Monday, December 30, 2013

Its been so long

I haven't blogged in so long.  The children are 13 and 11.  By next summer both will be at high school.  Hubby left his job and we had a rocky few months but the last 15 months he's been employed.  Life has been very different from how it was 3 years ago.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

It's Been a while....

I haven't blogged in such a long time. Things have moved quite far on in my diagnosis of my fibro. My weight has ballooned since taking the meds, but the meds help so much, that it's hard to know what to do in that respect. The kids are doing well as always and D and me seem to be plodding along. We realised we very rarely ask for a babysitter as we seem to manage to make time while the kids are at school.

We had a great family day today. It was nice just to be the 4 of us and we had a great time and no tantrums for once. It makes such a difference. The kids have 5 days off in May so hopefully we'll get time to actually go away somewhere. London and Alton Towers are the top favourites right now.

Another week off school for the kids. Don't know how the work will go after easter. Something to the summer 2/3 days a week would be ideal but will probably never happen.

New resolution is to make more time for my blog again.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Lapland 2009 at OneTrueMedia.com

Our Lapland Trip

Lapland

We went to the Artic Circle in Finland on Sunday and met the real Santa.....

We also Graduated from Elf School, met Mrs Claus in the bakery and passed our Reindeer Driving licences. Montage should be uploaded soon.

David's 40th at OneTrueMedia.com

David's 40th Birthday

Friday, October 30, 2009

Happy Birthday Baby

My boy is 7 today.....

Where has the last 7 years gone??? He had me screaming down labour ward at this moment. He was finally born at lunchtime. Happy Birthday baby boy. Hope you have a great day and a great party.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

October? Already?

We're halfway through October!!!

Tomorrow D and I go away for the weekend alone. We're of to London, we're going to see Dirty Dancing, then chill in the ice bar and probably a trip to the Apple Store and Hamleys.

Been busy working the past 2 weeks but lifestyle management course starts today and I could see it far enough. I am so tired working 3 days a week. I need to reconsider only working 2 days and learning to say no.

On Tuesday I'm taking the children to York for a few days. Am quite excited at the prospect. Will try to update before the schools go back.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Decorating

The hall was decorated about 2 and a half years ago. We'd moved in.... changed the stairs about 3 years after we moved in, then took another 2 years to fully strip the hall and left it another 2 years to decorate and the coffee colour was badly stained. The kids never hang their coats up because the hooks were too high.

So on Wednesday night at 5pm I announced we were repainting. By 6pm we were in B&Q. By 7.30pm the downstairs and the stairs were repainted. D had run out of paint. This morning we got more paint and finished it off. Then bought new coat hooks and have them up with the coats all on there. Our new flooring instead of carpet is in the hall awaiting being laid next week by DH. Just need to goback to B&Q and get paint and varnish to do the woodwork and then I think we may be finished.

Then in 3 weeks we'll paint our bedroom in the morning before we go to London.

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Films....

Have seen a fair amount of films lately.

My Sisters Keeper was very sad but brilliantly done film.
Harry Potter 6 was very good but Murray disturbed me by needing the loo.
G Force was far better than anticipated and I was upset when Murray needed the loo again.
Aliens in The Attic was funny but had Murray sat on my knee.
The Proposal was really good and very funny in parts
The Ugly Truth was very funny and well worth the visit.
The Time Travellers Wife was a lovely tribute to the book and sad in places.
Adventureland was like Walle.. all the funny bits were in the trailer.
Julie and Julia was just fantastic, So funny.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Time flying past

We're nearly in September. So much has happened over the last 10 weeks. Looking forward to a couple only weekend away in October followed by Granny/Mummy and kids trip away. Then we have the boy's 7th Birthday as well as D's 40th and a very special trip for that.

I really need to consider going back to work. Would love to return to something 2 days a week but I think I will be exceptionally lucky if anything does show up.

Off out with the girls tonight. Am quite excited as it feels so long since I've been out and had a good laugh and am so in need of it.

We're back to the grindstone of all the activities. Life never appears to stop.

