ATC Chat - December Deliberations

[lalheg]

Sign up for this general exchange is open once you have successfully traded on the ATC trading thread here (http://www.ukscrappers.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=61010)

No time limits and no deadlines but an ongoing exchange, if you have to have a break for whatever reason just let us know you won’t be sending for a while.

All you have to do is;

*Make and send at least one ATC per month - please ensure that you post on the thread here (http://www.ukscrappers.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?p=1472823#post1472823) that you have sent an ATC so that you do not get a negative rating
*Work your way down the list from your current position on it if you are at the end start at the top
*Ensure your cards are 2.5” x 3.5”(ATC Size)
*Write your UKS ID on the back of your cards with month/year and basic address details e.g. ID, County or Town, UK. Title/Number your ATC if you wish.
*Post your received ATCs in your personal ATC gallery and post thanks for any ATCs received in the main chat thread - pics as thumbnails on the thread are positively encouraged!

Repeated failure to post every month without mitigating circumstances will lead to you being put on hold until I investigate why and, if sustained, will lead to you being removed from the list

I'm sorry if these changes appear draconian, but there have been problems with people joining, receiving ATCs and not participating in return

Current List

Lalheg
Melliedawlin -------------- having a break
Lindamollyellen
Dragonflybaby------------having a break
Scottishfiona ------------ having a break
Boltbunny
Scrapping Parrot
Karen Keenan
Sprinkles
meg
happy-scrappy
julie---------------having a break
bettine
suziejo------------------------having a break
diz
Willowpeg ------------having a break
Yabbadabbadoo
Kraftee Cullen
Sarah - Jane ------------having a break
Lil maxine
yllas
Carol H ----------- having a break
Mother Duck
spangle
Kim_abbots
Iamjoygray
Clare -----------------------having a break from January
deedee
soojay
aussiescrapperj ----------- having a break
AliTS
toniann
Sharonfruit
Fran bloor
Mystydog
Flo_and_Co


Juniors

Lil evie - Lil Maxine - under 5
Truly - yllas - Teen
Jeremy - yabbadabbadoo - under 10
Ben - Yabbadabbadoo - under 10
Matt - Karen Keenan - Teen
Scott - Sprinkles - under 10
Alec - Sprinkles under 10
Jordie - Suziejo- Teen - having a break
Rachel - Suziejo - Teen - having a break
Samantha - Suziejo - Teen - having a break
Tarja - Suziejo - Teen - having a break
Helen - ScottishFiona - Over 10
Brianna - Dragonfly baby -Under 10
Kate - S-J - over 10
Adam - AliTS over 10


ATC resources are now here (http://www.ukscrappers.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=62166)

[lalheg]

Welcome to December! Please note the slight change - we now have a seperate thread to use for sying who we are posting to and who we have received from - this will enable me to give the correct ratings to everyone.......................

[boltbunny]

checking in.

[deedee]

Just checking in - morning all.:) Off to find the other thread now.

[deedee]

Laura - sorry to be a div but I only posted November's this morning - do you want that on the other thread or is it starting from December?

[yllas]

just signing in :D

[lalheg]

Start from December as I won't do ratings for November!

[yllas]

Laura, does it make any difference if you post to 1 or 5 people?

[lalheg]

In what way?

[Diz]

yeah does it ? cause I tend to do a lot in one go..and then have a bit of a dry spell..

[yllas]

i mean if you send to 5 people in one month do you get rated 5x ?
and if you send 5 cards to one person do you get rated 5 times?

[lalheg]

I think Lily will have to answer that one!

[yllas]

thanks Laura. I was hoping that if you sent to x amount of people youd get rated that many times...as you are posting promptly etc.
I dont expect to get x amount of ratings if i post x amount to one person at the same time. As its only 1 posting. IUKWIM ;)

[lalheg]

I'd agree that would be fair - maybe better if whoever you post to rates you than if I do the rating then? Again, it's different to Lily's detremination, so I'm not sure

[yllas]

mmm, this rating lark is so confussing :unsure: guess time will tell if it makes any difference to us ATCers. I still think the keeping note of who sent/received is good...makes it easier to see whos still in the game ;)
Well DH is coming home for lunch :D

[deedee]

I'd agree that would be fair - maybe better if whoever you post to rates you than if I do the rating then? Again, it's different to Lily's detremination, so I'm not sure

Oh no Laura - does that mean you don't get to crack the whip?;)

[lalheg]

I'd love to not have to even pick the damn thing up. The only reason I do is otherwise we get people joining, getting sent ATCs and never sending any out - you'd think some people are seven year olds rather than grown women! I would love to not have to do any control procedures at all and run on a system of trust as Sarah Jane did, but many people got made mugs of in the past and I won't let that happen

deep breath, deep breath and off my high horse!

[deedee]

Only teasing hun.:D I thought you quite liked that whip.:)

[lalheg]

Only if I've got my thigh highs on! Now that would be a picture by itself!

[yllas]

Good for you Laura, and :lol: @ the whip and high boots...saucy

[Diz]

whee Laura...theres an image !! rofl...

[lalheg]

Flo_and_Co is going to join us on the monthly thread - if any other people want to make the change and have been participating in the trading thread, please PM me

also, as we have the tracker thread, I'm quite amenable to people doing a bit of 'prepayment' e.g. making 6 and posting out to the next 6 people, to cover the next 6 months - as long as it is noted on the tracker! - what do other people think of this?

[iamjoygray]

signing in. cool with the pre-payment idea. Ratings -- Lily - do we rate each person, or the leader for the swap? I think in an old CJ the swap leader rated us, and one person rated her, but is that the same for ATCs? sorry for the confusion :blink:

Glad you are keeping us right, Laura :)

[mystydog]

I'm here!

Sue x x

[lalheg]

Have you seen the stuff about the tracker thread?

[ScottishFiona]

I like the idea of pre-paying too. Like Diz, I have inspired sessions and then lean periods.

[toniann]

I like the idea of prepayment Laura - I must admit to doing things in fits and starts, this would certainly suit my methodology :). However I am a good law abiding girl and will do whatever I am directed to do ;)

[yllas]

pre-payment is ideal for me too :D and its good to hear some one is joining the thread :D welcome Flo & Co

[Mother Duck]

The old duck is here.

[boltbunny]

Old??????????

[Mother Duck]

I suppose you are only as old as you feel and sometimes I fell 100! :lol:
KK I opened No. 1 today!! :D Gorgeous colours on those cards!

[Karen Keenan]

Fabby surprise in my no1 too Caz. Have sent you a pm! It was alovely little iron on motif of a Christmas bear...and as I was putting the choclates in the pockets of Matt's advent calendar I noticed that one of the decorations which get taken out and put on a fabric tree had got lost.....so I can make a new one with the little bear :D......... I will try to take a picture later, I tend to rely on shoving everything onto the scanner for pictures for here.......but the advent calendar is too big!

[sharonfruit]

Morning ladies!

Graeme's graduation went well yesterday! He looked fabby in his robes. Unfortunately, I think I've got some kind of stomach bug but I'll just try and plod on :(

Sharon xx

[lil maxine]

morning all,

a slightly confused max here but i think its working out!!
get well soon sharon!!

[lalheg]

Max - PM me if you need some help

Morning all - Happy December!

Sorry to hear of stomach bugs

Glad to hear of graduations, advent swaps and people liking prepayment!

Toni Ann - you made me feel like a sheriff!

[lil maxine]

cheers laura have pm'd you

[toniann]

and a darn good sheriff you make too Laura ;)

[Karen Keenan]

Sorry to hear you are feeling poorly sharon - it's a bad time of year to be ill with so much to get done!!!

Thanks Laura for the parcel which arrived this morning.....and the gorgeous ATC enclosed with it....just come upstairs with my lunch while I catch up on here - I will share a photo of it later, when I've done the advent calendar ones too.

Also thank you Katrina (Scrapping Parrot) for the beautiful 'Birthday Quilt' ATC - I'll just go over to the other thread to list that I've received them :)

[lalheg]

Glad you like it - what did I send?!!!!

[yllas]

Sharon {hugs} sorry to hear your poorly x
Glad Graemes graduation went well :D

Max, did you get my EMAIL ? if not i'll send again ;)

[boltbunny]

Caz, I agree with you...I certainly don't feel 40!

So what's everyone up to today?

Here, it's cool, crisp and sunny for a change.

[yllas]

Hi Lori, your lovely Alpha cards arrived this morning :D thanks . Thanks also for the extras...you really didnt have to..they are great, just my kinda thing :D

Wish it was crisp and sunny here...its wet and grey here :(

[meg]

Hi girls just signing in for December and off to catch up on the chat

[spangle]

Signing in :D .

