Mourning the loss of a friend

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:


Knowing when to come in out of the rain; why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents Truth and Trust, by his wife Discretion his daughter, Responsibility, and his son Reason.


He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;


I Know My Rights.


I Want It Now .


Someone Else Is To Blame .

Not even in to January yet

We're not into January yet and I am considering Eilidh's birthday already. She's having a day out to the science centre on her actual birthday and a birthday tea the night before. With the issues with bullying this year at school, I'm not keen on doing a big party. Keep it in the family and make it easier for us all.

She's loving her ipod and Muzz has asked if he can have a blue nando. Think he would really like a nano.

I've cheekily ordered an ipod touch. Ended up ordering from amazon and paying for next day delivery. Am very excited. Can't wait for tomorrow.

Schools hols are going too fast. This time next week I will be looking at going back to work. No idea where I will be or what I will be doing. With all the school closures I think I would be better looking for a new job. I could give up work but I enjoy working and like the extra cash. But what will be will be.

All that Build up and then it's over

Christmas has been a quiet affair here this year. My mum and dad are in Oz (well dubai now) and so it was just the 4 of us and my gran for dinner. We went to a local hotel. It was lovely to have someone else do it for me. We were home by 4.30pm and all 4 of us put our PJ's on and lazed about.

Boxing day was a visit to David's parents.

We were wakened on Christmas Morning by Eilidh at 2.45am as she's misread the clock. Was quite funny but she did go back to sleep and Murray got us up at 7am as we heard him going through to get Eilidh as he didn't want to be the one who had to go downstairs to see if we had had a visitor.

My mum and dad get back on Monday and things will be strange to be back to normal. It will be nice to spend some time with my family over the new year.

Finally on School Holidays

The school holidays have started whoooo. Been a busy few days with a few mishaps. One was that dd tried to warm a pancake and instead of just the 10 seconds she put it in for 10 minutes resulting in a burnt pancake, plate and smoke billowing out.

Then the gale force winds blew the car door on me. I have been to the hospital where I have a badly bruised leg and painkillers. The new A&E department is quite nice.

The TV in our bedroom blew up last night too. Not having a good time haha.

First day of the holidays

I finished my contract last week. Was sort of relieved while sad as I have been exhausted doing 4 days. I won't be doing more than 3 days again. The kids have been so much easier and I've realised it's because we are finally back to normality.

Had a nice morning having a coffee. Then came home for lunch and then on to the shops for a wee while. Picked up the kids and we went to the library and then we went to the shops after tea.

Looking forward to my sort of full but fun week.

Dinner and Show

For David's birthday on Thursday we hit Fabio's for dinner. It was very busy for a Thursday night but they are such a good restaurant that I am not surprised.

Last night we went to see Sunshine on Leith which is based round proclaimers songs. It was a fabulous show with a rousing Walk 500 miles song as the finale.

Today it took us 3 hours to take my gran shopping. It was very hard work.

Kids came home and we've lazed about. It's done us all the world of good. We're about to get Eilidh's soap set out and make some soap with a set she got for her birthday this year. So only taken 10 and a half months.

Happy Birthday David

My hubby is 39 today. Just one year off being over the hill. So Happy Birthday to him.

Sad News

My friend Jennie's mum is with the angels now and I just want to send some cyber hugs to the whole family.

We're starting to get organised.....

It seems like we are the only ones without our Christmas tree up. So tonight, We've changed the tables over and prepared for getting our new unit on Friday to go under the TV now it is on the wall.

Tomorrow we have D out and E is at a brownie trip and so on Wednesday when we get home we'll get the tree down and decorate the tree and the windows. It may make me feel more christmasy.

Got David's pressies wrapped for his birthday on Thursday. It's my gran's birthday on Thursday too so will have to get birthday cakes sorted out for them both. Will have my gran's stuff sorted so that David can drop my mum's stuff off to her and I'll take our stuff up after school.

It's my last week at work. The last 16 weeks have flown past. But am looking forward to having some chill out time and sometime to myself again as I feel like I'm pulling into that black hole again.

