Very slowly on the mend!

We started the day with a very high temperature again - oh and he spent the night in our bed, to give me and him a bit of a better nights sleep - and very slowly his temperature is dropping. Thank goodness, he still has no appetite and I have to keep reminding him to drink, but Robert is mending!

As his temperature was so high this morning I didn't dare take him out to get some shopping. So I played the "phone a friend" joker and asked if when she went shopping she could get me just a little bit. I wanted to be able to tempt Robert with some fruit, Richard ate all we had up yesterday. She got us the shopping, so that was really great.
Didn't actually use the fruit, as they both decided they really fancied sultanas! Oh well, sultanas it was.
Spent most of the day between kids tv and jigsaws. Oops, no we did build the Thomas the Tank Engine trainset up downstairs and play with that a bit. And Daddy was a hero when not only did he bring himself home, he brought a "troublesome truck" each for them!

Not much other news today, but I intend to relax scrapping so there may be some layouts later.

Well, here is one of Ticki ruling over the remote control and watching the TV! I also worked on something I will be showing you next week ;o) It will be worth the wait!

Credits:
Doodledeedoo by Phillsboo at DigitalArts Cafe

Bye 4 now

It's tonsilitis!

Robert was no better in the night and this morning, still an extremely high temperature, so I phoned the doctor straight away. Unfortunately we couldn't go until 11am, but at least we didn't have to wait too long. Just as Richard started to take the room apart the doctor came. Roberts tonsils are sceptic, and he needs antibiotics. Silly me, was expecting one spoonful of that and my Robert would be back. But it's not magic! His temperature soared again, he actually even wanted to go to bed. He had an hours nap, which is so unusual for him. Poor little thing.

Richard is still full of beans, and throwing paddies left, right and centre, when he can't have what he wants. Between them they are wearing me out! Unfortunately what Robert has is contagious and I can more or less expect Richard to get it! AGH! Hopefully not!

Not a lot really to write about today, it was just doctors and one poorly child and one who really should have been outside using up some energy!
I hope to relax again scrapping tonight, so check back for some layouts if you like!

I just love being on Silvia's CT, I have already done the amount of Layouts she would like us to do, but i just have to keep doing more. Too many ideas in my head!

Credits:
Latte Kisses by Phillsboo at DigitalArts Cafe

Bye 4 now

NO, it wasn't a 24hr thing!

Bother, bother, bother! After a rough night for both Robert and me, we got up this morning to a continued temperature of 39.4°C (103.5°F). He did look rough, poor Richard had a slightly higher temperature than normal, nothing I would normally have noticed, but I kept them both home from Kindergarden, I somehow don't think it would have worked anyway Richard going without Robert.
Anyway, Robert did not want to do anything, he wouldn't even get out of the comfy chair to do jigsaws this morning! So I checked his temperature again, it was even higher (39.9°C/103.8°F) so I got the Calpol out and dosed him up. He said he felt better after having that. he still wouldn't eat anything, but he did start drinking.
He fought very hard against having a nap (I think he thinks naps are only for babies), shame cause it would have done him good. As it was around 3.30pm we were playing and enjoying the tractor jigsaw for about the 4th time, when out of the blue he burst into tears. Checked his temperature again, and I swear, I have never ever seen it go up that high before it was 40.4°C/104.7°F - more Calpol and relief when after 30mins it was below 40°C again!
Still not good at bedtime, so tomorrow is a trip to the doctors again. But we won't be going to the paediatrician again -this time we will go to MY doctor, at least there those that go healthy leave healthy. I am sure he picked this up on Thursday when we only went to get a piece of paper saying we were healthy! Great joke!

Richard's temperature by the way got better and he was full of mischief. So needless to say I am knackered and looking forward to a nice quiet evening of scrapping! One last challenge to do, the one I always save til last!
Well here it is the last DSO challenge - template challenge. I don't really like the template but I think I did OK, I prefer the other wedding layout I did though!

Credits:
L'Amour d'Hiver by Sweet Digi Scraps

Bye 4 now

Please....

let it be a 24hr thing!!! Robert has a fever 39.2°C, and mean Mummy sent him to Kindergarden with it this morning. Well, it wasn't up that high. He got up really grumpy and whiny this morning and I thought he was just being silly again. You know, a typical male thing, "I've got a cough, so I must be nearly dead". He reckoned he couldn't get out of bed "because I've got a bad cough, Mummy!", he couldn't go to the toilet "cause I've got a bad cough, Mummy!", he couldn't play nicely with Richard "cause I've got a bad cough, Mummy!" and all in this really, really whiny annoying voice! He's done it before and I have ignored it, but today it went on just that little bit too long. I kissed his forehead, and oops he has a temperature. I decided to ignore it and sent them both to Kindergarden.
No one there said anything, so he can't have been bad. And apart from all the whining he was pretty normal this afternoon. Just a really high temperature.
Well he is tucked up in bed now having had his Calpol. Hopefully,he'll be all better in the morning, because I don't know how much Richard would like it there without Robert!

