Mothering Sunday

Today is UK Mothering Sunday and Doms brought me a wonderful card from him and Sarah-Jayne (AKA Sassy) and he had made his Dad and I breakfast in bed. You know it was a wonderful gesture and I did appreciate it - BUT I looked at the time 9.00am and thought maybe I could have laid in. I then realised there was method in his madness - he had to be at football for 9.30 and Mum had to give him a lift. Kids you have to love them.





Later in the day I was talking to my Friend Carol in the States and we were discussing the Vow Renewal and I promised to dig out some wedding photos. As this was pre-digital all I have are snaps so I took a picture of the snap and sent it along.






Its not very good quality but I am sure you can get the jist. No photo of Doms as he was just a twinkle in his Daddy's eye as they say but you can see Sassy and their big brother Harley-David.

Alan and I were clearing out our wardrobe this week and you know I have the full outfit - dress, hat, flowers, shoes and all still in there. Not that I could get anywhere near getting in the dress but hat, shoes and rose - maybe I can find my something old quite easily. Surprisingly couldn't find the something blue - now where did that garter go ......

Ohh and PS I have Sarah's dress, umberella and Harley-David's bowtie and cumberbund too! Nope not a horder as Sassy would say - just sentimental

on the move Gently!

After a trip to the physio who was really pleased with the progress made with my back over the weekend he suggested that it maybe help me to feel better if I went out and got some fresh air. After nearly 2 weeks more or less confined to the house (and the sofa for the bulk of that) Alan and I didn't need telling twice. When ever I need to blow away cobwebs we head to the beach - sea air is so good for you :o)

We only stayed 30 mins (didn't want to do any damage or over do it) and then came home. It was so wonderful to be out in the fresh air even if it was cold. Course when I got back I had to lie down but it was worth it.

While I was taking photos of Alan on Sunderland Beach my friend Jud in the States was taking photos from his back door of NASA shuttles taking off - check out the fab photos at : http://iJud.blogspot.com

still

I boy I hate being still and not being able to do things!! My back is still not right and when I try to do anything even for the shortest time it results in me heading back to the sofa and taking another nap!! I want to be doing things I am not a person for sitting, or lying without at least 3 things on the go at once.

It was my Mum's birthday yesterday so my brother, his family and I headed over to spend some time with her and give her her pressie from all of us. I was sitting on her chair just chatting but after a couple of hours I had to come home.

I really don't want to be off work again the new procedure on sick leave gives very little margin before they take action and even with the extra time I have because of my disability I would be dangerously close if I have to take another week but if its not right its not right!

So this is a very moaning blog hopefully this will get it out of the system and I will feel better tomorrow and things will look brighter

best laid plans of 'Mouse' and Men

or alternatively - OUCH!!!

For some reason my back has decided to play up (WHY NOW!!) and I am on a constant drip of painkillers. Today I saw both the physio, who promised me I would curse him over the weekend and the doctor who topped up the painkiller drip and signed me off for the week.

Being home is good cos basically all I can do for 95% of the day is lie flat on the sofa and bed. I am so fustrated I have read a dozen books in 3 day! and I am bored! I try to check email at least once heck otherwise I would go completetly stir crazy otherwise but sitting is not a good option. Sassy even lent me her mobile phone so I could sign in lying flat on the sofa

Seriously the pain is awful and I can't get comfortable. Fingers crossed that by the time I have cursed David my physio all weekend and I see him Monday that things have improved!

Vow renewal Logo.............

Not sure if I mentioned this before but anyways Alan and I are trying desperately to organise a Vow Renewal in September on our 20th Wedding Anniversary in Orlando Florida. The Economy this year is definately trying to put a kiboosh on it. As firstly it means no bonus from work (in the region of £1,800) and also the dollar has sunk from $2 to the £1 (when we first thought it might be a good idea!) to $1.35 to the £1. As you can see a HUGE difference. So our plans to rent a room at Animal Kingdom Lodge went down the pan and we are trying to organise to hold it at Give Kids The World Village but being so far away it is difficult not like you can take a planning trip.