Thanks for all your support :wub: . Kierans op went well but it was a long old day . My only problem now is to keep it covered so he does not scratch it . Sounds easy but he is a little " basket " . He keeps taking the dressing and steri-strips off . Ho hum .

Welcome to Flo & Co . Hope you like our little haven in a mad mad world .

A big thank you to all who participated in Nuras surprise :D . Her face was a picture . And yes i had my camera . Will attempt to post pics at the weekend .

Caz - How long does it usually take for post to get to you from here ??. Only ask as a friend of mine has emigrated to NZ and i wanted to send her a little something for Christmas .

S-J - Glad to here kevin is back to work . Hope the home schooling pans out for Katie .

Belated Thanksgiving to all that celebrate it .

Hope Willowpegs wedding went well . Congratulations .

Love and hugs to everyone i have not mentioned .

Wendy x

[ScottishFiona]

Wendy {{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}} -hang in there

Hello to Flo!

[Flo]

thanks for the welcomes everybody - I look forward to getting to know you all, and seeing some of your fantastic little artworks up close :)

[Sprinkles]

Welcome to Flo & Co, I'm sure you'll enjoy it here :)

Laura - whip & thigh high boots hey!!!! and what about the rubbah huh??????? You're doing a great job keeping us in check, wish I could help out re: tracking tradings, etc, a) not enough time, and b) too confusing for my ageing brain to think about right now :lol:

Off to catch up, see you again sooooooooooon ;)

Nura x

[ScottishFiona]

Speaking of rubbah, Laura, have you looked at Jkk closing down sale - there's rubbah! But if anyone wants the Parisian plate, shout and we can do a swap thingy or something.

[iamjoygray]

Sharon and Wendy sounds like you both need {{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}.
Welcome, Sarah. :D

Laura, you are a star - off to find the tracking thread.... Can't wait to get started on aTCS again. (Wee man's been on slepe protest for a week but hopefully he'll be on track again soon and I can get working while he sleeps. ;) )

For those of you who have been asking about my health - some good news, kind of - they are beginning to figure things out. The resp. consultant said today that my Co2 levels are low and that my lung function is restricted, so he's doing ct scans of my sinuess and my chest. Finally - 5 years down the road and we are getting somewhere. :) Maybe in 6 months time I'll start to feel human again. B)

[boltbunny]

Glad they got there Sally.

Welcome Flo.

[Yabbadabbadoo]

Just checking in... haven't read back yet but I need an early night. Catch up with you all tomorrow.

Katie
xx

[Mother Duck]

Wendy glad Keiran is ok. Anything from 5 to 14 days for mail.

[Karen Keenan]

Welcome to this place Flo. And nice to see some of the 'regulars' appearing again. Here are the ATCs I received today - pinky and goldy fabric one with cute clip on the end from Laura, and purply patchwork with stitching on ( "Birthday Quilt" ) from Katrina. Thank you both so much.

[Karen Keenan]

I haven't been up all night.......but good morning everyone :lol: I was up at about 5.00 as its so windy here and my bedroom is in the loft conversion so I couldn't sleep for the noise of the wind howling round!!! Still, assembled 32 Christmas cards that I stitched acetate to in front of the TV last night!

[Sarah-Jane]

Wow Karen, that sounds like quite a task :)
Morning all
The weather is pretty wild here too, we had the big switch on last night, a couple of the houses on the street are heavily laden with Christmas lights and they have a switch on with a couple of fire works and a few people, it was too wet to take Kate out but we watched from inside, dale went out for a look though! cue the steady stream of cars and hordes of people till Christmas is over.

I forgot to the advent calendars this year, they have the chocolate ones but i forgot about the ones i put a little present in everyday..oops! and i can't find where i safely stored my advent candle, i usually forget it's lit at some point and it burns through 6 days at once anyway

Hope you all have good days today:)

[Yabbadabbadoo]

Morning ladies

Alex has shared his cold with me so I'm feeling pretty grotty and sorry for myself. Got soooo much to do as well.

Hi Sarah and Welcome.

Good for you Karen... 32 is 32 more than I've done. Is it really bad in the attic? That's where we're going to be one day!!

Right I suppose I'd better take the boys to school.... just want to hibernate really.

Katie
xx

[Yabbadabbadoo]

Talking about Christmas lights Dave has just sent me this....

http://media.putfile.com/WizardsofWinter-SM

turn up the sound.

[Diz]

yep thats mad !!!! oh my gosh - I have enought trouble getting the flipping little lights on the chrissy tree!!!!
Welcome Flo...its nice here...
And SJ - me too.. totally forgot to make up the advent calendar.. ours has drawers in so you can pop a little gift in..am totally guilty of mommy negligence..
its wild here too...gotta do school run now..back in a bit...
have a beautiful atc from ToniAnn here - thanks hun :wub:

[LME]

Morning all just signing in :)

Welcome Flo and co
Glad you are getting sorted Joy
Hope your eye us better Diz

[lil maxine]

can someone quickly pm me with addys for
*joy
*donna
*sally

please, otherwise i'll miss the post office run today!!!

[sharonfruit]

Morning ladies!

I am feeling much better today - thank goodness! I'm off to the little German Market after work today to see if I can get some nice decorations for my Chrimbo tree!

Joy - I'm glad to hear that the doctors are starting to work things out. Fingers crossed that you get some more answers soon!

I hope everyone has a good day!

Sharon xx

[lalheg]

Morning all!

Wendy - glad the op went well, no idea how you can stop him peeling everything off though - little tinker!
Glad the surprise went so well - I surprised myself by enjoying doing mine so much, so Lori, if you need anyone else to do one of your puzzle pieces......

Yay - Sarah's in the house!

Oy Nura - we're the same age, so no talk of being old OK?! I think I will have to change my avatar to go with my new image........

Fiona - off to look and I'm sure I'd be interested in sorting out about a plate that you want to swap!!!!

Joy - so glad they are getting nearer to helping you. As for your darling - tell him Laura will come and get him sorted if he won't do it for Mummy and Daddy!

Karen - that's a translucent Liquid Sculpey transfer with lumieres painted over on the ATC- Joy, it works fab!!! I used the patterned wrap from Subway sandwiches as my non wax non stick wrap..... Funny how you got two fabric based cards Karen

That Christmas clip is hilarious - real or digitally done?

Love to everyone!

[Yabbadabbadoo]

Don't know Laura.

[ScottishFiona]

Morning all. Not too wild here but it looks like evening, not morning, its so overcast. Tried to do Christmas shopping this morning but will have to resort to the internet. So little choice here.

Sharon, is the German market any good? Love German wooden decorations. Keep warm though - you are still in recovery. What's the Princes Street fair like? Any good. We might take a trip to the big city in the hols.

Off for a coffee - back soon

Fiona

[lalheg]

I just want to say thanks to everyone that has signed up to the tracker thread!

[yllas]

Hi all

Wendy glad DS op went well
Hope he recovers quickly ;)

Hi Flo & Co

Joy, thats good news that things are starting to ge tsorted about your health..hope its nothing too invasive and that your on the raod to recovery very soon xxx

Karen lovely cards, I too had a fabb yone from Katrina, just like yours, and its a beauty

Also had two fabby ones From Carol...thanks :D

Katie, hugs hope your feeling better shortly, colds arent much fun

Sharon, glad your feeling much better, wonder what you'll get at the German market?

[yllas]

for those of you who enjoy collage try this out
http://www.nga.gov/kids/zone/collagemachine.htm

[yllas]

Helena, a big thank you for the fab package of goodies that arrived today :D 2 beautifully festive ATCs, two lovely tree decoraions and two un opened xmas pressies ;) love the way you made the ATC, present and bauble a decoraion all togetehr...very thoughtful and ingenious :D cant wait to hang them on my tree :D

Laura and Carol H, thanks for the fab ALpha cards that arrived safely this morning :D

[lalheg]

Now that is fab - plus I've just taken a screen shot of one I enjoyed making:

[yllas]

rrrr, thats cute Laura

[Kim_abbots]

Afternoon everyone just signing in...!!!

Just delivered my last job till January...WooHoo......!!!!!!.... :lol:

now.....art or shopping....art or shopping......!!!!!.....shopping..I'm off to get the new Somerset Gallery from my friends shop..!!!!!!... :D

Laura will send my Nov Dec ATC's and update asap..!!

Linda...no sign yet of my ATC's...?

[LME]

Afternoon everyone just signing in...!!!

Just delivered my last job till January...WooHoo......!!!!!!.... :lol:

now.....art or shopping....art or shopping......!!!!!.....shopping..I'm off to get the new Somerset Gallery from my friends shop..!!!!!!... :D

Laura will send my Nov Dec ATC's and update asap..!!