Late Night

I was out last night. Cheap night out. paid £5 deposit away back in October and last night only had to fork out £21 for the rest of our meal and the drinks. I didn't drink as I wasn't in the mood. Nice night out though and the food was good. Am so tired now but we got until 8.11am this morning which was nice.

Just need to do some food shopping and get some jelly made for my gran. Otherwise it's a rest and laze for the day.

I'm Sorry

I was very rude on my blog about someone and really hurt their feelings in the last 24 hours. I took a moment of ranting without thinking about the other person and how it may make them feel. I feel terrible for the hurt I have caused them and I want to say publicly that I am sorry and I acted out of character through my own selfishness. I truly am sorry that I did it and even thought those things.

Quote of the Year

"I'm not shouting.... I'm just talking loudly."

I must try this on E and M when they tell me to stop shouting. Usually at 7.30am when we are trying to leave the house.

Anyone on Vodafone? and also some prayers needed

E's on a vodafone PAYG phone for when she goes to a friends house or walking home from school on a Tuesday and I've manged to delete all the text messages on it. Does anyone know how to get your balance on the phone with a special number? That will teach me to muck about with her phone.

*edited as I can't spell vodafone

I've had bad news from my friend Jennie. Her mum's had a cardiac arrest and is on life support.
Unfortunately, the prognosis isn't looking good.

For those who believe, she's asked if we could say a prayer for her mum.

Jennie is one of those wonderful ladies who doesn't have a bad bone in her body. She is very close to her parents and must be devestated.

Where's the snow?

We were told to expect heavy snow in the middle of the week. We seemed to have horrendous ice causing many people to slip and fall and now we have rain. I WANT SNOW. Ok, so I'll moan once it become slushy and frozen over, but all week I've waited for snow instead it's not happened. I want children to experience all the fun we used to have making snowmen in the circle. We used to clear the road by rolling the bottom round the road! Then we used to make the head from the snow on the grass.

One year I remember saving a snowball and my brother in law who was about to marry my sister found it in the freezer about 5 months later got me to throw it at her when she was sunbathing in the back green. In my defence I was 6 and he was 23!

