What's Happening May?

July - what a month!

2011-07-31T23:41:00.000+01:00

Oh Stephanie and Cameron - I am so proud of you both. You are a pair of focused individuals, working hard to achieve your best. The effort you both show is amazing and I know if you continue to do as you are doing you will achieve your potential.

Hey I'm your mother - I am allowed to go on and brag about my two weans!

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

2011-06-18T15:47:00.002+01:00

A free digital collage by Smilebox

My Mum and Dad

2011-05-22T22:32:00.000+01:00

Just writing some thoughts down about my mum and dad. They are not having the best of times at the moment. My dad is recovering from a very nasty abscess and my mum has been admitted to hospital. Over the years they have both been through the mill but have always come through, their sense of humour playing a very significant part. You both are always in my thoughts.

Great photographs - taken in Spain, February 2007. Happy, happy days! Love you both xx.

Spring has sprung!

2011-04-18T09:44:00.000+01:00

Spring brings the promise of Summer! As I was saying to Gaye yesterday - Spring is like the Friday night of the weekend! I love it - obviously the weather has been so good this holiday so has played a major part in the feelgood factor.

I love this photograph of my mum and dad taken in Regents Park on Wisteria Bridge, late Spring a couple of years ago. The roses were in bloom - absolutely beautiful - well worth a visit at this time of year!

Failte gu Alba!

2011-02-25T08:45:00.001Z

It has been great to back in Scotland. It's nice to be reminded just how beautiful that country is - ahhhhh! The Isle of Arran truly is a snapshot of Scotland - and I spent two wonderful Summers there working at the Auchrannie Hotel with Moira, Maureen and Julie - it was fab!

Next stop was Inverary - I wanted to visit the castle - I have been unsuccessful so far but I felt that I was going to get inside those castle walls! Hmmmmm!

Ah well - we managed to get into the grounds but not inside the castle. It is beautiful and one day........

We drove to Dunoon to get the ferry back to Gourock and then drive along the coast back to Stevenston - it was stunning! Steve was very impressed!

On Friday we took mum and dad back to Elder Park, Govan, Glasgow. I was born in Govan and lived in a tenement for the first 8 years of my life. Elder Park was at the end of my road (Fairfield Street) and it was our garden. As a child the park seemed huge and we spent many happy hours there! Lillian, my older sister came too which was great because she could remember loads and certainly jogged my memory. Thanks Lillian!

I am so glad I got to Elder Park - I have just completed a scrapbook layout (thanks to Mandy, our wonderful teacher) which has very old photos of Elder Park (circa 1953). My mum, grandad, auntie and sister Lillian are in these old photographs - I love them!

This is Auntie Roseanne (mum's younger sister), my grandad McDonald, my mum and in front my sister Lillian. I wasn't born at the time!

A great time had by all!

Key of the Door!

2011-01-30T19:53:00.002Z

Wow Stephanie - 21 eh. I remember my mum and dad singing to me on my 21st - "she's got the key of the door, never been 21 before" (can't remember the rest of the song). Anyway I know this is going to be a fantastic year for you. Graduation in July and entering into the big world of work and the challenges it beholds!!!

I am going to be really bold and say that probably between the age of 20 and 30 is the time when you establish yourself in the world. Work, friendships, freedom and having lots of fun - it is a brilliant time - enjoy it - whatever you choose to do. I am really proud of you Stephanie - you have played and worked hard and deserve a good decade now of fruition.

I love this picture of you - 16 years old! I also love the picture of you and grandad taken when you were 3 years old. How time flies eh! Gorgeous girl in every way!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011-01-03T11:24:00.000Z

Crumbs - 2011 what a shocker! Where did 2010 go?

Looking forward to this year - my Stephanie will be 21 next week and Cameron will be 18 in September - OMG - I surely can't be that old!

We brought in the new year in Wroxham this year - right on the broads, it was super duper. Great to spend time with very special friends!

Wyrd Sisters

2010-11-30T20:53:00.000Z

Cameron's School Production!

Again another polished performance from the whole cast - it was excellent and it was apparent that lots of hard work and dedication went into this performance. I was really impressed with the set and the confidence portrayed by the cast - they worked hand in hand and seemed very supportive of one another.

I feel that well led and directed drama provides a stable platform for developing confidence and self-esteem, not to mention language skills, team work and discipline. Even in Early Years where drama/role play is actively encouraged, it is important to run an adult directed session to ensure that young children have the opportunity to develop some key skills and experience and then take those new found skills and experience and use it in their own role play/drama/real life situation.

Strange thing is - it is only the past ten years that I have really appreciated and perhaps totally understood this. Oh dear! Needless to say we provide lots of opportunities in a variety of contexts to develop and support these skills.

What a bit of a boring post this is! I have just been thinking about quite a bit these days - I always aim to foster self-confidence and self-esteem in children - it is a feeder for all other aspects of one's life!

The Joys of Papercrafting!

2010-10-25T21:53:00.000+01:00

Just had a full weekend scrapbooking with my scrap buddies - heaven! Just having the space and time to fiddle with paper, glue, scissors, glitter, card, stamps, ink, watercolours - fab, fab, fab!! Tired though - late nights and early mornings - so thank heavens it is half term!

Off to Stoke to the Wedgewood Factory for a bit of Ghost! Patrick and Demi - eat your heart out! Some quality time for myself and Steve - oh happy days eh? I feel quite content with my life at the moment - thank you to all who are helping to make it such!

I am sorely missing my camera - using my phone camera is not the same - need to sort that out - Christmas is coming!

Wake me up when September ends!

