The Scrap Pack SPRING into April!

[StarGazer]

Hello All
Welcome to April!!!

March points are as follows:

Team total was 1760

StarGazer - 515
Fizzy - 125
Jab - 25
Aly - 315
Pinkbaglady - 415
Cassie - 105
Poppetsmummy - 20
Thriftycrafter - 190

April's Week 1 Challenge is here (http://www.ukscrappers.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=216360)

April's House Challenge is here (http://www.ukscrappers.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1500&Itemid=50)


CJ DETAILS

StarGazer - Books - 8x8"
Cassie - Fairy Tales - 8x8"
Thrifty - Jewels & Bling & Sparkly Things! - 8x8"
Aly - Music - 8x8"
Fizzy - In the Kitchen - 8x8"
Jab - Family Members - 8x8"
Denise - Bags - 8x8"

Posting order as per the list above.

Please keep a note in your sig line of which cj entry you're working on.

Rules will follow in next post.

[StarGazer]

CJ Rules


Please ensure you all have a new album set up in your gallery & upload any cj covers and or los you have made in preparation...

As you receive each entry for your cj please post a pic in your cj album. Please also post that you have received it so that.

The posting order is as per the list above, therefore this month I will be working on Cassie's cj & posting it to her, she will be working on Thrifty's and so on.

We will have a month's turnaround. If you finish your entry earlier you are welcome to send it then.

Please keep a note in your sig line of which cj you are working on.


Jane's Rules: Books

A dlo on books, either your favourite/s or one that means something special to you (children's faves for example). I would like you to explain in some way why you've chosen this one. I'd like you to include a tag that I can store on another page in the cj.

Cassie's Rules: Fairy Tales

My theme is fairy tales. Dont mind what kind can be your favorite fairy tale book your kid's favorite etc. My rules are as follows please do a dlo if possible I would like each of you to use something glittery. Please do a tag to go with your lo and include either on the tag or lo why you choose your Fariy Tale. you dont have to use photos, thank you


Thrifty's Rules: Jewels & Bling & Sparkly Things!

I would like you all to use scraps/leftovers/recycled things if possible on my cj, please don't cut into a whole piece of 12x12 unless you really have to. I would like sign in tags of some sort, and will give that some thought as to the properties of such. (What waffle).
I love lumps, bumps, flaps, pockets, hidden things and bulgy bits so anything like that is a bonus for me.
Photos are optional, journalling is what I'm looking for as much as anything, nothing too extensive, unless you're in the mood for it, but why you've chosen your item of focus.
Your DLO might describe a special piece of jewellery that you own or would like to, a collection like a charm bracelet, a family piece, alternatively if you don't even have a wedding ring you could depict a historical piece. To be honest, do what you like really.

Aly's Rules: Music

Rules for this CJ are that you need to do a dlo on anything to do with MUSIC. You can use any colours and techniques. If your choice has a specific meaning to you or someone else then I would like you to incorporate this into your lo. I would also like you to include a tag that I can put together on a page at the back of the CJ.

Fizzy's Rules : In The Kitchen

1. On my intro page I've described the CJ as simply 'Memories, recipes, food loves and hates, shared by friends'. I will be happy with pages that tie in with any of those themes.
2. Pages are 8 inches x 7.5 inches wide. Please feel free to use any mediums you like on your pages, but I'd be grateful if they are not too bulky, especially along the sides where I shall punch holes with the Bind It All.
3.For my own entry I have done a single 8X8 page. However I am intending on adding some more pages to the CJ myself before it is bound. I am happy for you to do either a single OR Double LO, whichever you feel inspired to produce.
4. I don't have a sign-in page for my CJ, so I would like you to include your signature or identity within your page somewhere, either hidden or not.

Jab's Rules: Family Members
Please do either a SLO or DLO suitable for a family member chosen from the list below.
Please leave space for a b&w photo (will be sized to suit the space) and a line or two of journalling.
Colours etc. are your choice but go easy on the pink and forget glitter!

Mum, Dad, Brother, Sister, Sister, Grandma, Grandad, Niece, MIL, SIL, BIL

Denise's Rules: Bags

No rules!

[StarGazer]

Hello all. Welcome to April :)

Tracy - hope ds is feeling better soon.

Aly - hope you are too.

Just had a depressing meeting with the estate agent so am hoping my tuesday improves...in fact I'm hoping the year improves soon!

[Jab]

Bookmarking.
My points - 1 cj page if that counts

[StarGazer]

thanks Jab

[Sonja.B]

Still got time to vote for March Challenge finalist......HERE - closes at 9pm (http://www.ukscrappers.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=215684)

Sonja

[thriftycrafter]

Did your page arrive Aly?
Been to Ikea today to pass DS2 on to mother for a few days hard labour at hers. DH hates it when I go there (Ikea) but I hardly bought anything. The same can't be said for the craft central shop that I frequently pass on my way to/back from Kent but never have time to visit. I felt the need to stretch my legs after the drive and it just happened to be there, DD was a very bad influence and made me buy the Laura Ashley Tapestry stamps and a'few' other things, including some lovely cloth covered brads which I NEED for my birthday.
Pilates class was on and I've had a lukewarm bath afterwards, so not a bad day all things considered.
OOh and the ditch is clear and our garden drained of water Woohoo.

[Fizzydrink]

That sounds like an 'acheiving' day Thirufty. I have had a sit on my backside and acheive nothing day. I got a book out to pass to my friend Giselle next Saturday, and I just opened the front and read a few pages....and the day was gone. Ah well.

[pinkbaglady]

A chilled out day then!

DIL1 brought the baby today to me and he was lovely all day, all chatty and smiley - it was lovely!!

[Jab]

Another nice day today shame I had to work, end of financial year so busy. DS had an end of term disco this afternoon so tootled to garden centre for some bits and bobs. Had a fright this evening in the garden when 9 Eurofighters flew over in formation, was rather loud & unexpected, if I'd known I'd have had my camera ready!

[StarGazer]

Thrifty - Aly's page did arrive cos she thanked u for it in the last thread

Back later...

[thriftycrafter]

Ta Jane, was trying to catch up quickly and must have missed it.
On with the next then.
Only just woken up at 8.30 so a bit aargh half the day is gone feeling now, but I am ALONE yipee, so I'll get a few things done before DD returns from a sleepover, that is if I get off the PC LOL.

[StarGazer]

Hi all

Back from shopping & unusually I have a Wednesday afternoon to myself so have just put shopping away & am now about to explore a box of photos my dad has just given me - what a treat, can't wait to see what I've got this time.

DH has ordered me a new keyboard for my laptop he's fed up with poorly spelled emails due to my lack of a t & a y - or he's sick of hearing me sigh each time I have to cut & paste one in, so I might be back to posting more & spelling better soon :)

DS is cooking our dinner 2night @ his cooker club - spanish chicken. I still have to do all the prep though :rolleyes:!

[StarGazer]

ooooh, some real gems in there :D highlights include dad ski-ing in 1954 (who knew?!), pics of a ship's funeral (?!) for an "accidentally drowned" shipmate and a ship's telegram he sent home when his kid sister was taken ill. He also told me today he has diaries for every year back to 1950 at least & detailed household accounts from when they were first married (my mum rolled her eyes a lot when he said that!)

[StarGazer]

this evening I really must try & do some "finishing" I currently have 4 unfinished los sitting on my table :rolleyes:

[ajcary]

Thrfity the lo's were fab but seeings as today is the first day I've felt half human I've not got around to scanning it yet. The CD did work.

Am meant to have been working tomorrow in reception, hopefully I shall be fine tomorrow, feel so much better today though.

Talking of photo's, my gran has apparantly got some photo's out for me to scan, not sure what of but I shall see when I get up to Leicester next week.

Jane hope you had a fab evening last night, I was asleep by 8 so just as well I stayed home!!!!!

Hope everyone is well.

[StarGazer]

mmmmmmm - J has just come home bringing our dinner with him & it smells delish :D

[poppetsmummy]

Jane - Hope you enjoy your dinner! Dh and I having a late dinner together tonight, as he's got a telecon 6-7pm. Have fed ds, who was home again today, but Doctor thinks it might just be a virus, so hopefully he will be able to go to school tomorrow (only 1 1/2 days left anyway :)).

Jane / Aly - Very envious of your old photo finds - hope you have fun with them!

---

Tracy.

[StarGazer]

Any of you anywhere near Aly & I - there's an all-day crop on 20th April just up the road from me, £6 for the day. there may be a shop there too. Aly & I are going...there may just be the 4 of us (which wouldn't be a problem!) so I just thought I'd mention it in case anyone wants to come & join us...:)

[pinkbaglady]

My DH and DS3 are away that weekend so I'm free on that Sunday. Where is it exactly?

[thriftycrafter]

Thanks Aly, I did go back and find your original posting saying that it had come, then I editted my posting, or so i thought, I see it hasn't changed, probably pressed the wrong button or something, glad it got there anyway, and hope you're fully recovered V soon.
Been working on a bit of smut today, for an entry on a faithscrappers CJ, women of the bible, Rahab is who I've ended up choosing unfortunately I'm right out of fishnets so am just using lots of red at the mo.

[Cassie7]

just poppin in to say hi

[thriftycrafter]

Hi all, must get some cards done this morning, meeting a freind for lunch so better get a move on, and finish that cj entry fopr posting tomorrow, mother is bringing DS2 back tonight.

[StarGazer]

Finally managed to finish the title block for the wedding album so I can officially declare that finished :D I managed to put the finishing touches to a couple of los last night too. Got a little bit of free time today so need to get on with a couple of cards & I really should start dh's birthday album - have made a start with all the journalling.

[Cassie7]

Jane thanks for the lovely fairytale pages they are great love the picture od f in her outfit.

Thrifty sorry still got to finish yours off. will try to do it by monday

[StarGazer]

glad they arrived safely :)

[ajcary]

Almost fully recovered!!! Just my throat which probably won't get better until I go to mum and dad's!!! Thought I'd go to work today as I was only doing a half day!!!!! Or that's what I thought when I left home!!!! Ended up working all day and I had tomorrow morning booked in as well in Year 3 instead of reception, hopefully the kids will be quietier!!!!:rolleyes:

Denise the crop is in Binfield. It takes me 7 minutes from my house in Bracknell. It would probably take 4 minutes from Jane's house as she is closer to Binfield. It would be great to see as many of you as possible, if any of you could make it.

[pinkbaglady]

Evening all!

I've googled Binfield and think I can get there with no probs. Can you send me times and if poss the postcode so I can work out directions exactly.

Glad you are feeling better Aly.

Just about got DS3 packed for him going on Sat morning and have started to sort stuff out for us going away too.

[StarGazer]

sorry Denise, was going to pm you with that info but Aly beat me to it. the postcode is RG42 4EW (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=memorial+hall&near=Binfield,+Bracknell,+Berkshire&fb=1&view=text&latlng=51428286,-791960,15181151759401203029). It will be "just" a crop though, no frills but plenty of room at this rate! :lol: @ your sig a the mo!

Just need to have a rant about my sister, sorry... the kids' birthday cards this year had a note from her inviting them to go & stay with her. A no point has she asked either dh or I if this is ok. I have just had a text which she obviously intended to send ds but has sent me by accident (that's what happens when you're next to someone in the phone book!) inviting them in May & telling him that Granny & Grandad will pick them up. I am soooooo tempted to ring her & explain to her that she does need to ask the parents if this is ok... Right now I'm just wondering if we're already busy. I don't really want my kids spending time with her but am trying very hard to not make any of this about me... grrr....

[pinkbaglady]

What's the difference between a frilly crop and a non frilly crop then?:lol:
Think I can do the drive fine so I'll come - do you want me to send a cheque?
Let me know - and the times too. If Fizzy is able to make it and can get to me then I'll drive from here??

Sory you're stressed about your sis again. I used to hate it when DH arranged for my older boys to go the wicked witch of the west without telling me so I can sympathise.