Linda...no sign yet of my ATC's...?


I posted first class and got pop on Monday maybe it is the christmas post I hope so :blink:

[LME]

Hi Kim I rang the po I posted at and she said they have had a vast increase in the volume of post can you let me know if it does not arrive by Monday :unsure:

[lalheg]

Hi Kim and Linda - whose is your friend's shop KIM? PM me with details if you can....... looks like you were combining into art shopping there

Enjoy your time off work Kim

[Yabbadabbadoo]

Lucky you Kim.

I'm sitting here with my hot blackcurrant and a big box of tissues.

I love that site Sally it's ace. I did a screen shot too...

[Kim_abbots]

ok Linda...will watch out...don't worry not a problem if they don't turn up.....just have to make more..!!!!

my friends shop is a mile from me Willowtree crafts in Leavesdon...one of the sponsors at the bottom of the page..!!!...we were at Uni together...she scrapps I alter, but she get me my fave stuff in..!!!!....thats what friends are for right...!!!!!

[lalheg]

Oh, poor you!

That is totally gorgeous - looks like we will be doing a few digi ATCs between us eh? I never knew how to do a screen shot before................

[lalheg]

Poor you was to Kate - otherwise it looks like I was being very sarcastic!!!!!!!!

Lucky you Kim

[Flo]

not fair - I can't play - that website needs Shockwave and we don't/can't have that on our PCs at work - must remember to have a go this evening (just what I need, yet another thing to tempt me onto the PC and away from my crafting!)

[LME]

Lucky you Kim.

I'm sitting here with my hot blackcurrant and a big box of tissues.

I love that site Sally it's ace. I did a screen shot too...

How did you get the screen shot sorry to be dim :blink:

[CarolH]

Hi all - still lurking about here hoping to get inspired once the holidays are here and I have more ME time and start trading/swapping again in the New Year

[Flo]

How did you get the screen shot sorry to be dim :blink:

try holding down Alt and PrtSc at once, then open a graphics programme, or even something like Word, and Edit/Paste

[ScottishFiona]

HI Carol! Good you are lurking. Maybe a few of us should ask Santa for time and inspiration?

[yllas]

yeh time and inspiration...and a supply of chocolate :lol: do you think Santa will hear us?
Well we have all been good this year ;)

Hi Carol, Fi, Kim, Linda

[lalheg]

Maybe it would be better if we were baaaaaad!!!!

Carol - glad to see you - lurk away sweetie - we are all more than happy to share with anyone

Screen shot - I have to have my graphics program open first and then press print screen on my keyboard...

Mum and step-dad are here and picking up the children from school, so I'll probably see you all after the weekend......

[Kim_abbots]

I used to ask Santa for sex appeal......never seemed to get it though....now I just go for Chocolate....!!!!!!.... :lol:

[yllas]

have a good one Laura :D

:lol: @ thats kim...thats funny

[lalheg]

cor Kim - if your avvie is anything to go by, Santa thought you had enough and more- maybe he thought others had to hafve a half chance with you around!

[yllas]

i'm off..take care all and have a good weekend

[LME]

By Sally and you :)
Laura and you :)

[lalheg]

Yeah - me too!

Speakt o you after the weekend everyone - hope you all have a good one

[Kim_abbots]

:lol: Laura....if only...!!!

Still...lots to look forward to.... and in 18 months I celebrate my 50th in New York..lots of mates are coming and we're having a girlie week..!!.one is coming from Canada and one from Seattle..so it will be a truly international affair..!!!..funnily enough one of my mates is 50 2 days after me and another 2 after that so actually several of us will be celebrating..!! :D a lot of my mates seem to be Aries....and yes....we are ALL bossy...!!!

[LME]

:lol: Laura....if only...!!!

Still...lots to look forward to.... and in 18 months I celebrate my 50th in New York..lots of mates are coming and we're having a girlie week..!!.one is coming from Canada and one from Seattle..so it will be a truly international affair..!!!..funnily enough one of my mates is 50 2 days after me and another 2 after that so actually several of us will be celebrating..!! :D a lot of my mates seem to be Aries....and yes....we are ALL bossy...!!!

Hi Kim I beat you mine will be August not got any plans yet 2006 going to be busy as 2 family wedding :rolleyes:

[Karen Keenan]

Hi all....after getting up and getting on very early, I've now run out of steam - lurgy is making me feel yeuky here too - a nice little bug I picked up at school I think! It seems to have settled down now though, so hopefully I won't have to change plans for the weekend! Rented the third Harry Potter film and flopped on the sofa all afternoon watching.

Cyberhugs for all of you who want them - at least no germs can be shared this way!!! :lol:

[LME]

((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))) Karen hope you feel better soon :)

[Karen Keenan]

Thanks Linda. Love your calendar/journal idea by the way.

I have bookmarked the collage site to play sometime too - love the pictures people have shown us with it :D

[Sprinkles]

Hi everyone, sounds like lots of nasty bugs making their rounds - AGAIN!!!!

Hope you all start to feel better soon :D

Love the links, esp. the lights & music show. Did you read some of the comments underneath - looks like half the people were stoned :lol: :lol: - very psychedlic!!!

Katrina - thanks for my ATC, like KK's, but different colourway - it's fab and such a lovely idea - THANKS - (oops! I'm supposd to be putting this somewhere else aren't I !!! - sorry! )

Nura x

[Clare]

hi girls, Novenmber cards in post box now! sorry for slight delay - sent to Claudia and Claire Bettine.

Plus one December card sent to Diz :)

[iamjoygray]

Hope you feel better soon, Karen.
Thanks everyone for the good wishes. :)
We are off to the santa trail tomrrow with Calum - can't wait - lights, animals, Santa, pressies, shoudl be good. :D

[Yabbadabbadoo]

Oooh have fun Joy. Hugs to you Karen... you'll have to get Matt to take care of you. Dave has been looking after me since he came in the sweetie.

Katie
xx

[Flo]

I hope all you poorly souls get better soon - I'm on the other side of it having to fuss round my hubby as he is "dying of flu" (ie he has a bit of a runny nose!)

as for the collage generator thingy - HOW much fun was that?!

here's my name : :)

(just a tad busy :D)

Sarah


edited to add a second pic - I could play with this thing all day LOL

[Kraftee Cullen]

Hi everyone, Hope all the poorly people are feeling better now, I know Karen is a bit better, she went shopping!!!!
I have sent off a few December ATCs as I have quite a lot on during the next week or 2.
Christmas dinner at Goodwood house with DH's driving group on Monday, I hope the wind has died down by then, with the wind behind me I might get there for breakfast!!!!
good night
Barbara

[LME]

Hi Barbara hope you and dh are well :)

[Karen Keenan]

Who have you sent to Mum? Laura has set up a new thread to say who you have sent to and received from each month so that we can keep track a bit better. The link to it is in the first post of this thread - if you click on 'first page' you will find it.

[Mother Duck]

KK and Kkkkkatie! Hope you are both feeling better now. I still have the vestiges of a bug hanging around and if it is/was Ross River Fever it lasts for weeks or months! I really needed to know that!Cyber hugs to you both, wrap up warm and rest when you can.
Well, we had a wild and woolly night here too! We had just got in from having dinner in the new place that has opened in our town (they were full to the gunwhales as it was opening night so service was a bit slow, but food good) and lightning started to flicker. Well we had the lot! howling wind! We had to get up out of bed and close all the windows and DH had to go out in the rain to make sure the chooks were ok! Torrential rain! We MUST get a tank as it grieved me so hearing all that lovely water go to waste! Then thunder and lightning galore and it went around and around for hours! We finally got to sleep in the early hours so we slept in this morning!
Have a good weekend everyone. Like Joy I am now massively behind as I am usually up well before this and have a lot to do cleaning and tidying and creating a space for the christmas tree!!

[Karen Keenan]

This is the design Christmas cards I have been working on. A5 folded to make the card. The picture has been stamped then encaustic waxes to 'colour' it. The wrds have been printed onto acetate and hangs over the picture. It is held onto the card by the stitching along the top.......decided not to put eyelets in the holes as there are 30 cards with 5 holes each!!!!!

[Mother Duck]

KK that is gorgeous! It must take you ages!

[boltbunny]

Laura, I will check and see if I have any left in that puzzle. I have joined a yahoo group called Puzzleart and am enjoying it. I have just finished a Betty Boop puzzle and have 3 puzzles out there waiting to be returned. I am going to use them for Christmas gifts.