50 pure dead give aways that you are scottish

50 pure dead giveaways that you’re Scottish!
1. Scattered showers with outbreaks of sunshine and a cold northerlywind, is your idea of good weather.
2. The only sausage you like is square.
3. You were forced to do Scottish country dancing every year at highschool.
4. You have a wide knowledge of local words, and know: Numpty is anidiot, Aye is yes, Aye right is No, Auldjin is someone over 40, andBaltic is cold.
5. You have an irrational need to eat anything from the chippy, as longas its deep fried - Haggis, pizza, black pudding, sausage, fish, chickenand battered Mars Bars.
6. You used to love destroying your teeth with - Penny Dainties,Refreshers, Wham Bars, Cola Cubes, and Soor Plooms.
7. You always greet people by talking about the weather.
8. Even if you normally hate the Proclaimers, Runrig, Caledonia , DeaconBlue, Big Country, etc, you still love it when they are played in a clubabroad.
9. You have an enormous feeling of dread when Scotland plays football,even when they’re playing a diddy team.
10. You are proud that Scotland has the highest number of alcohol andsmoking deaths in Europe .
11. You used to watch Glen Michael’s Cartoon Cavalcade on a SundayAfternoon with his lamp Paladdin.
12. You got Oor Wullie and The Broons books Every Christmas.
13. You only enjoy Weir’s Way on the telly, when you are p****d.
14. You are able to recognise the regional dialect,( Glasgow ) ‘Awright pal, gonie gies a wee swatcha yir paper nat, Cheers,magic pal.( Aberdeen ) Fitlike Loon? Furryboots ya bin up tae? Fair few quines inthe night, min.( Inverness ) Ah-eee right enuffff! How’s you keeeepeeeen?
15. You know the police are about to arrive when you hear someone shout‘Errapolis’.
16. You have witnessed a ‘Square Go’
17. You know that when you are asked which School you attended theyreally mean, ‘Are you Catholic or Proddy?’
18. You have eaten the following: Mince and Tatties, Cullen Skink,Tunnock’s Teacakes, Snowballs and Caramel Wafers, Porage, Macaroon Bar,Baxters Soup, Scotch Pie, Oatcakes.
19. A Jakey has ask you for 10p for a cuppa tea.
20. You wait at the shop counter for 1p change.
21. You know that the right response to ‘you dancing?’ is ‘you askin?’followed by ‘am askin’ and finally ‘then am dancin’.
22. You associated sawdust with vomit, coz the ‘jannie’ always, used topour it over sick in school.
23. You lose all respect for a groom who doesn’t wear a kilt.
24. You don’t do shopping, you ‘go for the messages.’
25. You’re on a bus and the drunk picks you to sit next to.
26. You are able to conduct a 20 minute phone call using three wordsonly,– Awright, aye, and naw.
27. When you refuse the offer of a drink, you hear, ‘ You no well?’
28. You have heard the following:
You canny fling pieces oot a 20 storey flat,700 hungry weans’ll testify to that,If its butter, cheese or jelly,If the breed is plain or pan,The odd against it reachin’ earth,Are ninety-nine tae wan.
29. You know that going to a party means bringin a Kerry oot.
30. Your holiday in Benidorm is ruined when you hear there is a heatwaveback home.
31. Scotlandgo 2-0 up against the French, and you immediately think,getting beat 3-2 was ‘no a bad result’.
32. You can pronounce: McConnochie, Ecclefechan, Milngavie, and Kirkcaldy.
33. You’ve eaten deep fried Pizza and liked it.
34. You can’t pass a Kebab shop after being at the pub.
35. You are used to four seasons in one day. (winter, winter, autumn,winter)
36. You can fall when drunk and not spill your drink.
37. You see people wearing shellsuits with Burberry accessories, andthink ‘that’s class’.
38. You measure distance in minutes.
39. You understand Rab C. Nesbitt.
40. You have had a caravan holiday in Saltcoats but spent all of yourtime in ‘the amusements’ because it was p*****g it doon.
41. You can make a whole sentence using only swear words.
42. You know what haggis is made with, but you still enjoy it.
43. You know someone who planned their wedding around the footballfixtures.
44. You have been to a wedding and the football results have beenannounced in church.
45. You are not surprised to find one shop selling ALL of the following:Pizzas, Nappies, Fags, Curries, Milk, Paint, Shoes etc.
46. Your seaside home has Calor gas under it.
47. You know that Irn-Bru is a good hang over cure.
48. You could swear before you could count.
49. You would stick the heid in a terrorist if they tried to bomb yourAirport.
50. You are not only Scottish but Glaswegian when you understand thefollowing- Who’s comin tae Clatty Pat’s? How’s it hingin’, boggin’,clatty, cludgie, bawheid, bawface, bawbag, and double nougat.

Had My Hair Cut

It's been a funny old week

The week started well but on Wednesday I went in to waken Eilidh for going to granny's before school when she burst into tears for no reason. I went to stroke her hair and realised she was boiling hot and she'd drank a whole bottle of water by the time she went to granny's. Turns out she'd picked up the virus which was sweeping the school.

I happened to let SIL know that Eilidh wasn't well as it was their cousin's party on Friday afternoon and next thing I knew she had uninvited both my children as she was fed up of me being difficult. I've had numerous emails since then with numerous digs and now I am ignoring her and have no intention of ever seeing her again. She kicks off over stupid things and it's never her fault, it's always someone else who is rude and obnoxious. She's only related to dh and I through marriage and therefore we have no ties to her at all.

My mum and dad flew to Dubai yesterday but no one quite knows when they are due to arrive in Sydney. I drove them through to Glasgow Airport and managed fine all the way there but got lost coming out the airport and seemed to end up heading futher west. But managed to rectify my mistake and head East again.