You may well laugh at my siggy! As team leader I hope you are going to help me out at this crop.... with this VERY hard CJ entry!

[Fizzydrink]

Ooh Denise, I'd assumed it was too far for me - now you've made me think it's doable!! It would be fab to go - my geography is rubbish - is it on the way for me to come to you, then, and you to drive from there?

I'll check out with DH at the weekend - have had a few days for me recently and I am out at the 24 hour crop on Sat, but would love to come. I'll let you know.

Ooh Jane I WOULD be very tempted to be 'busy' that weekend just in principle...
I must get ready for the 24hour crop - we're out with friends tomorrow night so there won't be any time otherwise.

[pinkbaglady]

Fizzy you drive on the M4 to Jct 17 and I'll give you directions to me (I'm 3/4 mile off the junction) and then I'll drive the rest - it's just over an hour but as it's Sunday the motorway should be easy driving.

Have a great time at the 24 hour crop - let us know how long you do!

[Sonja.B]

Evening all - just to let you all know about our new home for April

HERE (http://www.ukscrappers.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=216701)

Look forward to seeing you.

The house challenge for April is up now.

Due to a hiccup in voting for the overall winner - the thread did not close at 9pm - so even though it shows Cassie7 as the winner scrappybunny has declared ScrapAnna from blue Brads as the overall winner.....:(.

announcement HERE (http://www.ukscrappers.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=215684)

See you in the chat room

[StarGazer]

Mi new keeeboard came 2da - can u ell? Jus as dh was abou 2 insall i' he kees began 2 work again, jus as well as "new" 1 had even more kees no working...he's pu he old 1 back & now i's back 2 normal, no working & i'm fed up of c&p'ing so u'll have 2 excuse some dodgee spelling!

Cassie - what a bummer :( I think you deserved to win. 3 cheers for cassie :D

Fizzy - that would be very cool if you came too... Have fun @ ur 24 hour crop.

Denise - what I mean bi no frills was no class, no shop just cropping space (well, there might be a shop but we're not sure)

I will be being the "bigger" person (if u met mi sister u'd understand that pun!) & letting the kids go 2 stai with her providing thei want 2 but I can't guarantee it won't continue 2 make me fume :angry:

[StarGazer]

I now have my keyboard detached from my laptop & perched on top of it cos that seems to work...:rolleyes:

Have just ordered legoland annual passes for dh & I from Tesco clubcard - mum & dad buy the kids theirs for their birthdays & this way we don't have to pay at all!

Have obviously lost my mind as I have suggested that both kids have sleepovers here during the hols...not entirely gone mad though as I did remember to stopulate "not on the same night"! Hoping to have a productive scrapping day interspersed with bouts of housework.

Anyone got any exciting weekend plans? We've got nothing on here...again!

[StarGazer]

Where are we with cjs? Has everyone sent their first entry now? Let me know so I can pretend to be organised & on top of everything....:wacko:

[thriftycrafter]

No worries Cassie, I don't need to do anything with it myself, except admire, so it doesn't matter when it arrives, I know it will be gorgeous anyway.
I think I'd be leaping at the chance of a few child free days Jane, but also miffed with sis, does she have kids?
Having an interesting time here, mother is in DDs bedroom and is not on her happy pills just now, so is stomping and mumping and compliaing, as it is entirely My fault that my teen daughter keeps bottles of water and other such DISGUSTING things in her room. They all go away tonight and there's just me, her, and the Archers until Sunday evening aaargh. Ds1 is due to be home but we never see him so he won't be much help. I did imagine a nice girly weekend, I'll let you know.....

[poppetsmummy]

Thrifty - Thinking of you this weekend :(, hope it's not too bad - Archers should help! ;)

Jane - I would be tempted to be 'busy' that weekend too, but good on you for being able to rise above it!

I treated myself to a Quickutz Silhouette yesterday (Jab, were you watching too? :ph34r:). Can't wait for that to arrive!! Felt I could justify the expense as I've been thinking of gettting a die cutter for ages :).

Ds has broken up from school now for a couple of weeks, and we're thinking of going to the Isle of Wight for a few days - he's desperate to go to Blackgang Chine again!

We've spent this afternoon in the garden (me doing my usual 'destructive' method of gardening - if I don't like it, it goes!). Have a full green bag to be collected, so can now relax with a cuppa before finishing tea!

Hope everyone is well.

---

Tracy.

[StarGazer]

I think I'd be leaping at the chance of a few child free days Jane, but also miffed with sis, does she have kids?

Nope. Just as well really. Hope your patience isn't tested too much with your mum - good luck!

Tracy - Is the QK Silhouette their version of a Robo? Hope it comes soon :)

Have cracked on with dh's album today. Have nearly got to the end of the prepared stuff so will need to pack it all away in a bit & then get on with researching journalling to go with the rest of the tickets. Made a heck of a lot of mess in the process but never mind!

[Jab]

Thrifty - Thinking of you this weekend , hope it's not too bad - Archers should help! Probably more than the radio prog I was thinking of!
I watched some of it PM but I don't think DH would have been happy if I went for it having just got a new printer not to mention the computer!
It was my parent's 50th wedding anniversary yesterday so the whole family are off out to Windsor for a meal tonight. If the weather forecast is right then the rest of the weekend will be spent huddled indoors keeping warm!

[ajcary]

HI all. Am feeling much better BUT ( why is there always a but, anyway) I have almmost lost my voice again!!!!! Mainly due to working in school yesterday with the reception kids and having to talk constantly. Probably would've been OK if I had only worked the morning, but got asked to do the afternoon as well, and so i did. Also worked today as well, well this morning but in year 3 much quieter and less need for me to use my voice!!!!

Oh well never mind, it's the holidays now so hopefully I shall have my voice back again soon. Dh hopes so as well!!!!! He is now off work for 9 days. We aren't doing anything this weekend but we are going to mum and dads on monday for the week, so I suppose we shall be doing all the washing etc any tidying up before we go. I don't know about you lot but I hate coming home to an untidy house!!!!

[StarGazer]

We've just made plans to go out tomorrow - dd was asking when she'll be having her "birthday shopping trip", it seems taking her out last year set a precedent :rolleyes: She's informed me that she needs to buy an album because she's a "Sugababes fan" - could somebody please tell her that she's 6, not 16 & needs to stop growing up so quick!!! So we're off to Reading tomorrow, girls to shop & boys to the cinema, then we plan to meet up for lunch :)

Am very happy with the progress I made on dh's album today & I managed to pack it all safely away before he came home. Have really enjoyed the peace today, sitting in the conservatory in the sunshine. Also, we've gone from having nothing booked in for the holidays this morning (totally unlike me!) to only having about 2 free days!

Aly - hope you're feeling better soon. Just read your sig...you should be on Jab's now according to the list, not Cassie's :blink:
Jab - hope the meal is nice & you get a chance to enjoy the fine weather while it lasts.

[pinkbaglady]

Enjoy the very special celebtration Jab.

Aly glad you feel better.

Thrifty, thinking of you.

Tracy - I succumbed (sp?) to today's TSV!!

SG, glad you are doing well on your album.

Fizzy enjoy the crop.

Cassie/Whoopie - Take care and enjoy!

Many hugs and waves if I've forgotten you!

DS3 SO excited re going tomorrow. Only got his toothbrush to put in now!

I'm nearly packed and sorted for our trip.

Have a good weekend all and if I don't 'see' you tomorrow 'be good, take care' and I'll see you the end of next week.

[ajcary]

Not quite sure why I put Cassie's as I knew I was doing family members, which of course is Jab's. Sorry. On eof those moments!!!:D

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

[poppetsmummy]

Tracy - I succumbed (sp?) to today's TSV!!



Denise - I did think of you when I saw it :). I'm guessing you went for Pink Crush?! Very lovely, and I would've bought one as well if I hadn't got the Silhouette! Hope you enjoy your trip.

Jane - Yep, the Silhouette is a re-branded Robo, so will no doubt be asking your advice! (when it arrives... not that I'm impatient or anything!).

Not sure if we will have our trip this week or next, as it's supposed to snow tomorrow :wacko:. I'll keep an eye on the weather forecast....

Hugs and waves to everyone.

---

Tracy.

[thriftycrafter]

Just a quickie to say Jane's beautiful Cj pages arrived this morning, shed a tear there Jane, it's a lovely story,and a lovely LO.
The archers ( radio) drive me mad, mainly because it seems to be on all the time at ,mothers and very loud, now the other archers could be a good idea, I drink it when I'm out but don't think I have any in the house, we're off shopping....
do crafts demo, lets see if they can inspire me/us LOL

[poppetsmummy]

Karelyn - :) I did think you meant the drink :) - the radio version is nowhere near as much fun! Have you got any ear plugs? :lol:.

---

Tracy.

[Cassie7]

My mum is to an archers fan.

hello every one hope you are all ok

Where is denise off too ?

Tracy you will love your new toy

My lot are on holidays too

Any of you going to ally pally next weekend I am first time at big Craft show.

[Cassie7]

Jane you are a very good mummy letting them both have sleepovers.

[StarGazer]

Cassie - thank you for that, I feel pretty virtuous :lol: Denise is off to Prague. Didn't even know it was Ally Pally next week so no, don't think I'm going.

Thrifty - glad they arrived safely, I know it was pretty "prompt" of me but I was fretting about what to do, then I was struck with inspiration & had to do it straight away...now I think I'll have to do it all over again so that dd has a record of it too. Really glad you liked it :) (oh & I initially thought you meant the radio show but agree that the drink would be a better bet!)

Denise - hope you're having fun

Fizzy - enjoy your crop :)

Just got back from our shopping trip - dd has several new tops, a bag charm & her cd. The boys enjoyed their film then we met up for lunch at Pizza Express. Think "end-of-term-itis" has well & truly struck as I now have 2 very tired, slightly whingy kids :rolleyes: DD has gone to listen to her new album, ds is on the pc & dh is watching the F1 qualifying so I'm hoping for a little bit of peace...

[StarGazer]

Ok, I just HAVE to share. I'm not quite sure what has got into dd today (although I will say she magically seemed to grow up as she turned 6) but twice today she has made me nearly die laughing. First of all we had this conversation:

DD "So, us girls are going shopping?"
ME "Yes"
DD "What about the boys?"
ME "Well, they're going to do something else"
DD "Like breakdancing?"

ummmm...ooooookkkkk...wth?!!!!

Then just now she came in to ask me for some blu-tack. She has made a sign for her bedroom door (no doubt the first of many). I have a copy of it cos it just cracks me up, she has clearly thought it through, she obviously thought about banning boys, then checked herself so the sign says:

"NO boys allowed UNLESS they are going to read to me"

PMSL

[Jab]

You'll have to keep that one safe to bring out in her teenage years!

[StarGazer]

You'll have to keep that one safe to bring out in her teenage years!

I think that's a certainty. I'm planning to do a lo with it :)

Managed to do a bit more to dh's album while he was busy watching the qualifying & playing guitar hero. Have just checked & currently only have 5 dlos left to do. I say "currently" cos I may just find more tickets, I know there are definitely some gaps right now.

Think I'm going to have to take a trip to a craft shop tomorrow cos I definitely need to buy an album for dh (right now I've got a load of page protectors held together with book rings!), also I'm running out of tape adhesive & dst.

[thriftycrafter]

Managed to spend £11 on I'm not sure what, the do crafts lady was a lot better than the others I've seen, had a few original ideas of her own and was good with 'the crowd' had time for everyone, no matter how daft their questions. I got a white thick pen and some peel offs, some black flock paper with sticky back and I think that might be useful on the cc as some of the it lists have just gone up.

[Fizzydrink]

Evening all - really laughed at your DDs sign Jane!