[deedee]

Wow Karen - FAB cards.:)
Have fun on the Santa trail with Callum.
MD - sounds like a wild night! I know what you mean about not wasting water - we have three huge water butts around the outside of the house to collect water from the drainpipes.
Hi Sarah *waves* don't think I've said hello yet.:)
Looking forward to the postie bringing my atc Barbara.
Katie - I posted an atc to you on Wednesday. Did it come yet?
Have a fab day everyone.:)

[Sarah-Jane]

Morning everyone, hope evryone is ok today
Karen that card is gorgeous :) Are you feeling any better?
MD it sounds a dreadful night, hope all is calm now and you are feeling better
That Christmas house was fabulous, thanks for the link, makes the one next door tame in comparison and he starts putting them up in september!
Fiona, i think i'll be adding time to my List this year too :lol:
Joy enjoy the santa trail

Well another week gone by and didn't get Kate to school, we have someone coming next week to speak to her, she wasn't too keen but i think it will help her in the long run, she is just so miserable and it is heartrending not to be able to do anything about it, i think i'll be teaching her at home before long!

[lil maxine]

morning all , lovely card karen

[Karen Keenan]

Huge hugs Sarah-Jane. Thanks for your get well wishes, I am much better today thank you, and I haven't heard Matt rushing to the bathroom either!!! :blink:

Sorry to hear that Kate still hasn't managed to make it into school - it must be so hard for you to see her so miserable and to keep strong for her. I hope that the person coming next week has some positive help/advice that helps Kate to move towards getting back to education in whatever way is best for her. How is your DH coping being back at work?

[Karen Keenan]

Hi there Max. Busy weekend?

[Sarah-Jane]

Huge hugs Sarah-Jane. Thanks for your get well wishes, I am much better today thank you, and I haven't heard Matt rushing to the bathroom either!!! :blink:

Sorry to hear that Kate still hasn't managed to make it into school - it must be so hard for you to see her so miserable and to keep strong for her. I hope that the person coming next week has some positive help/advice that helps Kate to move towards getting back to education in whatever way is best for her. How is your DH coping being back at work?

Thanks Karen :love:
DH is loving being back at work, he has started his new job, well training for it and although he is supposedly on light duties is going in this weekend for overtime, which he neglected to tell me till 5.30 this morning....back to normal then :lol:

[ScottishFiona]

Hi ya!

Men, huh? They are all the same, wanadering around in their own wee world. Will put lots of positive wishes for a better 2006 on the Santa list for Kate too {{{hugs}}}to you both. Atleast DH is on the mend!

Karen, take it easy still. Lovely card.

Got to dash for now. Off to get a facial before the voucher runs out. It was last year's birthday pressie and I still haven't used it - pampering -oh, lovely...

[Flo]

hi all - as a newbie here can I ask a question? with the monthly card sending, Laura said to send one card a month and if you send more that is like "prepayment" so you then don't need to send any for the next few months, but looking at the tracker, it would seem that more than one is the norm rather than the exception.

what would be about the average? I'm more than happy to send a few rather than just the one.

Sarah

[Sarah-Jane]

oh Fiona, a facial, how lovely, i hope you get thoroughly pampered :)

I've finally got my Atlas swaps uploaded you can see them here (http://sarah-janeunderhill7611.fotopic.net/) I did type out who they were all from but it doesn't seem to have appeared must do some more tweaking :lol:

[LME]

Hi Sarah it is up to you 1 or 2 or 3 at one stage I was so hyper I sent loads but then you dont have the fun of seeing yours for a while.
I am going to send a couple ie maybe 2 or 3 :)

[Sarah-Jane]

Sarah i forgot to mention I usually make 9 of a design just because thats how many pieces i can cut from an A4 sheet but I know everyone does their own thing, having said that, i haven't made anything in ages due to family health problems, but thats what i tended to do when i was making :lol:
I'ts just as easy to make a few as it is one and it's a good idea to send a few if you are sending overseas i thibk you can send 3 in an envelope for the same price as 1 card...hope that helps :)

[Kim_abbots]

Morning everyone.....welcome Sarah...!!

Love your cards Karen they are really lovely.

Max...got the CPS back this morning...that was quick thanks for that...and thanks for the gorgeous hand painted ATC..will scan later to share with the girls..!!

[boltbunny]

Sarah, I am with the rest. I usually send out more than just one. With the international posting I like to send more than one to get my monies worth on the postage. :lol:

Plus I swap on yahoo and always make extras for those swaps.

Sarah, glad to see Kevin (don't you just :love: that name for a man...hehe!)
is mending. Did he end up having a split-thickness skin graft?

We are off to a breakfast buffet at a local restuarant. This is their first day doing this....hope it's okay. They usually do a good buffet for lunch and dinner.

Later we need to rake some leaves before we get a nasty gram from our homehowners association...then to try and figure out how we are going to hang Christmas Lights from our 30 foot peak :blink: . Well should I say Kevin needs to check it out.

Later,
Lori

[LME]

I got a lovely atc from Fran today :wub:

I am feeling very very lucky ds went out last night to pick up his girlfiend from work and a drunk teenager came down the wrong side of the road hit a traffic light flipped the car just missed another teenager waiting at a bus stop and came to rest inmbeded in a car just inches from my ds and his girlfriend. They rang an ambulance but really thought he was dead but as she is a nurse they went to check and he said I really need a piss so they new he he was ok but very drunk The police arrived and confirmed this and said they really dont know how he had survived with no seatbelt. :angry:

[Flo]

now I'm really confused :) so do you send more than one card to a single person, or one card each to more than one person, or multiple cards each to multiple people?!

(sorry to be a total noob!)

[Flo]

wow Linda - sounds like it wasn't only your own son who had somebody watching over him last night....

[Karen Keenan]

Oh Linda, how scary for your son and his girlfriend. Glad to hear they were lucky and the car stopped before it reached them. Sounds like a very lucky escape for all at the scene!

Sarah, some people put a couple of ATCs into one envelope to one person as it makes the most use of the postage (particularly for those who are overseas)....others like me make them in batches so will send one to a couple of people each month.

[boltbunny]

Linda.....it's always the drunks that never get hurt....only the innocent. An angel must have been watching over your son last night.

[LME]

Yes thanks :)

Just been to do some christmas shopping but it is very very wet here :unsure:

[meg]

Wlcome Flo &co
Joy Glad you get more encouraging news at Dr.
Katie & Sharon hope you are feeling better today
Linda, def. angels were there, thank goodness
Sally , thanks good it arrived ok.
Wendy goodnews on the op.
Laura enjoy having your family .

Waves to all :D

[iamjoygray]

waving back Helena! :)

Linda, how frightening - so glad your DS and his girlfriend were okay. Hope the guy learned his lesson :angry:

Sarah, people sometimes send cards out to more than one person on the list. :)

Karen, the wax cards are beautiful. Where did yo uget the wax? I only have beeswax.

MD, what a tough night,hope you are rested up today.

S-J, good luck iwht lights. :) Love Christmas lights!

Hope everyone else is having a good weekend. :) Santa Trail was great fun - had C in his mini Santa suit :D May post a pic over the weekend if I get caught up on fairy chores.

[boltbunny]

Linda...it's bright and sunny here! :D We are still in the middle of the afternoon. It will soon be dark. :angry: What time does it get dark over there?

I protesting....I am waiting for my family to get a move on with the yard work. I refuse to make the first move, so I am upstairs injoying a few arty moments and some mahjong solitaire :lol:

[boltbunny]

Okay...am I going to get my hands slapped??? I just loaded 4 images into the gallery. :unsure:

[LME]

Linda...it's bright and sunny here! :D We are still in the middle of the afternoon. It will soon be dark. :angry: What time does it get dark over there?

I protesting....I am waiting for my family to get a move on with the yard work. I refuse to make the first move, so I am upstairs injoying a few arty moments and some mahjong solitaire :lol:

Hi Lori it was dark here about 3.45 :rolleyes:

[LME]

Okay...am I going to get my hands slapped??? I just loaded 4 images into the gallery. :unsure:


Yes but it was worth it they are beautiful :wub:

[Kim_abbots]

evening girls...!!!

Lori the time ones are gorgeous.....I love them..!!

Hope ds is doing ok Linda...bit of a shock to say the least...!!!!

{{{{{{{{{{{{ Hugs to kate SJ }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}..keep your chin up..!!

[LME]

Thanks Kim hope the cards arrive Monday :unsure:

[Mother Duck]

Lovely cards Lori and S-J.
S_J I have been saying a few prayers for Kate that she will overcome her difficulties about school and that something good will happen so that she can continue her education. I SO wish I was there to help you both is some way. Good news that your DH is back to 'normal' though.
KK glad you are feeling better.
The weather was lovely here yesterday after all the storms and we had a deliciously cool night last night although a hot day is forecast today.