2010-09-30T21:11:00.000+01:00

Wakey, wakey it has almost gone! I'm obviously having a great life because time whooshes by! I need to tell that to myself. This has been a manic month - new class, lots of work, parties, birthdays, parents evenings, open days, concerts - phew!

Life is certainly not dull! Guess what? October looks to be pretty much the same - yipee!

My Stephanie has returned to complete her final year and my Cameron has started Davenant to undertake his A levels. Yep all is good with family and friends. I worry about my family in Scotland though!

A brief post - I need to get myself a camera - I didn't even take any photos at Steve's party. Mmmmmmmm - I can feel a birthday/Christmas list coming on (that will be a first). I'm not making excuses for my sparse postings but I find it challenging sharing my craft/laptop space with anyone - by the time I get into my little creative corner - it is late and I am tired, grumpy and well those who know me - know the rest!

I WANT MY OWN SPACE - NO SHARING! Dear Santa and Tooth Fairy and Birthday Gnome - Please can you find a way for me to have my own craft space. Actually I should be thankful for what I have got because I know lots of people who only have a section of their dining room table for their craft space.

Enough of the rambling - feel better now it is off my chest!

Soot ee chee!

2010-08-11T23:59:00.000+01:00

Dah yun! Yep just back from Wales - the Eistedfodd National Festival in Ebbu Vale - really good - we all got to practise our very limited Welsh - it was fun though Cameron was so good, making Steve and I look like a pair of piss takers! Sometimes I was saying "you're welcome" when it should have been goodbye or thank-you! Never mind at least we tried - I thoroughly enjoyed it though, launching into the whole accent thing as well. I am chuckling to myself because I am thing about "Allo Allo" and the policeman with his broken French - good moaning!! We had a laugh though and the weather was kind to us and the people were great too - so a good time had by us.

I was so glad to get into my own bed though on Sunday (my mattress had a puncture so had been sleeping on the rough terrain for 3 nights. Jings camping makes one appreciate the finer things in life - like standing up straight etc etc.

Jings this is week four of my holidays - been good - have done quite a bit and my mum and dad are here tomorrow for a couple of weeks - yipee!

Summer Holidays - yipee!

2010-07-21T09:37:00.000+01:00

Yipee doo dah! Summer holidays are officially here and although it is only seven weeks this year (!) I am still very happy! I am looking forward to a pleasantly busy Summer with a mix of visitng my family, camping, crafting and sorting out stuff for the next academic year and oh yes getting my house into order!! On that note I am assured by my other half and children that the house IS sorted! Mmmmmm - the jury is out on that one. Methinks they are worried about possible jobs they may have to do!

Anyway, I have some super duper weeks ahead. I aim to make more entries into my blog - I will try!!!! I have a few books waiting to be read too and have already started on "Small Island" by Andrea Levy. This book was recommended to me by my son, Cameron, who gave it such a good "write up" which is good enough for me!

Finished at last!

2010-06-19T17:15:00.000+01:00

Well Cameron - GCSEs all done - phew! You have worked really hard and that is all I could ask of you. I am proud of you and you never cease to amaze me. I find it amusing that you yourself do not realise your ability but that is part of your charm. Your feet are firmly on the ground and your sense of humour are a wonderful asset - except when I am at the butt of your jokes (accents etc etc), ha! ha! You have a good, long Summer to look forward to. Well done son!

Coming Home I've Done My Time!!!!

2010-06-19T17:06:00.000+01:00

My shnooks is home tomorrow - yipee! I'll be on that tarmac at Heathrow 10.30 am sharp waving like mad!! Looking back now the time has just flown by but I will be so glad to have Stephanie back in the UK again. I am really proud of Stephanie and appreciate the huge hurdle she has climbed over the last year. She has done herself and all of us really proud -well done shnooks!

Back to the old!!!!

2010-05-16T11:58:00.000+01:00

Ah well! It's been four weeks since I started back at my old job and hey - good times!! What a lovely class, parents and staff. So far so good! The time has whizzed passed and as usual have not been able to do much in the way of papercrafting. Roll on the half term - though am away in Wales, camping!!! Pray for dry weather!! Will take some stuff with me though to play with!

Managing to keep up with the class scrapbooking kits and made a couple of cards (quickies) with the leftovers.

My Stephanie will be home from California on 20 June, arriving Heathrow at 10.30 am - yipee doo dah!!

Making a card from a sketch!

2010-04-08T13:10:00.000+01:00

Whiff of Joy! Yes I stumbled onto this blog after purchasing some of their stamps! I love the images and just had to have some! As I am a practising scrapbooker and keen on using up my excess leftover papers from my pages, what better way than to make some cards! Our fantastic scrapbook teacher has been encouraging us for a long time to use up our scrap paper in this way - kind of think of a card as a mini scrapbook page!!

Well guess what - a whole new world has evolved! I have seen friends make beautiful cards using various techniques. I have grown to love stamping and "colouring in" and although I'm not a natural I thoroughly enjoy it - so there we have it - that is a good enough reason to "mess around" with paper, pencils and beautiful stamps and embellishments!!

My first set of stamps that I used were the Sugar Nellies - they are so cute and some of them have a Scottish theme - so how could I resist? I also purchased some Magnolias - wonderfully addictive images all a joy to colour. I then stumbled onto Whiff of Joy stamps and fell in love with the delightful images - I especially love Willow - she has such a cute face!

This morning I was looking at the Whiff of Joy Challenge and from their sketch I decided to make a card using my leftover scraps! I am quite pleased with the result and even though this is a bit of a cheek - the picture does not do it justice - I need to brush up on my photography skills. Anyway I did enjoy messing around making the card and have to say that as much as I adore scrapbooking, I'm kinda liking making cards too!