Speaking of Richard he was sooooo cute this morning. He didn't even want to wait for me to finish getting him out of his shoes. He was off with his breakfast, sat himself at the table with all his little friends and started on his apple! Oh and he hung his bag up himself today! He did then realise that maybe he should wave bye-bye first and off we went, and he and Robert waved me off, with HUGE waves and grins! Just remembering now, makes my heart melt all over again!

I have another layout to post, when I get downstairs. And I have just 3 days to do 3 more challenges at DSO, but why do I always save the most difficult to last (the template challenge), I think next month I'll start with that one!

This layout was for the "Can't believe I scrapped it" Challenge. Who needs toys when they come in the greatest boxes!

Credits:
Doodledeedoo by Phillsboo at DigitalArts Cafe

This layout is for the Recipe Challenge at DSO, Mum's friend (my Mum No.2) supplied the recipe for us, sounds Yummy, doesn't it!

Credits:
Paque joyeux by Pixelninechen
Alpha by Betsy Tuma at plaindigitalwrapper

This next one was for the Ad Challenge, I chose to use the colour scheme (close to) and the layout. Its of our lovely afternoon at the park on Sunday!

Credits:
The Spring Collection by LouCee Creations

Bye 4 now

GREAT NEWS

Now I am allowed to blast out my news! I made it on to a CREATIVE TEAM!
Yep, I am now a member of Silvia's (Phillsboo) new creative team. I have been posting quite a few layouts using her kits, which I would adore, even if I wasn't on her team by the way! They are very versatile, I even found a way of making her "Being a Boy" kit work for my niece Mia!


Watch this blog for more of Silvia's kits in action! Any comments would be greatly appreciated!
Oh, and check out Leigh's blog, she is also a part of the new Creative Team!

Now on to more about my day! Richard greeted me with the words "I don't cry today, Mummy!", with which he meant, he didn't cry for me at Kindergarden. It was so lovely to hear. I think he actually enjoyed himself. He sings to himself all the time now, most of which I don't recognise so I think he is picking things up from Kindergarden.

This afternoon, we went to another birthday party. This time it was Katharina's (or Katanina as the boys put it!). She was three on the 16th and had a party today. She was slightly overwhelmed by all the kids running around her house and playing with her toys and stayed close to her Mummy. But my two were right in the midst of it all, having a great time. I did too, delicious cake, mmmh! Andrea did invite us to stay for tea, but the boys had been for a walk at Kindergarden, which almost exhausts Richard, so I decided it would be best if I got them to bed on time instead. And I think it was the right idea, Richard almost threw himself out of my arms into his bed!

Now to tidy up the things from teatime and then I will do some more scrapping. Which I will share with you later!

Here is my layout for the colour challenge at DSO! It is Zoe on her 5th Birthday!

Credits various kits made by the participants of the Colour Challenge, for exact credits click here.

Bye 4 now

What a wonderful day.

If yesterday I thought it was spring, then today would probably count as summer! The sun was out all day, and this afternoon we made the most of it. We took the boys to the playground at the Sieberzmühle. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Unfortunately although the weather was nice the ground had not dried! But the boys thought that was great too, and had some muddy fun!

Credits: Trash 2 Treasure by Scrapkitten

It was so hard to believe it is only February!

Most of the morning was spent sorting jigsaws. Yesterday afternoon, Richard got himself a nice big bucket, and emptied all 10 jigsaw boxes (that is more than 10 jigsaws!) into it, and mixed it up nicely. So whilst I had sorted them back into their boxes, I wasn't quite sure, that I had got it right. So today we had to do them all, just to be on the safe side! Surprisingly enough, all the pieces were there. And not too many of them were in the wrong boxes!!! Thank goodness for that.

Right, I am going to try and get a turn on the laptop tonight, I have lots of challenges still to do, and not many days left to do them! Plus I want to enter a couple in the "Trash to Treasure" Hunt Gallery, someone has to win that huge prize - why not me?! And Liz has a challenge going to, and she has an adorable kit to use for it. So that makes about 6 layouts just for challenges. That will keep me busy!

Well, here is my layout with Liz's beautiful kit! Zoe and Mia having a cuddle after their skiing lesson!

Credits: Berry Ice by Sweet Digi Scraps

Bye 4 now

Spring was here!

So we took the boys for a nice walk, well Florian and I walked and the boys had a bobby car and a bike! This time we remembered the string, so we didn't have to untie our camera strap.
Unfortunately the string caused arguments among the boys cause the both wanted Daddy to pull them! Oops! Richard then got to try the bike out, his little legs just couldn't quite reach the pedals, but if and when we get Robert a new bike (perhaps for Easter) then we can lower the saddle and off he goes I think!

I have spent a lot of time in between on a scrapbooking treasure hunt, and my download with the next clue has just finished, so I may add some more here later, when I have got all the "loot"!

Bye 4 now

NO tantrums!! Yippee!

Yep, can you believe it, there were no tantrums at Kindergarden today. He was flirting with all the girls instead! He is quite a character, back at home he was singing most of the time today. We had "Happy Birthday" a couple of times - that's probably because it was someones B-day at Kindergarden today.

