Learn Something New Every Day - Day 29

Yesterday was James's birthday and I bought him a birthday cake and found some candles to put on it. Him and Zoe had great fun blowing out the candles.

Journalling reads:

"What did I learn today... ... that you are never too old for a birthday cake and candles"

Learn Something New Every Day - Day 28

James was given a present that was full of "cheesy wotsits" packaging. The fight started when James tipped the box over Zoe's head - then a full scale war broke out with the cheesy wotsits as ammunition!

Journalling reads:

"What did I learn today... ... that it is great fun playing with the cheesy wotsit packaging!"

365 Challenge - Week 39 Layout

This week again we had total free rein with the layout. I chose my favourite photo of the zebra and then scrapped it using various black and white papers and embellishments.

Day 274 - Tuesday 30th September

Care

I don't much CARE for ironing!!!!

Day 273 - Monday 29th September

"When spider webs unite they can tie up a lion.” - African Proverb

What makes you strong?

Not really sticking to the prompt today, but to something that amazes me. My dad, as you can see from the last couple of days of photos, is a big man, even a lion of a man, and yet he is petrified of this little fella. My dad lives out in the country in a very old farmhouse and he has newts living in his drains, so they regularly make an appearance in his bath. He has to get his wife to get rid of them!!!!

Penny Black Saturday Challenge #16

This week's Penny Black challenge is Seasons. You can choose any 'Season' - Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter.

I have made 2 cards - one for Summer and one for Autumn. Seeing the prize up for grabs, reminded me that I had this sheet of stickers and it was nice to make a card that wasn't for Christmas.

Summer:

Autumn:

Learn Something New Every Day - Day 27

Whilst at my Dad's, we went up to his farm and he gave James a shooting lesson.

Journalling reads:

"What did I learn today... ... shooting practice is very noisy!"

Learn Something New Every Day - Day 26

We went to my Dad's for the day. He is a farmer and definitely likes his food. We ate on and off all day and ended the day with the most glorious roast pork dinner. Nandrea (my step mum) made Zoe a chocolate rabbit on grass (chocolate blancmange and lime jelly). She couldn't believe her eyes when it was dished up. We left feeling totally bloated and never wanting to see food ever again!!!

Journalling reads:

"What did I learn today... ... that farmers sure do eat alot!"

Day 272 - Sunday 28th September

"We need not think alike to love alike.” - Francis David (1510-1579), clergyman

I spent the day with my Dad yesterday and although he wasn’t around when I was growing up, I love him very much. I learned some things yesterday that have put a different aspect on what I have always been led to believe about why my Dad didn’t see me for 30 years. What is quite strange is that, he was never around to influence my personality or thoughts, but we are very alike in many ways – and the same with my brother.
When I got back in contact with him a couple of years ago I stated that I was not interested in the past or what had gone on but wanted a relationship for the future for me and for Zoë and that is what we have. It really is like we have never been apart.

We all had a wonderful day.

Day 271 - Saturday 27th September

“Take control of your destiny. Believe in yourself. Ignore those who try to discourage you. Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits. Don't give up and don't give in.” - Wanda Hope Carter; motivational speaker and writer

Just after Zoë was born, I got back into contact with my Dad after almost 30 years of nothing. I wrote him a letter telling him about me and where I was in my life and that he had a granddaughter. I never really expected a response back but he did reply. He is nothing like how my mum described him over the years and he is most generous and caring and his wife is fantastic too. I don’t see him as much as I would like as he is a farmer and is always so very busy, but I understand that and we get together when we can. He has got a relief milker in today so we can have the whole day together. I am so looking forward to it!!!
My only regret is that I didn’t contact him years ago as we have wasted many years without each other.

Learn Something New Every Day - Day 25

Here is my Day 24. My very darling husband James bought me a set of Nestabilities and some Sugar Nellie Christmas stamps.

Journalling reads:

"What did I learn today... ... that stash is always tonnes better when your husband buys it for you"

Day 270 - Friday 26th September

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.'” - Mary Anne Radmacher; author

Am I courageous? It all depends on what it is. I am a real wimp when it comes to spiders – or though just now, I was very brave. As I sat down to tea, I noticed a huge spider on the wall. I, calmly, got a pot and a piece of paper and put the pot over the spider and slid the paper underneath and then put the spider outside.
Stupidly I didn’t get a photo so I have used this roaring subject instead

Penny Black Saturday Challenge #15

I haven't done one of these for a while but seeing as Christmas is coming up, I thought I would make a Christmas card. I haved the Naughty or Nice Penny Black stamp which I have coloured in using Prisma pencils and added some glitter for the snow effects. The challenge was to decorate the inside of the card too. So the inside of the card has the same doggy stamped in each corner and the greetings is also a PB stamp. The papers are from DCWV.

