a layout

I needed to unwind and relax tonight, I actually had to WORK today at the office! And 7 hours of translating can be quite tiring, but it was better than sitting twiddling thumbs.
So tonight I did a layout!

When Colie's Corner and Garden Girl Designs released a kit called Hair today, gone tomorrow, I thought they had been reading my blog. So I just had to scrap Roberts haircut gone wrong.

Credits:
hair today gone tomorrow by Colie's Corner and Garden girl Designs at BTST

CU tomorrow

I've been told...

twice this evening to stop neglecting this blog! Sorry everyone, I keep up to date with my pictures on the other blog, and don't want you to get bored, when you read the same thing twice. BUT I do have a layout to share with you here today.
Been there Scrapped That have their first ever "free with purchase" kit (when you spend over $10) before March 7th, so hurry!I got to play with it, I used the template that is included too!
it looked just like this today too, the sun was out and we had great fun outside for a change. The boys wore themselves out on their bikes and really didn't want to come in when it was teatime!

So still working on my kit, takes me a lot longer than some designers out there, but I am liking how it is coming along.
OK, time to get ready for bed I think, have to go to work tomorrow, make that the office, not sure if there will be work! I'll let you know
Bye 4 now

Work

I hope my work place is clear about what they are doing by employing me. I was there again all morning and I did 20minutes of work! Oops! Could it be the credit crunch affecting the translations needed?! Oh well, money for our holidays...tomorrow I am there all day, so wish me luck that I have more to do! Shame I can't take my scrapping supplies and work on that...

Speaking of scrapping its been a long time since I posted any of my layouts on here, I did one for the JumpStart challenge at Been There Scrapped That last night.

Credits:
Life is Good by Sweet Digi Scraps and Valarie Ostrom at BTST
Template by Colie's Corner

Tonight I worked on my mini kit for the DAC blog train. Its coming on nicely!
Bye 4 now

Washing machines, lego and a layout

Today was a bit of an off day really. Even more so, when I went to check on the water situation in the utility room and found I had no water there! AGH!
I had been delaying washing until the weather had warmed up, as it really is cold in our utility room. I was not expecting the water to be frozen today though. This afternoon upon closer inspection there was water all over the mat in front of the washing machine, another case of AGH! And each time a little voice going "what is it Mummy?!"
Well, Florian had a look this evening and woohoo, he got water to come out of the tap, he also found that the tap that leads to the washing machine seems to be the one that was leaking and not the washing machine itself. So wish me luck, maybe tomorrow the washing machine will work.
This afternoon the boys got a parcel of Lego, oh they were so excited (see the photo on my project blog). Robert set about building his dust cart all on his own, and he did it! I am (and he is) so pround of him! He didn't need any help at all. He just kept checking he was getting it all done in the right order! Here he is concentrating and working on the project


And here is one of Richard looking all proud of Mummy's work!

Oh nearly forgot, I got a layout done at lunchtime - scrapping therapy!

Credits:
Mystic Moonlight by Colie's Corner and Sweet Digi Scraps at BTST

And now I am off to work on my next kit, its coming along nicely! So keep a look out!
Bye 4 now

Sledging

Was the most fun thing we did today, and we nearly didn't get to do that. Robert woke up with a very high fever again this morning. He spent the morning cuddled up on my lap (groaning). Just before lunch I decided that if I gave him some Calpol, then maybe he would eat some lunch. Well, after that started working, he got his motor mouth back and some extra words I think. He did not shut up all afternoon. But he was feeling better. So much so, that when Florian suggested to Richard that they go out with the sledge, that Robert wasn't going to let them go without him. So we all went. Me with the camera and an eye on the clock, so that they didn't have time to get too cold. I got some great shots (one of which is on my project 365 blog) and more that I will be putting into a layout tomorrow.

When we got home I was browsing my usual haunts, and hey guess what, Liz (Sweet digi Scraps) must have seen in her crystal ball, what picture I would be taking today, as she and Colie (Colie's Corner) have just released their Collab Kit Mystic Moonlight. Well, it just so happened that the full moon was already out when we went out, and I got to make this layout, with their beautiful kit.Credits:
Mystic Moonlight by Sweet Digi Scraps and Colie's Corner

As all the sledging pictures were taken in the same light, I will be having some more fun with this kit! I love it!!

So now I am just hoping that the 30 minutes fun on the sledges didn't knock Robert back and he will be fit to go out on the sledge again tomorrow!
Bye 4 now

Father Christmas stopped by!

