitting needles have crept out of their hiding place....

I have missed you...

On the Countdown!

2010-07-04T17:09:00.006+01:00

First things first....Happy 4th July to my American friends and most especially Happy Anniversary to my dearly beloved! 13 years today! Time has flown by and I wouldn't change a minute of it!

We have been having a lovely little day. We were meant to be child free as both my kids were to go to my mum and dad's for a few days, but alas, James thought better of it and came home with me again. Not quite the anniversary I had planned but still lovely!! :o)

I began my day with breakfast in bed with my two men (!!) and after church it was off out to a lovely lunch and then a rather stormy drive around the coast, narrowly missing blowing branches! We did stop for ice cream for the men and a coffee for me!

Since we came in I have moved into countdown mode. ONLY 6 DAYS TO GO!! SCOTLAND HERE WE COME!

The house has to be cleaned thoroughly before I go as my brother and sister in law are coming to stay while we are away. Can't having them find any dust behind the furniture if they should choose to look! LOL!!

Washing also has to be up to date so I can begin thinking of packing. Lists have been made for what to bring and I am starting to put things aside.

Actually reading this is making it look as though I am packing for a major expedition to Outer Mongolia where I will be lacking all conveniences and supplies!! You would think after all these years of going to the same place I would have finally learnt how to pack light, BUT NO, Catherine feels she has to pack the car with ALL HER WORLDLY GOODS!
Ah well, as long as there's room for the little bits of shopping that may just been done here, here (it hasn't made it to Northern Ireland yet!!), here and here!!

What I am really looking forward to though is time with Peter and the kids, drinking in the views and some relaxation, reading and hooky time with copious amounts of coffee thrown in! And maybe, just maybe...a little sunshine thrown into the mix!

It's About Time....

2010-06-16T21:10:00.004+01:00

I wrote something!!! I have been lurking for the last few weeks....too pooped to even comment. I am sorry for visiting everyone and not staying to "talk", but I have REALLY enjoyed the visits, especially soaking up everyone's creativity(mine has got lost somewhere in the ether!!).

Does everyone else find this time of year incredibly busy? Maybe it's the sunshine and the increased energy means I see more that needs to be done? I love the fact we can be outside doing whatever needs done, the kids can be out playing and we can just enjoy....being!

I have also been really hard at work with the weight loss "programme". I have joined the gym in the nearby uni as they were offering a membership deal for the summer....3 months for £30. Now I usually find the gym a bit tedious but I am making a really big effort this time and am pleased with the results.

I began my weight loss on 1st February 2010 and weighed in at 13stone 10 pounds with a BMI of 35.1 (I am only 5' 2"). I was "comfortably" wearing a size 18, but feeling as though I could have moved up a size. Not a pleasant place to be!

As of Monday (14th June 2010) I am now 11 stone 3 pounds, with a BMI of 28.6, and am comfortably in size 14 trousers and a size 12 top with an occasional size 10!! I am over the moon with the progress so far. Just a bit more to go and I will be a very happy bunny!

My diet has improved dramatically, but although I hate to say it, exercise has been the key! I find it difficult to stay motivated and sometimes need encouraged to do it but it has made a huge difference to my shape. (Actually the sore bum I have today because of a bike ride yesterday had better be worth it!!!! LOL!!!).

As for everything else, the kids are cruising along towards their summer holidays. I can't believe that it is only two weeks today until they finish school for TWO months. They are looking forward to it, as am I. We all enjoy ditching the routine for a little while.

It also means we are on the countdown to our annual trip to Scotland. Everyone is looking forward to it but I think I am worse than everyone else!! I am literally crossing off the days on the calendar!!

The next few months blogging will be sporadic but I will try and pop by from time to time to catch up with everyone.

Have a fabulous summer, enjoy the sunshine and stay healthy!!

A Weekend of Bliss!

2010-05-28T12:26:00.004+01:00

Off here for a night away with the girls.....

Then here for dinner tomorrow night....

And finishing our girlie weekend at the Grand Opera House, Belfast with this...

Can't wait! Will tell all next week!!

Blogaversary!

2010-05-28T00:01:00.002+01:00

Come on in and join me for a piece of Blogaversary cake!!

2 years today at Kids and Capers.

Finally found my niche.

Thank you for making my wee blog home such a warm and friendly place to be!

Done!