But in the meanwhile I am still trying to work on what to wear and to decide on a theme and favours for our guests. After tossing about all sorts of different things finally came up with the one here. Its easy to work with and reflects love marriage and disney!

The first picture is on the cover of my planning scrapbook/ideas book.

Now for the Guest favours. I had planned on all things wild animals even so far as getting my friend Carol in FL to pop to her local Joannes and buying up lots of papers in the animal theme while they were only 6 sheets for a $ but the change of venue means that they are to be stored for a later project. Working on the "do it beautifully but cheaply" theory I remembered that my DSIL had given me a roll of "Cinderella" blue fabric. So after finally getting the logo I started working on the gifts - so for a sneak teaser see below. No I am not saying what it will be just that I have finally started stitching. One down, and with only 6 months till I have to be done, loads to go :O)

Having a free weekend the girls and I got together to have a crop. For the 1st time I taught a proper class with kits I had put together. I have done techniques with them but this is the first time we worked on a set item. With it being February we did a valentine mini book with reds and pinks. We had great fun. Took them about 5 hours to complete - Beth's didn't quite get finished but we had a lovely time working together.

As we were free this weekend all the girls came over for a scrap class at my home. Although I have showed them things to do before it was the 1st time I had run a 'class' and put them full kits together. We had a great time making valentine mini-books.

Christmas hats

Ok so its late to be putting this up but my friend was kind enough to take a picture of the hats that I make to raise funds for Give Kids The World in Orlando Florida. A very special place that provides accomodation for children with life threatening illnesses from all over the world who have been granted a wish to see Mickey Mouse. Its a lovely picture and and I could think of no better place to pop it.

found vide facebook

Yesterday I had a message in my in-box a friend request from a Paul Hes. Since I have been getting a number of these as I make friends with the guys and gals from Themouseforless yahoo group some I have never really met I didn't give it much thought. So I went over to facebook to tick a box and boy the photo was a blast from the past! I had been 'found' by the god-father to my two eldest kids who moved to Australia many moons ago and we hadn't spoken to each other in just as long.

It has been fun catching up and seeing that neither he nor his wife Moya have changed very much at all - must be all that lovely sun.

So despite the fustrations of facebook and dial up it is definately worth perservering when things like that happen to brighten your day.

As I left the camera at my Mums yesterday no pictures.

I was supposed to be doing housework (and I am doing little bits) but the pull of scrapbooking was to much. So bang goes my NY resolution to do one project at a time! I have at least 3 on my table top. I am finishing off 14 copies of the same page for a Disney ABC swap for my group scrappiestdisneyswapping@yahoogroups.com, I am adding little bits the the journal I kept in Lanzarote and also started on my January page in my year book. Ohh well hopefully by this evening each will be done and the table tided.

Scrapping is fun!

Volcanoes

Lanzarote is a volcanic island and going here allowed us to actually see Lava and the natural elements that it can produce. It is difficult to describe unless you are actually there but the force of nature is a wonderful thing. I couldn't believe the different types of landscape which is produced from different volcanoes. We also got a chance at the national park to feel the heat close up. One volcano, although dormant still gives off a lot of heat! A restaurant at the top cooks the meat on an open grill, bit like a barbeque but the heat is totally natural.

ohh and yes Alan and I did ride a camel

White Tigers Swimming

On the last friday of our trip we took the free bus to the Rancho Texas Park. The park is building up slowly but John, Anne and Sarah all agreed that it was worth a visit so off we set. It is quite organised in that the shows run one after the other and it is quite easy to move from one to the other. There is also a break time built in so that you can check out the other animals.

The first show was Birds of Prey. The set up on this was great and the birds flew from both sides directly across the audiences head.

After that we went to see a lasso show ok so it was corny but enjoyable. Then we worked our way around the park to Alan's favourite part - the tigers not only that WHITE TIGERS. We managed to catch them a couple times and the second time one of them was swimming. Alan was enthralled - well we all were and I got some video footage and some great pictures.