California, Nevada and Arizona!

2010-03-05T21:50:00.000Z

Three states in a week! What a brilliant week it was - Santa Cruz, Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Los Angeles and fabulous San Francisco. It was super duper and it was brill to spend the weekend with Stephanie (thanks to good old Presidents Day). Las Vegas was just something to behold basically. The hotels were just amazing and had to be seen to be believed. Hoover Dam was something that I had been wanting to see for years and it did not let me down - I was transfixed. It was easy to see where the water level had been and how dramatically it has dropped. We took a stroll into Arizona at this point!

Off to Los Angeles (Hollywood) for a couple of days, spending a whole day at Universal Studios. We saw the famous HOLLYWOOD sign though I thought I would be able to stand right next to it rather than view it from a distance. Even though it was quite exciting!

On to Santa Cruz again to see Stephanie and then on to San Francisco. OMG what a brilliant city. We did the little Duck Tours around the streets and in the water and we joined in on the cheesy actions too! The Golden Gate Bridge was fab and indeed so were all the other bridges!! I had a look for Burt Lancaster and Clint Eastwood over in Alcatraz but didn't see them! The Fisherman's Wharf was so nice - as was the Clam Chowder in the bread bowl! We spent the whole day wandering around and made it up to the Cition Tower which gave fantastic views across the bay and bridges. The sunset was just magic!

Oh and the weather was good too! Great time had by all. Any negatives? Well I'm just getting over the jet lag now!!

2010-01-09T12:54:00.000Z

Make a Smilebox greeting

HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY STEPHANIE!!!!

Happy Diamond Anniversary (60 years) WOW!!

2010-01-08T20:39:00.000Z

DATE: 22nd December 1949

PLACE: Govan, Glasgow

EVENT: My mum and dad's wedding

Happy Anniversary to my special mater and pater. I love you both and it was great to have the family altogether again. xxxxxxxxx

Whoooosh - where has November gone?

2009-11-24T22:59:00.000Z

Yep, yet another month almost bites the dust! Has been hectic but good! Had a brilliant weekend away - way back to the 80s style!!! It was fab! However being 20 nearly 30 years older now - time takes its toll! Everyone started out on Friday really buzzing and up for the dancing, drinking, extended hours challenge. Yeah no, problem! In walked the Zombies on Saturday morning, chilled all day, had a two hour power nap on Saturday evening before dressing up (80s style, wigs an' all)to face the repeat challenge of Friday.

Well, did we make it? Yes, we did but definitely at a much slower pace with lots of rests in between the dances!!! Ah still it was great!!

Going Back To My Roots!!!

2009-10-29T22:04:00.000Z

Just back from a couple of days in Scotland! What a wonderful place it is! Cameron and I had a great time with my mum and dad and it was super to spend some time on the beach (South Beach to be specific). We absorbed the never changing Ayrshire coastline and I swear it is the same as it was 50 years ago! I have the photos to prove it!

I appreciate being static can have a detrimental effect on that environment and all who live there but as a regular visitor now as opposed to a permanent resident I think it is fantastic. I love it and Cameron agrees! We reminisced about all the picnics and days out spent on this particular coastline over the past 50 years and spanning three generations!! Brilliant!

Soul mates!

2009-10-06T22:05:00.000+01:00

My dad always tells me that you can have lots of friends but to have real soul mates is a privilege. Our friends, Gaye and Paul are just that - true soul mates. They are always there for you, everything they have, they share, they endeavour to make your (in the plural sense) life easier and happier. Paul has been a great shoulder for me to lean on for years now and am appreciative of that! Gaye - what a girl - my buddy - we have shared many a great moment - I truly love you! I consider Gaye, Paul and Ellis my family, so I guess you are stuck with me (us).

You both (should) know the feelings I have for you and am truly proud and fortunate to be part of your lives. I just wanted to write this down! Looking forward to many years together!

Autumn Days!!

2009-09-27T22:19:00.000+01:00

What do they say in the films? Something like "don't you just love New York (or New England for that matter) in the Fall?" Yeah I'm sure it is lovely but actually "Don't you love Britain in the Autumn?" I love September and October. Lots of red skies, crisp, fresh mornings, the smell, the vibrant colours. I just love those months. I love when Tom Hanks says to Meg Ryan "I love September, the start of the new school year - it makes me feel like sending you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils! Don't you just love New York in the Fall?" (You've Got Mail). Yes Tom, I agree, there is something special about September, I can't quite figure it out but yes I just love September and October!

Welcome to the Hotel California!!

2009-09-19T11:14:00.000+01:00

My little girl is now in California undertaking her second year of computing science at Santa Cruz University. I know she will have a wonderful year (life changing I expect) and know that she will make the most of this fabulous opportunity.

Stephanie - have a great time - looking forward to the pictures asap!!

Totally addicted!

2009-08-26T22:51:00.000+01:00

To crafting. Yep, I finally admit that I am hooked! I have been well and truly stung and I can't seem to get enough of it at the moment. It is now two years since I joined a scrapbooking club run by the very talented Mandy Webb. I have learnt so much from these classes and even better made some new friends who share this passion.

This Summer I have been reading and teaching myself other little techniques and even made some cards - I am quite proud of my ribbon embroidery (even if it was only nine stitches)and am still working hard on watercolour techniques. The best thing is though I get to play with paper, card, glue, watercolour pencils, pens, inks, stamps, ribbons, threads - the list is endless and then produce something at the end of it! It's fab, it's fun and totally addictive!