Despite everything - we had a nice time at my friends yesterday and were quite late back, as we stopped to have a meal with my parents and brother on the way home, and I never got around to updating the blog!
But today I have something fun to tell you all about. Last year we started a family tradition, that we have continued this year and expanding on it, so we can continue for years to come...
Last year Santa stopped by and picked up Robert's dummy, so that he knew that Robert was now a big boy and could have big boy presents. Last year it happened sometime at the beginning of November as Robert determined when he was giving his dummy up.
This year I have been working towards the 30th November. Santa stopped by and picked up Richard's dummies, and their juice bottles and their Xmas lists. They put it all on the doorstep and went upstairs to play. When they heard the doorbell (well Mummy calling really as it doesn't ring loud enough to hear it upstairs) they came down and peeped out of the window, but no one was there! When they opened the door they found an advent calendar and a Thomas the Tank Engine digger each! Richard was slightly disappointed that it wasn't the "puter" he had asked for on his list, but he cheered up, when we explained about the advent calendar counting us down for the BIG Santa visit!
They were really cute! Of course now with their juice bottles gone, they didn't drink much this afternoon. But I am sure they will get the hang of things soon. Now it will be interesting to see, how well Richard manages to fall asleep without his dummy. But he is sooooo tired today as we were late home last night, that I should think it won't be a problem!
So next year if we need them to give up any silly habits, we can do the same again, and if not, then this will be how we send the Xmas lists to Santa and get the advent calendars! Not bad,eh?!

So is everyone excited about tomorrow?! I know I am, but then again, a lot of you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow!! I think you'll be surprised!! I know I still am!!
And on that note, I am off downstairs to make us a pizza - yummy!
I'll be back later and post a layout of Robert peeping to see Santa!
and here it is, I did it also for the Mix My Scrapbook Challenge at Been there Scrapped That.
You had to use lots of papers, the word "Anticipation", a piece of tape and your own handwriting! Florian made me a font of my handwriting not so long ago, so that wasn't a problem, but I think I prefer other fonts to my scribble!

Credits:

Chill Out Remix by Colie's Corner at BTST
Tape from Back to School BTST collab kit

By the way, the Pizza was delicious (fresh mushrooms, leek, red peppers, olives and feta cheese!)

Got another layout done! This is the pair of them stood in front of the things for Santa! Looking so pleased with themselves. I did it for the Scrapper Say What Challenge at BTST. And addressed it to them!

Credits:
Chill Out Remix by Colies Corner at BTST

Bye 4 now

Apples again!

Yep, we did more apple picking yesterday, mind you, we are not picking them from the tree, just the ones that have fallen. So far after yesterdays and todays picking we have two sacks and 4 boxes to take to the juice place tomorrow. We are going to be drinking a lot of apple juice - yummy! The boys actually helped me today, I held the sack open whilst Robert shovelled them up and in! Not bad, eh?! He thought it was great fun.
After that the boys got out the Bob the builder toys and sat themselves right in the middle of the mud and played so nicely that I didn't have the heart to get them out of there, so now I have some VERY dirty clothes and shoes to get clean! The getting clean is not the problem it is the getting them dry - my dryer, the one responsible for the power cut, has finally given up work after 14 long years, he's gone for good, well, he is still in the utility room, but not for much longer!
I never appreciated it as I should when it was working, but now. I still have wet clothes all over the place, AGH!!!
Shopping at the weekend, I don't want to be too long without one!

So, what else is new, no news yet at DigitalArts Cafe as to who won the contest....I keep checking very regularly....I'll just have to learn to be patient!

I have another layout but its on the laptop, so I'll post it later!

Well here it is! This is Zoe, my Dad took the picture when they went to watch a hockey match. I love it the sun in her hair, the look on her face, great. and look how well it went with Dinphy's last kit. I missed taking part in the DSO Colour challenge last month to busy designing (wow that sounds good!), but I really loved Dinphy's kit. And I finally had the perfect picture to go with it!

Credits:
Fall Leaves by Dinphy
Wordart by Valarie Ostrom Designs

Dad also got a good shot of Mia, and I found this wordart by Bethanynicks (Scrappin Daisies) online. The perfect quote for Mia, she can be a right little madam sometimes. But here she was just playing monkey!

Credits:
Boy I'm Fallin by Colie's Corner
Wordart by Bethanynicks (Scrappin Daisies)

and I think that is all, oh in case you were wondering, I watched all of Coyote Ugly yesterday - probably the reason I only have one layout for you, cause I was too busy jiggling in my chair and singing along!
Bye 4 now

Layouts and an award

I think I promised layouts yesterday, well, I have LOTS of them! Some were done during the Design It Contest but never got posted, but you might not have seen them in the galleries.

So I'll start with my desktop for October, this was done for the September Desktop Challenge at BTST, there is a new one up now, but I haven't done that yet!
Its "my boys" on our holiday at Center Parcs, don't they look super cute!?!

Credits:
Swim Fishy by Kristin Aargard

For the next two I used "Boy I'm Fallin" by Colie's Corner. this first one is my boys helping with the apple picking - a never ending story this year - this was the time they enjoyed it, today they let me do it on my own!