Learn Something New Every Day - Day 24

Zoe's nursery are asking for parents to sign up as Parent Reps. I know many people never bother to offer their services, so I thought I would find out what is involved. It wasn't much, so I have volunteered.

Journalling reads:

"What did I learn today... ... what it entails to become a parent rep at Zoe's nursery - so I volunteered"

Day 269 - Thursday 25th September

“Put all excuses aside and remember this: YOU are capable.” - Zig Ziglar (b. 1926), motivational author, speaker

I consider myself to be a very capable person. I just get on and do things. I am not scared to try anything new (unless I am putting myself in mortal danger – ha ha!!!). In fact I quite like to have a new challenge to rise up to.
However, if ever I were to try anything like in my photo, James would kill me!!! There are some benefits to being married to an electrician!!!

Learn Something New Every Day - Day 23

Zoe was being so quiet and good playing with her building blocks I didn't even realise it was way past her bedtime.Journalling reads:

"What did I learn today... ... that Zoe makes a really good job of building Mega Blocks towers"

Day 268 - Wednesday 24th September

"Whatever beauty may be, it has for its basis order, and for its essence unity.” - Father Andre

We recently went to Marwell Zoo and I took some lovely photos and I have put them on my computer as my screen saver. Sometimes if I look up and catch a photo of a tiger, zebra or cheetah I am amazed at the beauty of the animals and how fantastic their markings on their coats are.

365 Challenge - Week 38 Layout

This is my layout for week 38. We could choose our favourite photo and journal the lyrics from that Abba song relating to that day. I chose the photo from day 265 - the song was Slipping Through My Fingers.

Learn Something New Every Day - Day 22

We are opening a new cafe at work and the catering group had a cake tasting session to decide on a range of cakes to sell. After the tasting, the rest of the office were allowed to go and try them. I am on a diet but I decided to try a Banoffee tart. It was lovely but didn't manage all of it.

Journalling reads:

"What did I learn today... ... that it is ok to have the odd treat without feeling too guilty"

Day 267 - Tuesday 23rd September

“Our happiness is completely and utterly intertwined with other people: family, friends, neighbors and the woman who you hardly notice who cleans your office.” - Eric Weiner; author, national public radio correspondent

I don’t think I have ever been happier since I have had my own little family to look after. It can be hard work at times but is so rewarding to see them happy and safe and well taken care of.

Learn Something New Every Day - Day 21

I have a cold and was feeling awful, but my darling husband offered to do the weekly shop. I made him a list and he got everything!!!

Journalling reads:

"What did I learn today... ... that James makes a really good job of doing the weekly shop"

Day 266 - Monday 22nd September

"What's the name of the game, does it mean anything to you, what's the name of the game, can you feel it the way I do, Tell me please, 'cause I have to know, I'm a bashful child, beginning to grow" - The Name of the Game - Abba

Strangely, for a house with a child in, I couldn’t find any games to take a photo of so I thought of my favourite game on the computer. It is called Jewel Match and I have managed to complete the whole game – it is a great timewaster but also very relaxing!!!

Sketch Saturday # 17

I have just found a great site that does card challenges - they are on week 17. Check it out here as there is some fantastic work on there. Here is the sketch:and here is my take on it - thought it was a good excuse to start making Christmas cards.

Learn Something New Every Day - Day 20

Here is my Day 20.

Journalling reads:

"What did I learn today... ... that Zoe is not too small to have a bike for Christmas"

Day 265 - Sunday 21st September

"Slipping through my fingers, all the time, I try to capture, every minute, the feeling in it, slipping through my fingers, all the time, do I really see what's, in her mind, each time I think, I'm close to knowing, she keeps on growing, slipping through my fingers, all the time" - Slipping through my fingers – Abba

If ever there was a time when I realised that time was slipping away was yesterday when we visited a few bike shops to see if Zoë would be ready for a bike for her birthday in December. We tried her on several bikes but we have decided that she will need the 14” bike, which normally age for 4 to 6 years olds – she could pedal them all really well and was zooming round Halfords weaving in and out of other customers.
How did she grow up so fast without me seeing it???