Scrapbooking is a great way to store your favourite photographs in a very visual, tactile way. Adding your thoughts and feelings in the written form, to me, brings the photographs to life, so every time you turn a page in your album up pops a visual and verbal recall of that particular moment in time. Fandabbydosey!! I like to think I can remember everything but my memory is certainly not as sharp as it was 10 years ago and in 20 years time when I am looking back through the albums I will have little prompts to sharpen my memory!!

Mandy always encourages us to use our leftover paper scraps by turning them into a card or even another scrapbook page and I am now trying to do this and have surprised myself by making some cards - not brilliant but hey you know what they say about practise making perfect.

The point is I love crafting, the end result is neither here nor there - it's the actual process along with the satisfaction and enjoyment that counts.

Deputy Head Boy!

2009-08-18T12:01:00.000+01:00

Cameron, as Mr Mangan said, you are what Roding Valley High School is all about. You ARE THE role model for the school and every teacher's dream. You are enthusiastic, funny, caring, considerate, hardworking and dedicated. I know you have ideas on how to contribute more to the school and spread your enthusiasm through involvement and commitment - go for it!

I'm really proud of you Cameron.

California Dreamin'

2009-08-18T11:45:00.000+01:00

It's well done to Stephanie for completing the final hurdle yesterday to make way for her year of study in Santa Cruz, California. We are all really proud of you Stephanie and know you will make the most of this fabulous opportunity. Thank goodness for technology which will help bridge the miles between us! I guess I will be up late at night skyping you!

Summer Hols!!!

2009-07-30T12:11:00.000+01:00

Just back from Bonny Scotland and Scotland is definitely bonny! The drive from Ayrshire to the Isle of Skye was amazing. The drive through Glencoe was hauntingly fabulous, yes Scotland is bonny even with all the weather trimmings!! Skye was a first for us all and it did not disappoint. The landscape (the result of glacier formation and all that jazz)was super duper. It is fair to say that you could travel all over the world and not find such beautiful, unspoilt terrain. Skye (Scotland for that matter) has it all - from white sandy beaches, mountains, rivers, springs, waterfalls to bright coloured housing, fish and chips (no deep fried mars bars in sight although there was deep fried pizzas and pies!).

It was good to see my family (although mum and dad are in Spain, sweltering hot they tell me)I caught up with my sisters, neices and nephews. Spent two nights in St Andrews with June and Tom - that was a giggle - our June is a scream and a wind up merchant!! It was quite sad to leave actually.

We missed you mum and dad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Mum and Dad!

2009-05-30T22:08:00.000+01:00

I've had a super duper month. Our camping weekend at Debden was really good - I have to admit much better than I expected, even though the weather could have been kinder - still it could have been worse. Gaye, Paul and Ellis really enjoyed it and we did have a laugh! There is nothing quite like being outdoors. We were lucky though to have an ensuite!

Mum and dad have been here for a week and it was good. Going through old photos, trying to get loads of information about our family etc and also trying to get a "feel" of my mum and dad's youthful days provided endless opportunities for giggles and belly laughs! I have learnt more about my dad's years in the Navy and my mum's days in the Clyde Confectionery and how "the dancing" played a major part in my mum's teenage years. I loved the story she told me about the ice skating - I am laughing as I am typing! Somehow her friend and herself sometimes ended up with two left boots and the stories surrounding this are hilarious!!!

I love my mum and dad and have appreciated this time getting to know them as teenagers!

Alastair and Iain

2009-04-28T21:24:00.000+01:00

What a laugh we have had! Alastair it is great to pick up from where we left off (even if that is two and a half years ago!) It has been great to see you both and I only wish Kathy and Rebecca were here too - never mind. Oh! I so want to go back to Canada - it is a fab place to visit and so clean!

Iain seemed to like London and I hope he comes back over at some point with some friends and the same goes for Rebecca too. It is rewarding to see our children grow into adults (most of the time) and as Kathy and I were saying on the telephone "we have got good kids".

I have known Alastair since I was 8 years-old. We were in the same class during primary and secondary school. We lived a few streets away from one another and our social paths constantly crossed too. We both played volleyball and then ended up working in hospitals in Glasgow, so we travelled to work every morning together. We had a strong bond during those years and this has obvbiously stood the test of time and distance. Alastair and Kathy are great people and a great team -I feel quite honoured to know them. I must say and I know they will agree - having a sense of humour is the be all and end all and I think our sense of humour is second to none. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Back to the grind!!

2009-04-28T21:15:00.000+01:00

Ah well Easter has come and gone - it was good and I managed to get a few wee things done! We had a good day in Southwold again with Gaye, Paul, Ellis and Kath. I love that place and Steve and I think it would be a good place to retire to!

It has been great to have Stephanie home for a wee while and just fab to be out of the old routine. I have just returned from a super scrapbooking weekend in Debden - what a laugh! I love my scrapbooking and have been filled with inspiration from my scrapbooking buddies - there is so much I want to do. My Heritage stuff is coming along and Stephanie has now fixed the scanner - yipee! I can now get the rest of the "old" family photos on file to fix and print.

Work has been busy and my class is fabulous. I am so proud of them all - they have come so far and we are a good unit. I feel quite confident that they will do well when they move on!

My Children

2009-03-31T20:52:00.000+01:00

Have I ever mentioned how much I love and respect my children. I am a very lucky parent who has two great kids!! Cameron keeps us amused with his humour - he is a great person to talk to and has a very strong sense of just, lined with a great sense of humour. Stephanie (I miss you) is gaining confidence and independence and am very proud of you. Like Cameron, you are great to talk to and have a good sense of humour too. I love what you both are and are growing into two well rounded, caring adults. Love you both - I desperately want you both to be independent and happy - always always there for you both and I know you will always be there for one another - xxxxxxxxx

April Fool Tomorrow!!