We also saw a parrot show and a sealion show.

Harley-David McAndrew 4.7.1983-21.1.2004

Yesterday was all about remembering our eldest son who died on that date. It really was hard to believe that it 5 years now. The pain is as strong now as it was on that day. Losing a child is sooo hard and seems to be getting harder each year and not easier.
His daughter Beth is at the age now where she is realising she doesn't have her Daddy and before Christmas it was difficult for her and we had tears on a couple of occasions. He wrote before he died that he loved her but felt he couldn't be the Daddy she needed. I, on the otherhand, know he could have. He was so wonderful with his siblings when they were young and Beth could only have benefited from that. I can only be thankful that he chose such a brilliant Mum for Beth who is happy to share her with us.

Harley-David we all love you.

Happy Holiday

As I got a few moments on the internet time to post a blog. We have had a wonderful time and I can`t belive our time is nearly over. The wedding was fabulous and has made me very excited to start planning our renewal for later in the year. This island is such a great place to visit. I have been enthralled with all the volcanoes and the lava and all the natural things it produces. Once we get home and I can post pictures i know you are all going to want to say enough!

Monday will be the time to check back for the pictures and the reports

See you soon

Happy New Year

all the best wishes for a happy and prosperous 2009.

Now is the time to make those New Years Resolutions for me to keep up the blogging and maybe just maybe to try to be tidier (mm that one might just not last very long!)

Wendy

All (well nearly all) the cousins

back row Kirsty (18), Andrew (19), Lisa (18), Kyle (19), Robert (K BF)

Doms (17), Beth (5), Sarah-Jayne (22), Kayne (1), Robert (18), Ethan (16)

Todays prompt on JYC was - Once a Year - what thing is a once a year treat at Christmas - well I have a slight slant on that - while I haven't done the page yet I will be doing it around that fact that once a year at Christmas time all of my neices and nephews come together at my Mums Christmas party. Cos I am their Aunt and they do as they are told for me! I am able to persuade kids who would not normally have a photo taken to sit there and do it even though there parents told me I had no chance - HUH!!

So for my page I will be using an old photo and the one taken today. Course there is one missing the eldest Harley-David (25) but I am sure he was there with us in our thoughts and his Daughter Beth proudly took his place. The youngest nephew Beau at only 4 weeks old was taking a nap and his Mum didn't want to disturb him so I didn't 'make' him do as he was told LOL. I also managed to grab Robert who is my best friend's son and has joined us at this party from the age of 3 so is classed as an honourary nephew by all. My nephew Andrew also brought his new fiance Lisa and a new edition was Kirsty's boyfriend also called Robert.

Of course I have left a space for a wonderful picture of 3 rather full stockings after Santa had been.

The Journalling is

The story of the Stocking.

Harley-David was the first to get a stocking. He was bought one of those huge stockings with his name on it. When Sarah-Jayne came along you could no longer get them so I made hers. The same followed with Dominic and then of course Beth had to have one too. Santa drops a pressie in it on Christmas Eve morning then of course he filles them on Christmas Eve when he does his rounds. They hold about 20 small gifts & they are opened on our bed very early in the morning on Christmas day

Once I get the picture of Christmas Eve below printed I will add it to the yellow side. The journalling reads:

"Because our Christmas Day is shared by so many when the children became old enough to buy us presents we started the tradition of having our private time on the afternoon of Christmas Eve to open personal gifts. This still continues and we love this hour in the madness that is Christmas."

Below this is the Quote from Clement c Moore: twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring-not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

Boxing day: A day to have a lie in. After that long day that is Christmas day there is no alarm and no hurry. We sleep till we get up and then we head for Martin's for a buffet and a lovely afternoon of chat, playing games and spending time with the younger children when they can just play.