[boltbunny]

345!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's early. I guess with ya'll being so much farther north?

I have been busy atcn' this week. I just sent of 9 swaps here in the states. Can you tell I'm so addicted?

[boltbunny]

Linda, I see your green light is on....where are you at?

[boltbunny]

Are you back Caz?

[Mother Duck]

Lori i am sending an envelope off to you tomorrow.Hope it arrives before Xmas!!

[boltbunny]

Our postal system has been working extremely fast here the last few weeks....somethings up. Maybe the new hike in postage after the new year. It will now cost 40 cents to mail a letter in house! :blink:

Well I'm off for now.

[Sarah-Jane]

Morning and thank you all for your good wishes for Kate

Hi Lori, No skin graft in the end, it actually healed fairly quickly once the scab had lifted it was so deep though it took ages, the honey bandages did the trick though.

LME what a shock for you all, glad that your family were unharmed

Joy look forward to seeing your little one in his santa suit, sounds like you has fun. It is Lori who will be struggling with the lights, her husband is called Kevin too...soooo confusing!

MD & Kim, thanks for your wishes for Kate, she is so low just now, we have a family party to go to this afternon and she just can't face going with all those people there even though she will know most of them anyway :(

Off to get some coffee :)

[Karen Keenan]

Gorgeous ATCs Lori - you have been busy.

S-J I hope Kate manages to go just for a little while, though if it going to upset her so much perhaps just a few people could pop round to you? Is she still able to enjoy spending time with Rosie?

[ScottishFiona]

Morning all, just catching up. Whew Linda, your son was defintely being looked after. Thank goodness he was OK.

S-J, hope Kate manages the party today. Good luck.

Lori, 9 swaps!!!! You are addicted!!!! Personally, I am feeling a bit committment shy at present

Hoping to take DD and some friends skating in an outdoor rink, if the rain hasn't messed things up. They skate, I hit the 80 craft stalls in peace! A plan or what?

[LME]

Hi Lori I had trouble with ntl last night I kept having to log off :angry:

Goint to look at tvs today and I have to return a dvd player which wont work :rolleyes:

[Clare]

happy sunday afternoon girls, just sneeking in to say hi and to say how lovely those ATC's are Lori! gorgeous.

Hope everyone is ok? xx

[yllas]

a quick helloooo to you all, Just wanted to say a thank yo uto Max for the lovelY ATC (hope to do piccies soon) and for sending my CD rom so quickly ...thanks, will pass on Lauras Altered book book ASAP.

Hope everyones had a great weeknd

[lalheg]

Just a sneak on to say hi to everyone! Catch up better tomorrow - love to all

[Kim_abbots]

Hi all...happy Sunday...!!!

Nice to see you back too Joy...hope you had a fab time back home...!!!

[meg]

Hi Kim and all the gang.

It has poured here all day, I am sure there must be some flooding after all this somewhere. Lucky enough our aera is usually not effected.

[yllas]

Hi Helena
we've had the bad weather too. Gald you werent effected by it

[LME]

Hi all snug in front of the fire weather been very wet here today.
Dh wants me to go up into loft to get the decs down but I cant be bothered next door have got theirs up already :unsure:

[yllas]

Linda going in the loft is "mans work" :lol: let him get them if he wants them :lol:

[LME]

Hi Sally I dont usually mind going in the loft but it is too cold and dark today :rolleyes:

[yllas]

i've never been in the loft..and wouldnt want to, too many spiders *blush*
So i dont blame you Linda

[Kim_abbots]

I do the 12 days before and take down 12 days after thing....!!!!..if I could get away with it I would have a tree and nothing else...!!!!

[yllas]

I love all the decs and would keep the tree up as long as poss :D
we always had tons of them as kids, yo ucould barely see the ceiling in our lounge...adn the kitchen was like a grotto for the christmas/new years party :D fond memories of getting a plate full of party food and sitting on the stairs eating it whilst my parents had a party (they usually had one as with 4 daughters they found it difficult to go out)

[Karen Keenan]

I wait until after Matt's birthday now.....but have a bit of a dilemma as this year we are having his family party on the 17th - meeting halfway with his cousin who's birthday is on the 23rd.....and the party is here, so I'm not sure wether to put the decorations up before or after the birthday bash :)

[spangle]

Evening all

"waving" to sally and anyone else passing by

We put our christmas decs up today . Have to say that i did not feel very christmassy but the decs are for kieran not me . I loved them as a kid . Having said that it is now dark and cold outside , the lights are on and i will admit to feeling a little chrismassy . Mmmm thinking of HOT CHOCOLATE now :D .

Lori i am loving your ATCs . Do you print out you wording on your computer and if so what font have you used .

Helena hope it has stopped raining where you are . No rain here ,just cold .

Linda - glad your son and GF were ok .Very lucky .

Fiona - I know what you mean about being abit comittment shy at the moment . Does not help that there is just sooo much on at the moment and time is just disappearing :rolleyes: . I would love to join in more but am always scared that i might let someone down or if i am up to the challenge etc .

Wendy

[lil maxine]

Hi Sally I dont usually mind going in the loft but it is too cold and dark today :rolleyes:
we've got a bliming mouse in ours so theres NO way I shall be going up even though i'm desperate for decorations to go up!!!

[LME]

Max are you sure it is not a squirrel :rolleyes:

[lil maxine]

um no not totally........but what ever it is its up there and i'm not going up to find out!!!! for all i know its a wombat!!!!????

[LME]

Max not 100 per cent sure but mice dont usually go for the loft as it is too far from food. We had a squirrel in our loft a few years ago they are very noisy and you have to get rid as they make a lot of mess ie chew wires :blink:

[lil maxine]

not sure but that would explain why the mouse trap box thingy didn't work!!!

[Mother Duck]

Could be a rat Max! They love lofts! We don't have lofts here as the roof space is too shallow but we DO get rats in the roof (not bats in the belfry!!) from time to time! :blink:
LME hope DS and girlfriend are recovered from shock. What a horrible thing to happen.
My tree is up but not the decorations yet.
Yesterday afternoon, I heard a scrabbling in my scrapping area! :unsure: I have had a mouse in there before (the cats bring them in then they escape and hide!). DH pulled out a couple of boxes but we couldn't see anything. We moved some furniture out from the family room ready for some new chairs to be delivered this week and out of the corner of my eye i saw a movement! :blink: Then I suddenly saw a tail sticking out from under my recliner! It looked like a snake!!! Aaaaargh goes MD frightening the life out of DH and the cat! It wasn't a snake but a very large blue tongue lizard, well over a foot long! We finally caught him after a merry chase and returned him to the garden! :lol: They eat slugs and snails so are good to have in the garden! That was MY excitement for the day!! :lol:

[LME]

Could be a rat Max! They love lofts! We don't have lofts here as the roof space is too shallow but we DO get rats in the roof (not bats in the belfry!!) from time to time! :blink:
LME hope DS and girlfriend are recovered from shock. What a horrible thing to happen.
My tree is up but not the decorations yet.
Yesterday afternoon, I heard a scrabbling in my scrapping area! :unsure: I have had a mouse in there before (the cats bring them in then they escape and hide!). DH pulled out a couple of boxes but we couldn't see anything. We moved some furniture out from the family room ready for some new chairs to be delivered this week and out of the corner of my eye i saw a movement! :blink: Then I suddenly saw a tail sticking out from under my recliner! It looked like a snake!!! Aaaaargh goes MD frightening the life out of DH and the cat! It wasn't a snake but a very large blue tongue lizard, well over a foot long! We finally caught him after a merry chase and returned him to the garden! :lol: They eat slugs and snails so are good to have in the garden! That was MY excitement for the day!! :lol:

Oh Caz you should have got a photo :)

[Mother Duck]

I think DH was too worried about it taking a chunk out of him to stand still for a photo LME!!! :unsure: :blink: :lol: :lol:

[iamjoygray]

morning all. :)

[lil maxine]

[QUOTE=Mother Duck]Could be a rat Max! QUOTE]

I certainly hope not!!!!!!!!

morning joy!

[yllas]

morning ladies, gosh Caz, thats lizard sounds scary.

Max, we had lots of mice in our loft last year, they came in through next door (house has been empty for a couple of years now) and apparently if you can get a pencil through a gap a mouse can get in as they can squash down their skeleton ans squeeze through. We tried humain traps, but had to resort to the other type :( ...they can also climb up the cavity in the wall so they are rather resourceful creatures.

Hi Joy, tried the powders last night, and found that they work ok with a clear ink pad (i dont have tims ink pads)

[sharonfruit]

Morning all!