2009-03-31T20:21:00.000+01:00

Two months since I have written in my blog - disgusting! Life has been very busy though but that is still no excuse. During February half term we went up to Scotland which was great, as ever! However this was the first time without Stephanie and it felt strange! I also had a super scrapbooking weekend at the tail end of February and am looking forward to the next one at the tail end of April!!

I am excited about Alastair and Iain coming over for a few days - it will be great to see them and catch up. Just a pity Kathy and Rebecca are unable to come too! It is super to see my mum and dad return to Spain for a short while and even better to hear them talk about returning shortly. All is as well as it can be! Work is good but hectic - the learning curve has been interesting for the most part and I have definitely enjoyed the challenge. In an odd way I feel more confident and glad to realise I do know my stuff and also the more the I learn the more I realise I do not know.

Photoshopping with Paul has been fun although I can't get on with the layers!!! Practise, practise, practise - I intend to in the Easter holidays. What else do I want to do? Yes I must scan in the rest of the "old" photos and get my Heritage Album sorted before the April scrapbooking weekend. I really love scrapbooking - it is fabulous. I also want to search for a photograph of my mum and dad's wedding. Somebody must have a copy somewhere! It is their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 22 December 2009 and I do not even have a photograph of their wedding. I must try the ancestry sites - I need to sign up to one - but which one?!!!!?

January, January!!

2009-01-27T22:12:00.000Z

Ah well the New Year has come in with a bang! New Year in Knaresborough certainly lived up to expectation! What a beautiful place to live! A good time was had by all -lots of laughs (real belly laughs)and Robbie had his first holiday in the Kennels! He had a good New Year too!

Going back to work after an enjoyable holiday is always hard but hey it has to be done and the usual, one hour into work and you say "what holiday?" It was good to have Stephanie at home for her birthday - as I mentioned previously - how can she be 19 when I am only 25! Something has gone loopy somewhere!!

Life is busy but it is so important to make time for friends and family. I had a great New Year with my friends - thank you! Will be seeing my family soon in the February half term. I must also make more time for my blog! Sometimes I shy away from it because other people are able to read it - I do sometimes dislike that I am guarded in what I write - I shouldn't be because the whole point of this is pouring out my heart and sharing life's varied experiences and challenges with whoever!!

Ah well, I'm sure I'll soften towards "the pouring out" in due course!!

December Delights!

2008-12-28T17:20:00.000Z

What a busy month this has been. Commencing with an Ofsted Inspection at school and ending with my dearest friend's birthday - happy birthday for tomorrow Paul! I must add all the inbetween bits like Christmas and all the exciting things attached to that, my sister Shirley's birthday, my mum and dad's 59th anniversary and Stephanie coming home for a month.

I have had a really good December - hectic in parts but enjoyable. I have even managed to complete some scrapbook pages and do some reading! I feel quite content with my life right now and have a new major project in hand (still in the planning stages)but one needs to have a starting point! I am wishing myself good luck with that!

We are looking forward to our trip to Knaresborough for the New Year and I am so happy that Stephanie is coming with us. I love my family time - one never knows what is around the corner - children grow up into adults and need to do their "own thing" and I am hanging on to every moment that I spend with them as a family group. I am very proud of my children and feel confident they will become valued members of the community and my one wish for them both is to be happy and content.

Stephanie may be studying in America for a year - I always knew this was on the cards and I will cross that bridge when I come to it! A super opportunity Stephanie - not to be missed. I feel quite proud that she has the underpinning confidence to take this on and I truly feel this experience will be worthwhile and beneficial in all aspects nonetheleast emphasising the fact that the world is as big or as small as you make (or know) it!

My Cameron has had a fab 80s haircut - I just love it!!! Time to go for now!

November, November!

2008-11-30T20:08:00.000Z

Yet another month has whizzed past - zzzoooooooommmmm! Stephanie came home for the weekend 7, 8 and 9th. That was super - she caught up with her old pals and Kathryn came over on Sunday - it was lovely to see her. Stephanie is absolutely thriving at University - she has made some lovely friendships and she says she is having the time of her life and I say - what about the course is that good? She replies - what course? Only kidding Stephanie in case you are reading this at some point! I am getting used to you not being here all the time, I think of you on an extended holiday! Miss you but glad you are having a great time!

Steve and I went to Butlins for an 80s weekend - the music was outstanding - the best ever. Dancing all Friday and Saturday night - took me three days to recover!! Dressed up of course on the Saturday - Steve with his bright jazzy shirt and me all in pink and black - Steve reckons I was a Dawn French version of Bananarama! We had a great weekend.

Cameron is plodding on - very busy at school especially with his Art project - Morag his life size model (her profile - mad 80 odd year-old, ginger, Scottish granny who loves a tipple and has Thistle children and apparently has a profile on the Facebook site!)sits in his room and every so often gives me a fright when I walk past. This is her second head as Robbie has already eaten her first one which was full of Scottish treats - deep fried mars bars (which I persuaded him not to deep fry), shortbread and other similar stuff peculiar to Scotland. If there is anyone reading this and they are confused - don't worry - I am too.

You know the saying - "you don't have to be mad to live here - but it does help!"