Learn Something New Every Day - Day 19

Yesterday I went for a walk in the sunshine (for once) and was followed by a little butterfly but no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't get a decent picture of it. Then I stumbled across this little fella who let me snap away to my heart's content.

Journalling reads:

"What did I learn today ... ... that if you are patient enough you will eventually get the photo you want"

Day 264 - Saturday 20th September

"I don't wanna talk, about the things we've gone through, though it's hurting me, now it's history, I've played all my cards, and that's what you've done too, nothing more to say, no more ace to play, The winner takes it all, the loser standing small, beside the victory, that's her destiny" - The Winner Takes it All – Abba

Yesterday Zoë and I went for a walk as the sun was shining and it was a beautiful day. After having such miserable weather, it surprised me how much wildlife was still out and about. I spent ages trying to get a photo of a little white butterfly that was fluttering around us whilst we were walking. I did manage to get one photo of him but it didn’t come out very well. It was very frustrating as every time I got close to him, he would fly off. Then we stopped to look at the swans on the pond and whilst we were there, I spotted a beautiful dragonfly. He was a perfect subject and remained in situ for ages and I managed to get some great photos of him. I felt like a winner then!!!

365 Challenge - Week 37 Layout

Here is my layout for the week. We could choose any day's photo and we had to add some sparkle to the layout. I have used American Crafts paper and torn it so it looked a bit wave like. Then I have added lots of shell sequins and lots of blue and green sequins. The letters are glittered.

Day 263 - Friday 19th September

I was a woman never thinking of others, and my life was so lonely, didn't care for anybody, but then I happened to meet, a begging man in the street, as I turned down his praying, I heard someone saying: "ah -Treat him well, he is your brother, you might need his help one day, we depend on one another, love him that's the only way, on the road that we're going, we all need words of comfort and compassion, treat him well, he is your brother, love him that's the only way" - He is your brother – Abba

This is my big brother!!! We don’t see each too often but we would both do anything for the other.

Learn Something New Every Day - Day 18

We are having a £2.5 million cafe rebuild where I work at Haskins Garden Centre and a refit of the shop too. The grounds are all being re-landscaped and this stone has been put in place. It looked odd to start off with, but now it has been turfed etc, it is looking really good.
Journalling reads:
"What did I learn today... ... that the new stone at the front of our work entrance looks great now it is almost finished"

Learn Something New Every Day - Day 17

Today when I got home from work I got my monthly subscription to Scrapa Go Go Greetings kit - a sure way to cheer up any day.
Journalling reads:
"What did I learn today... ... that it is always great to get a Go Go Greetings yellow pizza box"

Day 262 - Thursday 18th September

"I have a dream, a song to sing, to help me cope, with anything, if you see the wonder, of a fairy tale, you can take the future, even if you fail, I believe in angels, something good in, everything I see, I believe in angels, when I know the time, is right for me, I'll cross the stream, I have a dream" - I Have a Dream – Abba

I have told you often enough about my dreams, so I won’t go into these again, so I will focus on the angels bit. Do I believe in angels? No I don’t think so! Life is life and what will happen, will happen. You can put measures in place to safe guard yourself but most of the time, you make your own destiny. I don’t believe that there is anything out there looking after you or directing you in any particular way. You have to make your life what it is and the amount of effort you put into it, will very likely determine how successful it turns out. There are things that are out of our control but these aren’t down to angels or anything else – they just happen and we either, fail at this point or pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and try again.
If you have a dream, it ain’t just gonna happen - you need to work HARD at fulfilling it!

Learn Something New Every Day - Day 16

Yesterday I blew my top in the office about someone and that was totally unprofessional and could get me into trouble.

Journalling reads:

"What did I learn today... ... to step away from a difficult situation and not say anything that I will later regret"

Day 261 - Wednesday 17th September

"You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life, see that girl, watch that scene, dig in the Dancing Queen" – Abba

I love to dance but I am not very good at it. I love watching Strictly Come Dancing on the TV – I love the costumes and I love to see how beautifully the professional dancers move around the dance floor. I would love to have lessons and be able to dance like the girls on the television – but I don’t have much rhythm so I would be pretty hopeless. Plus I know that James would never come with me!
This photo is the first dance of Tina’s wedding. I don’t think she left the dance floor afterwards – at least her dress held out!

Learn Something New Every Day - Day 15

Yesterday I managed to knock over a full, hot cup of tea all over my desk and all over me. Obviously I had to restage the photo - but without actually spilling any tea!

