Pick your precious

Wow its the start of the month again! Which means its time for 'Pick your precious'.
This month I've picked my scrapbooking stash. This isn't typically an 'item' but scrapbooking is such a huge part of my life and is so important to me I couldn't not include it.

While both my babies were very much wanted and are very much loved, both were a bit of a surprise. Cameron was the result of medical intervention which we were told had a less than 1% chance of working, and Caitlin.....well she was the result of the first time my Mum babysat so was even more of a surprise! Sadly it was during my pregnancy with Caitlin that Marks health shot downhill so I found myself in and out of hospital with Mark, caring for a baby with colic, epilepsy and night terrors, and also with a big bump. Unsurprisingly I was diagnosed with post/prenatal depression and was assigned a family support worker to come in once a week and chat to me.
She was a lifesaver. After Caitlin was born thing were obviously even more difficuilt and by this time I'd lost contact with pretty much all of my friends so was very isolated. Yvonne (my worker) suggested finding something for me, that I could do to be myself and not a mum/wife/nurse. However like most new Mums my world resolved so fully around the kids I felt guilty doing anything else. if I was sitting watching tv I felt I should be cleaning or something to make their lives better. I'd used to do card making so enjoyed crafting and knowing Marks illness Yvonne suggested making a life book, putting things in it about Mark so the kids would remember their daddy if he wasn't around when they grew up. With this in mind I bought 'Scrapbook inspirations' and that was it I was hooked :) Though this hobby I have made SO many friends online who I have met up with, had amazing support from and really been a lifeline to me over the years, I've found a hobby I love which I can express myself through and now as Caitlins getting older she joins in as well. :) I've also done a number of classes and workshops to help others to scrap photos to help them bond or make life books for their families or foster children and now use it to help bond with my niece Mollie.
And to think it all started with a magazine :)

Thanks for reading my story, please go to Sians blog hereto read more :)

This day has gone on for about a month

I don't know what it is, but today seems to have gone on for ages! Woke up at 7:30 and the kids were reading books to each other in Caitlins room, cute! After lots of mess and crafting Mollie went back to Mums and Cam went to his mate Adams so I got to spend some time with Caitlin cuddled up on the couch watching a film :) We picked Balto which I loved as a kid but Caitlin mainly loved the silly polar bears. Cameron came back form his friends on a huge high, apprentely they went to Subway for dinner and though we've been loads of times and he hates it, thats all changed now and he LOVES it! Keeps telling me you can pick what you want and listing all the veggies you can get lol, got to love him.
As well as the excitement of hearing the Subway menu read to me, I finished this book I've been reading for a while.

In all honesty its not the type of book I'd usually read but it was free on Amazon so thought I'd give it a go, this is how Amazon describes it.

Make time for friends. Make time for Debbie Macomber. Family court judge Olivia Lockhart has a failed marriage, a difficult relationship with her daughter, Justine, and a mother who has plenty of opinions and is always willing to share them. When Olivia denies a divorce in court, there is a frenzied reaction and, thanks to an article by Jack Griffin in the local paper, everyone's talking about it. Cedar Cove - people love it and sometimes they leave it, but they never forget it!

Its a bit lighter than I usually read but it was a nice one to pick up, put down and come back to when I had a quiet moment. :)

Sleepover

Tonight we have Mollie sleeping over to give Mum a bit of a break :) We've all started to settle into the arrangements now and while it is seriously hectic its better than the alternative. Mollies behaviour is also a million times better than it was, I've barely known I've had kids tonight they've played so nicely together!

Well I'm off to craft while they're settled wathcing 'Up' got to love netflix!

Another challenge done :)

Today is a very special day in our family, 4 years ago today Mark finally got his transplant :) Normally we do something special like go out to dinner but this time we're staying home with a dvd, and lighting a candle for the life lost so he could live.
before that though another layout :) this one for the challenge me and my friend Jess set each other, my turn this month and I set this sketch and said a button or something round must be used.

This is my take on it :) Used a patterned paper that did most of the work for me so was a super simple one.

My buttons. love these ones.

Christmas jug!

Yesterday my niece Mollie was off school due to the strike, as I had to do shopping and other boring jobs I took her to The Range to help break up the boring stuff :) I love it in there at this time of year. All the Christmas stuff is out and its all lit up and pretty :) I love all the Christmas tat so I'm in my element, Didn't buy any decorations but couldn't resist this.

Cute little Santa mug :) Like I've said before Christmas is a HUGE deal in my house. this year I'm planning to do a special breakfast each morning. usually mornings are rush rush in the house, particually now I have my nieces to get to school too, but I'm stockpiling things like Pop tarts, crossants and the more expencive cerials the kids don't usually get with the plan of having a nice, sit down breakfast together each morning. With that in mind I thought this would be ideal to let the kids pour their own milk. They love to do it but giving them a huge jug of milk is just asking for trouble really, this is much more manageable :)
Didn't do much today, watched 'The Host' this morning which I actually thought was really good! have had the book on my kindle for ages but most reviews I've read slated it so never got around to it, think I'll make it next in the queue now :)

Drama!

Just when you think things have settled a bit........
When the kids came into our care we agreed with their dad that he would see them monday and friday nights and alternate weekends. Monday he showed up ok. Friday 2 hours late, then Saturday 4 hours late. I was RAGING! No calls to say why, nothing. Kids were gutted, problem is is this isn't the first time by a long shot. He did this constantly with my sister but she didnt do much about it. Yeah she isn't me. When I answered the door I told him next time he lets them down he can take me to court to see them. Last night was another no show so messaged him I look forward to hearing from his solicitor. I honestly think he's going to show up on Friday as though nothing has happened and then I get to shut the door in his face. Must admit I would enjoy that :p
Off the drama though like I said yesterday I did manage some layouts :) I know these were from one of the counterfit kits I made last month but can't remember which one, got to laugh I've just started it in time for the new one to come out!
Photo from when we were at turkey last year. We took the kids on a 'kiddie cruise' which was amazing. Adults could sunbathe on the top deck with food and wine and kids had games, toys and ice cream down in the shade.

Using up some of my seriously old ameican crafts stickers.

Ugh I love and hate this photo. Its nice to have a photo of me and Mark but I look dreadful! Love this paper though :)

I've had this jar in my stash for a while now, never knew how to use it before but think its quite cute here :)

Well tomorrow is school photo day for the girls so I don't have to take them in so quieter morning here, yey!

Crazy children

Sitting at the pc tonight when I hear giggles, turn around to see this.

Don't know why I buy toys. lol.
Well despite having lots of kids for most of the weekend I've managed to get on top of the housework :) So much so that this morning I sat down with a cup of coffee, a Giant chocolate chip muffin and got scrapping. :) Only managed a few layouts but better than none!
Mark and I both had our X-rays today, wasn't too bad, was in and out in 20 minutes. Was weird though as when i was standing in front of the machine I don't know if I started to panic or something but I suddenly went dizzy and had to sit down. :s I used to get panic attacks but haven't had them for a while so hoping its just a one off, sure it is :)

Hubby home :)

Well Marks back! The kids were SO excited to see him, though the first thing Caitlin said to him was 'What have you got us' lol. Typical girl. Obviously he hadn't got them much, some sweets in shaped tins and these.

They're just headbands to advertise some game thats coming out. They were free but as they make the kids look a little like Pikmin Mark know they'd love it. true enough they do! Don't know why I spend so much on toys *rolls eyes*

Funny comment from Caitlin the other day:
Caitlin - how did the first person get made?
Me - I don't know love it was a long time ago.
Caitlin - did a robot make them?
Me - um, no
Caitlin - but you said you didn't know! It might have!

Wedding :)

Well today was my friends Katy and Grahams wedding day :) Was also the first time in 7 years I've worn a dress lol, last one was MY weddding day!

Katy and Graham were the couple who sadly lost their daughter last year. Since then they have suffered more greivinces and health problems so to see them finally marry, with a photo of their daughter was so touching.

The ceremony was beautiful and had a few laughs :) When they were taking their vows Graham said 'I do' after the first comment, bless him he was so nervous, he even got his stepdads name wrong on the certificate!
I didnt stay at the reception very long as my gran was babysitting the kids but they had done so well with a small budget. Was made up to see my balloon weights being used :) I always worry when I make things for people they'll hate them but she seemed pleased :) Looking at the pictures my Mum took after I left its probably a good thing I left early, think more than a few drinks were drunk and lots of crazy dancing enjoyed!

Respite

Well today I dropped Mark off with his friends for my annual respite weekend :) I miss him when he's with them obviously but its amazing how much I get done. It's like when the kids go away though, in my mind nobody can take care of my kids like me and nobody can take care of Mark like me lol. To be fair to his friends they do take good care of him, they let him rest as much as he needs and make sure he's taking his meds, I'm just a worrier at heart.
This year his friends are taking him on a short trip to London. I was a bit worried about the crowds etc but I made sure he rested as much as possible this week so he was as well as he could be for it and it sounds like they're having fun :) He sent this photo for Cameron who has a thing about the London eye and he got so excited bless him :)

Cameron did need a lot of reassurance before Mark went though, came out of school yesterday all upset:
Cameron - I don't want Daddy to go to London!
Me - Why?
Cameron - Because its on fire and the bridge is broken and they throw their poo out the window!!
Turns out he was learning about London at school, including the plague, fire of london and the song 'London bridge is falling down' Managed to convince him the fire was out, the bridge is fixed and they now have indoor plumbing. lol.

No more boxes!

I've finished all the boxes!!! Didn't put the washi tape on the top in the end as got some pink staples which looked nice. There are 60 packed into this box and the rest in boxes in the wardrobe. Need to find another place for some christmas stuff at there's not much room for clothes anymore!

Well my blogging has well and truly gone to pot, but been so busy trying to get things organised with the girls. Think we have things into a planned routine now so its just putting it into practice, its obviously a lot more work for everyone but with the alternitive being them going into care its worth it.
Well Mark had a drs appointment yesterday about his water retention problem. It used to be REALLY bad before he had his transplant, but has started to become a bit of an issue again, mainly in his feet. She couldn't advice anything except elevation for the water, but said it did feel like a bone in his foot is deformed (trust Mark to be deformed lol) so has sent him for an x-ray. I have to have a chest x-ray on monday so she nicely made it for then to save us making 2 trips. Looks like Monday will be fun!

New bedroom :)

Well its WOYWW and on my workdesk is still a pile of boxes needing decorated so thought I'd share my bedroom instead :) It used to be deep purple, black and cream. I painted it when I first moved in and wanted something a bit different and classy looking, it ended up looking like something from 50 shades of grey. NOT my kind of thing! But it was done so put up with it until kids rooms, living room and pretty much every room in the house was finished so I could start again. :) Must admit I love it now. Its so calm and serene and just what I need right now. Granted mark says he feels like hes sleeping in a prom dress as the bedspread is all ruffled and rosette but nobodys asking him :p

Hes right enough though, this is how it is supposed to look, in reality it just looks like I don't own an iron. Thank goodness for the giant teal throw.

Still need to get the furniture and some cushions for the bed but will wait until the January sales for those.

Long day

Well its been a loooong day. We met with the social worker to make a long term plan for the girls. My Mum wants to take them full time but she is seriously struggling with the whole idea and getting her head round it all. Unfortunately shes taking it out on me and I'm getting the brunt of her bad mood. I can see why, I'm the logical one, telling her what she needs to do and whats going to happen which really she doesnt want to hear so I'm the bad guy. As a result thats not vimto in my cup its rose wine lol.

Fingers crossed for a calmer day tomorrow!!

Jack of all trades

Well today I have been:
1. Social worker - Trying to force a father to help out with his kids.
2. Plumber - Doing the dishes and my feet suddenly felt wet, bloody washing machine was leaking. So had to take apart, clean the pipes and put them back together.
3. Nurse - Cait still poorly, :( 40 degree temps.
4. Chef - Big sunday roast for the family.
5. Painter/decorator - Painting our bedroom.
6. Interior designer - Putting all the new curtains/pictures in the bedroom.
7. Electrician - TV needed moved and all rewired again.
8. Teacher - Helping kids with homework.
9. Maid - Well, enough said there.
10. Baker - Made sugar cookies with Cam.
Think I would do less jobs if I was employed!
Well the sugar cookies went down well. :) I got some cookie stamps from Stampin up and promised the kids we'd give them a go. Cait was in bed bless her but Cameron was very eager to have a go.

Think when I do them again I'll make them a bit thinner and add more sugar, tasted a bit bland to me.

That said I had to hide them to stop Mark and Cam eating them so they couldn't have been too bad!

Scavenger hunt

Yey I didn't miss the deadline :) The link will be open all week so here are my last photos :)
4. Airplane - I really struggled with this, every time I saw a plane in the sky I'd pull out my phone to take a picture and it was gone. So figured this counted :) It's Siddeley (not Sidney liek i always though) the spy plane from cars 2.

13. A fence - I did try and find a nice one but will need to settle for our garden fence, which looking at it really needs painting :s

21. A photograph of you with an artistic tool or craft supply (you cannot substitute for this item)- Excuse the state of me, been a long day! Me making lots of christmas boxes with my mini holly punch :)

So that's me got them all except a fisherman and a sundial. These are the links to my other photos :) Was lots of fun doing this and will def take part next time :)

1.Open air market
2. Theater for performing arts (not a movie theater)
3. City Hall, Capitol or other similar civic building
4. Airplane
5. A sunset
6. Someone or something taking a nap
7. A sign that is intentionally or unintentionally funny
8. A tower
9. A photo with someone or something that is clearly out of place or doesn't belong
10. A bench that is outside
11. An animal in a zoo, aquarium, nature preserve, etc.
12. A cloud in the shape of something (please specify what you see)
13. A fence
14. A stained glass object or a mosaic
15. A fire truck or police car
16. A windmill
17. Candle(s)
18. Your local pub/bar, coffee house or tea shop
19. A fisherman
20. A dinosaur
21. A photograph of you with an artistic tool or craft supply (you cannot substitute for this item)
Bonus/substitute items.
A person wearing an outfit (or item of clothing) that symbolizes your country
A sundial

Deep breath

Remember how I said about my sister and social worker? Well today we had a meeting with the head worker. Knew it was gonna be a bad day as started with Caitlin being sent home from a school trip because she was sick :( Poor baby. Anyway the meeting went as expected, sister lost her temper, called the worker a b***h and had a general 'I don't care attitude' She does care, that's just her general attitude. About 20 minutes after the meeting I had a call saying they were removing the girls. Paul (lillies dad) came right away and collected her but we couldnt get in contact with Cro (eldest tows dad) so I took them. We're more than happy to keep them but legally until their Dad says no we can't do anything long term so hopefully will have a meeting with him later, if he decides to answer the phone and show up!! Can you tell I'm annoyed with him.

Mosaic

At a recent visit to social services office I found this :) So yey finally have the mosaic for the scavenger hunt :)

We also went to The Range. Now I love Christmas, can't get enough of the decorations, the lights, I love it all. But this, well this is a little bit much even for me lol.

I mean who would want a reindeer head mounted on their wall?!
Well the shower got finished today, along with all the new handrails and everything. Marks a bit upset as obviously the bathroom now LOOKS like a disabled person uses it but he knows he needs it so not much we can do really. Bathroom and kitchen now needs repainted from all the work (wires went through the kitchen) and as I'm halfway through decorating the bedroom the kids rooms are storing bits from there, add that to the craft stuff all over the living room you can imagine the mess the house is in at the moment! Have a meeting tomorrow then will be finishing off the painting in the bedroom so by Saturday night at least that will all be finished and done :)
Funnily enough I was reading my blog from this time last year and I was redecorating the hallway and living room, seems to be the time of year I decorate lol.

1.Open air market
2. Theater for performing arts (not a movie theater)
3. City Hall, Capitol or other similar civic building
4. Airplane
5. A sunset
6. Someone or something taking a nap
7. A sign that is intentionally or unintentionally funny
8. A tower
9. A photo with someone or something that is clearly out of place or doesn't belong
10. A bench that is outside
11. An animal in a zoo, aquarium, nature preserve, etc.
12. A cloud in the shape of something (please specify what you see)
13. A fence
14. A stained glass object or a mosaic
15. A fire truck or police car
16. A windmill
17. Candle(s)
18. Your local pub/bar, coffee house or tea shop
19. A fisherman
20. A dinosaur
21. A photograph of you with an artistic tool or craft supply (you cannot substitute for this item)
Bonus/substitute items.
A person wearing an outfit (or item of clothing) that symbolizes your country
A sundial

Arguing

Ever feel like all you do is argue with people? I'm having one of those days. Last week we bought a pre-owned Wii U from game, it was a special edition 'Monster hunter' pack and we were told the game was in the box. It wasn't so we rung up and asked, girl on the phone was really nice and said to come in with a recipt and she'll give us a copy. We went in only to be told sorry the manager said no so they could only sell us one. Oh how nice of them :( After going to their online site and complaining to head office funnily enough we were allowed copy! Had a smug smile when I went to collect that lol. Also been arguing with the usual, social services, council and now my 6 year old who seems to have turned into a mouthly little sod since he went back to school. Actually told me yesterday that he KNOWS all I do when he's at school is sit and watch tv. Cheeky begger, I wish!
Well when I haven't been sitting on my bum I managed to catch up with an old sketch challenge. This was the sketch,

And this is what I did :) This is a really old picture from when we went to Disneyland with my Mum and Mollie. We went out to dinner one night to a place that made lots of different types of ale. The adults had a little too much and Mum got a bit silly and put whipped cream on her nose lol, Caitlin was happy to help clean her up :)

Still making the christmas boxes lol, 60 down so 100 to go!

Getting there

Well after yesterday I was just so tired I went to bed early with a book, to be honest might do the same tonight! Past couple of days have been ironing, painting, clearing all the wardrobes, clearing up after the workers putting in the shower, sorting out the loft, shopping and crafting! Phew. Finished all the birdhouse weights now :) Went back and added more glue and bits on to make them a bit sturdier and quite pleased with them. :) Hope the bride will be too.

Now just need to make 150 of these! Just little boxes with a small bag of Haribo in. Started them for my kids but my Mum now wants them for the girls so lots more to do.

Saw this while shopping and made me smile :) Not really much of a bargain is it?

Right well off to cut a few milk cartons and get an early night!

Still catching up

Seriously?! No idea what is up with me lately, maybe it's just getting back into routine after the kids have gone back. This week won't be much better though, Mark can't get in and out of the bath by himself anymore and I can't lift him out so the council are putting in a shower for us. Great but means the house is going to be full of workmen all week. Ugh. Will be wonderful when its done don't get me wrong but I can never relax when there are people in the house, plus what if I need to go to the toilet! 'Excuse me could you all go away while I pee please?' Noooo, lol, think I just won't dirnk anything this week.
Well these are the last of the layouts I made ages ago, really need to do some more! Will be crafting today as Caitlins homework is to make a scrapbook of her family, think I can help with that. :)
More snowy pictures :)

This one should say 2011, but I got mixed up on years and originally put 2012, now I don't have a 1 in the right font so need to hunt one out lol. On the tags I've wrote a few of the gifts they got that year, I like to do this each year and see how their tastes change.

Quick one of Caitlin opening gifts at my Mums house. :)

Well todays job,s crafting! If nothing else It will use up paper lol.