Credits:
Boy I'm Fallin by Colie's Corner

And this one is some more pics from Center Parcs from our game of Minigolf (also for the ABC Challenge at BTST) I tried my hand at journalling for this one.

Credits:
Boy I'm Fallin by Colie's Corner

The next three are CT layouts for Melothria (DigitalArts Cafe). She sent me her latest kit before our holiday, but I had to wait for it to be released before I could post, and what with the Design It contest, i forgot to post them. And honest all three layouts are using the same kit, very versatile!
this first one is my grandmother at 18, so beautiful.

Credits
Not another Autumn Kit by Melothria at DAC

This is Robert having mastered the art of cycling!

Credits
Not another Autumn Kit by Melothria at DAC

And this is Sunny our cat sunning himself on the kids climbing frame!

Credits
Not another Autumn Kit by Melothria at DAC

Are you bored yet?! no, good, cause here is one last one, this one is for the Quote Challenge at DSO.

Credits
Fall Splendour by KimB's Designs
Alpha from Indian Summer by Me!!! hihi!

Uff, that was a lot of layouts, and I intend to do some more tonight! Got some great pics of my nieces from Mum and Dad...

Now about that award! Heather (shawtyp) has awarded me with an "I love your blog" award

- Thanks so much Heather, I love yours too, so here is the award right back to you. I love Heather's layouts, and always look forward to finding them in the gallery at BTST!

Now to find 6 more blogs I love! Well, regardless of whether they already have the award or not, it would have to be

Leigh
Dinphy
Liz
Jan
Melo
Karyn (fellow Design It contestant)

Thanks again Heather.
OK, now do I finish watching Coyote Ugly, or do I turn over to CSI Miami?! Mmh, difficult decision! I love both!
Bye 4 now

Snakes, lizards and crocodiles...

no not in our back garden, at the place we went to this afternoon. I never expected a little "club" to have so many animals, but they had quite a few there. 2 crocodiles, many, many snakes. Some really cute looking lizards. loads of turtles and tortoises. And lots of fish of all kinds. The boys loved it there. Robert didn't know where to look first, and his little mouth was on overdrive, with all the things he was seeing. I think we will definitely be going there again. Today however was the summer party, so there was more going on and more people there. Robert spotted the sausage stand as soon as we came out of the building, and so we had tea there. Sausage and chips! Delicious.
This morning it didn't really look as though we would be going, but once there this afternoon the weather really brightened up, and it was a lovely afternoon.
Now for a relaxing evening...

Scrapping!!! Yep, got a few done to show off here.
This first is for the Jumpstart Challenge at Been There Scrapped That. Colie gave us another great template, and this is my take on it!
Robert and Richard found some great beetles on a herb in our garden. They thought it was great, and I - of course - got it all on film (well digital). I am not sure if you can see it on the layout, but there is a reflection of me in the shiny beetle! If ever they ask for reflections somewhere again, this will be the photo I will use!

Credits:
Bug-ing by Kim B Designs
Alpha by Krystal hartley (Grateful 4 U Mega Kit)
Template by Colie's Corner BTST

And I got to scrap a couple of pictures from the boys Kindergarden trip to the castle. I have plenty more to go. But I may not be able to show them, cause of all the other children on the pictures.
Here are King Richard and Sir Robert - Knights of our rectangle table!

Credits:
I Believe 4 boys by Kim B Designs

and here I had great fun playing with the elements in the kit! I love how it turned out! Even the looks on their faces could be because they have seen a dragon!

Credits:
I Believe 4 boys by Kim B Designs

Bye 4 now

Double - Yippee!!!

Yippee No 1 - 3 people have made a layout with my kit!!! I am so excited about it. Silvia's I told you about yesterday, Leigh has one on her blog today, with her beautiful daughter on it, and Dinphy posted one for the Colour Challenge at DSO, here is the link to the layout, so you can leave her some love for me. It is so great to see the kit in action and to read all the great comments and to watch the number of downloads increasing! its just Wow!

On to Yippee No 2 - I have a babysitter for tomorrow, and guess what it is the first people I asked! Yep - the boys can stay at Kindergarden til 3pm tomorrow after all! I have been doing a happy dance all afternoon! I got a little bit told off about the short notice, but I think they felt sorry for me, and they will now have the boys for lunch, afternoon nap and playtime til 3. I was so dreading taking the car back with them.
I was pretty busy all morning, first I went and did the shopping, as I hadn't been able to the last two days. I hurried myself, because at home I had the cleaning of the car ahead of me.
Actually I was really lucky, when I took the car in to be serviced they also hoovered it out for me, so that didn't need doing. All I had to do was try and get the muddy marks from the kids of the upholstery - it looks OK to me now, lets hope it does to Opel tomorrow. Now all I have to do is take the car seats back out again, won't be needing them in it tomorrow after all. hihi!