Journalling reads:

"What did I learn today... ... that it hurts to spill a hot cup of tea all over yourself and very messy for your desk!"

Day 260 - Tuesday 16th September

"Tonight the, Super Trouper, lights are gonna find me, shining like the sun, smiling, having fun, feeling like a number one"- Abba

What has made you feel like a Super Trouper today?

Nothing has made me feel like a Super Trouper today. I have had a really bad day at work. It started off well with a lovely cup of tea but as the day went on, it from bad to worse!!!

Learn Something New Every Day - Day 14

Yesterday I learned how to catch crabs off Poole Quay using a crab line, some squid as bait and a net. We had great fun!!!

Journalling reads:

"What did I learn today... ... I learned how to catch crabs from Poole Quay"

Day 259 - Monday 15th September

"And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed." - Dr. Seuss

On Friday I bought Zoë some flash cards to help teach her numbers and letters. We haven’t really had a chance to play with them until tonight. She could count how many animals were in each puzzle piece, but she couldn’t identify the actual numbers apart from number 4. Then we moved onto the letters and she could recognise lots of the letters with identifying them against the names of the other children that she goes to nursery with.
With a bit more practice we will succeed in teaching her all the numbers and letters – a good starting basis for school!

Learn Something New Every Day - Day 13

As you can see from my blog for yesterday, I had a really productive day. My poor husband, James was on call and was out nearly all day and this gave me the chance to do lots of crafting which I don't normally get to do on a weekend. I finished my Advent Calendar, did 2 layouts for my A-Z of Zoe to get me up to date with this project, did my LSNED for the 12th and made a birthday card.

Journalling reads:

"What did I learn today... ... that when James is on call, I can get lots of crafting done - and it feels great!"

Day 258 - Sunday 14th September

"If you never did, you should. These things are fun, and fun is good." - Dr. Seuss

Well we have had a lovely day today. Spent the morning with Mum, my brother and his little boy Connor and we went crabbing. I have lived by the seaside all my life and have frequently walked past people who have a bucket beside them full of crabs and other sea life but have never actually tried it before. It was great fun. I was a bit squeamish to start with putting the squid bait onto the hook, but soon got into the swing of things. It is amazing what little creatures were in there. We caught about 6 crabs and various fish and little shrimps.
It was a bit hard work making sure that Zoë didn’t go too near the quay edge but she was fine. I will definitely be doing it again but the next time I will take some reins to keep Zoë on – just in case!

Sugar Nellie - Pirate Card

Tomorrow Zoe has been invited to a birthday party. William from nursery will be 3 and so I made him this card this evening. I bought him a Thomas the Tank train set - I hope he likes it!!!

Learn Something New Every Day - Day 12

Well I have finally finished my match box advent calendar.

Journalling reads:

"What did I learn today... ... that it easy to make an advent calendar out of 24 match boxes"

Day 257 - Saturday 13th September

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." - Dr. Seuss

I have been doing my A-Z challenge today and this week’s prompt is S. The obvious choice for this was Smile. I had downloaded the new version of Picasa during the week and so decided to do a collage of photos of Zoë smiling – so it fits this prompt too! It is so easy to do it using Picasa and the results are really effective.

A-Z Challenge S Layout

How productive have I been the last couple of days!!!!

Here is my S for Smiler. I have used the Collage feature of Picasa 3.0 to make an A4 sized collage of smiley photos of Zoe. I have then added some metal words over the collage and added a title and a smile-o-meter that came in a ScrapaGoGo kits months ago.

A-Z Challenge R Layout

Last weekend we went to the Dorchester Agricultural Show and it was like a mud bath. Normally Zoe hates walking even though she doesn't want to go in her pushchair. But not on that day - she had her favourite wellies on and she wanted to walk in the mud - until she got stuck!

Christmas Advent Calendar

This is a very popular thing on UK Scrappers at the moment. It is designed by Tracey at Bubbly Funk - the instructions can be found here.

It uses 24 matchboxes. I got mine from Asda (6 for 31p) so not very expensive to make. I have painted each of the drawers and the front edges of the boxes with blue and purple acrylic paint. I have used Papermania Forever Friends papers, blue and purple bazzill and some Papermania embellishments and brads. I wasn't really sure on how to do the numbers as my handwriting is dire but I was very brave and used the dreaded peel offs - they haven't come out too bad.

They take ages to make but look really good once complete! Now just what to fill it with ...!