Thank you Joy for my powders and pad - I finally got them on Friday after a trip to the PO :)

I hope everyone had a nice weekend! I was at a craft fair on Saturday and I spent too much :lol: My Mum bought me some alcohol inks for my Christmas too, so I was really pleased. She even let me take them home with me :D

Max - I hope you manage to get rid of your "squatter" soon! We had mice at my old flat (we were a basement flat) and it didn't matter how many holes you blocked up, they always found another way in :rolleyes:

Sharon xx

[LME]

Morning all dh is off to day got loads of stuff to take to the tip before he has to take the van back on Wed :)

[Yabbadabbadoo]

Morning all

I'm feeling a bit brighter this morning. I'm doing a great impressionn of Rudolph though (I could easily guide Santa's Sleigh!!) The boys are off today as the heating has broken down at school. It's nice to have them home for an extra day... even if we have got to do food shopping in a mo.

We had mice in our loft before we did the loft conversion. We tried the humane traps but they didn't work so we used the other sort. We think it was a male and female and that if we hadn't got the female when we did there would have been the pitter patter of even more tiny feet!!.

I hope we don't get any more as it will be our bedroom soon... Max top tip if it is mice they love peanut butter so it's a good think to put on the trap (although you may need to tie it on!!)

Karen put the decs up... it'll look lovely for the party.

Katie
xx

[deedee]

Morning all:)
Received a lovely atc today called 'Secrets' (will upload later) but it really is a secret because it has nothing written on the back.:lol: It's really gorgeous so thanks whoever sent it. If you let me know - I'll update the tracking thread.

I am determined to clean this whole house today ready for the Christmas upheaval - mind you - I haven't started yet. Wish me luck - I'm venturing deep into the dark, uncharted territory of my children's bedrooms. :lol:

[lalheg]

Morning all - sorry it was such a quick dash to say hello yesterday! DH was going nutty at the time as Ellie had glue all over the kitchen table.

MD - I love lizards (and pet rats but not wild ones I must admit). DH called me to the bedroom the other morning - we stood and watched a stoat in the garden who caught a mouse from under our shed and then caused all the birds in the neighbourhood to go scatty as he ran through all the gardens back to the fields

[spangle]

Afternoon all

MD - have not met a real lizard face to face and cannot say that i really want to either . Bit scary

Donna - good luck with the fairy chores ( may the force be with you ) :D

Katie - glad you are feeling abit better

Max - We had a pigeon in our loft once . Made a heck of a racket

DS will be off school until Wednesday . Just ordered a new all in one printer ,scanner and copier :D . It is a joint christmas pressy for DH and myself .

Hope everyone else is ok

W x

[yllas]

Linda, sounds like youve got a busy day ahead

GL Donna with all that cleaning

hope the food shop goes well Katie, and its nice to have the kide home an extra day ;)

Laura, bet the stoat was a greatsight, not often you get to see such wildlife in your back garden ;)

[mystydog]

Thank you Kraftee Cullen, your lovely stamp ATC has arrived safely.

I used to be an avid stamp collector so this is perfect for me.

Sue

[boltbunny]

Goodmorning from here.

I am sad today....it is my last day off before going back to work :angry: I told Kevin yesterday, I needed to get up and out and moving around or I might not make it into the building. I have been way to sedentary and will not have the energy!

Maddy K. and Kevin did not wake me this morning so I got to sleep in until 930! I was up late watching CSI Miami reruns....well trying to over Kevins loud snores! That's okay, I kept cranking the volume up and down :lol: They were showing the tidal wave episode on A&E. My dd is a CSI junkie and wants to be a forensic scientist like Gil G.

I need to sew 2 pairs of curtains today so I guess I'd better be off.

[boltbunny]

Does anybody know an Alice Cardiff? I received an e-mail from her yesterday. She's doing an ATC study for an University in the UK.....she said she has participated in swaps with us on the list and that is how she got our e-mails....

Just wondering.

[LME]

Hi all been to work and the tip and dh is doing the tree :)

I got an atc today from Claire :)
called secret garden it is beautiful :)

[lalheg]

Sue - do you still have your stamps?

Lori - GL at work - never heard of Alice Cardiff

Linda - how's things?

[ScottishFiona]

Afternoon all,

Lori, I got one too. Must be off a USA based group list?

[Sprinkles]

Hi all :D

Quickly popping on before doing 1000 + things that needed doiong over the weekend, but been run down and suffering a little with IBS at the mo :( Had lots of peppermint tea today and have been hiccuping for England :rolleyes:

Max - Hate to say it, but could be bats. Alan's family had them in their loft once and as they're protected species had to get them professionally removed!

Linda - glad to hear DS is OK, what a lucky lad.

catch up again later :)

Nura x

[LME]

Sue - do you still have your stamps?

Lori - GL at work - never heard of Alice Cardiff

Linda - how's things?


Hi Laura dh has finished the tree so thats one job done we cleaned the carpet too as it was looking a bit grubby :)
Feel a bit chrismassy now been making some cards got a lot of thinking of you this christmas ones to make :)

[lalheg]

Very impressive!

[LME]

I posted all the cards I owe today second class as this time of year I dont think first class menas anything so if I owe anyone and they have not been received by say Friday can you let me know please :wub:

[lalheg]

So, do you like the new me?

[Sprinkles]

:lol: :lol: :lol: - woohoo!! Laura! Looky at you then ;)

Very fetching!! I bet DH is impressed, and you don't look at all scarey :lol:

Nura x

[lalheg]

I had to cut down a pic of two ladies.................

[LME]

So, do you like the new me?

You will catch your death of cold :lol:

[iamjoygray]

Laura, woo hoo, racey woman! :lol:

Sharon, you are very welcome. B)

Got some gorgeous ATCs from Max and Barbara today - thank you both - :wub:

Some Santa pics as promised....

* waving * hello to everyone.

[lil maxine]

love the avie laura!!! xmas party outfit???

[Mother Duck]

I had to cut down a pic of two ladies.................

That ain't no lady!! :lol: :lol:
Joy, gorgeous photos and hasn't he grown! Where's your baby gone? What a handsome little man he is and i love the santa suit. :wub:
Must off as I have millions of things to catch up on. :blink:
Lori i posted puzzle piece plus 4 cards to you yesterday! :D

[ScottishFiona]

Joy, what an absolute cutie !

Laura, oh errr missus.....

Good night!

[AliTS]

Hi there - just signing in after a fab visit to the Christmas markets in Cologne - loved it and overdosed on ribbons. Will be doing my atcs this week for the ongoing swap. Many thanks Barbara for a beautiful Christmas atc in a lovely purple bag - love it, and it's my first Christmas one.

[LME]

Hi all just got back from club got a lovely flower stamp in my secret santa and made some atcs :rolleyes:

[Karen Keenan]

Just catching up quickly - Max, I hope you can evict your sqatter soon! We have a cheeky mouse in our sitting room!!!!!! Gotta get it out of there!!! I think it has come in through the kitchen, there are so many holes for pipework out there and the sitting room leads off the kitchen....... one more thing to add to the 'To Do' list......sigh!

Laura - love the new avatar - is it DH's Christmas present?!!! :lol:

Joy - Callum looks so cute, cosy and happy in his Santa suit.

Hi to everyone, must go and get dressed now.... the children would laugh at me teaching in my PJ's and dressing gown ........ not much 'teaching' today though - dress rehearsal of the Christmas production this morning, then music all afternoon with a performance for the parents at the end of the day.

[AliTS]

Good morning all - wishing you a happy Tuesday. I had 2 lovely atcs in the post this morning from Lori - a Goldie Hawn one - I really like her - good choice! and a beautiful shimmery stripy one as well. Thanks so much Lori.

Hope you have a good day today - I'm going to sort out my wardrobe and try to split the craft stuff from the clothes!! what fun.

[lalheg]

Morning all

Joy - how much Calum has grown! Big kisses to him please

Party outfit Max - nah, day wear!!!!

Ali - welcome back - wold love to hear more about your trip when you have time and GL with the wardrobe diving

Linda - sounds lovely

Karen - GL with the production!

[yllas]

morning all

Good luck with the sorting Ali
Joy, lovely piccies of DS..so cute
Laura, you little minx :lol:
Linda, nice secret santa gift :D
Lori, never heard of the ATC emailer...have fun with those curtains, hope your energy returns before work does.
Karen :lol: @ you in your PJs at school
got lots to do today. tarmack men are going to replace the missing bits today...so it will be smelly here :lol:

[Yabbadabbadoo]

Morning ladies... love the outfit Laura.

Joy love the photos of Callum... what a sweetie.