We were supposed to be having visitors this afternoon. A friend with her two girls (3 and 7mths) but my friend has a bad dose of sinisitus. I am so glad she decided to stay away. that is the last thing we need around here. So we spent a the afternoon indoors (too dark and dreary out) doing jigsaws. Robert is really good at them now. He can do his 49piece Tractor jigsaws with no problem. And most of that is either blue sky or straw!!! I'm impressed.

Florian got home just before tea-time. Again the boys were so excited to see him! They do their happy dance, and then don't let go until they have to!

I got my photobook back from the printers today. It looks great. With a bit of luck I will be able to get to the post-office tomorrow and post it off! A. Gill will be pleased when she gets it I'm sure.
There is one mistake in it! I especially had Dad lighten up the faces on one of the pictures. And when doing the book, I put the wrong one in! Oops! Better not tell Dad his hard work didn't get used. Although I could scrap the picture instead.

Bye 4 now

Tantrums and doctors

Not quite as bad as it sounds, the tantrums were the normal "full moon" ones. I would have thought I was used to them by now, but not really. But the best thing about this and what I really mean to write about, was that Richard had one at Kindergarden! Hihi! Apparently they were supposed to all be sat around in a circle or such, listening to a story, Richard had other ideas and reacted with a paddy, when he was told off for making noises with a chair! :O)

What was also funny this morning was when I went to pick them up, I saw Richard first and his first words were "Robert made a mess" and then he took me to show me it! We got there and he goes "its gone! Where's it gone?" I asked the girls there what he was talking about, and apparently a juice had got knocked over, and my little 2-year-old was telling tales on his big brother! lol

This afternoon, we had an appointment at the doctors, we need a piece of paper for Kindergarden stating that Richard is healthy. I hate this kind of appointment. We go healthy, sit around in an overcrowded waiting room for an hour, see the doctor get the "yes he is healthy" piece of paper and go home - but are we still healthy after sitting round with 10 poorly kids???!!!! Fingers crossed they didn't pick any germs up!

I have done a layout for a blog challenge on ElementalScraps Blog, its about "funny things kids do" and I really want to get the voucher they are giving out for entering, only my registration which I did weeks ago is not being processed and I can't log in to upload the photo to their gallery - AGH! I have til Sunday, and I have sent the admin an email. So maybe later on!
Anyways, here is the layout! (or will be when I get downstairs)

Credits:
Zazzle - Collab Kit by ElementalScraps

Couldn't stay away from the scrapbooking! I did two more layouts:

This one is for Mum, I love this quote, and Mum's hair is "silver" and her heart definitely made of solid Gold - love you Mum!


And I did this one for the Heritage Challenge at DSO. This is Mum again, as a really little girl with her family. The challenge was to scrap "love" and an old photo. And nothing says "love" better than a family photo, don't you think. that's probably why we take so many of them!

Credits:
Grandma's Love by Phillsboo at DigitalArts Cafe

Bye 4 now

Clean floors and a B-day Party

I never would have thought I could get excited about cleaning the floors. But as Richard is now in Kindergarden I don't have to fight with him over the mop, and therefore I don't have to mop up the pond that we made during that fight! It was just great! I actually had fun!

The boys had fun at Kindergarden too. Richard was all smiles and waves when I left them. It made my day! And when I picked them up, cause it was raining they were indoors playing, and they both looked so cute. They were sat at a table cutting up "wooden vegetables", they are velcroed together, and they have alittle wooden knife to slice them up!

Whilst the boys had their rest I did the Sketch Challenge for DSO, I'll put it on here after I have had something to eat, getting a little hungry now.

Credits:
Latte Kisses by Phillsboo at DigitalArts Cafe

We went to a birthday party this afternoon - Amelie turned 4. There was cake and games for the kids followed by sausages and chips for them. But only for the kids. So I need to fill my tummy up now! It was a lovely afternoon out for all of us.


And here are another couple of layouts, this one I did for the quote Challenge at DSO, it's me and my friends after our delicious breakfast day last Saturday!

Credits:

You are my Sunshine by SweetDigiScraps

And this next one, I made for my friend who needed some cheering up. It is of her daughter and my goddaughter Lisa. Isn't she adorable!?

Credits:
Latte Kisses by Phillsboo at DigitalArts Cafe

Bye 4 now

Full Moon is coming...

Anyone other than me notice it yet?! The boys were fine this morning, but this afternoon, abducted by aliens again. Robert wanted to go to the playground this afternoon, and I was all for it, but when he threw a paddy about who put the dominos away. An argument I solved by doing it myself, to which his reaction was to grab on to my clothes scream at me and try to pull me over! So of course, I changed my mind about the park. Fresh air however was a must. So it was into the garden for us.
Where Robert proceeded to scream, I finally got him calmed down and I agreed, that if after I had finished the little bit of gardening that was left, he hadn't screamed, pushed or knocked Richard over, and generally played nicely, I would take them. Well, two seconds later the neighbours granddaughter came round again, and the playground was forgotten. And we had a lovely afternoon in the fresh air. This time, lucky for me, without football!