Just got back from the crop - it was in a gorgeous little school out in the country, but I decided I didn't want to stay all night and I didn't fancy tackling the country lanes at some unearthly hour, so I left at 10. Didn't get mych sleep last night as 'they' (whoever they are) decided to dig up the main road we live on at 11.30 pm last night!! Then having got back to sleep, Cookie the kitten came in at 2.30am and woke us up. As she, too, had been missing since thirsday we got up and gave her food and attention for a little while. I was glad to see her - I was starting to think that there was a catnapper inthe road, with both kittens missing.

Can't believe how fast time went at the crop - I prepared a mini album about Tiger, but didn't get around to any LOs in it, then I worked on Denise's CJ for about 6 hours. LOL, at least I chatted and ate chocolate for 6 hours with Denise's LO in front of me. Still a bit to do on it, so hopefully will have a lazy afternoon tomorrow. Yawn, off to bed now.

Hope you're all enjoying the weekend

[pinkbaglady]

Fizzy, quick, quick and look! There is a little bit of snow!

[Fizzydrink]

I know!!!!!! I've just seen it!!!! I looked out the wondow at 4.00am and it was raining hard so after that it must have got really cold.

Have a fab time Denise, speak soon.

[Jab]

Oh goody, can do this now! I'm told this is Frederick but as it has had boobs added since then it has to be Frederica!

[Fizzydrink]

LOL!!! When was that taken?

[StarGazer]

Fizzy - I now have hundreds of pics to taunt you with! Hope you got enough snow to take some too. We have been to the park, thrown thousands of snowballs, had a snowball fight with neighbours, made 2 snowmen (well one man & one girl) & F has had her first ever go on a sledge. Adults are now inside to rest & warm up, kids are on their second set of clothes & have gone back for more :)

[StarGazer]

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k294/StarGazer1747/100_9093.jpg http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k294/StarGazer1747/100_9105.jpg http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k294/StarGazer1747/100_9342.jpg

[Jab]

LOL!!! When was that taken? Not long after I was woken up at 8.30! Snow's all gone now just boulders of ex snowmen left! Had another little flurry a while ago though. If this pic works you can see it snowing at 7am

[Fizzydrink]

Oh.

Well when I say there was snow here, there as a hint of white on top of the shed. That was it.

DH just shouted to say there was a blizzard outside- he's fixing the front door lock. There were about three flakes, that was it, but as we all ran out for a look his neat pile of screws were kicked all over the garden. And he says it's OUR fault!

[Jab]

:lol::lol::lol:
It's trying again!

[Cassie7]

Poor fizzy

jane f is so funny

Still feeling poorly no crop for me today

It was really lovely thick wonderland snow here at 6 this morning but had such a bad night with Cameron hes got a chest infection we didn't go out to play. Paddy at his dads so he called to ask if we had snow he didn't

[StarGazer]

Fizzy - pmsl @ your dh! I sent you an mms from the park - did you get it?! Whenever we get snow you are my first thought :lol:

Jab - cool pics

Cassie - hope you're on the mend soon, Cam too

Managed to get out to the shop & get a few bits. Not the most appropriate album for dh, rather the cheapest & I'll alter it - who knew Laura Ashley albums would be cheaper than papermania?!

[Fizzydrink]

Oh I'll have a look Jane - thanks for thinking of me, but I'm terrible at checking my phone!

[thriftycrafter]

OOh Cassie, you're you today.
Been to a lovely acrylics workshop today, took mother as her mothers day pressie, and we both did fairly recognisable landscapes (of nowhere we knew), then onto a papercraft show/sale thing, which we didn't spend much at, as it took so long to find the place, ho hum. Some pretty scary snow on the way, but that cleared up quickly.
Jane, how on earth have you done that many LO's already?!!!
I've made 4 cards, one of which was described in crafts beautiful as a mini book, larf, who are they kidding.

[StarGazer]

Jane, how on earth have you done that many LO's already?!!!

All 8x8s for dh's book, all the journalling done digitally before the beginning of the month & it takes up quite a lot of space. They are all different though, there are a couple that I haven't counted cos they we too simple/plain to count as los.

Sounds like your workshop was fun. It seems that you've come through the weekend in one piece...?!

[Jab]

Oh nuts, it's snowing again!

[thriftycrafter]

Phew, yes mother went back last night, and despite being a chief grouch on Friday she was a bit 'poor me' for the rest of the weekend, which is much easier to cope with. We did have a good time though, and I think it did her more good than staying at home. She is seeing the Dr this afternoon, so may be back on the anti-depressants, which we both feel she needs just now.
Very much enjoying the PD day today, knowing that all the teachers are in and we're not, although I just got the washing out and it started raining, got loads of Air cadet camping gear to get through.
Might get a little bit of finishing off/tidying up in the craft dept too. DS2 is off to a concert this evening with some mates. DD will be hanging around avoiding tidying her room, can't say that I blame her, not exciting is it. Might get her to bake a cake.

[StarGazer]

Jab - we got that second lot of snow too, it did settle but was gone by morning. Probably just as well cos I already have hundreds of photos to wade through :)

Thrifty - glad the weekend went ok. At least your mum realises she needs a bit of extra help right now & is going to get it. Enjoy your last day of freedon.

The kids have declared today a duvet day so lots of lolling about in pjs with blankets & stuff. They've done some puzzles, played a game & right now they're on the playstation. This is their only free day this week so I reckon it's a pretty good idea to chill. Am thinking that we might make a cake later too ;)

I've been doing some dreaded h***ework, although quite why I bother in the school holidays I don't know! Am hoping to get a bit of scrapping done too - the end of dh's album is in sight & I want to either do a minibook of dd's birthday or scrap some snow... Might even have a go at the weekly challenge:)

[poppetsmummy]

Hi all,

Suffering with a rotten cold here, so have only managed a quick trip to the shops and a play in the park with ds.

Dh is away in Switzerland after a nightmare journey (supposed to be flying out of T5 this morning - his car arrived at 4am to take him to the airport then flight was cancelled so he had to race to another terminal as they gave him a space on another flight :wacko:).

We had so much snow yesterday, I'm glad I decided not to go on our trip! We made a snowman and had a snowball fight - it's more or less gone now though, with just the remains of a snowman on the lawn!

Jane - Love your dd's door sign - made me smile :).

Cassie - hugs to you and Cameron, hope you are feeling better soon.

---

Tracy.

[StarGazer]

<sigh>

Have made a cake with ds & made a quiche for tea. Managed another dlo in dh's book & made most of an acetate minibook (the party class from the birthday cybercrop). In between dd seems to have moaned about everything under the sun...

<sigh>

Tracy - hope you're feeling better soon xxx

[thriftycrafter]

Denise, tell me everything I need to know about Colorado, please.
What kind of cathedral does your brother work in?
I'm hoping to go to a gospel church while I'm there.
I've had a look for scrapping shops as I'd really like to get to a class or crop while there too, but I'm a bit early just now, found Archivers and something or other else.

[Jab]

Good day then SG!
DS is at the holiday club, got moaned at for picking him up too early, 10 to 6, it shuts at 6! A trip out tomorrow, he doesn't want to go, can't think where I've heard that before.
On the bright side, having a couple of hours to myself, I've done the weekly challenge, can't remember the last time I did one.

[StarGazer]

Jab - at least he's predictable...we all know by now that he'll have a great time! Well done on doing the weekly challenge, I posted then promptly forgot all about it :rolleyes:

Thrifty - you might need to post that again when Denise gets back from Prague. When do you go? Exciting stuff!

Have friends over to play tomorrow then ds has a friend for a sleepover. The forecast for tomorrow is loud, with occasional fallings out, chaos, mess & a very late night resulting in at least one very tired child.

[Cassie7]

Lol jane you have your sense of humor intact

Tracy hope you feel better soon

thrifty Glad you had a nice time with your mum. Wow when are you going to colorado?
.
Jab hope you have a good morning getting DS to go on his trip.

Just finished some atcs for swap am really pleased with them.

see you all tomorrow

love Cassie

[Fizzydrink]

Morning all. Lovely and sunny here but looks cold. Hoping we'lll get out somewhere today but not sure where. Have fun with yours Jane - you are so good, I just can't bear sleepovers, my patience isn't up to it.

Thrifty you lucky thing Colorado sounds fab! More details please?

Had some annoying phone calls last night - becasue I have posters up re the missing cat, some kids phoned up, meowing. First the mobile then the house phone. Bu tthen I got a callto the mobile with a woman shouting obscenities at me for the texts I'd been sending her. Now, I'm not much up on technology but I don't think that the kids could have texted her and made it look like it came from my phone. So I think it was another crank call. The thing that makes me suspicious is that I was called yesterday by a company that makes professional posters for lost pets with a free phone no. on, (for a cost, of course) but I didn't want to go for it. So my posters were up for 2 weeks with no problems and then suddenly when I reject this guys posters I get crank calls. Just wondering if it's supposed to make me think 'Hey i DO need to pay for those anonymous posters from Animal Search...' My biggest fear was that they would call in the middle of the night, but it was all quiet.

Might have to do a bit of h****work today - our meetings for holiday club start again next week at my house, so it might be time for a bit of a spring clean.

[poppetsmummy]

Fizzy - How annoying! Hope the calls didn't upset you, but think you're right about who's behind them.

Thrifty - Colorado sounds fab! Never been, but would love to one day.

Jab - Hope your ds enjoys his trip out today.

Jane - Thinking of you today! I have much of the same later in the week, but definitely not brave enough to do sleepovers!!

Thank you for your well wishes - I am feeling a bit better today, although I had a rotten nights sleep. Ds is off to a friend's house for lunch and play today, and my Silhouette has just arrived, so guess what I'll be doing today?!

Hugs to all.

---

Tracy.

[StarGazer]

Fizzy - what a nightmare! Hope the calls stop (& the cat comes home one day...)

Cassie - glad you're pleased with your atcs, not something I've ever had a go at.

Jab - I trust ds is out having a lovely day!

Tracy - glad you're on the mend. Have fun with the silhouette :)

Started the day with 2 kids, then there were 5, then 6 :wacko: Down to 3 at the mo. Actually it's all gone ok so far. Did a pizza bar for lunch - a load of basic cheese & tomato pizzas & bowls of toppings, each kid topped their own, they all thought it was cool & they ate everything :D There's been plenty of football & other games outside followed by a marathon Buzz! session. The 3 visitors have gone now so my 2 & ds' sleepover guest are all playing nicely together at the mo...wonder how long that will last?!

Just ordered my sil's 40th birthday present. She asked for a stove-top-to- oven-to-table casserole dish, ideally she'd have liked an "SKK one, like Delia" well so would I but have you seen how much they are?! Have ordered her a very nice (I think) cast iron one from Tesco Direct - at £35 it's a bit more in budget (bear in mind we've offered to lend her £400-500 for the work she desperately needs doing to her electrics & we needed to find £90+ for stuff she's booked for us to do when we're away...) Am hoping she doesn't think we're cheapskates but there are limits!!!

[thriftycrafter]

Thrifty - you might need to post that again when Denise gets back from Prague. When do you go? Exciting stuff!


Derr, I thought she'd been quiet, forgot about that!
One of the girls at work brought in a Kipling bag today
I'm in sorting holiday mode as that's what I was doing yesterday.
We're going the day after we break up, in July, for 3 weeks, I have 2 cousins there, and Mum inherited some money last year, which she was kind enough to share about a bit, so that nearly covered the cost of the flights. DS1 will join us, if he is able to get some leave while we're there, but we won't know for a while. We're going to stay in Denver for a few nights to recover/acclimatise, then boy cousin for a few days, tour about a bit, then stay with girl cousin until we leave.
It's going to be V hot, which we're not too good with, but I'm sure we'll cope.
We were thinking about hiring an RV (camper van) but it works out cheaper to stay in hotels even with the kids and the possibility of needing 2 rooms. I just don't relish the thought of checking the rooms for left stuff every day/few days.

