IT'S CHRISTMAS!!!

I know, I know. I said I would be on weeks ago to put up pics of my desc etc, but I forgot lol. it's been a busy old month, what with school fairs, and school performances etc, and then travelling up to Scotland last weekend. So it seems Christmas day has been the quiet time I needed LOL!!

Family problems abounded last weekend, which I won't go into, but families can be a real pain! My gran also took ill again while we were up, but thankfully seemed not to bad, even though she was hospitalised again. She just likes to worry us I think.

So that's Christmas over for another year. Santa was good to me, and Robert and the girls. I got jewellery, perfume, clothes, craft items, chocolates, calendars, slippers, CD, and teddies, so i must have been a good girl this year :p The girls were delighted with their tv and DS respectively. Well, I think I've let the Christmas dinner settle long enough now, so I'm off for my trifle :D

And so the excitement builds

My Christmas decorations go up on sunday, the girls and I are getting soooo excited lol. Of course, mr humbug, Robert, would prefer they didn't go up to Christmas eve, but that is so not going to happen. Anyway, he gets to help put them up on sunday and then he's off to his mums on the monday, in Scotland. His dad is going into hospital for an operation, so he's going to do some decorating for his mum while his dad isn't there, makes life easier that way lol. Haven't done much in the way of Christmas shopping at all though, somehow when you have to watch every penny and cut back on your spending it isn't as much fun, but never mind, it isn't all about the presents now is it!!
Raechel is working very hard at her rehearsals for her school play, and we are looking forward to seeing her perform in january. And both girls will be singing with their choirs at the local Christmas lights switch on this friday. My little stars :D
I think I may be losing one of my chickens. My old girl, Hillary. She has been moulting and I think with her age and the cold weather she just isn't going to make it. She went off the lay a few months ago, and I've been told that hybrids don't usually live long once this happens, but she has been a lovely chicken to introduce me to this wonderful pastime.
We've also been laying new carpets and laminate throughout the house. It has caused some amount of havoc lol, but it is looking lovely!! So much warmer than what we had down.
Will be back next week to post a pic of my decorated living room, so see you then x

Ah well, such is life!

Well, at the end of my last post I was saying that we had a lovely holiday in Cornwall to look forward to. We went last week, and oh my, it wasn't exactly the relaxing holiday I was hoping for lol.

We drove to St Ives on the monday, and got to the holiday camp about 5pm. It was almost completely dark by this point and we couldn't see much, but got booked in and headed to our chalet. That was a pleasant surprise. Spacious, very clean, and plenty of heating available. We got everything unpacked and then headed off to find something to eat. After that we went to the main complex for an hour or so to see what the entertainment was like, not bad at all. So we decided to have an early night and were up bright and early to head into St Ives for the day. It was bright but cold, but all that soon changed!! In St Ives we had sleet, hail (the size of golf balls), torrential rain and gale force winds!! And inbetween each of these, sun lol. So we were in and out of shops trying to keep dry. We then drove to Penzance for a bit before heading back to the camp for the night. In the morning the power had gone off for an hour, but was back on by the time we got back. So we had dinner and then headed back up to the main building. The kids show was fun for them, and then just as the bingo was about to start, the power went back off, and stayed off for 2 hours. People started turning up from the cabins as it was very cold that night, but the kitchens were closed as was the bar. They started handing out kids flashing toys and light sabres etc for people to see with if they headed back to their chalets. When the power finally came back on we were told it was only in the main building and the chalets still didn't have any! At this point we decided just to head back in the hope it would come back on! So we went in and straight to bed, clothes on under duvets etc. It was bitterly cold. We awoke in the morning to still no power and condensation on top of the duvets. At this point I felt like crying. So up to the main building where they told us the power probably wouldn't be back on until friday and they were giving full refunds and we should vacate the camp. So phoned my aunt who told us to find a B&B for the night, which we did after going to a very wet and windy Lands End first. It was worth it though as we took the girls to the Dr Who exhibition there, which Hayley loved! We finally got a B&B in Newquay, after a lot of hassle as we needed somewhere that would accept a credit card over the phone. So we spent a nice night there (just a little matter of torrential downpours again, but that was nothing by this point), cosy and warm before heading home on the thursday. So the motto of this tale is, don't visit Cornwall in autumn or winter!!!

We then had a lovely Halloween, very busy! And the girls still haven't finished all their sweets which is very unusual for them lol. And now it's just the getting organised for Christmas to look forward to. I'm starting to get that Christmassy feeling :D

Seven weeks until the Christmas decs go up!!

This was the thought that entered my head today lol, while I was sitting in the garden enjoying temperatures of 21c!! Very strange weather for October, but I wasn't complaining, especially after the miserable summer we had. There isn't much to report, but I thought I should really update anyway.

My lovely stepdaughter Michelle came to stay with us a few weekends ago. Unfortunately it was the weekend Hayley was off at Brownie camp, but while she was there we went on a day trip to Blackpool with the girls' saturday club. We had a fab time, and had lovely weather then too, thank heavens. Nothing worse than a cold and wet Blackpool lol.

Raechel also had some fantastic news. She has been given the main role in her school production for this year. They are doing The Wizard of Oz, and she is Dorothy. I am so chuffed for her, and can't wait until January to see her perform on the school stage.

My gran is continuing to do well, and I'm looking forward to seeing her again when we go up at Christmas. I thank God that she is still with us, considering how ill she was such a short time ago. We also have a little holiday to look forward to at the end of this month. We are going to St Ives in Cornwall for half term, and I can't wait. Thank you to my aunt who did this for us.

That's all for now folks, will catch up with you soon xx

Bye Bye Summer!

Right, for the second time of trying, I am writing this post. I had sat and wrote it all out a few days ago, then the pc decided to go all funny on me, and it disappeared! I wasn't very chuffed, believe me.

So anyway, where has the summer gone? It feels like only yesterday the girls broke up for the holidays, and now they have just completed their first week back. Raechel has started high school. I can't believe my baby is so grown up :( It takes some getting used to, seeing her in her blazer and tie).

Hayley has settled back into primary quite happily and no problems so far!!

We had the usual glorious British summer weather (ha ha). Though I must admit that the first week of the holidays, when we went to Southport, was lovely. We spent a lot of time on the beach, and had a fabulous time. The entertainment was really good, and the girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves. When we got to Scotland however, it was all change weather wise (what a surprise). For the 2 weeks we were there it tipped it down, with the odd nice day in between. As Robert and his brother were doing their mums garden, they weren't very chuffed. But it's looking good. I finally got to see my gran (yay), and tbh, it was a bit of a shock seeing her int he hospital. The girls got very upset and Robert had to take them out. She looked so tiny and frail in the hospital bed, and she was getting upset, which didn't help the girls. But by the time I left 2 weeks later, she was looking MUCH better. She was out of hospital and back in her care home, and the difference in her was amazing. She's a tough old bird my gran :)

We didn't get to do much else the holidays due to the weather. Which was a pity as we really wanted to go camping for a weekend. Oh well, there's always next year. While we were away on our hols one of our chickens sadly died, Hepzibah. So we now have 3 more girls to look after. We got Honey, Harriet and Henrietta 2 weeks ago, and they have settled in well. So we are getting lots of lovely eggs each day.

Now it's just a case of getting back into routine. All of the girls' after school clubs and brownies/guides etc start back next week. So I get to become a taxi again. What fun! And it will soon be time to start thinking about (shall I mention the C word?) Nah perhaps not, maybe next post lol. Maybe I'll start on my cards next week, we'll see.

It's summer!!

Well. it's supposed to be lol. Typical British summertime, rain and high winds. Oh well. The girls broke up from school on friday. LOTS of tears from Raechel and her classmates as it was their last day at primary school. The big bad world of secondary awaits them in September! We are off on our summer hols tomorrow, a week at Pontins in Southport and then up to Scotland for 2 weeks. I will finally get to see my gran, who unfortunatley had an accident in her care home yesterday and is in hospital having an operation on her broken hip. All this after recovering from her health scare a few weeks ago :(

I finally found out what type of chickens I have. Gingernut rangers :) And I will be getting some more when I come back from Scotland. White ones this time I think. Robert has built them a fantastic new run to go on the side of the shed (which is their new coop) and I will post some pics at a later date. He unfortunatley is in a lot of pain after standing on a rusty nail while building it. He really should have been looking where he was going ;) But I have been a good wife and made lots of sympathetic noises lol!!!

It seems to me that this year has gone by so quickly. I can't belive it's the summer hols already. In just over 4 months I'll be putting up all the Christmas decorations!! Scary. I suppose I should really start my Christmas shopping soon lol. As I get older the years get quicker. When I was little school breaks seemed to take forever to get here, now they are here and gone in a flash. My babies are growing up too quickly, and I so wish I could slow time down a little :(

I hope you all have a good summer, and I'll post once I get back from Scotland. take care all xx

Chick, Chick, Chick, Chick, Chickens....

Lay a little egg for me :))

Yuo, that's right I have chickens! Three lovely girls (no idea what breed yet) named Hermione, Hillary and Hepzibah. I got them from my cousin, who got them from a friend of his who was moving house. They have been laying brilliantly and I'm getting on average 2 eggs a day. Great in a household the LOVES eggs. My hubby Robert is building them a lovely new coop, as the one they arrived with is rather dilapidated.

Yesterday my girls were performing with their school choir at the local theatre. Part of a school choir production from all over Telford. I was so very, very proud, as my Raechel had to sing a solo, and the amount of people who came up afterwards and said what a beautiful voice she had was just unreal. I'm not ashamed to say I was bubbling like a baby when she sang. And Hayley was so well behaved and stood beautifully throughout the whole thing. It's a very big deal for her to be able to stand still for any length of time, so both my gorgeous girls did me proud.

Raechel has also been away to camp with her guide troop last weekend, so she had a lot fo fun with that. Unfortunately it is not all sunny with her. Hormones are running wild and she is very nervous about going up to Secondary School after the summer. Made worse by the fact that her 3 best friends are going to different schools from her (and 2 are moving out of Telford altogether). Let's just say things have been a little volatile at times!!

Well this sunday is my sermon at church. I am a nervous wreck about it all, but I'm sure the Lord will be there to guide me through it. As long as my knees don't give way on me I'll be fine :)

Wishing you all many blessings until we 'chat' again xx

Where did May go?

I cant believe it's June already, how time has flown. It is nice to see some sunshine though (she says as the rain batters down outside). May wasn't much to speak about so I guess that's why I didn't record it on here.

Life is just plodding on as it always does. My girls have been off school for half term (they go back tomorrow) and for once they haven't spent the week arguing!!! Who says modern day miracles don't happen? So tomorrow it's back to normality, with the school runs and the Girls Brigade runs and the Brownies and Guides runs.......anyone see a pattern developing here? Mums taxi right enough. My daughters have a better social life than I do!

I have a new mum cat and kittens in just now. She just came in today. She is called Orca and I have yet to name the kittens. The only thing is their names have to begin with Q. Not easy to coe up with 3 boys names beginning with that letter. We also received our Nintendo Wii games console at last. The fun I have had watching Robert and the girls play bowling and tennis has been fantastic. More fun than going to an actual alley, no one laughs at you when you do a victory dance :))

In 12 days time I will have been living in England for 5 years!! I honestly can't believe that. the time has absolutely flown. We lived in Aberdeen for 10 years before moving down here, and it felt more like 20 years. It just goes to show how living down here is much more pleasant. I don't think we'll ever return to Scotland permanently now, it depends on what the girls choose to do when they leave home.

Oh and the big excitement is that I have been asked to lead the worship at church on the 22nd of this month. I have never done this before. I've obviously done the Bible readings, but to be asked to choose the hymns, and do the prayers and sermon is a biggie, well for me anyway. I have been praying for inspiration but nothing is coming to me yet. I hope it does soon as I really need to get cracking on it. I'll let you know how it goes.

Well, that's all for now folks, catch you later.

April Showers

Well, the shower was actually fitted 2 weeks ago, but who's nitpicking lol!

It's hard to believe April is here already. Just under 2 weeks until Hayley's 8th birthday, my baby is growing up so fast. We've been shopping to try and find things that she likes, but she hasn't been very helpful. She either wants everything she sees, or nothing at all! aaarggh!

It has been a busy few weeks since I last posted. It took 2 weeks for our new shower to be fitted, but it is sooooo nice now to stand under there in a morning. Very refreshing. The girls have been off school for the easter holidays, and we've had a lot of lazy pj days, it's been lovely. Most of the chocolate has now gone, thank goodness, and I must now start thinking seriously about dieting. Hopefully now that the weather is becoming warmer and there is more daylight, it will make eating salads a lot more inviting!!!

On a sad note, my gran has now moved into a care home. It was becoming increasingly obvious that she was no longer able to live on her own any more and with the dementia taking a firmer grip she is now in the best place for her. Doesn't make it any easier to come to terms with though, not with someone like my gran, who was a larger than life personality. I'm a bit upset that I won't be able to see her until august, but I won't be in Scotland again until the girls break up for summer.

Until next time, smile :))

Life is hard

Well, Raechel didn't get accepted to either of the schools she really wanted :( And will now be attending the local 'comp' type school. I'm sure she'll do well there as she is very bright and motivated but still........
It's a harsh lesson to have to learn at 11, that life doesn't always give us what we want. She is bitterly disappointed at the moment, but she'll come round.


On a brighter note, I am finally having my shower fitted, yay!! It's become a bit of a nightmare getting in and out of the bath on my own, so the housing association have said I am eligible for a shower and as a I type I have banging and drilling noises filling the house, oh joy!

It's funny old weather here, sunny blue skies one minute and grey the next. Still freezing cold though. Oh how I long for some warmth (no point putting the heating on just now as the workmen have all the windows open to let dust out)

Well, this was just a short update, so catch you soon :)

1st Time

Wow! I'm a blogger!

Now there's a title I never expected to have. Daughter, wife, mum yes, but blogger was never something I aspired to, but as family grows and spreads (and telephone price charging soars) this seems a much easier way to keep everyone in the know.

We are currently in a state of expectation in our household. On tuesday of the coming week (4.03.08), we should receive a letter throught the post. An ordinary event of course, but this is no ordinary letter. No, this letter will play a big part in Raechels future! It will let us know the name of the school she will be attending as from September. She has sat entrance exams for 2 of the best schools in England, which we are fortunate enough to have within 10 miles of our home, but as one school (Newport Girls High) only has spaces for 52 girls and 250 sat the tests and the other (Thomas Telford School) has spaces for 150 and approx 500 sat the exams for there, then there is only a small chance of her actually getting in. But all prayers are grateful received :))

Also of course, tomorrow is mothers day. So I will be receiving my lovely cards made by my 2 beautiful daughters. I have many such cards from various events over the years, and I treasure every single one. When they have grown and left home, I will sit and look at them and remember when they were given by 2 little girls with gaps in their teeth, and various sticky substances on their hands. And I will thank God, as I do already, for having blessed me with my children and the memories I carry.

As I volunteer for the Cats Protection charity, I recently had a cat pen erected in my back garden and I have 2 young ladies, and a young gentleman in residence at the moment. Two sisters by the names of Mildred and Mavis (not my choosing I assure you). Mildred is a dilute tortie and a very affectionate young miss, while Mavis is a traditional tortie, who is rather scared at the moment. But given time, and lots of patience I believe she will come round beautifully. The boy is Maxwell, and he is a handsome ginger and white cat. He does love his fussing. Hopefully they wont be with me for too long and will find happy forever homes very soon.

Time is fairly marching on this year. It's hard to believe that it is March 1st already. Signs of spring are definitely on show in my garden. I have 2 daffodils in bloom, and it is lovely to finally see some colour around. However with snow forecast for next week, it's anyones guess on how much I'll get to admire them! I'm thoroughly fed up with being cold all the time, so I look forward to summer, although with the usual summers we get, I'll probably still be cold. Mind you, with Hayleys 8th birthday coming up next month we could be surprised. On her birthday last year the temperatures were high and we had a lovely party in the garden, so who knows.

well, I think that's enough for my first time, but I'll be back on soon to update you on the the results of the 'letter'!