This afternoon the boys and I tried to mow the lawn again. Today they fought over the little toy lawnmower, eventually pulling it apart. I took that as a sign and left them fighting over the bits and who was going to mend it, and got quite a bit done, without tripping over them all the time. Richard got bored of the screaming and went and played in our neighbours sandpit. But Robert screamed non stop for a good 15minutes. What a blessing that the lawnmower drowns out most of the noise. Robert should know that screaming gets him absolutely nothing, but it has yet to sink in! Once he did stop screaming and asked nicely I did fix it for him, and as Richard was in the sandpit there was no further arguing. However the mowing was cut short (the mowing not the grass), when we run out of petrol!!! Oops, now it will have to wait for the weekend, as I am not getting petrol in my nice clean car! That would be an accident waiting to happen!

I have another layout for you, this one killed three birds with one stone! One - its for the BTST CT, two - its for the BTST Jumpstart Challenge, three - it's for the Book of Me at DSO - not bad, eh?
Anyway for the BOM Challenge we had to scrap something that makes us wonder - and I DO wonder where Sunny went and how he found his way home, when he went missing for 7 months. We'll never know, but it's good to have him home again!

Credits:
Handle with Care by Sweet Digi Scraps at BTST
Template by Colie's Corner at BTST (Jumpstart Challenge)

Bye 4 now

AAGGGHHHH!!!!!

Will it never end! Well I have one on the way to recovery and the other - Richard - now has a temperature! The poor little fellow started complaining last night when I changed his nappy before I went to bed "my willy hurts"! Uhoh! It was dark then, so I just put some nappy cream on it, and told him it was all better. Well this morning in the daylight, it did not look good - very swollen. And his temperature is up. So it looks like another trip to the doctors in the morning! great, just when I thought life would be getting back to normal!

On the brighter side of things, we had a lovely afternoon in the garden in the sunshine! The boys thought it was great fun, they got absolutely filthy, but then "boys are noise with dirt on"! and that is SOOOOO true! We were still out there with our winter coats on, but at least spring finally seems to be coming. This time last year we were out in the garden with the kids running around with no clothes on playing in the paddling pool. But maybe this year summer will be in summer and not in April!

Florian is downstairs making pizza for us! Makes my mouth water just thinking about it! mmh!

Here are some of the pictures we took today, the first before we went out into the sunshine. Robert was having great time blowing up loads of balloons, and Richard posed with them for me!

Credits:
Cool Like That by Colie's Corner at Been There Scrapped That

and this is my favourite picture of today, we were all sat on the bench and Florian says, now a picture! So we did! The boys thought it was great fun waiting for the self timer to go off!

Credits:
Cool Like That by Colie's Corner at Been There Scrapped That

bye 4 now

Robert is still very poorly

well, poor Robert had a very bad night last night, once he had me up for a trip to the potty, he screamed - his weewee hurt, poor thing. then he had me in there screaming, I just managed to get out of him that he felt sick, and get him a towel (the only thing I could grab quickly) in time before he threw up. And when he got up this morning his temperature was 40.6°C/105.08°F. Needless to say, I went to the doctors as soon as she opened, apparently his urine is fine, and the tonsilitis too is a lot better, so not a lot she could do for us really. I thought hearing that might cheer the poor fella up, but no, he still would NOT drink or eat. Mum and I managed to bribe him into drinking a little bit, but food NO chance.
And he just sat on the couch, needing cuddles with no real life in him. I got out of him in the end that it hurt "his teeth" to drink and eat so I had a look in his mouth, and the inside of his cheeks and behind his lips was red raw. So I phoned the doctor again, and we were there within the hour. By which time Robert was running a temperature again, but I didn't give him anything - LUCKILY!
He is allergic to Ibuprofen! So what yesterday thought was helping him (well it did help the temperature) has actually really hurt his mouth. I now have a slip of paper in my handbag sending me to hospital with him in the morning if he is still running a temperature and not eating or drinking. So please fingers crossed for the little one!
Richard however was a little darling all day, and this afternoon he thought it was his birthday. Cause whilst trying to bribe Robert to eat or drink, we came up with all sorts to tempt him, and RICHARD said YES to them all!!!
At one point we said we could have tea in the tent! Well, Richard remembered that, and when it was tea time, reminded us about it!! As Robert wasn't tempted by anything, we have postponed the picnic in the tent til both of them can enjoy it!

Speaking of tents, I forgot to post this layout yesterday! Its Robert and Richard and Ticki having fun in the tents!

Credits:
Tipsy Jump by Colie's Corner

Here is a layout I promised last Sunday or the Sunday before, when the cats brought home a mole!

Credits:
Tipsy Jump by Colie's Corner
Note paper from Grateful 4 U megakit

Bye 4 now