Last weekend we had a super fireworks party at Steve and Lorraine's (my favourite in-laws). The fireworks were amazing - especially the home made Catherine Wheel which was attached to a washing maching drum! Fantastic! I admit I was slightly scared as at one point it was spinning so fast I was convinced it was going to detach and head straight for us. I don't know if I was shaking with fear, anticipation or with the cold! It was a great evening though! Thank you Steve and Lorraine and my neice and nephews - George, Jake and Meg xxxx love them allxxxx

I think the "Catherine Wheel" has been posted on UTube!

Ah well December tomorrow and pay day - yipee!!!!!

Good times!!

2008-10-28T13:34:00.000Z

September and October have certainly proven to be emotional months. Both months have been very busy with birthdays, getting set for University life, parties, going out with dear friends, having fun, watching your son perform on stage (on more than one occasion)with immense pride and watch your daughter settle in and embrace life at University (with immense pride). Half term began with a bang - finally got to see "Les Miserables" which was absolutely fantastic - if you have not seen it - go and see it - it fits in the category of "one of the things to be done before you die". I had a fabulous weekend and was utterly suprised to see Bill, Louise, Bethany and Portia in the Punch and Judy - thank you for making the effort.

Everybody is busy nowadays, time flies, days turn to weeks, weeks to months and before we know it another year has gone. It is important to MAKE time for friends and family - thank you for making time to share my birthday with me! I had a great time - I can't believe Stephanie and Cameron knew and didn't let it slip - well done Steve for swearing them to secrecy!!

That first half-term!!!

2008-09-28T11:15:00.000+01:00

Now approaching week 5 of "that first half term" - which has been okay to date! Parent meetings gone well - initial settling problems - smoothed out and the children are now beginning to gel. What a lovely class I have and the Nursery class is just as sweet! I love welcoming the children into the school in the morning (I also love sending them home in the afternoon) all eager to await the new day and the new experiences and joy it brings - I love working with them - they are such a delight and non judgemental - long may that last!!!

Summer Hols!!!

2008-08-29T16:30:00.000+01:00

Phew! What a whirlwind of a Summer holiday. Scotland, France, Scotland! Some serious mileage clocked up these past two months. I have never been to Normandy before and I was not disappointed - we covered a fair bit of the Normandy coast and it was absolutely stunning! Mont St Michel was a real treat but my favourite part of the trip was definitely Bayeaux. Such a beautiful town with an equally matched Cathedral in the square. Seeing the Bayeaux tapestry was a treat for me as it took me back to my Primary School days (a long time ago)when I was in Primary 7 (Year 6 equivalent). Miss Findley who was my teacher had us all mesmerised with her fantastic, interesting lessons and The Battle of Hastings was no exception. We even embroidered elements of this wonderful tapestry - ah! happy memories of times gone by.

Camping is good for the soul (so I am told) and there is no doubt that it makes one think about the finer things in life such as being able to stand up straight!!!!! Nonetheless it was agreed that a good time was had by all and we are looking forward to the next time!! I have to say I was amazed at how Steve "took" to the camping and is now talking about the next time!

Scotland is so beautiful and I am so proud to have spent my first 28 years there! I am always amazed to discover that every time I approach my birthland, I sigh with contentment and still point out all the spots that are meaningful to me, to my family. I am very confident that Scotland itself is special now to Stephanie and Cameron along with their Scottish relatives!!!!

Ahhh life is good eh?

Knuckles Wrapped!!

2008-07-28T13:40:00.000+01:00

I can not believe I have not written in my blog since April - disgusting. Ah well this is an indication that I have been busy and busy have I been!! Work has been a real challenge but I have managed to get through it and come out the other end smiling!!! Being on the Summer break helps!

The May half-term was brilliant. It started with "Having a Ball at Ingatestone Hall" a formal but very fun night and to top it off the men decided to hire kilts (the full works) as opposed to black tie etc.

At the end of the half-term Steve took me to Wembley to see......wait for it........be patient........the one and only..........my first love...........Donny and his brothers and sister.......yes........THE OSMONDS!!!!! What a fantastic show....I sung my heart out and I just lost the plot a little bit when Donny sung.......Puppy Love!!! A besotted 14 year-old teenager took over for a few minutes and screamed her heart out! It was fab!!!!

Back to work tomorrow!

2008-04-13T19:09:00.000+01:00

On the whole, what a great Easter holiday this has been. I've managed to slot in time for me, me, me! I'm not selfish - I just insisted on giving me some quality time and I did! I've caught up with loads of stuff, especially my scrapbooking and practised new techniques - all in all great fun!

A great day was had in Southwold by all and we were lucky enough to have all the seasons crammed into one day. We had lots of food and drink polished off by lovely, long walks along the beach and coast - super duper!

Troodos Mountains, Cyprus, January 2008

2008-03-09T22:57:00.000Z

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

New Job!

2008-02-28T18:59:00.000Z

It is with definite mixed emotions that I leave Avon House School after having seven and a half super duper years there. Those years have provided valuable experiences, including lots of fun and the opportunity to work with fabulous families and their children as well as wonderful colleagues. I have had great fun there -lots of happy times but it is time to move on.

Move on to a new Prep School - Winston House in South Woodford and a new position still working with young children and their families - what an absolute pleasure and privalege this is.

So farewell dear Avon House and hello Winston House!!

18 YEARS AGO!

2008-01-17T23:17:00.000Z

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

HAPPY 18TH STEPHANIE!

2008-01-17T22:56:00.000Z

09.01.90 - a very important day - the birth of my little girl! What can I say? The usual - where has all the time gone and more importantly how can you be 18 when I am only 25 - honest!! Hope you like the pressie and always aim for the stars.