With the prompt being sleep I maybe should have waited to do yesterdays LOL

Journalling: Christmas sure plays havoc with sleeping patterns. I am sure that leading up to the big day I live on nervous energy as preparations often go on late at night. A typical Christmas Eve means we finally sleep at about 2AM. negotiations mean we might sleep till 7am! Once the big day is over we look for opportunities to lie in or catch 40 winks when we can. This year I managed 90 mins on christmas day! not like me.

christmas pictures

Christmas Eve in the Hayton household :O) We lock the door and have an hour to open or personal pressies to each other.


christmas lunch
















The newest nephews and Beth our Grandaughter all in their new pyjamas and dressing gowns having a hug with Mammar/Great Mammar

catching up

Ok its Christmas Eve and yes I should have more important things to do but I feel like relaxing so here I am adding pictures.

21st - obviously is still awaiting the picture but the journalling states : mmmmm... me thinks we need less scrapping or at least tidier scrapping and more christmas cleaning up.

PS the picture is my dining room table covered in scrapping bits which incidnetly is exactly the same now as it was then oppsss

20th : the prompt was about the unexpected which I slightly twisted to cover the post I have been receiving. The journalling reads:

Postman's been and in among the usual bills and circulars some wonderful cards from friends. Both far and wide with cards arriving from Australia, the US and of course from England! I did use postage stamps with some US ones and a lovely one from Australia. The LH page is actually a card I was sent which I popped in cos I really loved it.

18th Food Glorious Food - while I still have the toothache I did catch up with this page.

The journalling reads Christmas is definately all about food. From chocolate on the advent calender to the tins of sweets you have to get. There is chocolate in the stockings and maybe a selection box if you have been good from Santa. There's special meals out and buffets at work. A christmas dinner with all the trimmings and christmas cakes and christmas puds. There's mince pies and corned beef ones too. Christmas is definately..................Food Glorious Food.

The picture is a hamper that our daughter bought my husband. She spent the time buying items that she just knew he would need to cater lunch with and some that he just loves like chocolate brazils.

22nd - prompt another to do list:

Still to Do: - no matter how much work y ou do in advance no matter how many jos you do - you can never be ready you always have one more

to do list

On the other side are three tags - Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with a list of to do's on it. So I wrote it monday and its gone a little bit awry as I haven't been too well - darned tooth! But with Alan at home today and help from my parents yesterday i am sure we will catch up - but if we don't I am sure that a little untidyness or one less thing to eat will not spoil our christmas!

And no I haven't done the 23rd which was all about stockings not 24th which is about what you do on Christmas eve. But I will catch up - after all Santa is sure to bring me some scrapping things isn't he?????

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone

Two more pages finished tonight. I seem to have done 17 and 19 - 18 was about food but a trip to the dentist to deal with a infection sort of put me off food!

19 - a letter to santa was the prompt. Again I decided to get the rest of the family involved so I made a title and 5 little envelopes (hope they don't want tooo much for christmas ) and I will give them a tag to write their letter on.

17 - was the perfect present. As you can see I found an excuse to use all the alphabet dies I had. I must admit I scrap lifted it from someone else but I loved it!

And as the journaling says - Yes that is a cow. Sassy loves all things cow and has a huge collection from crockery through cuddlies to even cow pattern bags and cushions etc. Mad child.

Hope fully the tooth will improve tomorrow and I will get two more pages done.

Preparing to surprise Beth on Christmas

We are finally letting Beth know on Christmas Day that we are taking her back to WDW, Orlando in September for a visit. Although she is a annual passholder to Disneyland Paris and goes a couple times a year she hasn't been to Orlando since she was 2. She often says when I am 6, 7 or 8 will you take me back to Walt Disney World (which by the way according to her is in Orlando but that isn't in America apparently LOL). So we are doing just that - she will be 6 when we go. Alan says its too far away but it will be 6 weeks after her birthday so I am sure she will understand.



I wondered and wondered how to do it - we needed something to wrap - something visable and finally it clicked - heck I don't have an artist for a daughter for nothing!



So Sassy took 2 hours out of her Sunday to paint a canvas for me - and I think you might agree with me (depending on the quality of the photo) its not so bad at all!!!!