2010-05-18T14:12:00.003+01:00

Work out done.....

Shower needed....

Water needed....

Oxygen needed...

I'm DONE!!

A Cath Kidston Sort Of Day!

2010-05-17T20:05:00.007+01:00

Once dinner was over tonight I decided to get a little sewing done. As I told you on Saturday I got Cath Kidston's Sew! book that included the bits and pieces needed to make a shoulder bag and I have been itching to get underway with it. It really was very easy to put together as all the pieces came precut! No patterns to work with! The only thing I did a little differently was to line the bag. I felt it would make it a little sturdier. I had bright pink fabric with polka dots that complimented the Cath Kidston fabric really well. Here is the finished product...

What made it a complete Cath Kidston Day was the arrival of this...

The postie must have delivered it earlier in the day when I was out. My neighbours kindly took it in and then brought it over tonight whilst I was sewing my bag!!

In the parcel I had got a little sewing kit to keep in the car and to bring on holiday with us (I just liked it really!!).

I love the print on the shoes.....

Also in the parcel though was a pressie from my mum and dad. My dad has always been worried about my weight so he is THRILLED that it finally seems to be disappearing! As of the weekend, when I placed the order, I have lost 2 stone and 1 pound!!! I was told by my dad that once I could fit into a Size 12 dress he would buy it for me!! PAY UP DADDY!!!!!!!

Had to take a "bloggy feet" picture but my ankles haven't quite caught on to the weight loss thing yet (!!) and if you look too closely you'll see I need to defuzz!! LOL!

Cath Kidston is very polite and adds one of these pretties to the parcel...

You are most welcome Cath, most welcome!!

Retail Therapy

2010-05-15T20:30:00.009+01:00

As I said in a previous post during the week, it has been a very trying week. Last Monday both my inlaws went into a care home to give them (and us) two weeks of respite. It was a very difficult day, emotions were running high, and they continued in that vein most of the week. The care home is about a 25 minute drive from here and EVERY day I received a call from my m-i-l asking for something to be brought to her. There were a few days when the trip had to be made twice. I didn't mind when it was important, such as a call for certain medication to be got and brought there, but there were a few calls when the requests were really rather trivial. My m-i-l has a very kind heart but she is VERY demanding and things when done for her are usually not right!

As well as this, James had two appointments this week. One was with the Orthoptist. This usually is not a problem but this visit she had to put drops in his eyes. Not a pleasant experience for anyone to have done, but he reacted very badly and took a little while to get composed!

On Friday he was to have a tooth removed due to an abscess. Have a guess how that went.....?!!
Needless to say the tooth fairy did not have a reason to visit, the tooth is still in place and a referral has been made for him to have it removed at the hospital under General Anaesthetic!! I dread it!!

So Saturday dawned and we were determined it was going to be a GOOD DAY. It was!

We began at Coffee Bean Deli for breakfast. The kids chittered to each other and Peter and I relaxed over lovely coffee and the morning newspapers.

Then it was off to the library. The kids browsed and borrowed a few books and I took out the following....

Not Tonight Darling, I'm Knitting Betsy Hosegood
Mr Rosenblum's List Natasha Solomons
Cleaving Julie Powell
The Future Homemakers of America Laurie Graham (Audiobook)

Peter went off to golf after that and the kids and I decided to take good old public transport and go into Belfast on the bus and indulge in some SHALLOW BUT PLEASING retail therapy!

Avoca is one of my favourite shops in town. Their clothes are beautiful...to look at! They are just a touch too expensive! However they also sell the most GORGEOUS homeware. I already have the button mugs and love to browse the rest of the range. Today was mostly "sensible" stuff though! A Greengate washing up brush, a Greengate teatowel (you can never have too many!! LOL!), some Avoca soap and some Rice scouring pads.

The kids then enjoyed browsing in Build-a-Bear and the Disney Store. A little bit of pocket money was spent! I got a little bit of reading material....

When we got home a parcel from Amazon was sitting so some sewing will have to be done!!!

Tea is now over, kids are ready-ish for bed, and I am sitting doing this and planning a night of reading with the following in hand.....

A lovely end to the week! Bliss!

Great Apron Swap 2010

2010-05-14T14:12:00.006+01:00

Brenda's parcel arrived on my doorstep today!!!! Oh be still my beating heart!! Such excitement knowing there was going to be loveliness inside!