ALi sounds like a lovely trip.

Right off to buy some more bits for the secret room...

Katie
xx

[Sarah-Jane]

Hello eveyone...
Joy what cute pictures of callum and isn't he growing quick!
Lovely new avatar Laura :lol:
Karen hope the performance and rehearsals went well today
Sally good luck with the tarmac~ing, i love the smell of tar :o
Lori hope you get your curtains done and i haven't heard of the ATC girl either
Fiona, how did the ice skating and craft fair go?

hope you all have good days,

Ive done a few more decorations with Kate but mostly we sat and talked, it has been quite emotional for us both (lots of tears), but good to get through it all before the counsellor comes tomorrow.
I really feel that staying at home isn't the best option for her but knowing what is going on in her mind I fully understand why she can't face going to school, it is a tricky situation, she certainly can't go on being as miserable as she is but she is always going to be in a wheelchair and nothing is going to change that, i suppose we have to wait until Kate comes to terms with that and accepts her disability and that is a lot to ask from a 12 year old. If anyone has any bright ideas then I'm open to suggestions, I feel like I've run full tilt into a brick wall.
School have been on to us to write and say why we were keeping her off as they knew it wasn't just illness etc and if it goes on too long we have to have a Drs letter so at least we are managing to keep it all official.

Anyway enough of the woes, didn't mean to go on about it, sorry.

On a brighter note I have some lovely Christmas pictures that kate has created, have had my taste in music broadened [?????] today by DJ Kate and we lit christmas scented candles so the house smells wonderful and i had hot chocolate while kate had Milkshake and we watched the blanket lift off the lake, it was soo thick today we couldn't see the bottom road below our house, its nice and sunny now though
Off to do more christmassy things, see you all later

[ScottishFiona]

Stop, you're making feel all seasonal!!

The craft fair was in the grounds of a very old castle so excellent noseying opportunities. But it had rained so much the place was knee deep in mud. However the girls loved the skating and didn't fall to much. Won't be around much this week as DD is in her theatre school show all week adn I'll be in the dressing rooms assisting. At the same time DS has his school concert, swimming and Little Ninjas and everything overlaps. If anyone knows where I can acquire a Time Turner, email me at........

take care everyone

[sharonfruit]

Good afternoon everyone!

Sarah-Jane - *hugz* to both you and Kate. I can't offer any advice I'm afraid but I hope the counsellor will be able to help.

Barbara - thank you for the gorgeous ATC which arrived yesterday! I love the purple sparkly bag too :wub:

Joy - what a a wee sweetie Callum is!

Laura - gorgeous avatar :)

Karen - good luck with the performance! :D

I'm currently trying to decide which Stampers Anonymous stamps to order from Joy - too difficult a choice! I got my free gift from Simply Stamping magazine yesterday, so lots of new stamps to play with :lol:

Sharon xx

[Kim_abbots]

Hi everyone

SJ so sorry your having a hard time of it at the moment, I would also say kate is better in school than out..is it a special school or mainstream...? She sounds a bit depressed and maybe could get some help for that...? It must be devastating for her to be wheelchair bound, but I think your right, once accepted that would be a positive way forward for her mental attitude. Have you looked into online schooling..I know a lot of the Hebredean Islands have online classrooms and each child has a webcam to see each other and the teacher.....!!!!...Communication is so important to children I think my Ellie would die if she didn't have her mobile and MSN...!!!!...she too is 12, and when I say... 'thats it' ...'bed'....she then texts under her duvet...!!!!....you know ....like I'm stupid...!!!!!...I give her 10 mins and shout...!!...maybe Kate could find a way of communicating to her peer's to soften the blow of returning to school...then there's a 'conversation' going on already she'd privy too.

I really hope you find a way..I know your distraught with worry and at your wits end......do you know what do the Americans do, they are really inovative with children who have a disability...?

Thinking of you here.....!!

[Kim_abbots]

SJ..here's washington DC website for children with cybermates..!!!

http://www.nichcy.org/kids/index.htm

do we have anything here..?...maybe start one with Kate if not ...maybe talking with others would help diseminate the emotions she must have racing round her head...!

[Kim_abbots]

just found this....you may have all these things bookmarked already but this is a UK site....!!!

http://www.whizz-kidz.org.uk/Page.asp

[lalheg]

Kim - you are so kind to find those links for SJ, hope they are of use to her or anyone else facing challenges. thansk for the load of the mag - I'm going to have to go look at your business site later......

I'd love a time turner too!

As for ATCs, please someone smack my bum (goes iwth the look) as I keep forgetting to say a huge thanks to Fran for her monthly ATC and Diz for her trade (will go on the correct threads too!)

[LME]

Hi SJ have you thought about asking if she can go to school part time to help her ease back into it as she might miss her friends.
One of my friends sons just did mornings till he felt able to do more.
Just an option as although I am sure you would love to be with her all day you will need a break so you can do your own thing.
Do they have any clubs she likes or do they offer respite as if you wear yourself out she will suffer.
I know parents find it hard leaving their children with others but everybody benefits I know I love being with Chris and I think he loves being with me as I know it seems daft as I am older than his parents he thinks of me as a friend not an adult :wub:

[Sarah-Jane]

Thank you everyone, you are all wonderful :love: I don't want to hi-jack this thread with details of my home-life so thanks for the links kim and suggestions LME, it was actually whizz kidz who provided kates fabulouis new wheelchair so we are in touch with them already.

Fiona, good luck with fitting everything in and SHHH! someone did tell me Linda had a time-turner thats how she manages to fit everything in :lol:

[LME]

Hi SJ now my secret is out :lol:

[Mother Duck]

Hi all on a very muggy, sultry morning with a hot northerly wind blowing and storm brewing!It will be another aircon day I think.
S-J I will pm you.
I wish my secret santa had been as nice as Linda's! I got a paper bag with bits of paper in it and one of those free leaflets you get on techniques from the scrapping shop! LOL! On a positive note, the paper will be useful for ATC's!
My printer has run out of ink and i have to print my Xmas letters off (hands won't let me hold a pen long enough to hold a pen to hand write without hurting too much and anyway my writing is spider scrawl!). Can't get to town til DH gets here thursday so I am feeling frustrated!
Am slowly cleaning each room in the house this week ready for Xmas and putting up decorations as I go. 'Lost' a box of decorations and rang DH to find he had stored them in our 'barn' (a big spidery shed we have full of old lawn mowers and gardening stuff and other stuff DH won't throw out!!). I'm not venturing in there til he comes home on Thursday!!

[Mother Duck]

Forgot to say, I hope the concert went well KK.I am having a conversation on MSN with DH at the same time as writing this reply and it's a bit disconcerting! Good job I am a woman and multi skilled eh!!!?? LOL!!

[lalheg]

Oh Caz - sounds like a bad day!!! sorry Secret Santa hasn't been so generous with you!

[Mother Duck]

:wub: I've got lots of lovely friends on here to make up for it! :wub:

[LME]

((((((((((hugs))))))))) Caz

[Mother Duck]

{{{{{{{{{{hugz}}}}}}}}} back LME and to everyone that needs them.

[AliTS]

HI Caz, sorry you are having so much hassle, hope it gets sorted soon. Hugs from me, and to you too Linda.

I'm off to bed after a totally useless evening where I have achieved nothing apart from starting my 5th Christmas scarf. But I did find out I have a photo in the finals of the photo comp - yee ha! I have never dared enter anything before so am really chuffed!

Take care now.

[yllas]

a quick hello from chilly Devon brzzz

Caz, {hugs} sorry to hear your hands are bad xxx
hope the storm isnt too bad for you.
The barn sounds like our shed :lol: dont venture in there alone ;)

Ali t, GL with the comp :D

got to make the xmas cakes today...really unlike me to leave them till the last minute..oh well better late than never.

Hope you all have a good day.
GL to Kate and S-J

[AliTS]

quick hello from me too, big list of things to do today - nothing so fun as christmas cakes though Sally, enjoy making them. Chilly here too, but beautiful blue sky so I feel happy, its the grey and damp that makes me SAD.

have a lovely day everyone.

[lalheg]

Morning all - have to be quick to day, loads to do before taking the kiddos in my charge to see Ellie in her Christmas play this afternoon

well done Ali!

[LME]

Morning all well done Ali :)
Just off to work so wont be back till tonight :)

[yllas]

GL Ellie :D have a ncie time Laura
Hi Linda

well i've done some food shopping (had to carry it all home) then made 3 xmas cakes..last 2 are still in the oven.mmm they smell good

[LME]

Hi popped home between jobs off in a mo to look after Chris thought we might make some more christmas cards like last week :)

Sally I dont like christmas cake we usually have a sponge one :rolleyes:

[yllas]

Hi Linda, sponge cake is good too..spec chocolate scrummy :D
Have fun making the cards..sounds more like fun times than work ;)

[lalheg]

Ellie's production was gorgeous - as she is just a term into reception, they all just sat at the front, singing and looking cute! I still shed tears at the nativity bit - every year, just the same - used to sob at the ones on Richard and Judy!

