And another week over!

Hi everybody! I can't believe I have been back at school for 3 and a half weeks already - where has the time gone? Work is going really well, very busy, but that helps to pass the time. I am really enjoying this new school year so far, and my new class.

It's been quite a busy week in other ways, with meetings at both schools. I had to go to Emily's school for a meeting about Emily's trip to Greece in two weeks - what a lucky girl she is! The trip looks fantastic, I wish I was going. At least this trip is a proper educational one - Theology and Philosophy - and she will learn a lot. Mark had to go to Edward's school at the same time to meet Edward's new teachers after his current teacher goes on maternity leave in a few weeks time. The the next night, Mark and I were back at Emily's school finding out how we are going to cope with her during the next two years whilst she is studying for her GCSEs - no miracles there unfortunately!! Apparently it is all about finding a balance - HOW??!!

Edward put himself forward for Student Council this week, and made a good job of his campaign. Unfortunately he didn't get elected, but it was a closely run election for his year. He was disappointed, but he has done it before - so at least he has had the opportunity.

As I said, busy, busy - and dealing with a truculent teenager as well!

Edward had a football match this Saturday which they lost 5-4, but they deserved to win. Then he had a great afternoon because two of his friends came round to play and stayed for tea. He really enjoyed himself. Emily was out for most of Saturday, round her friend's house for a birthday party until 9pm.

As you will see from the photos, I have had a busy weekend - more cupcakes (chocolate and vanilla ones) and some new card designs. The cakes were yummy and I hope you like the cards. I have been using the Sorbet Souffle papers again, but got a little bored, so I tried something else.

Well, that's all folks!! Nothing more to write about and Blogger is playing up - I seem to have been fighting technology all day - haven't the patience for it now. Besides, Doc Martin is about to start! Laters!

M x

Busy Busy!!

Well another week has gone and I don't know where the time has gone Not been feeling tip-top this week, don't know why. Just incredibly tired and a niggly sore throat. Fortunately it hasn't come to anything - the dreaded Swine Flu is never far from our thoughts at the moment.

Have been a busy bunny this weekend, although with more fun pursuits than last week's jobs. I finished the eighth round on my hexagonal blanket (and all the ends have been sewn in, how virtuous!!). Doesn't it look splendid on my bed. Edward has been laying on it, all day!

I've only made one card this weekend (it was a commission - yet another new baby boy card). I used an existing design, but just updated it with some brown to go with the blue and white. Quite pleased with it, hope my client is!

I've recently bought a new recipe book, The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook. It's basically all cakes, muffins and other goodies - yum, yum! Look what I've made today - vanilla cupcakes and lemon cupcakes - they look so good. I really like the pastel coloured frosting on the vanilla ones. I may have to update my food colouring collection to include lilac and maybe tangerine - how exciting!!

Also very excited this weekend because Strictly Come Dancing has returned (Mark not so pleased!). Have had to watch it on catch-up due to timings this weekend, trying to fit in two night's worth is a bit tricky, I'll be happier when it is just on a Saturday night.

I've now read all of my True Blood/Sookie Stackhouse books (eight in total). The next one doesn't come out in paperback until next year sometime, so I'll have to be patient. Perhaps I'll read the Twilight Saga again, although I have lent out New Moon, and I know I'll finish Twilight before my friend finishes Twilight! So I am a bit stuck for reading material at the moment - I don't like it when I don't have a stack of books waiting to be read!

Week 2 of our meal planner has been a success. It has certainly made the pair of us more relaxed knowing a meal is planned and shopped for, and I think we are spending less. Having said that, this week's meals are a bit more basic because it is the end of the month! So far so good though.

That's all folks!

M x

P.S The cupcakes were delicious!! What shall I make next weekend?

Hello again

It's been a while since I posted, but to be honest now that I am back at work, there is not too much going on, other than normal day to day life. No photos either!

Work has been very busy this week - the first full week back is always the hardest after a long break. I am enjoying it, but trying to have the work/home balance thing is really hard.

On the plus side, the first week of our meal planning has been quite successful. We have had hoisin pork and pancakes, chicken fajitas, spaghetti carbonara, Spanish chicken and chorizo and a crofters casserole. I even used the slow cooker. It is taking a lot of organisation and trying to keep one step ahead - but so far so good. Week 2 has been planned and shopped for (completely different meals) and hopefully it will all be good too. I am planning to have a three week rolling menu - wish me luck!

This weekend has been really busy - and has gone by really fast (too fast!). I don't feel ready to go back to work tomorrow. Lots of jobs needed doing - cleaning the bathroom, ironing, putting things up in the loft, making cards, not to mention overseeing the children's homework.

Emily has been out for most of today - cinema, bowling, pizza. Yesterday Will came round for the afternoon. Edward played his first match of the season and they lost 6-5, Mark said they were unlucky. The rest of the time Edward has been on the Wii playing with his new Ashes 2009 game - I'm so bored with the running commentary - I hate cricket!

I had my haircut this week and I am still trying to get used to it. I liked it at first, and then I didn't. I'm waiting for it to settle down. I got a great reaction from the children and my colleagues at work - I was quite embarrassed by all the attention.

I'm running a textile club at work with another colleague, for Years 5 and 6. It starts on Tuesday this week. We don't know how many children have signed up - so it may be a shock! I hope it goes well, I am a bit nervous. Will tell you more next week.

Cheerio!

M x

Some stuff!

A present for a friend's birthday.

Birthday card for same friend.

.Recent cards
My grown up Year 6 boy!

M x

And that was the end of that . . . .

And so the summer holidays (and the summer!) are over and it's back to work. I actually went back yesterday for half a day, which was a complete culture shock as my brain appears to have seized up over the holidays! It was a bit of a brainstorming session about the aims of the school for the next five years - heavy man!! I wasn't too nervous going in, which was surprising and it was great to see everyone and catch up before we are properly back.