I tried! I really, really, really tried to take my time opening it but I JUST COULDN'T! Look at what fell out of the package! Isn't it LOVELY! Thank you so much Brenda! The style of the apron is just as I like it and I really love the colours and fabric.

Do you see the detail? A combination of two of my favourite things....yo yos and buttons!

I have really enjoyed my swaps. Eagerly awaiting the next!

Goodies!

2010-05-12T13:13:00.007+01:00

I am SOOOO EXCITED!!!! Look what was sitting on my doorstep at lunchtime when I arrived home....

As I had been driving to my house I had been making plans for the next little while before I had the school runs to do, but, OH MY were they soon forgotten! Tunnel vision was all I had! Space was cleared and the parcel was ~~ripped open~~, read that as opened with care!

LOOK at what was inside! Christmases and Birthdays had all been rolled into one! Red ribbon was holding together this lovely fabric and handmade card.

The ribbon was untied and look at all the pretty little parcels that rolled out.

It seemed a shame to open them BUT I DID!!!! The loveliness seemed endless...ribbons, fabric squares, pieces of fabric, a fantastic bag pattern (Sophie must be a kindred spirit and just know that I LOVE bags!) and buttons!

The icing on the cake though was the BUNTING! Isn't it beautiful?! Again, I think there must have been some mind reading going on!! Even today I had almost stopped at the fabric shop to browse some fabric to make....bunting! Now I don't need to as it has been so beautifully done for me!

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You for being my fabric swap partner, Sophie! You have brought SUNSHINE into what has been a very trying week. My mind is now awash with ideas and I can't wait to get cracking on them!

Chaos!

2010-05-04T21:24:00.003+01:00

The Bank Holiday 'holiday' is over for the kids tomorrow. Back to school for them tomorrow. Unfortuately, for them, it hasn't been a great Spring Break. After Amy's successful tea party on Saturday and a nice enough start to Sunday, it all went a little pear shaped.

James developed the toothache and was generally out of sorts from Sunday. Of course being the bank holiday getting a dentist was like trying to find the proverbial hen's teeth!! The Emergency number of our dental practice was not being answered and when I did get them this morning, was told he would have to wait until Thursday. A long time for anyone with toothache but particularly a little 5 year old boy! ( To top it all, he spent today with a sickie tummy! This thankfully has gone as shown by the fact the incessant chitter has started again! LOL!)

On Sunday, because of the beautiful weather we decided to go to a local garden centre which was having a Garden Party complete with brass band! It sounded lovely and there was a lovely atmosphere with everyone pottering around the plants BUT.......we had brought the in laws and where they go drama is sure to follow!! (Do I sound bitter? Sorry!!). As we got into the car my mother in law bumped her shin on a door handle. The bump rose but did not bleed. However, she seemed in a lot of pain while there and when she got home it got worse. She was advised to go to A&E. So....I went and looked after Papa with the kids and Peter took his mum to the hospital. By this point the leg really was in bad shape and now is arrayed in a large amount of dressings and bandages (They said it will take up to 6 weeks to heal?!!!). By 3:30am they got home with the instructions to be back at the hospital the next morning!! So we were back up and out before 9am.

Guess what we spent the rest of the glorious sunny Bank Holiday doing.......SLEEPING!!!!!

Have I moaned enough? I think so too.

I will end on a positive note.....my Fabric Addict Swap parcel has been posted!!! AND this afternoon an apron was made and the parcel for the Apron Swap 2010 is sitting ready for Mr Postie tomorrow!

Tea Parties and Birthday Parties

2010-05-02T13:31:00.004+01:00

Niqi's birthday celebrations continued all week, moving to Coffee Bean Deli, our local and favourite place!

Niqi in her birthday present!!

Niqi's cake baked by Lorna in the shape of Niqi's dog Blanco

Yesterday the celebrations continued here as Amy hosted a birthday tea party for Niqi. Another birthday cake was made (!), cupcakes were made by Mags, and the banner was hung!

Amy's gift for Niqi..handmade by her fair self!

Our hostess...Amy

Birthdays are wonderful things! Time now to draw breath and collect ideas for the next one in July. Nudge nudge Mags...it could be yours!!

An Award!

2010-04-29T14:26:00.002+01:00

Thank you ever so much to Miss Prudence! I am very chuffed! I really enjoy reading her blog! Now I have to pick 12 people and pass on the award....not easy....there are so many that I don't want to have to leave anyone out!! So...I have closed my eyes and chosen the first twelve my eye falls on!!