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Been a While

These summer holidays appear to be flying past. 2 weeks today, those 2 horrors will be back to school.

I don't actually know what we've done. I know we've seen G Force and that the kids had a sleepover at granny's.

The boy is at football this week while the girl is at Drama. Giving me a nice rest. I went to the first rehersal of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Had a lovely time and am having a girly night to the Dress Rehersal at the Castle.

We also have the show from the Girl's Drama. The script is hilarious so can't wait to see it. Apparently already some adlib going on "It's not just food, it's M&S food!" HAHA

Got a lovely surprise at the start of the week, my gran left me some money in her will. Was told it was a small amount so expected £50 as my dad was left £100. But times that £50 by about 55 then we have that amount. So not expected but a lovely surprise.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

High School Musical

We went to see High School Musical. First half was ruined by drunks who were ejected at the interval. Second half was good as we all relaxed and got into it.

It was such a wet night though when we came out. Thankfully David's dad gave us a lift home.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Fruit Picking

On Monday we had a lazy morning before heading to Cupar in Fife to go Fruit Picking and visit the Maze. The maze we gave up when we got fed up after 30 minutes so we headed over to the fruit picking area and got Fresh Strawberries and Raspberries which tasted so divine. Murray liked doing the Strawberries because they were low down and Eilidh helped me with the raspberries which were quite high up. Unfortunately it did start to rain so we headed off. But will be visiting nearby places to pick fruit as they enjoyed it so much.

Holiday Continued

We got up late on Monday morning and had showers then headed to a nearby Morrisons for breakfast before heading to Bournville in Birmingham. There's one reason for going to Bournville.... the big purple sign. Cadbury's. We went to Cadbury World.

I checked in while the others had a wander about. Then I got some free chocolate and our tickets and we headed for the cafe for dairy milk ice cream and hot chocolates. We looked through the maps and headed to the Bournville Experience which tells you how it was all strutcured and came about. Then we played in the playpark while awaiting the essence queue to go down. The essence experience was about how long it took them to make dairy milk. Then we got thick hot melted chocolate. Murray had it plain, Eilidh had wine gums and I had midget gems. (David did have some but I can't remember what). Then we headed back to look at the shop before heading into the actual factory. We got told about how chocolate came about and moving on to Cadbury's opening a tea merchants before expanding to chocolate and their subsequent move to Bournville. We got told about what the different factories are for and had a simulator ride on a factory machine. We had a small ride with the chucklebeans as well as getting to play with chocolate, writing our names in chocolate as well as seeing how they make hollow chocolate for fillings. Lots of things to see and do before ending up in the cadbury's shop.

We then headed to Frankie and Benny's for dinner before heading back to Leicester to pack up for an early start.

We got up early the next morning and headed down the M1 to London towards Legoland. Just after we arrived it started to rain but we managed to get some rides done before the rain stopped play. Ate lunch in the pasta and pizza place. Some stroppy patrons in there. Then onto doing rides between downpours. We ended up leaving early as we were all wet. Headed and checked in at the hotel before heading into Slough for dinner at the Buffet Chinese. Headed back to the hotel and had a drink in the bar before heading to bed for the night after our early start.

Next morning up at a more reasonable time. Headed along to breakfast where we had all the continental offerings and the added bonus of a cooked brekkie. After filling up we left early to get to Legoland again and headed on as many rides as possible that we could get on. Had a late lunch in one of the cafes before heading to the hotel and having dinner in the restaurant.

Thursday was a beautiful Sunny day... typical. We headed into London to spend the day in Hamleys, on the bus and river tours as well as dinner in Rainforest Cafe. Late train home but it was good but busy trip which flew past.

Friday was another train into London. The train and tube was very busy. We headed to the London Eye then to Trafalgar Square before lunching in Covent Garden. After that we headed back to Paddington to get a train back to Slough. For dinner we ate in the bar and had an early night as well as packing.

The drive home took just over 7 hours. It was much easier than expected and was nice to be home and get washing done.