Teatime however the next lot of screaming, because I wouldn't let him watch "Mr. Maker". He screamed and sulked about it for 20minutes. It finally dawned on him, that maybe Mummy would put him to bed without his tea. And started eating. The things they scream about. Richard wasn't really much better, he wouldn't have his afternoon nap. So when he did eventually quieten down, instead of his usual 2 hours he only got 50 minutes! I am hoping that will help with my dreams of a good night's sleep.

I got two new layouts done, whilst Richard was trying to sleep. I'll post them later on, then I have to upload them all to DSO and JFTSOI.

This one is of my cousin and her fiance, just after getting engaged on a bike tour in America.

Credits:
Latte Kisses by Phillsboo at DigitalArts Cafe

And this is a layout of a friend's granddaughter. Isn't she cute!

Credits:
Latte Kisses by Phillsboo at DigitalArts Cafe

Speaking of JFTSOI, I didn't make their Creative Team, sniff! 6 out of 12 did, but I wasn't one of them. I am not actually sure who did make it, as Babette posted their Email Account names and not their logins! Oops!
I had great fun though entering, and when they do it again in a few months time. I will be entering again. Who knows maybe then!

Now it's time for my daily visit to Leigh and Liz. Hopefully Leigh's daughter is better today.
Bye 4 now

Busy, busy, busy

I am not sure I dare say it out loud, but today was another good day! First off, Richard had no tears when i left him at Kindergarden, he was already too busy playing! It was great to see! I got quite a bit accomplished when I got home, lots of washing, dishwashing, all the pets got fed and cleaned and then I enjoyed the peace and quiet and did some scrapping. I have a new kit, and I did all of these layouts with it, I was busy, busy, busy!

Credits for all of these:
Being a Boy by Phillsboo at DigitalArts Cafe

I was on a roll! And I have more ideas for tonights scrapping too. Just joined the chat at JFTSOI, and got a black and white kit. This will be an interesting one to use. Interesting but fun. I was allowed to use at least 2 papers (done that - used three), one bow or ribbon (bow), one charm, pin or clip (that was difficult, cause I would have liked a pin and charm, chose the charm in the end), and one tag, and then add an item with colour. I thought this picture of Mia and her green ice cream was perfect to use with a black and white kit.

Credits:
Classic Kit by RoseMadeDesigns
Loop de Loop Set 2 Gems by Beth Kern

This afternoon, we went in the garden, picture this: Me - two left feet, Robert and Richard - "Mummy, kick the ball - up high, over here, onto the hedge, etc." They didn't understand me, when I told them, that Mummy is not David Beckham. The ball went everywhere but where they wanted it, and poor Richard, got VERY upset with me! But it wasn't my fault, honest!

But the garden certainly wore them out, not a peep from either of them so far, let's hope it stays that way, I'd love a good night's sleep!

Bye 4 now

Party time!

Yep today was party time. My friend Silvia had a small party for her 39th birthday this afternoon. So this morning was spent making a salad to take with us.

Oh but the morning was good. Robert and Richard's little friend from down the road dropped by and they all went upstairs and played quietly together and Florian and I were downstairs trying hard to believe our luck! She had to leave at 12 and then our peace was over, but it was great whilst it lasted!

They enjoyed it at the party, for a start they got to have cake, and sweeties and sausage. What more could a two and 3,5 year old want! Their friend Lucas also has enough toys to open a toy shop - just like we do - so we didn't really see much of the kids there either. And we got to have a good chat to our friends.

And whilst they had their snooze today, I got to do 2,5 layouts. I will try to finish the half of one, and post them all later on! No, you'll have to wait for the half of a layout til tomorrow. Here are the two I finished today, they are to cheer my "Mum No. 2" up, they are her grandchildren!

Credits:
Just too Sweet by Sweet Digi Scraps at Elementalscraps

Credits:
Dreadfully Happy Collab Kit by Digital Creations

Just a nice quiet family day.
Bye 4 now

A breakfast date

I had a wonderful morning. Two of my best friends, Ingrid and Sabine, came for breakfast. We have been friends since our apprenticeship way back in 1989! Now that we don't live so close anymore, we try to get to meet once a month. This time Sabine set the ball rolling on Wednesday. And today we got together - how's that for organisation!
It was a great relaxed morning, the boys were on their best behaviour, and we had a great breakfast and a lot of chatting.
This afternoon, Florian took the boys into the garden and I had to go and do a bit of food shopping, as tomorrow we are going to another of my friend's for her Birthday. And I am making my Mexican Salad, which she loves, but also for which I can only get the ingredients at this ONE shop, which is never on my route! But now I have the "refried beans" I needed, so she will be one happy chappy!

Haven't done any scrapping today, and I am not sure if I will get a turn at the computer tonight, so we'll see. But I hope so, I have a new kit, I would like to use. And I have a picture of me and my friends I would like to scrap (but with a different kit) and I want to make my Mum's best friend a layout of her grandkids to cheer her up a bit (she has to go into hospital next week). So I could be busy, busy, busy. We'll see!
Bye 4 now

Daffodils and other things!

Another good day! After dropping off the kids at the kindergarden, I went to have a massage, heaven, I didn't have to worry about Richard running around, I could just lay there and enjoy my aches and pains being taken away. After that peaceful shopping, it is so much more relaxed when you don't have to try and get out quick because the kids are misbehaving (last time I had one screaming and the other supposedly shopping - some bits he put in actually made it home, grrr!)

It was lovely and sunny today, so in the afternoon we went in the garden again - this time I can write about what I was actually doing out there, whilst the kids were playing, I hadn't before because it was a surprise for Florian, but he's seen it now! Well, I tidied up the front garden, as in I cut all the dead twigs and plants back, some were laying on the path and the boys regularly tripped on them. Well now it is all neat and tidy. I only took those down that weren't actually protecting new shoots. So I don't think I have killed anything. I did find lots and lots of daffodils coming through. I just love daffodils, hopefully we'll have a good show again this year. Well it took me 3 afternoons to do, but it was worth it!

When Florian got home we were all in the barn, I had left the door open, so the boys saw his car pull up, and were out of the sandpit like lightening, they got a big kiss then dragged him into the barn to see what they were up to. They again were so excited to have him home. (So am I, of course!). When we came in they were so busy playing with him, that for the first time in ages, I got to make tea WITHOUT two little helpers - heaven!

Right now, they are all tucked up in bed. Florian has gone to do his sport (has to for his back trouble), he would have rather stayed in with me!

I did another layout of the boys at lunchtime, when I get downstairs I will put it on here. And then I will see what I can come up with tonight.

Credits:
Being a boy - Phillsboo

Bye 4 now

Happy Valentines

Valentines day today, and I remembered last night and made Florian a nice layout, which I emailed him at a minute past midnight - didn't notice at the time though.
AND Florian remembered too, and I had this gorgeous bunch of flowers delivered to me at lunchtime.



Right now however I wish I was Harry Potter! And could just wave a magic wand, and everything would be back where it belongs! We had visitors this afternoon, and it was great fun. BUT when Robert's little friends come visiting they get out ALL (I mean ALL) of the toys and spread them about nicely! Of course they stayed nice and long too, so there was only time to feed the kids and then it was bedtime. So when I go downstairs in a minute (maybe I won't?!), chaos awaits me! And it looks like I will spend most of the evening doing jigsaws, cause there are pieces everywhere! I suppose it will keep me out of mischief!
But really it was a lovely afternoon, the kids got to play how they wanted (meaning creating the chaos that awaits) and I had a nice chat with my friend.

Again no one called from Kindergarden for me to pick up Richard. He did have a few tears today, but they didn't need his "corner". Great news. Who knows maybe this time next week he will be racing Robert to the door to get there first ;o)

Well, I got the floor cleared of toys, and then sat down and did some scrapping. I just love this picture that my Dad took of Mia (my niece) at the weekend (this may not be the only time I use it). I think the layout now needs a great quote, but I haven't the foggiest at the moment, suggestions welcome.

Credits:
Cottage Chic - Elementalscraps Designer Mega Kit

Bye 4 now

who would have thought...

that after only 3 days. I would leave Richard at Kindergarden and he wouldn't cry?! Not me, Robert cried every morning for 6(!) weeks. Richard the little darling, gave me the saddest look, standing at the window waving, BUT he did not cry all morning and he didn't need his "corner" (that's his comfort blanket that goes to bed with him every night and lunch time)! And when I went to pick them up. Normally Robert is waiting for me at the door, but today, I had to look for the pair of them. It was great, they were in the farthest corner of the playground, playing with some other kids! I could have jumped for joy. Even the girls from the kindergarden were surprised at how quickly he had decided to settle in, they too remember Robert. (well, it is only 7 months ago!)

Of course I had to tell Nanna and Florian straight away, and they were flabbergasted and over the moon too!

Even though the fog didn't clear all day, we went in the garden and barn. The boys spent most of their time playing in the sandpit in the barn. When we came back in a neighbours granddaughter popped in for a visit. The boys would have loved for her to stay to tea (supper), but tonight is bath night, so I declined.
Bathtime is another of the many times I wish Florian was here. Bathing the two of them is not easy on your own, but they are clean now, and tucked up in bed, and - dare I say it - quiet!

Leigh, you had a couple of questions, yep, I am the British girl living in Germany, and have been now for 29 years (big party next year - oh goody that would make two parties, think you can make it?!) I love it in Germany, and I LOVE being bilingual, I hope that my kids also realise how great it is to be able to speak two languages. At the moment they only talk English, which is unusual seeing that the world around them only speaks German, aside from me and my parents. But I am not complaining eventually they will speak German, and who knows then I may complain that they don't talk to me in English, but I will worry about that if and when it happens.

Right, now I want to go and visit Leigh before I head downstairs to put the finishing touches to my grandma's book - yep, I did it! Had to postpone the ironing, but I have finally finished the book! Just needs me to go through and put in the pictures in the right size and then it can be sent off! And I can get back to tackling DSO's challenges, only 14 or 15 to go to qualify for the BIG kit!

Bye 4 now

It's quiet now!