My gran phoned me last night to tell me that the night before she'd set her microwave on fire. Got her a new one and showed her how to work it. She also told me not to get her any papers. But she phoned hubby this morning and as she would like papers every day so he's going to get them for her.

I had my hair cut for the first time in 6 months. I wanted a bit of a change but my hairdresser never took the opportunity, but she has asked me if she can have my hair wedding pictures as she's building up her portfolio. So will need to look them out.

That's all for this week so far. But it would be nice to have a good rest.

Eilidh got a haircut

For the first time in the last 5 years Eilidh's had her hair cut short. She was about 3 when she last her hair this length. She's quite chuffed with her long bob. Hairdresser was happy too. My turn on Saturday.

View from the back

View from the front

Kidney Infection

Haven't been about much. But about 10 days ago I thought I may be getting another dose of cystitis. Then it came to nothing, But on Monday it was like I was heavily pregnant and needing to wee constantly. A constant pressure. So I phoned the doctor on Tuesday and got an appointment after a chat with the doc.

A quick check of my urine then an examination of my now very tender kidney's and then deciding to press on my bladder causing a little leak, he diagnosed a kidney infection due to my dizzy and sicky feeling.

Came home and started to rest and took the antibiotics. On Wednesday I went to bed at 3.30pm and got up at 7am the next morning really struggling. Last night felt ok and this morning felt great but over did it at the shops.

At least now I just have to chill and enjoy and only get dh some presents for his birthday and christmas now.

Saturday

Yesterday we took Eilidh to dancing but we had a Cafe Nero first. Then I took Murray to Woolies. Managed to sneak somethings for Christmas Stocking Fillers. Then collected Eilidh and right home for a quick lunch before getting the train into town. David went to the pub and I met my friend Laura.

Laura has a wee girlie Leila. We took the 3 kids to the museum. They had a nice time playing and dressing up and we were able to chat. Then we thought we'd go for a coffee. for 5 drinks and 5 cakes it was £20!!! Was a bit gobsmacked at that. Then we did a wee bit browsing the shops before meeting David and heading to Jimmy Cheungs for a buffet tea. It was a very yummy meal.

Then headed home and hit the Xfactor and the sofa. Wasn't that late to bed but was wakedn at 7.50am by Murray asking if I loved him. Bit annoyed that his lordship is still in bed and hasn't made any attempt to get downstairs. Only a food shop to do today but it's another day closer to Thursday and am truly not looking forward to it.

A Wee Autumn Bloggie Friend Thingy

My friend Gail who I met online in the days we were expecting our second children asked me to share 5 things which I have always wanted to do then pass on to 3 other bloggie friends. So here goes.

1. Having a December birthday I had a few birthdays with the most amazing snow. I would love to spend a birthday in a snowy place with my husband and children. I want to be able to build snowmen, have snowball fights and have a lovely family moment to cherish and then drink milk made hot chocolate round a roaring log fire.

2. I'd like to spend Christmas in Disney. A few of the parents did it every year when I worked in the private nursery and I always wanted to spend Christmas Day in the Magic Kingdom as a child but I think now Epcot would be a marvellous place to spend Christmas Day.

3. I'd love to live in a hot country for a year learning about another culture and having a different insight to life.

4. I'd like to spend sometime with my grandpa. He died in 1988 when I had just turned 10. He died very suddenly but I miss my chats with him and wish I could have an hour with him to find out what he thinks of my children and how my life ended up.

5. I'd like to try and be less materialistic and enjoy just my family without all the money stresses and just be happy without constantly having to think.

Now who to pass it on to? I'm choosing these three people because I would really like to know more about them.

Tracy I met through the Salvation Army. We lost touch when I left the army but thanks to blogs and Facebook we are back in touch.

Thomas is a blog I read. I knew his wife Olwyn from Music School and really enjoyed her blog but sadly she has given up blogging. I enjoy Thomas's snippets about various events in his life or his new gadgets which he has. Its the sort of blog which makes me think about things.