After I got back I had to take Edward to a three hour football training session, which he wasn't all that fussed about to be honest. I met a friend for coffee and cake which was lovely as we haven't seen each other properly for ages. When I got Edward home he was a bit upset and anxious about going back to school - Year 6 is such a big deal.

During the evening I started feeling really ill, I was quite worried about myself. I think it was an anxiety attack - I felt very odd inside, sort of fluttery and a bit breathless and just generally not right. Of course I couldn't sleep,and then Edward came in during the night because he couldn't sleep, what a great start to the term.

I still felt a bit off this morning, but I agreed with Mark that it was probably first day nerves. Luckily Edward and I both had really good first days back and the nerves have disappeared. I think we will both be fine.

I have been trying to decide whether or not to continue with the blog now that the summer is over. I have decided that I will, as it is nice to post pictures of the cards I make and things that we are up to. I think it will be a great thing to look back on next year - so I will carry on for the time being. It all depends on whether working life gets in the way - time will tell . . . .

See ya!

M x

Bank Holiday Weekend

With a three day weekend stretching before me, why is there always so much to do? Edward had a four hour football training sessions, so he was out between 10am and 2pm. Emily was going to her friend Nicole's house and we shared lifts with Ghislaine. They came to pick Emily up at 10.30. As soon as the children had gone, Mark and I went over to Ware to sort out buying Edward a saxophone. Whilst I did the business there, Mark played with the electric guitars. Hopefully Edward's new sax should be available to pick up next Sat and we can return the hired one. Fingers crossed.

Once we got back home, it was all the fun of planning a shopping list! Mark was dispatched to Tesco whilst I got on with a special card for a friend who is going to be 50 in a matter or a week or so. The card took me hours, cos I had to keep waiting for elements to dry. It looks fab and I will post a picture soon I promise.

Then it was collection time for the children. Edward had a great training session and scored a couple of goals so he was chuffed. Emily enjoyed herself at Nicole's, particularly because the boys had been invited as well!

Mark made a very nice curry for tea and then we spent the evening catching up on TV programmes (oh and I crocheted too - it's coming on a treat - round 8. Will post a picture of that as soon as I have finished the round. It's getting very heavy.

On Sunday we had an early start, because we decided to make the most of the long weekend and have a day out at Chessington. We had a really good day, and went on Dragon's Fury twice (even Edward) and the Vampire ride - it broke down before we could go on it for a second time (typical). We enjoyed the water ride - Dragon's Fall and I didn't get wet cos I wore my Alton Towers poncho. We bumped into the Lewis's and the Miles's - talk about a small world. We got home about 7pm and we were all pretty pooped. We both managed to fall asleep in front of the TV.

Today has been a surprisingly busy day, even though no one is really in the mood. Emily has gone to Ware with her friends - Alice is back from Italy - so she is happy. Sharing lifts with Alice's Mum, she took, we are bringing back (including Will who is coming for dinner). Edward finally got his homework done - I am so relieved - I was getting quite stressed about it, so he was able to play out all afternoon. I have been typing up recipes for our meal planner which has gone very well. I also made a chilli for the freezer and emptied out the crap already in the freezer that has been there for a year or more. Quite productive.

Now we just await a summons from Emily to pick them up!

M x

Week 6 of the Summer Holidays

Well, the final full week of the summer holidays is over and I am starting to feel sad and and full of trepidation for going back to work next week. I can't believe where the time has gone, I wish it would start all over again. I've had such a good holiday and have really enjoyed being at home. I wish I was able to be a stay-at-home Mum again.

On Monday, Tracey and Frank came to visit, which was lovely. I haven't seen them since my 40th birthday party last June. What's great about our friendship is that we just pick up from where we left off. I can't believe how grown up Frank looks, he's really tall - makes me feel SO old!

After they left, Emily went off for a sleepover with her friend Ghislaine. Five were going all together and they went to the cinema to see Aliens in the Attic.

On Tuesday, I went to London with Halina, a colleague and friend from work. We went to the National Gallery for a spot of culture. Our interest was sparked when we went on a school trip with Year 5 at the beginning of the year. Of course we started off the visit with coffee and yummy cake in the gallery's cafe. After the gallery we walked along to Covent Garden and had some lunch there. After a quick visit to Lush to buy some soap, we caught the tube to Finsbury Park to get the train home.

Emily arranged to see her friends in Ware on Wednesday and I dropped her at the station before taking Edward to Harlow to the cinema. We went to see G-Force 3D - which included wearing the funny glasses. It was quite a good film and the 3D effect was very good. Edward really enjoyed himself. Emily ended up going to Harlow with her friends to see G I Joe but it was all very short notice (nothing new there!).

Thursday was our 15th Wedding Anniversary. It seems hard to believe I have been married for so long - it sounds very grown up, which I don't always feel! Mark bought me some lovely cream and red flowers - our wedding colour scheme, and we exchanged cards. Mum and Dad came over to babysit (the second time this week - the other being Tuesday whilst I was in London) and Mark and I went for a lovely meal at Sala Thai in Ware. It was delicious and very reasonable. We should go there more often.

My plan for Friday was card making all day - like that was going to happen!! Unfortunately the ironing was calling to me and I knew I wouldn't be able to relax with my card making until I had done some. Then whilst the ironing board was out, I thought I ought to turn up Edward's new school trousers. I was relieved to get those done. Then I just fiddled about with jobs, chivvying up Emily who drifts along without a care in the world! Eventually when Edward had gone out to play, I made a couple of cards. I haven't photographed them yet, but I will post them in the next couple of days.

And then it was Saturday! Where has the week gone? I do not want to go back to work next week.

M x