Robert has probably just cried himself to sleep. He had a full blown paddy at bedtime, because it was Richard's turn to choose the story, and he didn't choose "Mr. Tickle", which Robert wanted to read. Oh no! Richard chose "Mr Rush" and Mummy read that one! Well, Robert threw himself to the floor, kicking and screaming, and then proceeded to throw whatever he could reach. When a wooden train hit me, that was it - he was in bed like lightening!
Richard and I finished Mr. Rush, said Nun Night, and left him there screaming! I did go back in after putting Richard in his bed, but only to explain that naughty boys don't get another story (he was still screaming he wanted "Mr. Tickle". I finally got him calmed down enough to lay down. But he was still sniffling and crying as I left the room. But now all is quiet! the things they get their knickers in a twist about!! ;O)

Anyway, that was all about the last half hour of the day, the rest of the day went really well. Richard was at playschool again, he was knackered when I picked them up, but they never had to call me to get him, so that was a relief!

At lunchtime I scrapped my layout for the CT contest. Mum remembered the pics from last year of Robert and the lizard. We decided they would be perfect for Liz's kit "Handle with Care", and I think it did turn out rather nice.

Credits:
Handle with Care by Sweet Digi Scraps

And after Richard had finished his snooze, we made the most of the glorious sunshine and went in the garden. Where the boys got all their toys and balls out. I think they drove on anything and everything with wheels! REAL boys!
They played football in the front garden, whilst I had a chat with a girl from down the road. Her son joined in the game of football. So cute to watch, and I got a break.

Now I will go downstairs and post my Layout then I have to work on the photobook again.
Bye 4 now

YIPPEEEEEE!!!!!

I have had a GREAT day! It started out with a paddy from Robert and me thinking "Oh No, not another day of screaming!" BUT it went quite the opposite.

Richard started playschool (Kindergarten) and although I left him there screaming they got him quiet after 10 minutes and when I went to pick him up at 11am, I managed to speak to the girls without being seen by him or Robert and they said he was doing great, so we agreed that I would sneak away again and pick him up together with Robert at 12!! How is that for a first day! When Robert started, he escaped and was half way home when they caught up with him, and Richard seemed to have quite enjoyed himself. He told me "I cried for Mummy", but he also told me "Gaby read a story, it good!" So cute! And such a relief - but I shouldn't jump too much for joy yet, he might not want to go for a second day in a row!

In the afternoon, Robert went shopping! He had 10 Euros from Nanna, for having learnt how to keep his mouth shut when chewing (now doesn't that sound funny when it is writing! But we had to make it a good thing to do, so that it can now become a brilliant habit! Anyway, off we went with his 10 Euros to the toy shop, for - guess what - YEP yet another jigsaw! This one has 3 puzzles with 49 pieces of Tractors! He's a real little boy! He is so proud of it. And Richard spent his 1 Euro from Nanna on a book all about what goes on on a road. He read it in the car all the way home and carried around until bedtime, so he was very pleased too!
On the way home from the shops we went to a playground (again) this was in a different village this time though, so it was all new to them. The weather was so warm, we didn't have hats on, that made a pleasant change. Once back home we of course had to do our new jigsaw. Quite difficult (the box did say 5+ and Robert is only 3,5!) but he did most of it on his own. And even Richard managed to get quite a bit of one together!

They are tucked up in bed now, and I have just checked my emails for the hundreth time today. And YES I MADE it to ROUND 4 of the JFTSOI CT Contest! Yippee! (Can you see me doing my happy dance!) - I know everyone made it, but I am still excited about it. AND its LIZ's kit (Handle with Care) and I LOVE her kits. All I have to do now is find the perfect pictures and of course a perfect layout!

I did a layout at lunchtime whilst the kids were having their snooze, I will post it later.
So all in all a very good day (with a couple of unnecessay paddies from Robert, oh and one just before bedtime from Richard, but they bounced off of me today!)

Credits:
Rumble Boy - Rosemade Designs

Oh, I forgot to tell you about yesterday, that was a lovely day too, we went to visit my parents and there saw my cousin Heather and her fiancé Joe, who are here for a few days. We all went on a walk to the "little house in the woods" for a drink and who would have guessed a play on the playground. Well poor little Richard. He thought it was a great idea. But silly Mummy should have taken the pram, we had his Bobby car with us, and he rode it, but his legs got tired so he walked, then he wanted to be carried, it took us forever to get there. But going back. First he had a piggy back, then a carry, then he walked 5m, then he sat down on his Bobby car.
Finally my Dad took his camera strap off the camera fixed it to the Bobby car and we pulled him. Then he had another walk and a carry! Needless to say he slept well! I'll put a picture on here when I get downstairs. Canon will be pleased to know just how much weight their straps can pull!!!


Oh here are a couple of playground pictures from Saturday! Got about 98 more but that would be a bit much for on here!

Robert the next David Beckham

Richard and me

Bye 4 now

PS: We all made it to round 4 of the contest, cause 3 people dropped out. They didn't say why, but I had noticed that, I was busy watching the competition!

A nice and relaxed day!