Hester was linked to me by a friend and she has cheered me up with her blog about her lodger and various family members.

Mary Poppins

Last night we went to Mary Poppins at the Edinburgh Playhouse. We bought the tickets away back in January. Hadn't planned to be working on Thursday or have his party then. But things happened. So about 4.30pm we arrived at the bus stop and by 4.45pm we were fed up that when a taxi reversed out of a driveway and stuck it's light on we jumped in.

We headed to Frankie and Benny's for dinner, where service was very slow due to the busy restaurant. Our starters arrived before the drinks did. We'd all finished our main courses and we sat for ages waiting on the table being cleared as I'd spied the puddings and was wanting to order one. Just before they cleared the table an announcement went through the centre "Please prepare to evacuated if required too!" That started both kids off panicking about having to leave in a hurry. But our server said it happened regularly but nothing every came of it. We ordered puddings and with in about 10 seconds the fire alarms went off and the manager told the servers to clear their sections and head to the assembly point. 45 minutes to the show at this point and it was pouring with rain. What amazed me was all the people in Lloyds Bar sitting enjoying their food and watching us all leave. What was that all about. 3 fire engines arrived by the time we got outside.

So we headed to the playhouse and got in early and bought some sweets and popcorn. Then headed for a drink before heading to our seats. We got an end of an aisle and were up and down like yoyo's. But the show started and was just fantastic. Murray fell asleep in the second half but the rest of us loved it. Mary Poppins flying over us too was just fantastic.

It doesn't follow the film but is still very good and closer to the original story in the book. There are a few different songs and Mary Poppins isn't as nice as in the film but at the end of the day still gets the job done. Was well worth the £42.50 per ticket.

We then had to wait ages on a taxi too. But home and in to bed!

Murray is 6

Murray's Birthday

6 years ago tonight

I had just experienced my first contraction. It happened about 7.45pm on the 29th of October. 16 and a half hours later our lil Murray David arrived after around an 8 hour established labour. He was born on the 30th of October 2002 at 12.13pm. His labour was eventful but positive.

So Happy Birthday to our wee boy. He'll be getting Happy Birthday sang at school along with having Spag Bol for lunch. Then he'll go to his tubing party at 4.45pm. He has a cheeky monkey cake and more photo's will follow.

More Pictures

More pictures of our holiday

At the bus stoip while we waited to find Pizza Express

Hamleys




With the very naughty Teddy
Eilidh and David on the Tube
Murray and I on the Tube


Looking bored

Oh a seat before the tube comes
Madame Tussauds here we come
David met his future wife
Eilidh was delighted to meet Mylie


Oh and Troy

Nicholas wasn't too intrested
Alfred wanted our daughter
Eyeing up someone
Tour De France


Oops he needed some help

Olympic Games

Met Mr Virgin
Isn't David short?

We've been to London to Visit the Queen

We're home from our trip to London. Weather was Fab. We went on the Lonon eye at night, To Hamleys, to see The Lion King. To Madame Tussauds to mingle with the stars and the transport museum. Am adding some pictures below

Having Lunch in Covent Garden

At the Transport Museum

Walking in Green Park on the way to see the queen
Oh Something is happening at the palace


We didn't see her so we went to the Candian War Memorial instead

Then had lunch at the Rainforest Cafe. That's us been to 4 locations in the world now.

Then we went on the open top Bus tout



Then it was time to come home. Will add more pictures tomorrow.

10 Years On

On the 17th of October 1998, David and I took vows to bind us together for life. We married on a cold Autumnal Day in Craiglockhart Parish Church. 16 months later our surprise in Eilidh would join us followed 4 years after our wedding by Murray.

This was us as we came out of the church

.

This was our wedding cake as I just had to have it after seeing it in a cake shop window about a year before the wedding.

I also wanted a car like this but in Green but Blue was the best we coulld find.

Yuk our kissing

Us as the sun came out. It rained all morning.

Us with our flower girl and page boy.

We're off to London for the weekend with the kids. WHOOOOOO