It is true that having children changes one's life in many ways and I certainly agree with that - so thank-you Stephanie (and Cameron of course). Here is a little digi scrapbook for you - working on the real one for the big 21!!!!!!

Love you. xxxxxxx

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T17:42:00.000Z

The start of a new year - hurrah! Lots of exciting things to look forward to this year - roll on. At the moment I am going to say "slainche" meaning health, wealth and happiness to all. A new year's resolution (one of them) is to pay more attention to my blog!

Grandad's 80th Bash!

2007-11-24T11:47:00.000Z

Make a slide show, scrapbook, or ecard

Kathleen Elizabeth Abery (nee Russell)

2007-11-18T21:03:00.000Z

Life is good! My last statement in my blog. Yes, on the whole life is good but sometimes it deals some unexpected cards. I have been proud and happy to be a part of Kath's life these past 26 years, therefore all my adult life. I just can't believe Kath I won't ever get to talk to you again although I can hear your voice, reminiscing on past events, which I find very comforting. We all had a great day out for George's 80th and you were so happy to be surrounded by your children and grand children - the giggles and photographs are testament to that! I loved your home made custard - Ambrosia could take a few lessons from you and all the kids agree on your wonderful roast dinners!

There is so much I could write but at the moment can't get the words out without the tears, so dear Kath, my lovely mother-in-law, you will always be in my heart xx.

04 November 1934 - 01 November 2007

My Little Class!

2007-10-16T21:40:00.000+01:00

Well that is the first half-term of the academic year almost in! I have to say I have, on the whole, a lovely class. I love my job and all that it brings, apart from the mountain of paper work which seems to be ever increasing. The time has whizzed passed but a lot has been achieved in the past seven weeks.

I love September and October - don't you? It is just a lovely time of year. I read somewhere about a little field mouse that stuffs it face with food and drink all Summer and Autumn long, gearing up to the long Winter sleep ahead and then when Spring arrives, wakes and stretches to find himself revived and a size 8 again! What a life eh?

I am glad to say that my mother is much better after the effects of a huge steroid injection and my daddy has fully recovered from shingles. On the whole life is good!

Back to the Old Routine!

2007-09-17T22:42:00.000+01:00

Where has the summer holiday gone? I have to say a rather odd summer full of mixed weather, not to mention mixed emotions. Having two colleagues pass away has been rather difficult, not to mention very sad. Time with my family has been super duper though spoilt by the suffering endured by my poor mother who has been in agony with bilateral sciatica and arthritis. Keep your chin up mum - we'll get there in the end! My poor old dad has shingles - so the summer hasn't been a bundle of laughs for him either! I have to say though that my parents have a wonderful sense of humour, jollying one another along - a pure tonic they are and I love them very much. I know I have elements of both parents in me and that makes me feel proud and happy.

During the time spent with my parents in the holidays, we had a good old rummage around old photographs (I have taken up scrapbooking as a hobby and am keen to catalogue as much as I can about my family in many forms - photographs, journalling, conversations, family tree etc), and am happy to say that I have acquired a selection of excellent photos with lots of information carefully written on the back and am pleased to say that I will have a reasonable overview of my family's life - feelings and thoughts at the time of the photograph - wonderful. Now all I have to do is display them.

On a personal note I am working hard at my "things to do" before I am fifty and am really enjoying this - I love the choir, the people and the songs! I adore all aspects of crafting and am hoping to learn some Spanish! I have to work a bit harder at sorting my blog out - please help me Stephani! Well done to Cameron for being selected to perform at the Harlow Playhouse in October.

Steve has been working long and hard this summer but we have still managed some good days and nights out - I know you have been tired but have made great effort at continued socialising and it has been good xx. I love my little Ellis and his mum and dad are okay too - thanks Gaye and Paul for a super bank holiday. Oh I am surrounded by wonderful family and friends.

Life is good!

Stephanie's week!

2007-08-16T16:32:00.000+01:00

Well done hen for passing your driving test! Just remember the car is mine and I am happy to SHARE it with you, including petrol, etc!

Super duper exam results Stephanie - all your hard work paid off with dividends - did I really say I would dish out some dosh for good effort and results?

I am so proud of you Stephanie - keep it up and keep your goals and dreams in the driving seat!

Oh dear!

2007-07-29T17:25:00.001+01:00

Is it really that long since I have looked at my blog! Definitely slapped wrists time! I am happy to say though that lots of things have happened during this gap! I have finally managed to get my scrapbooking off the ground and am quite pleased with the results, not to mention the pleasure that this brings to me. It does take up a lot of time - but hey who's counting?

It has been wonderful looking at photographs and me being a Libran, finding it almost impossible to choose my favourites - I like them all! Choice is always a difficult one for me - not got any easier with age and I admit I spend lots of time pondering (as my dad would say - procastination is the thief of time) - naughty procastination - but my thought processes dictate that I have to think about things in detail first and then make a decision. This however can be a pain in the rear when I am only deciding on whether to visit Tescos, Morrisons, or Sainsburys!!! Focus, May, you need to limit choice and keep focused on the task in hand!

I am sure it is not only I who gets distracted - in the middle of doing something which takes me to another room, get involved with something else, eventually move back to the original room and realise I haven't finished the original task - too much to do and not enough time!!!!!

These past two weeks have involved lots of clearing out - those of you who know me I know are saying - what have you got to clear out - you clear out constantly - it's strange there is always something to clear/tidy out! The trouble is I have NO storage/cupboard space and can't stand anything cluttered around me - except of course for my stuff!!!!!!!