Sunday, July 05, 2009

Holiday

We’re on Holiday. The Children went to school on Thursday and I collected Eilidh after an hour as she had to sit her Flamenco Exam. Murray was collected by a friend while Eilidh got her hair cut.. Then we all met up and we travelled down towards Stafford. We had a good start to the journey but there was a crash on the M6 Northbound and it resulted in our bit being very congested for 2 hours so our journey should have had us there about 5.30pm instead it was closer to 8pm as we stopped at services for some tea. But the delay annoyed me as it meant I missed Eastenders. Like I've not got it recorded on virgin plus or anything??

Friday morning was a beautiful wake up. It had been a hot night so you can imagine our dismay when it started pouring down with rain. We were headed for Alton Towers. The car park was like a huge lake. We were soaked and despite the rain the park was very busy but we managed to ride many rides and David got fast passes for Nemisis and Air. We had lunch at Burger King as we were so wet but it was so cold. I took the children on Charlie and the Chocolate factory ride. That was sooooo cool as you could actually smell chocolate as you entered. Then I watched the children on the driving school and dad met up. By this point the sun had got his hat on and we dried out and stayed until the park closed.

We headed back to Stafford and had a Chinese for dinner at the Chinese opposite the hotel. It was a gorgeous meal and very quiet. Then a drink in the bar before heading to bed.

Early wake up on Saturday morning for our second day at Alton Towers. The sun kept his hat on and it was a good day but we found it to be packed but had a good parking space. We managed to go on the river rapid ride which was fun. But we gave up on the flume ride as it was too busy for us. We left early and went to the wacky warehouse for tea. Few drinks in the bar before bed. Packed up for moving on.

Tried to sleep in but the children didn’t allow it. The hotel must have been booked out as breakfast was a busy affair with people waiting for tables. We then packed up the car and headed to Leicester. My friends live there and their wee girlie is the same age as our boy. We met them at Snipstone Discovery Park close to where we were staying. The discovery park was a colliery but is now a mix between a science centre, a museum and has a lovely big park with various experiences which are so much fun. Before we knew it, time had flown past. It was time to head on to our room in Leicester. Advice was to go to a local pub for dinner. Turned out to be another wacky warehouse. Headed back to the room via costcutter for juice and some food for the room as we didn’t have breakfast available and didn’t really fancy the services next to the hotel.

Cadbury's World and Legoland with London next on the agenda.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

My Gran Harriet 11/12/1927 - 18/06/2009





















Ode to Gran by Amy

A very sad day came
In June 2009.
I had to say Goodbye
To a dear Grandmother of mine.

I try to recall
As often as I can
All the good times that I shared
With my very lovely Gran.

I cared for you deeply
In every way
And I have wonderful memories
Of you taking me on holiday.

You bought me ice cream
And we paddled in the sea.
You were the very best Gran
That there could ever be.

You used to read me stories
Whilst cuddling me close.
Not being able to see you
Is what I will miss most.

You always looked after me
And let me know that you cared.
Even though you were very ill
For your loss, I was not prepared.

Now you're an angel in heaven;
The brightest star in the sky.
You'll be sincerely missed
As the days and years go by.

You were such a special lady
And being your grandaughter makes me proud.
We'll celebrate your marvellous life
And no black will be allowed.

You were dearly loved
More than you ever would have believed.
Sleep tight dearest Gran.
Love Always and Forever, Louise

Friday, May 15, 2009

Been a while

Time is flying past just now. I cannot believe we are already half way through May. Just 6 weeks or so until we'll be in July and the summer holidays. We're holidaying in the UK this year so will hoping for lots of dry days down south.

My fibro hasn't been good and I have been having flare ups. Am now on medication for it all too which knocks me out around 9pm. Means I am very tired but am starting to get used to everyting now.

Despite being windy the weather has been nice. Today however the sun has disappeared and the clouds are over head making it miserable and cold and feeling like it is November not May.

Not much else going on here otherwise.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Quick Week

It's been a quick week. Last Weekend had D at home so it ended up being quite busy. Then Tuesday we met friends at Vogrie and Wednesday was my day. Thursday we chilled and then met mum for lunch and Friday went too quick but we had a pizza hut buffet.