We spent the morning enjoying oneanother's company, playing with the kids, doing jigsaws (a little bit of TV) and when I started cooking, Florian took the boys out in the garden, where they dug the soil over in the greenhouse! Not that I am anywhere close to planting anything in there, it doesn't have a heater, its just a summer one. But they had fun. Not sure whether I will plant anything, we don't know when we will be moving, so I probably could, but from what I have heard from neighbours we could have problems selling the house, for a price we would need. I didn't need to know that, I was so optimistic, till yesterday, and now that neighbour has brought me back down to earth with a bang.
We can't move until we sell. And we have to make at least what we paid for it. And according to this neighbour, a house around the corner was sold for well under what we paid for ours and it was bigger! Oh well, not really worth worrying about now, cause we have to wait for the probation time to be up first and that isn't till June. But I had hoped we would all be back together in 2008!

This afternoon we went to the playground with the boys and took some great pictures (at least I hope they are). I won't get to scrap them tonight though, its Florian's turn on the computer downstairs, but I might put a couple on here as they are.

Right all is quiet here now, must have really worn them out all that football (soccer) and swinging and sliding plus we walked there and back!

Bye 4 now

Oh - PS: Florian liked the layout, but did think it slightly very pink! It is, but you have to be different sometimes, and why not pink for the husband.

We've been kissing...

goats again! Well, the boys tried too, not me! We went to the zoo (a very small one) this afternoon and fed the llamas, horses, goats, sheep, donkey and then run out of food! So the rabbits, guinea pigs, deer, cockatoo and kangaroos went hungry, well that's what my kids thought. Mean Mummy wouldn't buy them anymore food! But so much went in streams and mud puddles and no where near the animals, that I opted not to buy anymore. But we did have a good time. It had been a while since we had been, so it wasn't boring for them. And the weather was brilliant, sunny all day today, that does wonders for the soul!
We met with a friend and her two boys, so whilst the boys were running wild, throwing food for the animals, we had a good old natter, that does one good too. And when we got home ....

Daddy was home! Again he got a great reception, and had to do two jigsaws at the same time, one with Richard and one with Robert. Not an easy task, but they weren't complaining.
Its great to have him home again. Does us all good. However he does like using my computer when he gets home, so whether I'll get any scrapping done is doubtful. But I will try, this page isn't colourful enough, not enough layouts here. Don't you think!?

Credits:
February's Mini to Marvelous by Alma Scrap Design Habits
Quote from "Love Song" by The Cure

Well I did it, I got two layouts done, one is for my SIL's Birthday tomorrow (she won't let me post her family on the Internet, so I can't share that one) and this one above I did to conquer two challenges the Mini to Marvelous at Scrap Digi Style and for the Lyrics Challenge at DSO. Haven't shown Florian it yet, we'll soon see what he thinks.
Bye 4 now

A new moon - not aliens!

Thanks girls for thinking of the moon. I think you are right. I was new moon and that has similar effects on the boys as a full moon. I used to think all that about the moon was a load of rubbish. Then I had kids. Robert doesn't sleep well at full moon and Richard at new moon! Unbelievable and so the misbehaving may well have something to do with it.
Today was a bit better, but then again so was the weather. Kindergarden took Robert and the rest of the kids for an hour long walk in the morning and we went to the playground this afternoon, so that blew any cobwebs away, and did us some good, after being stuck in doors for days!

Mum had her Xrays for her lungs today, and all is well!!! Yippee! Didn't really doubt it, but there is always that niggling feeling you have and you worry - its a "Mum" thing! So good news there!

What else is new - I got 4 pages of my photobook for my Grandma done, I am finding it difficult this time. My brother takes a lot less pictures of his girls than I do of my boys and then trying to even the book out, so that it is not all Robert and Richard is very difficult. But I have to do it, and I have to do it by Valentines Day if I want the 14% discount. So again no scrapping tonight (well, maybe if I get 4 more pages done quickly:) we'll see!) I agree Leigh, scrapping is very therapeutic and relaxing, takes your mind off things - just great, so glad I happened upon it 3 months ago. Seems like longer than that now.
Right all is quiet here, so if I hurry up downstairs and get started on the book, maybe I can get scrapping, I still haven't had a chance to use the kit of Liz's I bought (no Mum treated me too, thanks Mum!)
Bye 4 now

Abducted by Aliens

At least that is what I think must have happened to the two little angels I had Monday and Tuesday! Cause today they had been exchanged by two screaming little monsters. Robert had his first paddy this morning before breakfast. He decided that getting dressed was not an option, so when I went ahead and GOT him dressed he screamed about it non stop for 25 (!) minutes!!! What a start to the day.
Once back home from Kindergarden, I sat them in front of the TV whilst I cooked dinner. Not normally a problem. Dinner was ready before the programme they were watching was. I decided to be good to them, and didn't make them turn it off before it had finished, but I am wishing I had now. Because when I did turn it off, AFTER it had finished. Robert had his second paddy of the day! This time he screamed non stop for 20 (!) minutes. And refused to touch his dinner. In the end so Richard and I could eat in peace he was taken to his room, where he continued to scream.
What a nightmare.
And in the afternoon it was Richards turn for paddies! Once because Robert wouldn't share the cards from a memory game and at tea time for 20(!) because I wouldn't let him peel/peal (how do you spell that?!) an egg! If he at least liked egg, I would have, but he only ever wants to peal them, and not eat them! He finally gave in and ate his tea - at least that was OK.
But enough ranting about my kids - if the aliens are reading this. I really enjoyed my boys yesterday and Monday can I have them back PLEASE!!!