[pinkbaglady]

Hi from prague. Excuse spellings= weird kezboard. haven§t read through but hope zou are ok all. Can§t wait to get home. you need 2 things here = comfy shoes = got those and a shed load of money. It is prohibitivlz seriouslz expensive. I collect fridge magnets and the cheapest i can find here is 6 quid. hotel is nice enought ho and the coffee is delish everzwhere. xxxxxxxx

[Fizzydrink]

LOL Hi Denise, don't they have 'y's in prague?

We've had an expensive day today. Had a slow flat on the car so took it down to Kwikfit and it needed 2new tyres and the wheels aligned. Needs new brake pads soon too, but I said we'd go back another day for that, as the day was already half gone. Then we went to the zoo, which we hadn't been to for years, and it was fab. Back to sausage casserole sitting in the slow cooker and I'm just about ready for bed now.

Sounds like you probably are too Jane - are the little treasures asleep yet?

[StarGazer]

You may mock but we let them stay up late (the whole point of sleepovers!) & 5 mins ago I sent dh up to tell them to start getting ready for bed...he found them already in their pjs & in bed, quietly reading comics!!!! We are both SPEECHLESS! Told them lights out at 10 (well it is the school hols) & they THANKED him!!!

Wow, just, wow!

[thriftycrafter]

Ah, that's terrific Jane.
I'm happy as DS1 has just phoned to tell us his posting, which he won't actually go on until he's finished his driver training in the Autumn, but, 7 sigs Nr Bruggen Germany, which is where DH was when we met.
Guess where next years holiday will be?
It's not a very big unit he's going to and I think they do quite a lot of exercizes, but he's still young and inexperienced enough to think that's fun.
Getting nostalgic now about the good old days LOL

[StarGazer]

Awww thrifty - it's nice to think he's going somewhere you "know" :)

Fizzy - glad you had a good day (apart from the bills!)

Denise - pmsl at your keyboard! Glad you're having fun...sorry about the prices!!!

It's very quiet here...I'm stunned!

[StarGazer]

Hi all

Busy day here - dropped off sleepover friend, then kids had haircuts at 10. DS is "growing" his so he had the minimum trimmed, in contrast, dd had several inches off hers! Met mum & dad for coffee then did the shopping, all went out to lunch, they came back here & mum ironed while dad took the kids out pooh-sticking...I searched my wardrobe for something to wear to a wedding next month (successfully!), have just cooked the next 3 day's meals in order to be organised so I think I deserve a sit down tonight :)

Hope you've all had equally "exciting" days!!!

[Fizzydrink]

Busy day in work today and a late finish but went straight to MIL's to pick the kids up and she'd saved me some tea so that was good! Working from home tmorrow, so not so hectic but a lot of phonecalls I think!

I just tried to do some crafting but couldn't get my head into it - do you have days when you wonder why you do it and it suddenly seems pointless? And then you get inspiration for something and it's all OK again...

Any more details on your all day crop Jane? I aven't decided properly if I can come yet - that would be three days in April that I've gone off crafting, and as DH is away from home in the week I'm not sure if I should come. Plus we are going to a cheese and wine the evening before, so I'd need to stay sober for the driving next morning - and an evening of cheese doesn't sound so enticing somehow!

Can't believe your sleepover. All the ones I've had, they were really naughty.
I feel so tired tonight, but it's Desperate Housewives night, so no early night for me.

How did DS enjoy his day trip, Jab?

[StarGazer]

I just tried to do some crafting but couldn't get my head into it - do you have days when you wonder why you do it and it suddenly seems pointless?
Yes!
And then you get inspiration for something and it's all OK again...
Sometimes...
Any more details on your all day crop Jane?
What do you want to know?!
Can't believe your sleepover. All the ones I've had, they were really naughty.
Well, we do have another one still to go, but the boys were fab!
:)

[Jab]

The day trip went fine, as we all knew it would.... He wasn't too impressed with the High School Musical dance workshop today, a lot of punching the air apparently, would never have guessed! He doesn't want to go on the trip tomorrow which he won't as it was optional and I didn't book it. Roll on back to school, much simpler.

[Cassie7]

Hello girls

I have been busy at the allotment ds5 still not right.

Everything here is quite ds4 at his dads for two weeks DS3 at work

DS5 has to be entertained though with ds4 away he really misses him and is still to young to completely understand why he cant go with him.

Hope you are all well.

[Fizzydrink]

Happy Birthday Thrifty!

Hope you have a great day.

[StarGazer]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY THRIFTY!!!

[StarGazer]

Oooooooh. It's aaaages since I bought stash (apart from the new Scenic Route collection which doesn't count cos it's Scenic Route & therefore a necessity!) but I found the new Crate "Static" collection at Craft Emporium which I thought would be perfect for finishing dh's concert ticket album. Ordered it late Tuesday night & it came this morning which really impressed me. It is indeed lush :wub: & I had forgotten how lovely it is to get a stash parcel! DH had better be impressed with this album, it has new SR AND new Crate pps, as well as DCWV Rock Star embellies!

DD's sleepover guest is here & one of ds' friends has come round to play too...they are now all out playing with the neighbour's kids...!

[thriftycrafter]

Thanks girls, having a good day so far, when I got home from work a book and a CC kit I'd ordered had arrived, so I can pass them off as pressies, well they are, they're pressies from me! I got the 'Imperfect lives' book by Tara Governo, about scrapping life, warts and all. I'll let you know what it's like when my tissues and I have read it.
The CC kit is the one with the mannequin, I've always liked them and it was actually a pretty good price, I did of course compare on e-bay first LOL. The rub-ons are really yummy.

[Cassie7]

happy birthday thrifty

[Jab]

Happy Birthday Thrifty!

[StarGazer]

Well, I know it may not last but...dd & her friend have ASKED to go to bed!!! They are currently snuggled up in ds' room (they have swapped for the night cos his room is bigger) watching a video...:blink:

Thrifty - glad you are having a good day :)

Cassie - what are you growing on the allotment?

Jab - am sooo surprised your ds had a good day, not!

[pinkbaglady]

I'm back! Haven't read through but will do tomorrow! Hope evryone is well and happy. Nice to be back to a keyboard with 'y's and 'z'zs in the right places!

Oh Thrifty I see it's your birthday. Hope you've had a happy day and Many Happy Returns!

[StarGazer]

Welcome home, Denise!

[Cassie7]

Hello

welcome home denise

Jane at the moment there is nothing in but potatoes But i have growing in my green houses watermelon, courgettes tomatoes french beans sweetcorn runner beans two lots of tomatoes I have repotted about 30 strawberry plants which I hope to plant out on sunday, swede cabbages and brussles all at different stages. Trouble is the groung is very clayie and its still so wet at the moment hoping that the sharp sand I used to break it down will work oh rubarb is groing at the alottment and the blackberries and raspberrys I planted last year have sprung to life

I think I might grow squash on the part thats under cover for the next year. any tips please share its much harder than I thought it would be.

[Cassie7]

sorry for the very bad spellings think I am Tired

[StarGazer]

No tips but wanted to let you know we had the season's first rhubarb from my dad yesterday - he picked it at 10am, ds had made a crumble with it by 3pm & we ate it for pudding last night & it was YUMMY. DS is turning into a right little chef (my mum called him Gordon Ramsay but he pointed out to her that he doesn't swear!) & was very conscientious (sp?!) about the rubbing in - he made a better crumble than me!

[Cassie7]

Love it when the kids love to cook.

Trouble is mine like the veg raw more than they do cooked.

[pinkbaglady]

Cassie all those veggies sound good.
Fizzy, how awful about the phone calls. Hope they are stopped now. Sorry to hear your cat is still missing.
Thrifty, glad you had a lovely b'day.
Jab your DS makes me laugh!
Jane you are running round as always!
Aly hope you are good.
I should be up and getting sorted and thinking about the supermarket but am staying put for a while resting my aching legs!

[poppetsmummy]

Thrifty - Hope you had a good day yesterday! Haven't heard about that book, but sounds interesting.

Denise - Welcome back!

Cassie - Sounds like you're being kept very busy! I've never had much luck with growing my own veg, but the things that have worked have been so yummy, definitely worth all the effort :). We're trying tomotoes and strawberries here at the moment, as ds has 'growing' as a school topic at the moment.

Ds has a friend here today and they are busy with Lego at the moment - lots of giggling going on too, which is lovely :).

Hope everyone else is well.

---

Tracy.

[ajcary]

Happy birthday thrifty for yesterday.

Sorry not been around, have been up at ,my parents for the week with the kids and dh took time off work to come as well, which was really good. Did loads of fab things, went to the zoo, the kids loved all the monkeys, apes, gibbons, especially when they all started showing off!!! That is the monkeys not the kids!!!! Took mum and dad bowling. DS was surprisingly good, must be all these parties he keeps ging to and also the Wii!! Have to say though I won the first game 4th in the second but had the best overall score.!!! Kids loved digging in the garden and helping grandad plant his potatoes. DD was intrigued as to why he added manure ( or poo as she called it!!) then the potatoe and then grass cuttings!! I'd never heard that one before. Oh well apparently it works.

Anyway DH is now in bed ill!!! Probably because he has relaxed it always happens. I've got a stack of washing and npacking to do so will pop back later.

Hope you are all well.

[thriftycrafter]

I hope you pics to scrap Aly, sounds like a good time was had by all.

Jane thanks for the lovely card and 'tags', which arrived today, It's nice when a birthday gets extended. That rhubarb crumble sounds delicious.

Been a bit good and done a bit of house***k already so can enjoy myself for a little, although am actually supposed to be putting DD's Guide hoody on e-bay.

Have you scrapped your allotment yet Caron? Should really look in the gallery to find out of course.

Hope your legs have recovered PBL.

[ajcary]

Thrifty I have loads of photo's from this week, those taken this week and all the 244 that I scanned in from my granny. She has some photo books that she doesn't open very often, and I asked to see them as I won't to scrap a family history book. Mum has done our family tree so thought it would be good to scrap it. Some of them have no dates but some are old by old I mean late 1800's. This book will a lot of planning that's for sure. Lots of the photo's are labeled grandmother and grandfather, but doesn't give the actual names!!!!!!! I even mamged to get a album off my gran that my mum has never seen!! Well she has now! Mum only saw the other albums for the first time 3 weeks ago. Gran has always said 'they will be yours one day', so mum couldn't believe it when I arrived home form grannys with all these books!!!! Gran is very crafty herself and an artist so she understands why I want to do it, which I think helped. Am also planning another 2 boooks, one on birthday cakes as I have slides of mine and my brothers cakes tht my mum made and also I have photo's of them ones I've made for my kids too. The other books is one of all the completed crossstitches that I've done, well not all as a lot I have given away as presents and I've done loads of cards in the past as well, so all the ones I have photo's of anyway.

DH is really strugg;ing this faternoon and has all of it in bed!!!! Oh dear must of given him the thing that I was suffering with 2 weeks ago. Just hope the kids don't come down with it. Had a lovely afternoon with the kids. They've been on the Wii, played outside for ages and then had the playdough out, which they have in the past played with it for 2 minutes, this time an hour later they were still happy with it. Meant that I could have a really good look at some of the photo's.:D

Anyway let you all go. Anyone up to anything this weekend?
By the way Jane I am planning on going to MJ's on Tuesday, are you around? Do you want a lift? Maybe we can catch up a bit, seems ages since we last saw each other!!

[pinkbaglady]

How wonderful to have those photos Aly!

Just had good news. DS3 passed his Grade 6 exam with a merit.:)

[StarGazer]

Denise - huge congrats for ds!

Thrifty - bummed to hear your card was late (still I suppose we should be grateful it got there at all!) Talking of extending birthdays...I got a birthday present today...that's what you get for not seeing friends for a while!

Aly - not going on Tuesday, sorry, as kids are away I thought I should spend some quality time with S.

He's been off work today ill too - most unlike him, he hardly ever takes any time off but I woke up this morning & the first thing he said was "I'm not going to work, I've had an awful night & I feel dreadful" you know he's really really ill if he says that cos he'll normally work through anything. Seems to have recovered now though, probably the peace since we've been out all day & he's currently hoovering the stairs, having previously mowed the lawn!

[ajcary]

Are we ever going to catch up Jane!!!

My DH hardly is ever ill as well.You know when he is because he just veggies upstairs all day and sleeps!

[StarGazer]

Aly - see you on the 20th?

[ajcary]

Definitely the 20th.

[thriftycrafter]

Hope all these sick fellas get well soon.
Wow what a haul Aly, yum, yum.
PBL grade 6 that's something special isn't it, I'm impressed.
I've been tidying in my craft room, and am a bit stunned so having a rest.
Birthday goodies to find a home for;
Got some lovely shimmering H2os and irridescent (sp?) h2o's, a cd player for the craft room and the kids got me an Elvis cd, bless em. A few 12x12's and a Christmas holly stamp from mother, I was with her when she bought the papers and bought a few the same myself, but at least they have a small chance of getting used by me. Some pearly card die cuts (2pks same with price on) mother again, a set of inkadinkado Christian themed stamps, chipbd frames with the price and the 2 reduced prices still on (guess who), beads, square gems (v nice),Kars laser cut paper poinsettias, prices still on, do you get the idea, it's a standing joke in our family, Mum doesn't need gift tags, she just leaves all the prices on and we know it's from her. Leaf brads, and some net stuff with little raised dots on which sounds weird but is rather nice.
So lots to play with.
Back to the clearing up I suppose, might take a glass of something.

[StarGazer]

Sounds like you had a good haul, thrifty! pmsl @ your mum!

Had 2 viewings today (yawn!) still, at least the house is nice & tidy. They were 2 hours apart which is a complete pain so we went bowling & then out for an early lunch. Kids had a great time. DH & them are now playing Buzz! while I enjoy a bit of peace - it's been a busy week so I reckon I deserve it!

[ajcary]

Thrifty sounds like my gran, leaving prices on!! Although she doesn't mean to do it.

I have uploaded Thrifty's cj entry into my gallery, sorry it's taken me so long to do, what with being ill and then being away for a week. Did actually remember I hadn't done it on he m40 last sunday, bit late seeings it was here! Oh well, sorry girls for the wait.

Am having some me time at the mo, having, put all the washing away, cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom, and vacuumed the whole house. The kitchen really needed doing as there was batter everywhere! DD wanted panckes for lunch so i made the batter and then realised the bottom was leaking so I tied to tighten it up and yes you've guessed it I twisted it the wrong way!!!!!!:lol::lol: ooops! It was funny though.

[StarGazer]

Hi all

Have managed the weekly challenge, shock, horror! Also, have just finished dh's album so have wrapped that up for Thursday. When I say "finished" it will be a continuing thing, for a start he's going to another concert on his birthday! Fiddling about with some more bits of paper now...

[Jab]

It's been a bit of a garden day today. DH has put a load of trellis on the fences down the side to hopefully stop little Hell walking along it to get in a back window when he forgets his door key as he did at gone midnight last night! Planted a couple of hanging baskets, as long as I remember to put them away at night they should be alright. Have been playing around with new computer putting programs on, taking preinstalled stuff off. It uses Vista which is a bit of a pain to get used to. And finally following on from dad's heart operation, mum told me today she will be having open heart surgery possibly in a couple of months. It came as a bit of a shock to her, she's been having scans etc for the past 4-5 years but didn't think it was anything major, no-one had ever mentioned an operation. Looks like the docs all thought someone else had mentioned it!

[ajcary]

Sorry to hear about your mum Jab, will say a few words for her. Let us know when it is won't you.

Have completed the weekly challenge this week. Yippee, finally done some scrapping.

[Cassie7]

Hello ladies you all sound really busy.

Denise well done for your son bet you are feeling proud.
Aly glad you had a lovely week
thifty lol at your mum. Hope you enjoyed your birthday
Tracy hows the silouette ?
Jab Hope your mum is feeling a bit better about her news
Jane sounds like your as busy as usual

I went to ally pally today and came home with all sorts of goodies

[StarGazer]

Cassie - just come on to ask you if you had a nice time at ally pally but see you've beaten me to it! Did you get lots? Spend lots? Meet lots of people?

Jab - hope your mum's ok.

[StarGazer]

DS & I are off up to London in a bit to cheer on our friend who's running the marathon. We'll be there to see him finish & bring him home.

[StarGazer]

Also, just checked the March Points list & we are down as having 1280, 480 short of our actual total - have pm'd Sonja to find out why...

[thriftycrafter]

Aly, oops and LOL @ the batter.
Allison, hope you're all getting your heads round that shock, and prayers that everything goes well.
Jane, it's good to have you keeping on top of things for us, I must admit to never really knowing where we are with the points, but it is nice when we do well, and credit where it's due, we should be shown as having the points that we (probably you) have earned.
Lovely service this morning quite moving and a good bonding experience for our fellowship.

[StarGazer]

Just got back from London - our friend finished in 3h7m!!! Sooo impressed with him, managed to see him just past the 25 mile mark then we ran (the back way!) to the finish line to be there waiting for him. Was a great atmosphere & lovely to have other friends texting etc to say they'd seen him on the telly & then that they'd seen him finish.

Am a bit peeved about the points. It seems I accidentally sent the wrong file & although I had confirmation from Sonja that she had received the file, she didn't mention that the March column was blank, she picked up a total from August & sent that in...sorry guys.

[pinkbaglady]

So sorry to hear about your Mum Jab. Thinking of you.
Glad you had a good day Jane - I watched on the tv.
DS3 arrived back - he had a fantastic time. He also seems to have brought all his stuff back too which is good.
Tracy - how is your new toy?
Fizzy you are quiet, are you ok?
Jane and Aly can you let me know the times for next Sun please if it's still ok for me to come.

[StarGazer]

Denise - crop info here (http://www.ukscrappers.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=210385). Very impressed with your ds managing to bring everything home!

[Fizzydrink]

Morning all.

Jab sorry to hear about your mum.

I'm here, just pootling around doing bits n pieces. Had a bit of inspiration for Jane's CJ yesterday so fiddled around with that all day instead of doing anything useful. Not quite done yet, but if I come to your Binfield crop next weekend then I could bring it (and Denise's) with me...I'm erring on the side of coming at the moment, just dithering a bit. The 14.30 start is good though - Denise, will you stay till 21.00?

Just been out and pruned the Camelia to within an inch of its life. That's my gardening done for the year. DD is washing my car for me, DH is making me a coffee....nothin to do but get back to the scrapping really.

[ajcary]

Hope you both can make it next sunday, it would be great to meet you in person. Not done much today except plan 4 lo's, to start on tuesday and then some to do next sunday, got a feeling though that they won't last til then as I feel inspired, maybe I shall just concentrate on jab's cj as I've not thought of that yet, I'm sure it will come though it usually does in the end.

Fizzy like the fact that you've people doing stuff for you, esp dh getting a coffee!! Would rather have tea myself , but we won't get into that again!!:lol:

Hope everyone has had a good weekend. Waves to all.

[StarGazer]

Fizzy/Denise - hope you both make it next weekend, it would be fun to catch up there!

Anyone else fancy coming too?!

Aly - pretty please will you be bringing "those" stamps next Sunday? You know the ones I mean, the ones I should really buy for myself!!!

Just been out for dinner, one of J's requests for the hols was to go to the Harvester...odd boy! He's happy now, though! Kids have now packed their bags ready to go to my mum's tomorrow - keen, huh?!

Off to finish a lo now, planned it out last night while dh was messing about on his laptop but the light wasn't good enough for me to match colours properly so it had to wait.

[ajcary]

Oh course I will bring them Jane, they are already in my bag, actually they only come out when I use them!!

Am half way through Jab dlo, although probably won't finish it until Tuesday night as I think I need to use Mj's sizzix!!! Before you ask Jane it might be roundtable it might not be!!!!! Whenever we are at MJ's crop I use roundtable loads!! Well I like it.:P

[StarGazer]

Thanks Aly :) Have still got some of the ones I stamped out but have got a lo waiting to be finished that really needs it stamped on to the actual page.

Think Lis is bringing her cricut on Sunday btw.

Have had a very creative weekend - managed to finish dh's album & do 3 other los in between being out & about. Have got a couple of kid free days & nothing much to do so may get some more scrapping done, also want to do some planning for next Sunday. Might get some of my snow pics printed or something.

[Fizzydrink]

Stop mentioning that 'S' word. (And I don't mean 'stamps')

What are these lovely stamps, please? Will I 'need' to have them? I just LOVE buying stamps but don't really use them much. At least, not for scrapping, more so for cards. I'm kind of into my Quickutz at the moment - discovered that the smaller bosskut dies fit in it. I'm done buying them now though!

I DO want to come next Sunday, and especially if I can come down with Denise - that would be like a real girls day out! We could come early and have lunch somewhere...

[StarGazer]

Fizzy - they are the AL journalling stamps soooo useful that I really should buy my own set! Last time I saw Aly I stamped each one several times on scraps of plain card. Liking your thoughts about Sunday :)

Kids are off to mum & dad's in a mo, washing is on, dinner is planned & house is tidy...:D

[StarGazer]

Made the most of the peace & quiet & have done the weekly challenge :)

[thriftycrafter]

They do sound useful Jane.
Sounds like we might have to arrange a team craft break/retreat or something when this crop is on if it's central to you all.
I don't need them before the CC of course but did we get the pics for the team LO all in yet?
I'm going on a faithscrappers retreat this weekend, and am starting to get sorted, but we don't yet know some of the details I need to choose my pics so it's going to be a tight run thing.

[Fizzydrink]

Yes I have all the pics of peeps who want to play, Thrifty. I'll get around to sending them out soon.

Yes, maybe Binfield would be a good place for a Scrap Pack retreat! You can get some fantastic nosh down there - or so I've heard...

I have the AL journalling stamps - they are REALLY useful.So useful that I'm currently trying NOT to use them for a few weeks as they turn up on all my LOs and some of my cards!

[StarGazer]

I have the AL journalling stamps - they are REALLY useful.So useful that I'm currently trying NOT to use them for a few weeks as they turn up on all my LOs and some of my cards!

Exactly Fizzy! It's probably a good thing I haven't seen Aly for a while...:rolleyes:

Am trying to put together page kits etc for Sunday atm. Have discovered I currently have practically no pp with pink on it, this is a particular problem with reference to F! Off to rummage for more photos now

[ajcary]

Will get back to you all on lunch on sunday, need to talk to dh!!!

DD today has got a very wobbly tooth. Her first one. It was at lunch today she just smiled and I thought her teeth were crocked and sure anough they are because one is loose!!! She is very excited that the tooth fairy might come and see her. Bless her.

Love stamps, any kind will do. Will probably have loads with me on sunday as I need to do some cards as I have a massive total of 3 at home!!! DH has a stash at work which is no good when I need to send one asap!!

Waves to everyone.

[StarGazer]

argh! typically now that it doesn't matter anymore & we are SOOOOOO over the whole thing, we have just had an offer on the house :rolleyes: A cheeky, low offer so we've said no but we have no idea what to do now if they come back with more... argh!

[Fizzydrink]

Typical Jane!

Important question...does MJ take credit cards?

[ajcary]

Not sure whether she takes credit cards but she does do cheques. I can ask her tomorrow night if you like. Oh yeah she takes cash as well!!:lol:

Just ordering tea as it's dh's birthday, he's gone for an indian. Yum yum. He decided he would rather have a takeaway than my cooking!!! Quite glad actually as I'm shattered. Not sleeping to well and have a totally blocked ear and can't hear anything. Need to get it syringed again, but can't do that for a week as I need to soften it up with oil. Argh!!

[ajcary]

Talked to Dh about meeting for lunch and he said 'YES':lol: I will be in church in the morning but after I've dropped the kids of at home I'm free. Is everyone still up for lunch on sunday?

[Fizzydrink]

Well Denise and I are def on for lunch - are you up for it too Jane? You and Aly will have to suggest somewhere and give us directions.

Are any of the rest of you close enough to get across - would be great to have a meet up.

[StarGazer]

You know what they say about busses?! We've had another one! I am speechless :wacko:

Lunch on Sunday sounds fab :)

Aly - when you're there tomorrow you'd better check if MJ is coming on Sunday, I know she was before she moved her all day crop to Saturday...

Fizzy - if she is coming she takes cheques & also paypal & is usually happy for you to make the payment when you get home...

Going off to sit staring stunned into space for a bit longer...:blink:

[Fizzydrink]

Cheque will be fine if I remember my book!

[Fizzydrink]

Jane do I need to go and book a place for Sunday or just turn up?

[StarGazer]

Fizzy - I've let the girls know you're coming so no worries!

I was thinking...how about lunch here? Let me know

[StarGazer]

Today is going to be a weird one...we have now turned down 2 separate offers on this place & are waiting to see if either party is going to up theirs...how can we have waited all this time then got 2 at once?! Mum has just chased their waste-of-space of an estate agent & apparently the guy who was trying to buy their place earlier in the year is waiting for their price to drop... I have no idea how today is going to turn out :wacko: Trying not to think too far ahead of myself at the moment!

Thanks for letting me vent :)

[pinkbaglady]

Oh Jane what a dilemma. I don't envy you at all. I'm sure you'll make the right decisions.
I'm trying to start and sort for DS3 going away on his rugby tour on the weekend (having just got all the ski stuff washed and sorted) The requirements are: one small bag only. The kit list is 2 towels, sleeping bag, pillow, entire rugby kit and No 1's, 3 pairs of trainers, 1 set disco clothes, 3 sets of old clothes, waterproofs, wash stuff, lots of socks etc Any idea how to get all that in one small bag?

[StarGazer]

Any idea how to get all that in one small bag?

Think you need to talk to Mary Poppins - she has just the bag you need!

[pinkbaglady]

:lol::lol::lol:

[ajcary]

If you are happy to have us all invade Jane, then that's fine with me. Or should it be if DH doesn't mind us invading!:D

Have spent all morning at church saorting out craft and toy boxes for our toddler group. It's amazing how things get put in different boxes especially when they aren't the same weeks toys!!!! Oh well all done now.

Hopefully will finish your cj entry tonight Allison at the crop then I can post it onto you. Depends on how much talking I do!!:D

Denise I agree with Jane - Mary Poppins would have an answer, other than that maybe use a medium bag and call it a small bag. How are they defining a small bag, 'cos what I call a small bag maybe be someone elses handbag!!!!

[StarGazer]

Looks like the shop is coming on Sunday :)

I have done nothing but laze about all day, making the most of having no kids here. About to go & make some bread so that it looks like I've done something!!!

[pinkbaglady]

OOOOH a shop!

Jane if it's ok with Fizzy and you are sure you don't mind having us for lunch I am happy to come to you. I'll have to work out the route to you, but hopefully then I can follow you to the crop?

Will there be a die cut machine there?

Ah you can all help me with Cassie's CJ entry which is proving very difficult for me!:):):)

[StarGazer]

Will need a note of anything you all can't/don't eat etc. I am only a few mins from the crop (RG42 2PE) & you can definitely follow me up :) I think there will be a cricut there on Sunday, not sure if there will be anything else.

Not sure why you think I can help with Cassie's cj (although of course I will if I can!) I had a nightmare with it myself!!! Just wait 'til you get to Thrifty's, if Cassie's was out of my comfort zone, Thrifty's wasn't even in the same time zone!!!

Shop is EMM (http://www.everymomentmatters.co.uk/) by the way :)

[pinkbaglady]

Don't think I'll have a problem with Thrifty's, but Cassie's I'm finding really hard.

I'm easy to feed as I like most things except for baked beans :stop::stop::stop: curry, corned beef and strawberries! The last three I can cope with but baked beans I can't!!

Fizzy is getting to me about 11 o'clock so all being well we'll be with you around midday if that is all right? Would you like me to bring anything for lunch?

I'm away Fri and Sat but will be back Sat eve but I'll be incommunicado Fri aft through till Sat eve.

Will have a look at EMM, think they have those lush Kaiser papers don't they?

[Fizzydrink]

I was thinking...how about lunch here? Let me know

Well I did make a jokey remark about the food down your way that was aimed at you!!! But I was kidding! It would, of course, be lovely to come to you, but equally happy to go to a pub or something. Don't want you to feel obliged to feed us.

On the other hand, I'm happy to bring pudding...

[Fizzydrink]

I like everything except Whelks or anything aniseed flavoured.

[StarGazer]

Damn, there goes my speciality, curried whelks in aniseed sauce with baked beans!!!

(yeuch that really does sound awful!!!)

Right, lunch here sometime after 12 on Sunday. Lots of cooking going on here this weekend then - 6 for dinner on Saturday, 2 extra for pudding (don't ask!) & 4 for lunch on Sunday (oh, suppose that's really 7, better feed my family too!) Sounds fab!

ETA Oh & a viewing on Saturday too :blink:

[pinkbaglady]

Printing out map of directions. Fizzy, you are in charge of Turn right, turn left, traffic lights coming up!

[Fizzydrink]

Better allow an extra hour then - I fulfill all the female stereotypes regarding map reading and dirctions...

Had a good day today - sorted out a small corner of the study and managed to fill three charity bags. Small steps, we'll get there in the end...

[StarGazer]

Really it can't be that hard - get on the M4, get off, get on a dual carriageway, get off, drive 1-2 miles & you're here!

Glad to hear you've had a good day Fizzy while I've been doing nothing at all...

[Cassie7]

Oh ladies am jealous of your sunday jolly

thriftys cj lol is proving impossible for me.

Hope you are all well

Its ds5's 4th birthday tomorrow and we asked him what he wanted to do for his birthday his reply was can we go to nannies and walk ernie along the beach lol so we are off to kent tomorrow for a few days

am trying really hard to get the cjs done honest

Have hurt my shoulder back and neck somehow its killing me.

well catch you all soon

love cassie

[Fizzydrink]

Well, is that 1 miles or 2 miles?

Had to ask my neighbour to stop sanding his floors at 9.45pm tonight. He was very obliging but really, it should go without saying. I do feel like I only speak to them to moan about something. They must think I'm a real misery - I'll have to try and catch them for a coffee sometime so we can have a normal conversation!

So shall I bring pudding Jane?

[thriftycrafter]

Oh ladies am jealous of your sunday jolly

thriftys cj lol is proving impossible for me.



NO, :nono: I'm not having that, stop enjoying yourself and just do it! :D

Also thinking jolly sounds good, but can't be too jealous as I'm retreating in Kent myself.

[ajcary]

Hi all.

For those coming on sunday, MJ is definitely bringing her shop but obviously not all of it. She is bringing a selection of stuff. So my advice is, look on her website, which JAne linked in to a post a while ago and hAVE A LOOK. iF YOU WANT STUFF THEn ORDER IT AND SHE WILL BRING IT on sunday (ooops left caps lock on!!), but don't forget to mention that you are coming on sunday, otherwise you can just wait and see what she brings with her.Or you can do both. I spent far to much last night, oh well never mind. Didn't get much done either, still didn't finish Allison'd CJ (sorry) but I did get 5 titles cut out and that was about it!!!!! Note to self must do better and not talk as much!!!!:lol::lol::lol:

Jane as regards food I'm sure you remember, but anyway allergies to nuts, fruits and I can't stand parmesan cheese!!! I know a complete pain.

[Jab]

still didn't finish Allison'd CJ (sorry) LOL I haven't even started SGs, contemplated a bit but yet to come to a conclusion as to what to do!

[StarGazer]

Aly - I'd remembered all that so that's ok! Thanks for saying about the shop - if you order anything ahead of time, select "collect from crop" & put "Sunday in Binfield" in the comments section & you should be fine!

Cassie - you're welcome to come too on Sunday (but I realise it's a bit far!) It's open to all... Loving ds' birthday requests...simple pleasures :) Hope your back/neck/shoulder improves

Thrifty - did you really mean she had to STOP enjoying herself? Didn't sound like she'd STARTED enjoying herself! :lol: The thing about cjs which you find hard to do is that they're usually the ones you're most pleased with once you've finished, well that's what I find anyway. They often take me waaaayyyy out of my comfort zone, but in a good way :)

Fizzy - a pudding would be lovely, thanks!

Got the kids back, ds looks like he's fallen into a tiger enclosure :rolleyes: He was building a den in the woods & one of the sticks fell on him, scratched his face & left him with a black eye too.

DH's birthday tomorrow so lots going on here: F is making him a card; we've made a black forest gateau instead of a more traditional birthday cake (I'm hoping looks are inversely proportional to taste cos it looks a mess!); ds & I are just rigging up a cd cover as the cd we've ordered for him hasn't come, so we're making our own "coming soon..." version; have also made custard tarts (new Delia recipe) cos he really likes them & have started to cook ahead for the weekend...

Made dh take the day off tomorrow so we're taking him out to the pub for lunch (according to F!) & making a general fuss of him. He's not getting very exciting presents: an album from me, book from dd, cd from ds (one day!) almost everyone else is getting him amazon vouchers cos he's saving for a "pure highway" (DAB for the car) although he is also getting a voucher to "Go Ape (http://www.goape.co.uk)" - ds got one for his birthday so now they can go together :)

[StarGazer]

Had to check the Go Ape website to put the link into the post & suddenly had a cool idea. Now we're not just going out to lunch, they're "going ape" too, just booked them in for 11am :D

[StarGazer]

WOW! Earlier I left dd to make her card for dh, I left her with a blank card, her felt tips & a load of stickers & figured whatever she came up with would be fine. Just been to look & she's made a fab card! She's drawn a racing car (& a very good one at that) cos he likes formula one, then she's drawn all four of us sitting round a table with a birthday cake. She's used the number stickers to put his age on (not sure he'll thank her for that!) & has written "you are...today". It's brill! I am sooo impressed :)

[pinkbaglady]

Glad your day has been good Jane.

I'm feeling really H-A-P-P-Y! Why? 'Cos I've got something together for Cassie's CJ at last! I can't stick atm as I cut 2 fingers last night and the cuts are deep so I have to have plasters on but as soon as they are healed (hopefully by Sunday!) I will stick and finish.:):):)

Oh that EMM has SO many lovely things! I really mustn't though as a bit broke after our time in Prague! Daresay I'll be tempted on Sunday especially if those Kaiser papers are there!

[ajcary]

Denise sorry to hear you cut your fingers, speedy recovery needed.

I have bought loads of Kaiser papers from MJ they are just so fab can't wait for the new wedding ones to come out though, they will definitely be on my list!

Have just finished a lo that has taken me ages. Just got to wait until the glitter glue has dried and then I can take a photo.

Fizzy - you beat me to bringing something on sunday. Jane is there anything else that needs to be bought, apart from myself and photo's!!! Do you want me drive you to Binfield save taking extra cars. Up to you.

By the way fizzy can I make a request for the pudding!! No coffee, can't stand the drink or the flavour. Sorry. Just thought I would mention it.

[StarGazer]

Re pudding: FYI I already have a chocolate pudding planned :)

Aly - thanks for the lift offer, probably take you up on that! Don't think I need anything else for Sunday, thanks :)

Denise - hope the fingers mend soon. The Kaiser papers are lush!

[Fizzydrink]

Re pudding: FYI I already have a chocolate pudding planned :)


Is that an extra chocolate pudding? :D

I'd remembered about the coffee Aly and was going to avoid nuts too. If you take fruit out of the picture then it pretty much has to be chocolate all the way!!

How did you cut your fingers Denise? You weren't trying out that 'cooking' again were you?

[pinkbaglady]

Is that an extra chocolate pudding? :D

I'd remembered about the coffee Aly and was going to avoid nuts too. If you take fruit out of the picture then it pretty much has to be chocolate all the way!!

How did you cut your fingers Denise? You weren't trying out that 'cooking' again were you?


Just cutting an onion to go in a salad! I should really keep out of kitchens!

I am SO looking forward to the pudding on Sunday!

[thriftycrafter]

Sounds like you're going to have a 'grand day out' on Sunday. Seems a bit of an odd day to have a crop, but I suppose most people are off work.
Go ape sounds terrific Jane, there's one not too far from here but the prices are a bit steep, we were thinking of going as a family but thought again, when we considered the weather at the time too.
Jane; I meant Cassie was enjoying herself with CC prep and stuff instead of my cj entry which is going to be gorgeous.
Too much food talk on here makes me hungry, although I've made a cake to take on the retreat as 3 of us have birthdays this month. Got to fill and decorate it tonight sometime around DD's concert, she's singing a solo 'On my own' LOL.

[Fizzydrink]

What retreat are you going onThrifty? Did I miss that?

Good luck with the concert - your daughter must have a fab voice if she's doing that song solo.

Got a day off with the kids today -we're going to see my friend Ellie (Modscraps) and her boys. Not sure how much I shall spend on Sunday now as Ellie just got the entire Pink Paislee range in and I had a bit of an impulse '11pm and I can pick it up when I see her tomorrow' shop last night. The papers look really bright and cheerful (ie very 'me') and the stamps are lovely too. I also bought some craft ceations journalling stamps from her- just circles of lines, dead plain, but in different sizes - can't wait to get my hands on them.
On the other hand, all that Kaiser stuff MJ has is lovely too...
I'm not supposed to be buying any papers, but I'm just so weak!! At least I have nearly used up all the Grafton pack I bought at the last crop.

Now, a bit of tidying up needed - got the Church holiday club meeting here tonight. One of the themes is a sports one which I think we should def do to tie in with the Olympics. Now, coffee needed...

[ajcary]

Must be the time for holiday bible club meetings. I've got one next tuesday! We are doing a jungle themed one usinf 'the jungle doctor' books. craft is fab and endless for it, my department to organise with a friend, one of the easier jobs.

Really looking forward to sunday although dh said when am I going to see you!!!! What with church in the morning, and then out all day!!

[Fizzydrink]

Absence makes the heart grow fonder you know. Trust me on that one, my DH works in Southampton all week so we only see him at the weekends (and he STILL said I could go on Sunday!)
Don't think we've done a Jungle themed one - my favourite was a pirate themed one we did about three years ago - so many activities you can do around that and it's so easy to dress up. My job is usually to run the 7-8 year olds, and that means all the activities and teaching for them when we take them into their separate age groups. So it does have a heavy craft bias!! But I have a team of about 8 others to help - we have about 45 kids in that age group. I was thinking about doing accordian albums this year - for the 10 mins while registration takes place each morning I though they could stick something in about the previous day's teaching/story/activity and then take it home at the end of the week as a reminder....note to self, ask Ellie for 30 sheets of Bazzill.

[StarGazer]

Morning all :)

DH's birthday today & he seems very happy. He's had "gateau" for breakfast (after the toast J made him to have in bed) & he's opened his cards & presents. Now the boys are excited about Go Ape in a couple of hours. The album went down well too - lots of reading & "oooh, I didn't remember that" etc, now he's planning to go up to the loft for a look around cos we were discussing all the tickets that are missing :rolleyes:

Thrifty - I get your drift now!

Fizzy - 45 accordian albums - you are a saint! (or insane!) Good point about pudding...

[ajcary]

Jane, say happy birthday to dh. Hope that the boys enjoyed their Go ape experience! What did you and F do whils they were up there?

[StarGazer]

Go Ape is FAB! It took them over 2 hours & when they'd finished they cheekily asked if they could do it again & the girl said they could repeat the last section cos it was empty! Absolutely the best thing ever. F & I watched them pretty much the whole time, we were able to walk alongside or underneath most of the way, lots & lots of photos taken. (She did get to go in the playground for a bit too) Also took the opportunity to take some nice pics of F while we were in pretty surroundings.

They are still buzzing about how much fun it was, defnitely worth the money. DH has picked up the "corporate" brochure to take into work. I took a pic on my phone & sent it to one of his colleagues & they are all jealous :)

Just had a nice pub lunch out, kids are playing in the sunshine & dh is enjoying the peace before he goes to his (free!) concert tonight. Pretty much a perfect day for him all told. I have about a million brownie points I think :D

[ajcary]

Glad you all had a good time at the lookout Jane. I have a favour to ask and it involves your bia. Do you remember ages ago I started doing a birthday calender. Well I found it yesterday and realised that I hadn't done anything with it. So the favour is can you punch the holes in it so that I can finish doing the pages without having to worry where I'm doing stuff. Thank you.

[StarGazer]

of course, no worries!

[StarGazer]

Just to round dh's day off nicely, we've had another offer on the house!

[Fizzydrink]

Another!!! Do you think people are trying to move quickly becasue of the credit crunch?

[pinkbaglady]

Glad you have had a good day Jane and your DH has enjoyed his birthday.
Really looking forward to Sunday. I'm going to my Mum's tomorrow till Sat eve, so will see and speak again on Sunday.
Fingers are healing up, took the dressings off last night which helped to dry the cuts up a bit and just have plasters on now so I've been able to stick all the bits on Cassie's CJ and it is FINISHED!! I'll post it next week.
Got DS3 sorted now for the 'off' tomorrow. Just got to sort out DH now!
Have a good couple of days those I'll see on Sunday and a good weekend everyone else.

[Fizzydrink]

Have fun Denise - see you Sunday morning

[StarGazer]

Denise - have fun :) Looking forward to the weekend.

Ruth - the second offer we got (& turned down) went off & put an offer in elsewhere we heard last night. Apparently the estate agent called her & asked her to go & look at a couple of things in that house as opposed to this one & what do you know, she suddenly found a few thousand more to offer here. Now we have my mum panicking cos their's isn't sold (with no concept that I went through all that a few months ago & she kept telling me not to worry!) We're leaning towards accepting this & worrying about where we'll live later. I'm figuring that it'll be practically the summer hols before she's ready to complete (I think we can make sure of that!) & if nothing else has happened by then the kids & I can spend the summer at my mum & dad's (dh has several people who've already offered him a room during the week so he can chop & change & catch up with us at the weekends) so we don't really need to have anywhere to live until September, at which point we could always rent. This is not at all like the control freak I usually am but I figure that if the long term plan is still what we want we'll have to take a couple of chances along the way. Also, I know nothing is set in stone...we know all too well how things can fall apart. Whaddaya think? Am I off my rocker?!

[ajcary]

Your not off your rocker Jane, you've just thought through everything and have a plan in place for which ever was going to be sold first.

Denise have a good time at your mums and we shall see you on sunday.

[Fizzydrink]

Sounds fine Jane - as long as you will have access to your stash at all times...

[thriftycrafter]

Moving house with kids makes anyone off their rocker, if you're not now Jane, you soon will be.
I'm off to the faithscrappers retreat at a 'cottage' the size of a v lge house nr Detling in Kent, we're going to do a mini pop up LO, poss a Russian doll bk, a note bk, a LO challenge with photos taken there, some polymer clay modelling embellies, some decorated wooden blocks and a lot of choclate eating.
Speak to y'all again on Sunday if I'm not too shattered.

[StarGazer]

Have fun thrifty :)

[StarGazer]

Morning all :)

[ajcary]

Morning

[StarGazer]

Grrrr...had my mum on the phone. My sister has now turned on her. At least it's fair - we all get a turn at being the bad guy! We have seen this cycle run so many times now, all old issues (fabrications or exaggerations) get dragged up again & thrown at people, we all get to be the baddie then eventually it all calms down & we just wait for the next storm cycle to start. I can't believe how calm I am about the abuse that's been hurled at my mum (she is too), it just all seems inevitable so I'm not going to let is stress me out. I have to say she is the biggest walking advert for counselling not working (apparently she's having some more!)

[StarGazer]

Think we did well on the weather yesterday - it's cold, grey, wet & miserable here this afternoon.

[Jab]

It's Friday innit, weather has to go downhill ready for the weekend!

[StarGazer]

Good point!

Just as dh suggested that I could empty the shed & he'd make a "tip-run" tonight :rolleyes:

[Fizzydrink]

Been OK here today - but the forecast for the weekend is so rubbish DH has declared an intention not to play golf!! Don't see that very often. In theory we could have a rare family day out, but if the weather is bad...

[StarGazer]

Hello you - was starting to wonder if you'd been blown up! Take your point about the family day out...;)

[Fizzydrink]

LOL I'm still here- that was a surprise - Bristol is so off the map for everything usually!!! Like the way they said it was in Westbury-on-Trym - that's one of the poshest areas. When I came past the station on the way home there was definitely a larger police presence than usual.

Haven't been on much 'cos I've had my head in a book...once it's out of the way I'll be surfing all night as usual.

[Fizzydrink]

Quick hello - going to try and get DD out of bed for a bit of a shop. BBL

[StarGazer]

Hi all :)

In between getting ready for tonight I'm busy getting ready for tomorrow. Got a huge pile of photos in the post today so am putting together some page kits etc, only problem now is that I'd really like to get stuck in but I'd better not get everything out & make a huge mess!

Mum bought the kids "Alvin & the Chipmunks" on dvd this week & they're watching it AGAIN - must be the 5th or 6th time :rolleyes: Have to say though they made S & I watch it on Thursday & it is pretty funny. They know nearly all the lines so I reckon we could mute it & they'd be fine!

Hope you're having fun shopping Fizzy - mind out for those explosions :)

[Jab]

DS has been going on about Alvin & the CMs so I bought it in the week. Waiting for him to get really bored before he gets it as I know we'll be watching it constantly as well! Booked our holiday this morning, camping in the New Forest, now need to get the gear. DH has been making a list which I need to go & check!

[ajcary]

Jab, the new forest is lovely, been down there several times and loved eaach time.

As you may have gathered not doing much today. The kids are off upstairs, dh is watching something on the tv and I'm just about to pack my bag for tomorrow and do some more page kits for tomorrow, althogh I'm sure 5 will be enough which is what I've already done, but you never know I might not talk at all and get tons done!!! And pigs might fly!!:lol:

[StarGazer]

Jab - if there's anything you need let me know as we may be able to help out (as long as you're not going at the same time as us, over August bank holiday weekend!)

Aly - not talk at all?! I don't think so!!!

I have put together enough stuff to last me about six months I think...got a bit carried away :D

[ajcary]

I've given up putting together lo's for tomorrow,as I wasn't getting anywhere!!! So I've just put some card stuff in as well. Me talk!! Never... only the hind legs off a donkey!:lol::lol:

[Fizzydrink]

Oh, do I need to bring scrapping stuff?....

Luckily I have a number of page packs left from the 24hr crop, plus a mini book nearly finished - that will be plenty for a slow scrapper like me. I have one other LO in mind that I've been musing about all week - saw a monochrome LO in a mag a few weeks ago, and the concept keeps calling to me - so I'm going to go and find a lot of green stuff in a minute and bring that too.

DD is off for a sleepover and DS is having a blanket and PS2 day, but I still don't seem to have got much done. We did make white and milk chocolate and marshmallow and malteser rice krispie bars this afternoon, and that seemed to use up all the time!

Had a good shop this morning - DD got a basic black hoodie that she's been searching for for ages. Ibought some 'sensible' shoes - nice enough to wear with a skirt or cropped trousers, but comfy enough to walk to work. So I was pleased with those. And bought a couple of tshirts for Rome - can't decide if I'll need a jacket there or not - shouldn't do in May really.

[StarGazer]

Famous last words there Fizzy! I wouldn't dare tempt the weather gods like that :lol:

All ready here for dinner guests...lovely smells coming from the oven :)

Really looking forward to tomorrow :D

[Fizzydrink]

Mmmn bet its delish - what have you cooked Jane?

We are having a takeaway - that's DH feeling guilty about playing golf after all.
Forgot to get a TV mag - we haven't missed Doctor Who yet have we?

ETA - nope, 6.20pm, that'll be perfect!

[Fizzydrink]

Jane,Aly and Denise - are you interested in old scrapping mags if I bring some down?

ETA: Well I'm off in a minute - I'll stick them in the car in case anyone wants them. See you later.

[poppetsmummy]

Hello :) We're back from our trip to t'Isle of Wight - we packed quite a lot in so I think ds will be pleased to go back to school for a rest!

Hope you've all had a fab get together today! Did any scrapping get done?!

Jane - Great news about the house! I agree with Fizzy about making sure you have access to stash at all times though ;)

Jab - How is your Mum doing?

Cassie - Hope you've enjoyed your time away.

Thrifty - Hope you enjoyed your retreat - it sounds lovely!

---

Tracy.

[Fizzydrink]

Evening all. HAad a great time today - thanks for asking us Jane (what do you mean, you didn't?). And thanks for my lift Denise!

I finished off a mini book and made 3 cards, so that was pretty good for me! Managed to buy a couple of things from the shop too, of course.

[pinkbaglady]

I had a great day, thanks to; Fizzy for your map reading (would never have found SG's house without you!) SG for a lovely lunch and 2 puddings! Aly lovely to meet you and 'know' who I speak to! Great crop in a lovely hall - never been to a crop (and YES we all know I go to a lot!!) where someone keeps making and bringing the drinks to you! MJ for for all that stash to look at and think about and buy.
Thanks all, the 'men' in my life back now and washing started (load one out of about six!)
Speak soon and see you next Sat Fizzy.

[ajcary]

Just got home, well 10 mins ago!! It was lovely to meet you Denise and Ruth and to have such a lovely day with you both and Jane. Got 3 slo'a and a dlo done, Yippee. Am now cabbaged and have a course int he monring on child protection, so need loads of sleep to cope with that.

See you all tomorrow.

[StarGazer]

Morning all!

Thanks for a FAB day yesterday! Walked in the door last night (thanks for the lift Aly!) & realised I was absolutely shattered...that's what a dinner party, staying up 'til half 2, guests for lunch & 7 hours cropping will do for you I guess :) It was sooo nice to chat & chill with you girls.

Fizzy - I LURVE my cj entry, thank you. SO does everyone else who was there yesterday (had to fight to get it back!) You should expect lots of new visitors to your gallery. Thanks for the mags too, between us Aly & I didn't have a single copy so we split the pile...no excuse not to have lots of inspiration now :D
Denise - Don't think we didn't notice we could call you pinkSHOElady too :D I loved that bright lo you were working on
Thrifty - hope you've had a lovely weekend.
Tracy - glad IoW was fun.
Cassie - hope you had a nice time in Kent. Thanks for the buttons too :)
Jab - hope you've had a nice weekend. How's your mum?
Aly - have fun today ;)

[ajcary]

Hope everyone is well.

Had my child protection course today and my head is cabbaged with info, things to remember etc. Worth going though.

Kids back to school tomorrow. Peace and quite at home. :D

[Jab]

DS is back to school tomorrow as well. Had to go and get him a new pair of trainers after noticing how battered his old pair were. Forced into a McDonalds while we were at it! Shame I didn't look at this weeks challenge as it looks quite do-able, could have done that instead of cleaning the windows!

[StarGazer]

I've done the weekly challenge so can safely say it IS very do-able! They always seem a bit easier to me when they include a sketch...

[Fizzydrink]

Perhaps we should do a sketch for our next challenge then...

[StarGazer]

Good volunteering there, Ruth :)

Aly was talking about it yesterday too, she's looked the week up (21/07)... (keen, huh?!)

[thriftycrafter]

Hi all, the retreat was lovely, I'll get a pic of what I did later, not a lot of traditional scrapping, but good fellowship, relaxation & inspiration.
We did an inspiration book on the first evening and were given a huge pile of mags to cut up and stick into a large notebook, with notes as to the elements we liked. On the Saturday we made a mini pop up LO, which would also make a great card, a pile of fimo embellies and a Russian doll notebook, they looked terrific all lined up together, all the same but differrent, then we came home with a challenge to scrap some of the weekends photos using 2 or 3 things from our inspiratin books, I've cut out the papers, but not printed the pics yet LOL. I had a lovely long walk on the Sunday morning and we had a worship session which was very moving. I came back tired out but relaxed and refreshed.
Tonight I went belly dancing! Our darts team only practice and play in the winter so I was able to go the class at the gym instead. It was good fun and I hope to keep going although it is 1&1/2 hrs which is a big chunk of the evening.
I haven't looked back thoroughly, is the house purchase on Jane?

[StarGazer]

I haven't looked back thoroughly, is the house purchase on Jane?

No idea!!!

Glad you had a good time at the weekend - looking forward to seeing some pics.

[Cassie7]

Glad you ladies seem happy and well

I am having some family problems again at the moment so have not been around much, have that lets sleep feeling to block out the saddness.

But I will be fine, just wanted you to know I about but not as much sorry for the gloomy post it always seems to be me.

lots of love Cassie

[StarGazer]

Cassie - have some (((hugs))) Hope things will work out soon.

Are any of you doing this "25th of the month" book Shimelle is doing for the cybercrop & beyond? I stumbled across it on her blog (cos I haven't read any of the cc stuff!). Seems like quite a good idea & I found I had a book that would do & obviously I have a lot of paper scraps so I'm planning on having a bash at it.

[poppetsmummy]

Cassie - (((hugs))) from me too, hope everything is ok.

Jane - Hmm, haven't seen that - I signed up for the cyber crop but it is moving way too fast for me to keep up with at the moment :wacko:, maybe I'll check out her blog too!

Thrifty - Your retreat sounds fab, hope you are still feeling relaxed!

Ds went back to school today - for the first time we dropped them off at the gate instead of going with them into the classroom :wacko:. being start of term , they all had bags of stuff, so it was quite funny to see them all trying to juggle everything!

Hope everyone is ok.

---

Tracy.

[pinkbaglady]

Hi all.

Cassie ((((HUGS)))) from me too. Hope evrything will be ok. I'm sending your CJ tomorrow.

Thrifty, glad you had a good weekend, sounds great. I'll be posting the books to you tomorrow.

Tracy, aww it's so cute when they start going in on their own and trying to manage all their gear.

Jab hope you are good.

Aly/Jane - have you heard of the Nirvana spa? It's in your area. I got vouchers for my birthday for me and a friend to go there for a day and have booked it all today.

Fizzy I'm going to TRY to get organised properly for Sat this time. Think I'll just bring a couple of my word books to cover so I achieve something.

Sun finally came out here this aft and it got warm Yey! Even had some windows open.

[StarGazer]

Hi Tracy! Hope DS had a fun day back at school :)

Denise - yes I've heard of it & know where it is. Haven't been there myself but have friends who have & really rate it :D Lucky you :D

My 2 went back to school today too. Had to remember that dd had cross country (?!) & ds got to go to the local forest (where he did Go Ape last week) for cycling after school. All free, including the mud...in fact they brought so much mud back with them I think the forest is probably smaller now!

[Fizzydrink]

Hope things improve Cassie.

Sun was out here too today. I managed the weekly challenge for a change.

[StarGazer]

Hello all.

Miserable rainy weather this morning put paid to our plans to cycle to school...bright sunshine now :rolleyes:

[Fizzydrink]

Been lovely here all day - I slid out of work early and picked DS up from school. His school is open tomorrow but DDs isn't so she's off to the cinema again.

[Fizzydrink]

Oh Poo just realised I've put the wrong date on my weekly challenge LO. where's the tippex...

[thriftycrafter]

Love & prayers Cassie, hope the situation improves soon.
My DIL is v ill right now, and awaiting hospital admission, not sure he'll last much longer, DH is with him. So a bit down here too.
Thanks Denise, I think I'll need them to cheer me up.
Sounds intruiging Jane, I've got so many projects on right now, not sure If I should look or not, but curiosity usually gets the better of me.
Waht a great sight that must have been Tracy, aah.
Supposed to be getting stuff ready for cc tonight but not feeling like it much. The ironing mountain may benefit from that.

[StarGazer]

Thrifty - sorry to hear about FIL. Glad your dh is with him. Be thinking of you all.

As it's a national saints day today the kids got to wear their rainbows/cubs uniform to school - handy for dd who is now at rainbows!

Only one more day at school for us this week as we are away with all the in-laws for a long weekend. Kids are very excited - all that time with their cousins! I am looking forward to a few hours chilling in the spa with my sil on Friday night :D We've got lots of other fun planned too, including a Jazz Brunch, a family quiz (actually not sure how much fun that will be :blink:),lots of swimming, lots & lots of chilling & no house stress etc!

Gonna be pretty busy for a few weeks actually. The following weekend dh & I are going to a wedding on the Friday, staying over (Nottingham) then going on on the Saturday to a very swish looking hotel with friends (the newlyweds from last year!) for another night away :D The following weekend we are going to sil's for her 40th birthday party.

Have pretty much finished my "25th" book but am unable to get onto Shimelle's site at the mo to read about the photos which should have gone up today.

Hugs for all who need them & even those who don't!

[ajcary]

Thrifty thinking of you all, few words will be said, this end. Prayers that is.

Jane just read your sig, how many????

DD is at rainbows at the mo and ds is on the wii blowing up everything in sight on star wars by the sounds of it.

[pinkbaglady]

Thrifty so sorry to hear about your FIL, thinking of you. Posted the books this morn.

Went to the garden centre with a friend for lunch and got some plants which I've started potting up for the patio. Glorious day here.

DS3's b'day today. Shame the teachers didn't choose to strike today rather than tomorrow as it would have been nice for him to be home today.

Can't believe those points Jane!

[StarGazer]

:wacko: @ the points...sorry! It's the projects...

Am a bit :o at the mo. DH has bought me a pressie, well 2 actually - a Sound ASleep Pillow & an MP4 player to use through it. Completely & utterly out of the blue & I have done nothing to deserve either of them! Am feeling very very lucky & am off to have a play :D :D :D

[pinkbaglady]

Before it gets to the nether regions of my attic would any of you like a sauasge making machine..........?? Yes my MIL's latest offering to DH is a sauasge making machine....... Fizzy I can bring it along on Saturday for you... FOC.......... DO let me know......
First come first served!:lol::lol::lol:

[pinkbaglady]

Don't all rush at once!

[StarGazer]

:lol: Denise - I think I did better than your dh!!! :lol: WHY did she give him that?!

[Jab]

Oh dear, that is so funny. I think you should at least have a go just so we can see some photos :lol:

[StarGazer]

I think you'd have to be VERY CAREFUL how you took those pics!!! :lol:

[Jab]

I have no idea what you mean:lol: Maybe get MIL to demonstrate first?

[Fizzydrink]

LOL Denise - I agree that you should give it a go! Just for scrapping purposes...

[StarGazer]

Running round like a mad thing here trying to get everything ready for going away at the weekend whilst cooking a birthday cake big enough for 13 & a quiche, get 2 loads of washing done, dry & ironed & get the house clean & tidy enough to leave in case we have any viewings!

Planning to pack a mini-scrapping kit in case I get any time ;)

[StarGazer]

Sitting here wishing the rain would stop...have to cycle to get the kids this afternoon & I was hoping to combine it with a quick trip into town to get a nice case & a lanyard for my lovely MP4 player. Have loaded lots of stuff onto it for the weekend (including some photos to share!). Pillow works really well too, was lulled to sleep by the first chapter of Jane Austen's Emma & dh couldn't hear a thing :)