1. Helen at Crafty Helen @ Home
2. Juicy Fig
3. Karen The English Writer
4. Mags at Fraise Lachrymose
5. Funky Monkey
6. Frugal Queen
7. Lucy in Attic24
8. Jacquie Bunny Mummy
9. Lesley at Notes From My Days
10. Katy Noelle In The Sunny Spot
11. Nicole at Dots N Stripes
12. Sarah at Red Gingham

Phew! That was a most difficult task! Actually the Sunshine Award goes to ALL the blogs I follow! :o)

Baking and a Birthday

2010-04-28T15:55:00.002+01:00

Can you believe I had never made a cake from scratch until now? No? Neither did my friends!! LOL! I have made them using packet mixes and I do make a torte from scratch, but I am more of a savoury cook than a sweet one!! However..last night I decided to take the bull by the horns and try to bake one all by myself!! Wasn't I the brave one?!!
My friend Mags gave me the recipe for a Buttermilk chocolate cake taken from Darina Allen's Forgotten Skills of Cooking. It was really simple and according to the bowl licking crew, very tasty!
The reason for this cooking frenzy? My friend Niqi's birthday. On Saturday, Amy, is hosting another tea party, this time for Niqi's birthday. Instead of buying a cake which is what I usually do I decided I would make one but I had to make a trial one first, hence, yesterday's activity.
Hopefully the second attempt, which will happen on Saturday morning, will be a success too!

Now, off to help with homework, make tea, get Amy sorted for Brownies and then start on Brenda's apron for the Great Apron Swap 2010!

Ulster American Folk Park

2010-04-26T20:08:00.011+01:00

We made it to the Ulster American Folk Park on Saturday with my mum and had a lovely afternoon there. I apologise now as this will be a photo heavy post! We examined the needlecraft exhibition first and then wandered around the houses in the park. Unfortunately I didn't get any photos of the States but my phone died just before we got on the boat!! (Actually if you put the Folk Park into Google Images there are really fab pictures!)

Needlecraft exhibition

The Park

My ancestral heritage...The forge
My mum grew up with her uncle and aunt who were blacksmiths, as were another uncle and aunt

Weaver's Cottage

Mellon Homestead...Ancestral home of Thomas Mellon, founder of Mellon Bank in Pennsylvania
(This house is sitting on its original site)

Wish these were mine!!

The Mellon Family

What a fab job...being guide in one of these houses and being allowed to crochet or sew all day!

Not my idea for a relaxing soak!!

The fabrics in the quilts blew me away! There were some beautiful quilts on the "American" side which I obviously didn't get photos of. My favourite house was also on that side!!

If you ever get the chance to visit Northern Ireland, visit Omagh in Co.Tyrone (the best county...don't tell hubby I said that!! LOL!!) and spend a day at the Ulster American Folk Park (no...the tourist board is not paying me!!). You'll love it!

Off for the Weekend....

2010-04-22T22:22:00.002+01:00

Tomorrow the kids and I are off to stay with my mum and dad for the weekend. Peter has two golf matches over the weekend so we thought this would be a good time to go since we'll not see a lot of him anyway!

The plans for our weekend are pretty relaxed...we will go with the flow! I am taking a little sewing as I have a few projects to work on (more info at another time!!) and some reading material (not sure what but am thinking Family Album by Penelope Lively...attractive cover! LOL!).

If my mum has nothing planned for Saturday and the weather remains lovely we might all go to the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh, as it is only a few miles away. There is a fabulous needlecraft exhibition on there at the moment which I would love to see, but the kids will enjoy going from house to house and experiencing life as it would have been in the early 1800's in Ireland, walking through a replica ship and coming out the other side in the "New World" and experiencing life as it would have been in pioneer America! All very exciting for large imaginations in little people! A few photos will be taken if we get there!

Whatever your plans are for the weekend, be sure to enjoy it!

A Lovely Time Was Had...

2010-04-19T19:17:00.004+01:00

Outside friend's house just after leaving kiddies off

A beautiful meal......

On to coffee and some people watching.....

Finishing at the cinema (poor film "The Bounty Hunter", but just nice to go without littlies!)...

Home to empty house (kiddies returned on Sunday).

Bliss!