Bye 4 now

Another non-shouting day!

Maybe i am more relaxed about Florian being away all week, or the kids have. Either way, it is good! Hardly any need to tell either of them off. Even teatime was a pleasure tonight. Both ate there toast and crisps up without playing with it. Even asked for more, and then both had a banana! Wow!
Whatever it is I am finally getting right again, I hope it sticks around! Richard has a cough, the sniffles and a fever today. So no Kindergarden for him, it is not worth him starting when he is ill. So we went shopping together, he was so cute there despite being ill. He had his own little trolley and did the shopping on his own, I wasn't even allowed to put anything in the trolley it all had to be handled by him first! So cute.

I finished my layout for the CT Contest on JFTSIO at lunchtime. I will be uploading it later tonight, and then I will post it here too. (I checked in the last round and it is OK to do that as long as I post it at JFTSOI first!) I really enjoyed this kit, I had so many ideas, but I can only enter one layout!

Credits:
Sahara Sands by RoseMade Designs

Right, Richard has finally stopped singing to himself, perhaps that means he is asleep. I will wait just a little while longer (going to pop and see Leigh and Liz - hi girls!) and then its downstairs to work on my Grandma's belated Xmas present ( a photobook of all her great-grandchildren!)
Bye 4 now

I made it!...

to Round 3 at JFTSOI's contest!! I honestly wasn't expecting it, so it was a great start to the morning. I checked as soon as the boys were awake. I will be working on something this evening. The kit we got is beautiful its from Rosemade Designs and is called "Sahara Sands".

We then had a very nice day together. Florian of course left early this morning on a train to Augsburg. But the boys had my undivided attention virtually all day. I did manage to get the washing and cooking done, but other than that we did jigsaws again. Played a sort of memory game. We did go shopping in the morning, but I made that into a game, and I didn't have to shout nearly all day. That did make a change.

We all have a runny nose today, so we didn't go to any more carnival things today, although they were going on all around here. I wasn't too sad about that, one parade and one party is quite enough for me!

Right as soon as the boys have quenched their thirst. They have both had me refill their beakers twice in 20 minutes! then I will be off downstairs to get the creative juices flowing.
Bye 4 now

Carnival

We opted for the warmer version of carnival today - we went to an indoor kids carnival party, as opposed to an outdoor parade. Robert loved it there, Richard was scared and had a fever. So he and Florian went home earlier. But Robert and I stayed and danced away - well, Robert spun himself round and round my finger!
And that was basically today. In the morning we all did jigsaws, at one point we had 9 completed jigsaws on the floor around us. Robert was doing Thomas the tank engine ones, and Richard Bob the builder. I am really impressed with both of them. Robert did a 64 (!) piece one, almost completely without help. And Richard did 20 piece ones without my help! Wow!

Oh, I put my old secretary suits on Ebay after lunch - that is 6 different auctions, then we also put on one of Florian's old suits. We'll see if we can get something for them. It will be fun watching it this coming week anyway.

Tonight JFTSOI decide who goes through to Round 3. I have had great fun so far, and would love to make it further, but the other girls there are good at it too. I prefer a simpler layout where the pictures show up better, but if they are looking for someone who can use most of the kit on one layout, then maybe I am not the right one for the job. We'll see, tomorrow morning I should find out.

All is quiet here, must have worn the boys out at the party.
Bye 4 now

Relaxing day today!

And that even though the kids were around. Florian is doing the boys good. Robert is changed, he hardly whined at all today, and nearly did as he was told. It was such a joy, not to be shouting all the time.
In the morning we all did jigsaws. Robert is really good at them, and Richard is getting there. He can do his 6 and 9 piece Noddy Jigsaw all on his own. Not bad for a 2-year-old!
The afternoon we took yet another trip to the bakers and this time not a single paddy from Robert, he actually enjoyed himself there. So did I, it made such a change from the last time we went.

We are finally all over the tummy bug and back to eating normal, shame that Richard now has a VERY runny nose. Hopefully it is just a new tooth coming, I don't need another dose of sickness!

Bye 4 now

Kindergarden and other things...

Today was Richard's first day at Kindergarden. We thought it would be great, cause only one day then weekend, BUT today Carnival came to Kindergarden, and with it lots of loud noisy kids and Kindergarden teachers in costume! Not Richards cup of tea. He stayed crying for an hour then they called me to come and pick him up again. Luckily Robert was having fun and let Richard go home without him. At home he soon cheered up. Hopefully when everyone looks their normal self, he will come round to enjoying it there. Tuesday is our next try as Monday Kindergarden is closed because of carnival.

Yesterday we all took Nanna back home, and whilst I went and had my hair recoloured, Mum looked after the boys, who apparently behaved themselves. Just joking they love being at Mum and Dad's and when I got in 5 minutes after "Pop", they weren't interested in me, they were too busy having a cuddle with Pop!

Bye 4 now