Yesterday we headed out to Fife and had a lovely family day. To be truthful it's the first time in a while we have made the effort to go out and just be together and it's been wonderful. We really feel we all enjoy it and things go good for us. The kids are benefitting from having some family time where we are all chilled and going to new places.

Today we have just chilled and started to redecorate Eilidh's room. We're changing from Vibrant pink to warm Magnolia.

We've done 2 coats on one wall and so far looks good. We're hoping to get the rest done by the end of the week and get Murray's room cleared and paint his from Blue to Spring green.

Eilidh has a new bed coming too. She's getting a double bed which hopefully will allow her to have people to sleep over.

Here's hoping we may get the living area downstairs done at some point.

Back to school tomorrow. Unlikely that I will have work but hope to get some stuff done round the house instead. We'll see how we get on.

The weather has been glorious as well. Got the grass cut and the kids could have played out but Eilidh's been grumpy while Murray has been pottering. Roll on tomorrow.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Run Down

Came home from work last week with a banging headache. Nothing would shift it and 2 days later I woke up with a high temperature, sore throat, dry mouth and generally feeling dreadful. Turned out I had a throat infection. The antibiotics kicked in after around 24 hours but the headache continued and after a a call to NHS24, I was taken by ambulance to the A&E department.

The place was heaving as they have an ambulance section and the walk in section. Both sides were busy. 3 of the 17 bays were taken up by drunks who kept leaving the bays, being abusive then throwing up everywhere. 2 old ladies were left in the corridor on trolleys while these 3 men staggered about being pains in the rears. I got a bay after an hour of waiting, only to be stuck next to the 14 year old who'd drank bleach cos her mum took her TV out her room for skiving school. I then had to listen to her wailing "But no one loves me!" While her mum and brother read her the riot act about her behaviour. By the time I was being seen by a doctor around 2 hours into me arriving, she was running about the department and giggling with her younger brother. I do take my hat off to mum as she never once shouted. She kept her calm the whole time.

After being examined by 2 doctors they both agreed it was the muscles in my neck caused by the fibro. Sent home after 3 hours with no pain relief and told to get on with it.

On Friday things got worse and I was in a lot of pain. So phoned around the osteopaths and managed to get an appointment for Monday.

Saturday, things were starting to improve. My mum took the kids over night and then we went out for chinese with D's mum and dad. The amusement at me getting spare ribs as my main course caused some laughter but they were so good. Went home for a nice sleep.

At 7.30am the phone rang. It was my mum. My great uncle had suffered a stroke and she needed to go to the hospital. So I ended up looking after 4 kids all day. We did a BBQ for tea as it was easier than trying to cook something else with all the fussiness.

Monday was a lazy day before my Osteopath appointment. We went to my mums and I walked down the road. Then had 45 minutes of shock and things easing up. I walked up the road turning my neck from side to side.

Tuesday was a lazy morning and D coming home poorly as he had come down with a cold. Managed to take the kids to Saughton Park for 3 hours. Was shattered after that.

Wednesday MIL took the kids and I had a chill out.

Thursday was a lazy day until I went back to the Osteopath. Then we went out for dinner.

Today we had friends round and then Maccy D's for lunch before snoozing all afternoon.

We should have been going to Inverness for the weekend but we're now at home but have a few things planned. Should be good.

Happy Easter to you all.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Stuff

Hurt my back 3 weeks ago. It sorted itself out when I was in Dublin but was agony by the next morning again. Got physio for it tomorrow.

Work has been busy this month. I've only done one job for the office. The rest of the time has been the original job and one other school needing me. Am hoping to go back to the job from the office as I had a lovely time there and really liked the staff.

Eilidh sat level C Reading and passed no bother. We're really proud of her. She's done so well. Murray is just Murray and is happily enjoying most things.

Hoping to finish up at work for the holidays on Tuesday but we will see. We've booked Easter Weekend in Inverness. We're very excited by it and can't wait to head up there.

Otherwise none of us can believe we are at the end of March already. Where has the 1st quater of the year gone? Before we know it, we'll be at the summer holidays.