Still working on photos - scanning old ones in - which I am fed up with - takes too long and am bored with it - hurrah for digital stuff and the wonder of technology and all that jazz!!!

May Half-term!

2007-06-01T12:05:00.000+01:00

I love this holiday - lovely long daylight hours - making the day longer and more productive! Ha! Ha! what a joke! The weather has been so atrocious - non stop rain, rain and more rain bringing dark, dark clouds - so much so for long daylight hours! Ah well Cameron tells me that the farmers are happy as the crops needed a good drink!!

Good old Stephanie hasn't noticed the weather - she has been armpit deep in revision, revision, revision and has now announced that "not caring about the end result must be a fantastic feeling" - oh dear - I have to admit I echo her sentiments every time I look at the state of her room! Papers, books, pens, shoes, socks (not to mention dust)everywhere! Oh well 14th June is D Day and we (or more likely I) can have a blitz! You have and are, still working hard Stephanie, whatever your results, you have given it your best shot. Well done!

As I type Cameron is up to his armpits in pruning! He loves gardening and has made a lovely herb garden around our fairy ring. He has also planted (with the help of Steve) a wisteria around our kitchen window. He has some super duper ideas and works hard on them.

Have tried to add some pictures but for some reason (probably a straightforward one) I cannot download them on to my blog! Help! Wait until the 15th June and after some tuition from my daughter I will be whizzing away and adding fancy bits and pieces to my blog!!

All systems go on Monday - the last half term is always an immensely busy one - school trips, sports day and events, courses, lots of outdoor play (hopefully) and an end of term night out!!!!!

Plumbers!!!!!!

2007-05-20T12:03:00.000+01:00

Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you to Mark who unblocked my drains (oh ah Mrs!)with help from Steve! Thursday evening was a real panic for me - outside drains were blocked, house was smelling of faecal matter, couldn't use washing machine, dishwasher, shower, bath; if we did then lots of very nasty bits and pieces were coming up to say "hello" via the drain covers and my parents were about to arrive!! Good old Mark arrived attired with his long rubber gloves (lovely shade of red) and matching boots. One hour later and lots of gurgling and whooshing, hey presto - those nasty bits and pieces returned to their own home.

However, I have since discovered that the blockage was such that on one occasiong of gurgling and whooshing, there was a bit of a splashback, the contents of which landed on Steve and Mark's face! I could never, ever, for all the tea in China be a plumber - I truly admire plumbers and I dedicate this to the plumbing world - especially Mark Russell - thank-you!

Senility catches up?

2007-05-20T11:47:00.000+01:00

Oh dear! Decided (or rather needed) to do a Tesco shop yesterday. I needed a few essentials, one of which was milk. Two hours later I came home with a boot full of shopping but with none of the essentials! Stephanie, I might have to agree with you that I am "turning into granny". My memory is obviously not as sharp as it was - running upstairs for something and by the time I have got to the top - it's the "what did I come up here for?" I could go on about my ever increasing grey brain cells but at least they are a source of entertainment (at the moment) for those who live with me. Just to say to them "thank-you" for laughing and teasing me about this very sensitive issue of "greying". Just as well I know they love me!

2007-05-06T11:58:00.000+01:00

Monday, 23 April 2007

Ah! Back to the old routine - which I love!! I do truly miss my all the human beings that I meet every morning, five days a week, for about 36 weeks of the year! I love my holidays - helps me love those 36 weeks! Of course this makes sense to me, lots of things only make sense to me! I have just had a wonderful weekend in...........Butlins..........yes.......one can have a wonderful weekend in Butlins.......I have had several! Thank-you for the wonderful weather and to the friends who made me laugh all weekend - what fun!

Tuesday, 1 May 2007

FOR STEPHANIE!

Well! I have just aged 50 years this evening! Nothing to do with Stephanie - honest Stephanie, it is me - I am obviously of a nervous disposition when you are driving! You are an excellent learner - I am a poor instructor! I blame the brakes! I, apparently, brake too late, (nonsense, of course - the wet road conditions were to blame when I skidded into the back end of the car in front, many moons ago) and now I think the braking distance for about town driving is 5 miles!! So, I guess Stephanie, this is a written apology for continually saying "I think it would be a good idea if you depress the brake pedal now, now, NOWWWWW!!!!! I am also sorry about all those loud sharp intakes of breath - total involuntary reflex!! You have done so well Stephanie with your driving - loads better than me (when I was your age!!!!!!)

Easter holidays!

2007-04-17T12:23:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 17 April 2007

Finally decided to set up a blog today! Have been thinking about this for some time - so here goes!

Stephanie gone to school today (Cameron returned yesterday). Rising from bed was suprisingly easy for Stephanie - well done shnooks! Reflecting on the holidays - brilliant. Super week-end in Blackpool with Paul Matthews - his place is fab as are his culinary skills!

Easter week-end in Knaresborough with the gang! What a beautiful place to live, eat, drink and be merry - thank-you Bill, Louise, Gaye, Paul, Bethany, Portia and Ellis (not forgetting, Steve, Stephanie and Cameron) for all the entertainment making it a special time! Check out a selection of the photographs that remind me of the giggles!

Some after-dinner entertainment!

Skimming stones seems to be a compulsory past time! Perhaps it's the effect that water, a variety of stones and the 'Dambusters' has on one's soul. Of course Steve loves to go that step farther especially when his biceps can be put on show!

Splash! The water level has just risen by about 10 cm!!

Yorkshire is full of natural beauty - and the rivers, bridges and terrain are quite nice too!

Group photo! Do I need to polish up my photography skills? Still everyone looks happy and I love the shot!

Oh Happy Days!