I must say I'm tempted to make a Sacher Torte for Christmas - I made one for Ellie's birthday cake (how sophisticated was that at Wacky Warehouse?!) and it was so delicious and probably more appreciated than a fruit cake would be

[LME]

Sounds lovley Laura just with Chris he is playing Now 64 full blast and siging to me :wub:
Just waiting for his tea to cook chicken nuggets chips and sweetcorn.
His brother is playing rugby and Mum and Dad have gone for a chinese. :)

[lalheg]

Say hello to him for me - he sounds so full of life

[LME]

He says hi back had our tea now :)

Now playing Robbie Williams :)

[AliTS]

mmmmmm Sacher Torte - recipe would be much appreciated Laura please.

[lalheg]

OK, will do that some time! Remind me OK

[iamjoygray]

Thanks, everyone. He is a cutie LOL!!!! I know - almost a year already!!!! Can't believe it. My big boy :D
Sally, thank for my beautiful aTCs. :wub:
Fiona, thank you for Calum's ornament - you are so thoughtful - sent you an email. I will make sure he knows it was from you. :)
Laura - I have PM-ed you.................... So glad to hear Ellie's play went well.
S-J (((((hugs)))) to you & Kate....
Karen, how is the production going?
Max, you are a star, thank you again for my card and blinkie!
Sharon, LOL, rubba!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi, Ali, MD, Linda! :)
Kim, biz site - how is it going?

[LME]

Want to try an idea I saw with alcohol inks but dh id here so if he sees me making a mess I will be in big trouble :rolleyes:
I will have to wait till tomorrow :)

[Kim_abbots]

Evening all....had a really busy three days ...will catch up tomorrow...never get any notifications any more...!!!!

Hope your all well..!!!

[Mother Duck]

Ali GL with the photo comp! I will vote for you!
Joy, can't believe it is almost 12 months since you had Callum!
My family loves fruit cake , well immediate family but i have ordered a mud cake for the others at Xmas. I will make a fruit cake next week for the rest of us. They also love Xmas pud but i haven't made one this year but i have found a recipe for a last minute one so will bow to pressure and make one. Just don't want to fill the kitchen with steam at the moment as the humidity is high enough as it is!
We didn't get a storm but it is sooooo sultry we will end up with one. I hate this weather more than really hot sunny days.
LOL to Chris and his nuggets and chips! My clients were the same! Give them something healthy and you'd think you were poisoning them!

[Karen Keenan]

Mmmmm....Christmas cake.

Ahhhhhhh...I hope you got some pictures of Ellie's first school nativity. We all smothered giggles as baby Jesus was very firmly hugged and stuffed into the manger today! Apart from one of my main characters deciding to roll around the stage while waiting for the show to begin, everything went very well today! The singing was lovely.

What are you planning to do with your inks Linda?!!!

Hi everyone, hope to catch up properly now I've finished for the week!

[Mother Duck]

:lol: @ the child rolling around the stage! That's Beth trick! When she was having drama lessons, all the kids had to be seagulls and Beth laid down ont floor and rolled over! When questioned she told the teacher she was a dead seagull!! :rolleyes: :lol: :lol:

[Karen Keenan]

:lol: .......A dead seagull! :lol:

I'm sure the audience didn't really want to be treated to a view of J's rear end as he was rolling back onto his back. Yesterday he was making little bunny hand shadows with the lights!!!!......I really wonder whether I made the right choice asking him to be one of the two children from my class who would be on the stage the whole of the show!

[Mother Duck]

Exasperating but you have to love 'em don't you!! :rolleyes: :lol:

[lalheg]

Good morning everyone!

Joy, love to you

Linda - need to know this alc ink idea......

Kim - busy with your own stuff or work?

Caz - does it still feel odd to do Christmas in the heat or are you used to it now?

Karen - if only Ellie were in the nativity bit - she was just at the front singing. TI doesn't matter to my tear ducts - see nativity, start crying - I'm even filling up just thinking about them in general! I thought about you while Ellie's production was going on, wondering how all you teaching staff manage, both with getting them to a reasonable state of preparedness and with the emotions it all raises (including hilarity).

[Karen Keenan]

Not feeling very hilarious........just got back from a scary driving experience - the handbrake decided not to work when I was going up the steep driveway into a multistory carpark, with a queue of cars behind me........the carpark attendant cleared the cars around me then held the car to stop it rolling back while I switched foot from footbrake to accelerator!!!!!!!!!!! I don't want to do that again!!!! I'm home safe now, waiting for the AA to come and look at it. I'm glad I decided to drive home (VERY CAREFULLY!) as there is a current waiting time of 90 minutes - time for coffee and chocolate I think......well they always prescribe chocolate as a cure in Harry Potter. I hope everyone else is having a better day.

[lalheg]

Hugs to you Karen - glad you are home safe and hope the AA man calls soon

I'll join you in a coffee and some chocolate!

[LME]

((((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))) Karen.

Laura I got some clear baubles with snowflakes on the outside I was going to put the ink inside and swill around then add blending solution and swill :)

[lalheg]

Now where have I seen that technique? Ah, it was with glue and pearlex! sounds delicious with alc inks!

[spangle]

Hello e1

{{{{hugs}}}} Karen . I have had my brakes go once , not very plesant . Definately agree with the chocolate remedy . Hope you get a "very nice man" turn up soon ;) .

LME - Inks sound a great idea ,thanks .

S-J - thinking of you and katie :wub:

[Kim_abbots]

Hi girls....

Glad your ok Karen...bit scary...hope its all fixed now..!!!

Working on my own stuff Laura......supposed to be fun but turning into a chore at the moment..running out of time and behind with quite a few RR's....trouble with being a freelancer is you can't afford to turn work away...and everything goes on hold till the 'paid' job is done...oh well onwards and upwards...!!!!

[Karen Keenan]

Hi everyone. Just got back from dropping the car in to the garage to have the brakes stripped down, brake cable replaced......and anything else they find!!!! They are hopefully going to sort out the keys for me at the same time as the central remote locking has stopped working a while ago, but I was hoping to get it fixed in the Christmas holidays when I don't need the car quite so much - ah well! got a stripy tie on the way home ready for the 'do' I'm going to tomorrow night (it's one of these places that have a theme for the evening..........why, as a group of teachers, did we choose to go when it it school uniform?!!!! We see enough of it all week! :lol: )

[Sprinkles]

Afternoon e1 :)

S-J hope things start to look up for Katie, have no info. that I can pass on unfortunately, but you know we're all happy to listen and help out if we can.

Joy - love the photo's of Callum in his Santa Suit, what a lovely smile he has.

Hugs to everyone, hope all Christmas Productions are going as well as they can. Just seen Alec's this afternoon, and then Carol singing in the square later with Scott's school (Yes! In the freezing cold :rolleyes: ) - in between fitting in swimming and dinner :lol: :lol:

Works night out tomorrow, but feel too exhausted to drum up any enthusiasm for it at the moment, sure it will be fine once I get out ;)

Will catch up again soon

Love Nura x

[Sarah-Jane]

Hi everyone, Karen sorry to hear of your driving horror story, hope you are recovered now :)
LOL at all the school play stories, Kate was Mary one year, I went prepared with a box of tissues!
Karen and Nura, i'm sure you will enjoy your do's, once you get there......

Meeting the counseller went really well and she feels that sending Kate to school is probably the worst thing for her right now, so i have been making arrangements for home tuition and investigating formally withdrawing her. There are a high proportion of children in this area being home educated apparently with a good support network.
Kate seems much more settled now the school threat has been removed for the time being, we even went to do a little Christmas shopping and out for lunch today, she coped really well and has some of her spark back. It was fab as the shops weren't really that busy and no queue half-way down the shop in Woolworths.
She still has a long way to go, she had a panic attack while we were having lunch as there were too many people and it was too noisy for her, so what it must have been like for her at school i don't know. At least she was out and about today and doing something other than lying on the settee and crying. I am so much happier as she is not recognisable as the same child we have had for months and months now, I think we have turned a corner, looks like it's been a good decision for kate :)

Thanks for all your support and good wishes over the last few months, it has been appreciated especially when I've been feeling low too,if I'm going to be teaching Kate at home she'll have to get into ATCs a bit more, otherwise I'll never get time on here :lol: