Crafting lessons

Yesterday my niece and mum came round for a scrapbooking lesson. I had put together a simple layout for the girls to copy. This is what I did.

And these are their versions. :) It actually went a lot smoother than I thought. Both were really well behaved and tried hard and were pleased with what they made. Mollies is smaller as she only has an a4 album, thought Mum didn't tell me that until they were made!

Productive scrapping night :)

Remember how I thought I was ill because of too much wine on an empty stomach? Well unless I am a serious lightweight I think its a bug lol. Was ok yesterday until I ate and then ugh I felt dreadful, still feeling ill this morning but was Mark check up in Birmingham so had to take him to the train station to meet his mate at 8am. He headed off fine so just need to wait to hear now. I know its just a check up but I always worry a bit that something will come up. I've got Mollie and my Mum coming over this morning for a craft class this morning so I've put together an easy layout for the girls to copy and that will keep me busy for a bit. :)
Speaking of scrapping I've been quite productive on that front lately. Last night I managed 3 layouts and planned another one. The first was a challenge my friend Jess set for the tow of us. The challenge was to use this sketch, and pink somewhere on the layout.

And this was my take on it :) The photo is matted on red paper with pale pink dots, and Caitlins wearing a pink cardigan too.

The tag was one leftover from last year where I made loads for gift giving :) The heart I made from a stitching template and stuck pearls on instead.

Well kids are bouncing off the walls so better go deal with them before they break something.

Morning after the night before

Ugh, note to self, DON'T drink on an empty stomach!!! Ugh, yesterday, after another dramatic day at my sisters house (Mollie in full meltdown, me having to retrain her, her dad visiting and punching the walls etc) we abandoned our original idea of a picnic at the park and took the kids to a local beer garden. They had a great time playing on all the play equipment and running about with the other kids :) Mummy also had a great time drinking 3 glasses of wine. Thats right 3! What a bloody lightweight I am lol. I felt fine when we were there, obviously walked home, but got home and felt dreadful! At that point remembered I hadnt eaten all day. Woops. Cuddled up with the kids and a big bottle of water and watched lots of Rugrats until bedtime. Feel fine this morning so no hangover thank goodness, though Caitlins just announced to me she has 18 hurts on her body. Well that's what happens you insist on climbing on everything and hiding in bushes love!
Well one good thing about yesterday was the cake went down well :)

Evie got so excited when we cut it and sweets came out! Everyone was impressed too so very pleased with myself lol. Really not a cheap cake but worth it for special occasions I think :)

Well off to get my hair cut today. Wasn't going to get it done until nearer the holiday but they have some new stylists in so are doing a half price offer today only, couldn't turn that down!

Cake wars :)

A while ago I agreed to make the birthday cake for my niece Evie, she loves pinwheels so I had a simple rainbow sponge, frosted cake in mind decorated with some paper pinwheels. Then Sunday was Mollies birthday and my Mum made this cake

You can't see it in this picture but the sponge inside is all rainbow layers. That was it, the cake wars was on! lol. Good natured of course but I was determined to make a better cake than my Mum. So after much looking about on pinterest I made this :)

Its a 4 layered chocolate cake with rainbow cream cheese filling, decorated with Malteasers (nod to my Granddad of course) M&Ms and loveheart marshmallows. BUT the big surprise when they cut into it is its also a Pinata cake! I loved the idea of this as soon as I saw it and it was amazingly simple to do! I used a martini glass to cut the middle from the two middle layers and filled it with M&Ms. can't wait to see Evies face when she cuts into it :)

Cute and candle :)

At our local library they do a summer reading scheme, at the start of the holidays the kids get a big poster with lots of spaces for stickers, for each 2 books they read they get a sticker and when the poster is full they get a certificate and medal. Camerons already read two but Caitlins going through a self conscious phase where because she can't read the books, she doesn't want us to read to her either. Today though after coming home from a bike ride Caitlins feet were filthy (Jelly shoes + mud = mess) so I put them in a basin of water to clean them. Cameron, knowing he had a captive audience he grabbed a book and started reading to her. Obviously makes a big difference if her big brother reads to her as she sat quietly next to him for 3 books. :) So cute seeing them reading together. I remember when I first fell pregnant with Caitlin how much I panicked about having two so close in age, but its really worked out great as they're such good friends.

I'm babysitting for my neice Evie tonight as my sister is going away with some friends so kids are all excited about that, me less so but there you go lol. Camerons highlight of the year is tomorrow :) his BFFs birthday party at Cheeky Monkies. At the start of the holidays we always make lists of things we want to do, bike rides, picnics etc; but every time I asked Cameron what he wanted to do 'Go to Jack's party' was the reply. I told him he was going don't worry, what ELSE did he want to do, but the reply 'Go to Jack's party' never changed. In the end I gave up, I'll ask him again tomorrow after he's been lol. He went in a mood with me though. I made up a bag of gifts for jack, some sweets, craft kits etc, but when I showed Cameron his face fell 'I don't want to give him that!' ok what do you want to give him? 'He likes computer games, I want to give him a Wii U!' Um, no. lol
And another photo for the summertime scavenger hunt I bought this candle yesterday while shopping with my Mum, I love candles, at christmas I buy loads of the cinnamon and apple ones, so when I saw this new one at half price I had to grab it :) Its from the new Air wick essential pearls range and is half a solid candle and half a gel candle so is pretty and smells of mulberrys so smells yummy too. :) Not that I can light it as I forgot we had no lighters or matches in the house lol

Click on my other ones to go to my other photos :)
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
A sign that is intentionally or unintentionally funny 7.
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.
A cloud in the shape of something (please specify what you see) 12.
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. If you find any of the above items too difficult, feel free to substitute either (or both) of these items. You can substitute up to two items, but you cannot substitute Item #21:
A person wearing an outfit (or item of clothing) that symbolizes your country
A sundial

Value for money

Its a running joke in our family that I don't pay full price for anything. Its true enough really, I am a girl with an eye for a bargain! Well a while ago I collected some tokens from The Sun which gave you two 2 course meals for £15. While out having a coffee with my Mum this afternoon she suggested going to dinner tonight as she had one too, and after yesterday we needed a treat (loooooong story that will probably be discussed in therapy by more than one of us at some point!) So off we went :) My Dad was on nightshift so bless him he couldn't come but Cameron was more than happy to have the grown up meal again lol. Well when we got there we asked if there was a special menu to order from since we had the vouchers, the poor woman seemed VERY stressed and said no just order what we wanted. MISTAKE! Mark decided to test this and ordered himself the starter platter for 2 (£9.99) and the mixed grill (£15.99) and the woman said ok! Caitlin got pizza and a drink (£6.99) Mum and I BBQ ribs (£13.99) and Cameron fish and chips (£13.99) All grown up meals came with refillable chips too so plenty for everyone to eat. Rather than starters Mum, Cam and I got ice cream (£4.99 each) So all in, a meal which should have been just under £100 cost us £41, woop woop! I also managed to get another photo for my scavenger hunt. Now I think this counts as a sign, and I know its very juvenile but I find the screw placements pretty funny. 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
A sign that is intentionally or unintentionally funny 7.
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.
A cloud in the shape of something (please specify what you see) 12.
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. If you find any of the above items too difficult, feel free to substitute either (or both) of these items. You can substitute up to two items, but you cannot substitute Item #21:
A person wearing an outfit (or item of clothing) that symbolizes your country
A sundial

Last day!!!

Well today was the last day of school, yey! We (the PTA) were due to sell ice lollies at the end of the day but with all the crazy storms we were a bit concerned it would be pouring it down. Luckily the sun was shining and we sold out, another £300 in the kitty :) We did have a huge stroke of good luck though. A Dad brought his pet in to pick up his son on his last day, but no normal cat or dog for him. He had this...

A huge, beautiful eagle owl. She was amazing with the kids so they all got to stroke her and have photos taken. Certainly livened up the last day :)
Seemed to be a very animal based day today lol. As I've said before it's Mollies birthday tomorrow and shes getting a baby bunny. Caitlins ben asking for one for ages so before he was taken over to my sisters we went round for a cuddle. He was so teeny!!!! Took a little while for Caitlin to be brave enough to hold him but after he sat quietly on my lap for a bit she decided she wanted a turn. Not sure how wise a move that was as shes now even more desperate to have one and its really not happening. Thinking I might be able to convince her a hamster is a good idea, or even better maybe just get her the giant dog teddy she liked in toys r us....

Well tomorrow morning we don't have much planned, I want to get the house hoovered and tidy up a bit before birthday party in the afternoon :) Let the summer holiday fun begin!

Too hot to blog!

my blogging has really took a hit this month hasn't it! Its just so hot and while I love it and kids are loving being outside all the time it really wipes us all out, Mark in particular bless him. I've also gone on a bit of a clearout spree. It started by just sorting out stuff in the garage to make space and some money selling on facebook, but in true 'me' style once I'd done in there I decided to do the rest of the house. :) This led to me spending most of Sunday surrounded by this

Cameron has loads of Lego sets but like all kids he loses bits and pieces during play. As well as all the sets we keep on a shelf he's got a box of random bits so I spent the day going through the box and making sure all sets were complete and built properly. Then moved onto all his board games and made sure they had all the right bits too lol. Yeah I know I'm a bit OCD in that way.
Well the Skylanders obsession is growing fast in this house! Cameron spent his pocket money on another character from Game (super fast postage, was impressed!) and decided to sell some of his older toys to get another one so Cynder is on her way in the post to us. Its crazy the amount of characters there are though. I didn't want to double up so I downloaded an app which has a list of all of them and you cross off the ones you have, but theres different versions of each one! Like we ordered him a Jet ray one for Christmas, I thought it was just Jet Ray, but apparently its Jet Ray Lightforce?! Feel very old having to do some much research on a game!
Only one more day of school before Summer hols, woo hoo! Was my last day working at the school today, was really touched as the teacher I worked with and a couple of the kids had got me gifts. As obviously I'm not there much I didn't expect anything but it was so sweet. :) Cameron also had his end of term trip to the farm so he was exhausted when he came home. In all honesty so was I so I made a spontaneous decision to go out for dinner. Problem was nobody was actually hungry for food, so for one night only (lots of fruit and veg tomorrow I swear!) this was dinner. lol

Ah one night wont kill them ;)

Bingo!

Well last night was the PTA fundraising bingo night! There were a few hiccups but all in all went pretty well and we raised nearly £500!! Hopefully the weather will hold out as we're planning on selling ice creams and having a themed day Tuesday to raise a bit more :)
Today Caitlin and I went shopping with Mum and Bri. It's Mollie and Evies birthdays this weeks so we went to Toys R us so Mum could get them some gifts, I tagged along to get some ideas for Caitlins Christmas lol. Well mission accomplished there! I told her to let me know when she saw something and I would photograph it on my phone, ended up with 56 photos. All could be put into one of three categories
1 - playdough
2 - make up
3 - dolls lol
But at least I have some ideas :) Felt dreadful for her though, tonight was her dancing award party. She was so excited to go and get her award for her exam but shes too poorly :( She was sick this morning in the car on the way to shops but she sometimes gets travel sick so I put it down to that. When we got home though she just kept crying and saying she was cold. Poor baby was gutted she couldn't go. :( Lots of cuddles and an ice lolly seems to be cheering her up a little. Its been a very busy week with lots of hot days and late nights so I think it might have just caught up with her. Well almost the holidays so lots of lie ins on the way!!

Catch up

Well this week has been crazy hectic, but I love it that way :) Feel like I've got a lot done and I'm really excited about the summer holidays starting next week. So as I've been a very bad blogger I'll do a quick catch up of my week.

Monday - Slept in (woops!) woke to Cameron coming in at 8am, need to leave at 8:45 so was a bit of a rush! Caitlin came out with a nice comment on the way to school which made me feel all warm and fuzzy and loved. :) 'Mummy when you and Daddy die I'm going to get a baby bunny!' Well thanks there love! Forget going to the florists or funeral directors Caitlins right off to the pet store! Shes gonna flip when she finds out her cousin is getting a bunny for her birthday but really we just don't have the room for one. Maybe a hamster or something for Christmas though. Managed to get some errands run up town before Mark was too wiped out from the heat. That night was a PTA meeting, we're having a bingo night on Friday to raise money and I agreed to buy the food. Hot dogs and juice for 100 people, lol. I know what I'll be doing Friday!
Tuesday - Lots of meetings and things today, though they were from home so Mark could rest after yesterday which was ideal. :) We then picked kids up from school and took Cam for his MUCH needed haircut! On the way there we got stuck in a traffic jam. The lights had broke and were stuck on red. Went against all my instincts (and Caitlin was telling me off too) to go through red lights but oh well. Cam was really well behaved as he loves getting his hair done and he looks so much smarter now too. Started sorting out some of my stash tonight, trying to organise my scraps a bit more so I actually use them up.
Wednesday - Looooooong day today. The school was taking year 2 on a trip to Wicksteed park and I agreed to help out. We certainly had good weather and the kids had a great time. Got to love Caitlin though, got back to school and her teacher came up to me 'Caitlin told on you this morning' she said, oh god what did I do I thought lol 'She told me you didn't put suncream on this morning, or wear a hat and you have to do that on a school trip' Can't get away with anything with that girl! She was right though I felt dreadful tonight. Fell asleep in the car while she was at dancing though and felt a bit better afterwards lol.
Thursday - Really feels like it should be a Friday today! Helped out in school for a bit this morning then back to town to finish the jobs I didn't get done Monday. Managed to get shopping and everything done and lots of other bits too so very productive day. Tonight was spent wrapping Christmas gifts. Yeah I know I'm nuts but I feel better if I've got at least some there, if something bad happens I have some bits ready. Also wrapped a bundle of birthday gifts ready for the daft amount of parties the kids have been invited to, paid a load of bills and tidied up the garage a bit. Very ready for bed now! :)

Cup obsession

I have a thing about cups and mugs, don't know why I just do, Cams the same, has certain cups for certain things. Anyway this was one of the gifts I got for my birthday :) I'm really into making smoothies lately, when its hot I don't eat much but obviously want to keep my fruit intake up so have started experimenting with blending it all together. So far I've decided grapes are a no go because the skin is yuk, but banana, orange and strawberries taste exactly like bubblegum! Had loads of people in the playground ask me where I got the cup from, apparently they're about £20 online! This was a bargain £4 from Tkmaxx.

Well yesterday was a busy, long, fun day :) I was up at 2:30 ready to queue for the Next sale at 5 (yes you read that right lol) Was the BEST one I've ever been to! Was so quiet and loads of really good stuff. Got pretty much everything on my list except a fancy dress for Caitlin. I did get my hands on the one I wanted, a vintage lace dress, which looked beautiful in the store but when I put it on her it just looked shapeless and dirty :( Very pleased with everything else though, lots of summer bits, new sandals, shorts and even some bits for christmas (yeah I know I'm bad lol)
Speaking of which we also went to a friends house so Cam could 'test drive' this game.

The first Skylanders game came out a few years ago, Cam asked for it then but considering the game was £60, then about a tenner for each of the add on figures I said no. Its a bloody good money making idea but I didn't want it to be just one of those 'hype' things I spend a fortune on and he gets bored in a week. However hes STILL going on about it now and knows all the charecters and what they do etc, so I gave in and its now on his christmas list. My friends son has it so we went over so i could see it in action. Looked pretty fun and Cam loved it. :) Must have been fate as when we got back I was reserching about it online and found out Tesco was doing a '3 for 2' offer on the figures, and also '£5 off a £40 spend' so I ordered 6, lol. Should have been £68.70, only £40.80 :) I know I know its July and I'm Christmas shopping but come Christmas toys all shoot up in price so I like to do it when the deals are on. Plus, lets face it, I like to shop :p

More scrapping

Yey I did another layout :) This one is the partner to the one of Cameron cutting his finger as it was this door he managed to do it on. We still dont know how as there were no sharp parts or anything :s

Nice and simple because I love these papers so wanted to make them the focus.

Was a nice quiet day here :) managed to do a load of ironing which was hell in this heat but the pile was getting scary again. I had a big sort out of the kids wardrobes last friday so had all the clothes they've grown into to iron, scary how big they're getting! Also had a girly night with Caitlin, shes such a little diva sometimes though! Was doing her nails and:

Caitlin - I didn't want purple, pink, purple, pink!
Me - yes you did! thats what you asked for!
Caitlin - No I didn't I said pink, purple, pink, purple!

Well how dare I!!!

Happy birthday to me :)

Well yesterday was my birthday :) usually its a bit of a non event but this year I was very spoiled :) I went shopping with my Mum Sunday and got lots of new clothes, then yesterday the 'kids' had got me some craft stuff, plus my mum and other family had got me some new clothes and jewelery. I had wondered about the cake as I don't actually like cake, but everyone insisted I would like this one, lol. They were very right :) Giant Millies Cookie!

I was very nice and shared it, was tempted just to hide in my room with this and my wine lol. We didn't do a big party or anything but everyone came over and we just sat out in the sun and ate hotdogs and it was really perfect :)
Birthdays aside I told you I managed to do some crafting, this was the first layout I did. This paper is one of those annoying ones where I loved both sided but I only have one sheet (grrrrr) but thought the alphabet went well with the photo of Caitlin started school.

I liked this saying too. :)

Thank you :)

Quick thank you to everyone for all my wonderful birthday wishes and cards. :) Feeling very loved and spoiled today.

Cloud shapes

Another one for Summertime photographer scavenger hunt :).
This time a cloud in the shape of something. We were walking home from school and Cameorn suddenly shouting 'Look its the bad guys from Despicable me two!!' For those who haven't seen it, a giant magnet comes down from the sky and takes a research facility. Now I looked and thought it was more like the Batman symbol, Mark said it looked like a bird while Caitlin, the most imaginative of us all said it looked like 'a cloud'. Well shes not wrong I guess! 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. If you find any of the above items too difficult, feel free to substitute either (or both) of these items. You can substitute up to two items, but you cannot substitute Item #21:
A person wearing an outfit (or item of clothing) that symbolizes your country
A sundial

Story telling sunday

Short one this week as I'm SO tired! Mum and I went shopping today with my birthday money and got lots of new clothes and other treats :) Including the first dress I've owned since my wedding dress lol. I've got a very special wedding to go to at the end of the year as well as the holiday so wanted to get one. Found a perfect one in Oasis reduced from £45 to £22. Love bargains.
Anyway on to story telling Sunday.

Storytelling Sunday? There is no excuse for not joining in with this one! Everyone can do it. Pick Your Precious is about celebrating the little things you love: those souvenirs, bits and pieces, things from your past you can't bear to throw out. You know, the special little something you have tucked away in a drawer or up on a shelf? Or the thing you love most in a room? Or the object you would save if you knew you had to leave the country? Your favourite things
Heres the link if you want to join in here Look I can do links now :)
This month I picked our DVD players (the 360 and the PS3) . These I suppose are not precious in themselves but we are very much a movie watching family. Cameron and mark will play computer games together, Caitlin and I will craft together and we all have our individual hobbies. But we all sit together with some popcorn or crisps and watch a film together. We love the cinema but most of the time thats too expencive, seriously £40 for one films?! So instead we've joined Blockbuster online and have dvds sent to us each month.

Its also really important for Mark. Due to his illness he doesn't really get out much so having a new dvd to look forward to each week really keeps his spirits up at times, simple thing really but means a lot to our family :)

Early birthday pressies :)

Yesterday morning I got two birthday pressies in the post. First was from mark and the kids. I ordered it so knew what it was so no point putting it away for a surprise (thats my excuse anyway lol) My friend Jess did some lovely cards the other day and put them on her blog, (see here) which used a die cut polaroid. I thought she'd bought them so when I commented and she offered to cut some for me I got a bit excited and rushed off to order a die for myself. Obviously some extra bits slipped into the basket too lol. The stickers are Bo bunny family. With sayings such as 'Another awkward family photo' and 'it could be worse' I just HAD to have them for some pictures of my kids lol. And you can never have too much washi tape.

Now has much as I loved my craft stuff, it just couldn't compare to the other gift I got. A tea bag! Yes seriously I got a card and a free tea bag form Yorkshire tea. I must have signed up to them somewhere along the line, was actually quite sweet really.

Last night was a really great night :) Cameron was at my Mums so it was girls night which means munchies and crafting. :) Caitlin did some drawing and coloured in a huge Hello kitty picture, while I managed 3 layouts! The first was for the counterfeit kit challenge, the idea was to take inspiration from one of their teams blogs. Unsurprisingly I picked Lesleys. :) One thing I love on her layouts is she often uses misting or paints or inks. I'm dreadful with these, mine never goes where its supposed to and ends up just looking a mess. Rather than trying to do too much I did 'dripping', walk before you can run and all that lol. The red drips on white were actually supposed to be for a different photo but I thought they looked too much like blood to use on a snowman picture so set it aside to go in the bin lol. Then I found this photo of Cameron when he cut his finger on a walk one day and decided to use it. Its still a fairly simple layout but I opened my very neglected box of mists so that's something! :)

This layout I kinda tried to use another of Lesleys talents of using a lot of different bits to make a busier layout. Yeah it didn't work too well so I took a fair few bits off until I was happy-ish with it. Its not my fave layout but not my most hated either. The photo is of Caitlin having a 'Its not fair!' moment. The journaling reads:
I was repainting the living room and let you help on a couple of walls. You had great fun and I loved doing it with you and didn't mind the mess as the wooden floors were easy to clean. Then you wanted to paint the walls above the carpet. I said no. This was the reaction.

Well today we're off to a birthday party for my cousins twins. Wayyyyyy too hot to be stuck in a room with screaming kids imo but the things you do for family!

Very proud mummy :)

Well after seeing his friends Eden riding very confidently yesterday Cameron had a new determination about riding his bike. He had pretty much got the hang of it but obviously with our garden being tiny there was only so much he could do, so after our all over the place day (school, cleaning, shopping, banks, school, grans) we convinced Cameron to ride over to my Mums for his sleepover rather than walk. He wasn't keen at first, insisting he couldn't do it but some bribery/blackmail (santa won't bring you a new bike if you can't ride it will he?) he agreed and by the time we had got round the corner he was riding no problems :) So was Caitlin lol, but she always takes to these things much quicker than Cameron anyway.

So did manage some scraping last night :) It was for the sketchy scrappers group over on UKS. This was the sketch

and this is my layout :) I did have another layout in mind when I started but it really didn't work so ended up with this one, I'm pleased with it though :) The photos are from last year on Camerons first sports day. I didn't get any photos of this year as he was a bit too far away so I'm glad I managed to get some nice ones of his first sports day. Funnily enough I have a near identical photo of Caitlin going under the table too.

As well as scrapping last night I almost had a heart attack. I was lying on the couch reading when I suddenly saw a spider scuttling out of the corner of my eye and before I could move it ran across my face!! I obviously panicked and brushed it off with my Kindle, chucking the Kindle across the room in the process. It was one of those time slows down moments as I watched the Kindle bounce across the floor and land face down. I was sure it was smashed to hell so was pretty impressed when I picked it up and it didn't have a scratch on it. Wow, Kindles are sturdy. lol.

Things that don't belong

While I've been quiet about it, I'm still taking part inSummertime photographer scavenger hunt. One I was really struggling with was 'Something that is clearly out of place or doesn't belong' then like buses two came along at once lol. While getting the kids ready for school this morning Mark commented how cute it looked having their cups and bookbags all lined up, right next to my travel coffee mug lol. So I took that photo.

Then I went down to see a friend and couldn't help but laugh at her front garden. Shes got a few gnomes all nicely lined up, then her hubby got involved and added an extra decoration. :)

So I think I've managed to cross that one off the list 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. If you find any of the above items too difficult, feel free to substitute either (or both) of these items. You can substitute up to two items, but you cannot substitute Item #21:
A person wearing an outfit (or item of clothing) that symbolizes your country
A sundial
Today was a really nice day :) Last night while we were at the cinema (great film btw) my dad came round for some company as my Mum is away with my sister and the girls. Obviously we weren't in and I felt so guilty! To make it up we invited him round for dinner tonight. The kids loved having Granddad round, usually hes just round with my Mum so was a bit of a novelty having him round on his own. Marks at his friends tonight so hopefully a bit of crafting on the cards for me :)

Soap box and counterfit kit

Quick rant then onto happy stuff :)
Currently watching This Morning which I taped (funnily enough) this morning lol. There's a woman on called Katie who will not let her children play with kids with common names such as Tyler or Charmaine. Now if I'm honest from what I've read about her she's really just a rent a mouth who will say anything controversial to get onto tv (though the bit where Holly lost her temper and told her to just stop it was priceless) so I'm not sure if she actually believes what she's saying or not, but there are people messaging the show who agree with her! I've never heard anything so stupid in my life. Philip and Holly obviously agreed as gave a big list of Olympic gold medal winners and high business people with 'common' names. But it just shows how judgemental some parents are. I've heard some parents in the playground commenting on what other parents are wearing and what they do for a living and it drives me mad. We're about as scummy as you can get on the surface, Dad on benefits, Mum doesn't work, I remember going to see the dentist and registering the kids and when they both had the same surname the woman said surprised 'Oh they have the same dad?!' nearly slapped her. But we are not a Jeremy Kyle family. I'd love to work, so would Mark. We don't smoke, don't drink, kids do homework every night and have never been late to school. Ugh, snobby people drive me mad.
Ok rant done :) Well each month a blog 'Counterfeit kit challenge' shows a kit which you can buy or make a similar one from your own stash. They then do challenges to use it all up. :) These are the papers I picked for mine. :)

These are the embellishments. Haven't done this before so hoping I've got enough!

Well off for a McDonalds and to see Despicable me 2 tonight, quite excited :)

Bargain day :)

Today started off very well :) The council showed up to fit my new door!!!!!! Ok this might not seem like much to most people but the old door didn't actually fit the frame. There was a big gap up one side, it kept sticking at the bottom and it was so warped that you couldn't actually lock it because it didn't match up, so while the snib lock locked, you couldn't lock it properly. Worse was the door where the gas reader is housed, it had no key at all! So has been held closed by Velcro for the past 5 years. You can see why I was bouncing about with joy when it was fitted this morning :)

After the door was fitted we had to go up town. this is always an issue with Mark because there's two options, one, do the jobs bit by bit and go up on multiple days, which shatters Mark out, or option two, save up the jobs and do them all on one day which shatters him out even more lol. We tried for option two today but only managed a few jobs before it was too much. Oh well. Did manage to get some amazing bargains though. I had to go into Wilkinsons to get some raffle tickets for the school, while there we noticed they were reducing all the kiddie craft kits to daft prices, 50p, 30p, 10p. YEY! Managed to get this lot for just under £15. With the kids and Pen Green theres always some kind of birthday, fundraiser, or something going on which needs a gift, so whenever there's a sale on I try and buy some bits to put away for occasions like this. this lot is ideal :)

granted it wasn't all for the kids. I picked up a Crayola flower building kit for 50p. Has lots of die cut fabric flowers with different 'snap on' centers. Supposed to be for kids but can easily be used for scrapping.

Typically tonight I'm so ready for bed but need to stay up till 12. Hoping to take the kids to see Despicable me 2 tomorrow so need to book Orange Wednesday tickets at midnight. The website usually crashes right about then so hoping it doesn't take too long!

Not so battered children

I do voluntary work at the kids school from time to time, and while I love it, I admit there are times I'm VERY glad the teachers know me as a person as well as just the Mum who collects the kids. Today was one of those days. remember how I said the kids were playing on their bikes? Well while the last time even if the bike wobbles a bit it resulted in screaming fits as though they were falling off a cliff, yesterday they decided to make a game out of it. Great in one way as it resulted in much more confidence on the bikes, but bad in the way they were COVERED in bruises. Seriously Caitlins legs looked like a dalmation dog covered in spots, Cameron somehow managed to get a bruise on his neck?! So for them to go into school, looking very much like we'd spent the weekend battering them, I was very glad the teachers know me and know I'm not like that lol. On the battering them note Cameron bless him is getting loads of nose bleeds lately, after looking into it it seems to be when hes hot which makes sense with swollen blood vessels and all that but felt so bad for him yesterday :( he got one in the afternoon so he had to miss PE, his fave subject. Was not a happy boy, some ice cream fixed it though :p
They really are making huge progress with the bikes though. Seriously I think they've done better in two afternoons of messing about than the countless hours I've spent in the park running about and pushing them. just goes to show sometimes it's best to leave them alone and let them do their own thing. :) (I sound fine with it but really I'm screaming 'They don't need me anymore!!!@ in my head lol)
Caitlin made me laugh tonight, I swear sometimes that girl isn't mine. I can count the amount of times I've had nail varnish on on one hand, this is Caitlin tonight.

Yep she got her make-up case down, and settled down to watch tv and do her nails. no joke she was filing them, polishing them, adding glitter. I should get the girl to do mine sometime :)
I did HOPE to do some normal crafting tonight but more birthday/end of school cards and tags to make. fingers crossed for tomorrow night!