Pumpkin Patch

Stash Selling Part 2

2009-02-20T09:19:00.018Z

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Stash Selling

2009-02-14T12:36:00.004Z

The following are all for sale at UK Scrappers.

A Challenge!

2009-01-17T13:09:00.003Z

First time that I have participated in a challenge but it was just perfect for this picture. Used October Afternoon paper, Scenic Route chipboard buttons, Studio Calico stamps and hand stitching.

Lily Grace

2008-09-30T17:43:00.002+01:00

Lily Grace Hamblin was born at 10.21pm on Tuesday 23rd September weighing 6lb 10oz.

Welcome to the world little one.

21st September

2008-09-22T10:18:00.004+01:00

The big day today - due day. Unsurprisingly Pumpkin did not make his/her appearance although I was not really expecting it. I think today's lesson for Shimelle's class is that babies have their own timetables. So today was a day of sport with two football matches, the Ryder Cup and NFL to watch. Even though I don't really like golf it's fun to watch it with James.

20th September

2008-09-21T10:04:00.003+01:00

Same old routine. Meals, sleeps, walks and crafts. Always pleasant but feeling a little restless. Decided to stop reading the preganancy forums. Sick of reading about people who are 38 weeks pregnant and have already had their babies. Still can't believe that I will actually have a baby in the next two weeks. Washed some second hand nappies that I bought and they dried beautifully in the sunshine. Enjoyed a walk with James (plus a flake ice-cream as I have to keep my energy up). Strictly Come Dancing also started again. There is nothing like a little bit of glitz for a Saturday night.

19th September

2008-09-20T09:38:00.002+01:00

Beautiful weather today. Sunny but not too hot. One of the worst symptoms of late pregnancy has not been the acid indigestion or the back ache but the stretch marks that have developed recently. They are so itchy and inflammed. I have to remember to put copious of cream on them otherwise they are unbearable. Still I think that in a few weeks I will look back at this discomfort at being minimal! I am making progress with Shimelle's class now that my materials have arrived and hope to post my work tomorrow. Today I learnt that although I hate cleaning the end result is worth it.

18th September

2008-09-19T09:36:00.003+01:00

Made massive amounts of granola today. This combined with all the bread and meals that I have in the freezer should mean that we should be able to survive at least a few days once Pumpkin arrives. However, at the rate James can eat granola I'm not entirely sure that it will last. I also washed the special toy that James has bought for Pumpkin. That has been one of the most special things about this whole pregnancy - his excitment and love for the baby. Both me and the baby are very lucky to have him.

17th September

2008-09-18T09:22:00.004+01:00

Final visit to the Midwives today. Everything seems okay although Pumpkin doesn't appear ready for his/her exit anytime soon. The Midwife seemed a little concerned that the heartbeat was a little fast but it did settle down. However, I was quite worried so I have kept up my kick chart just to reassure myself. I am booked in for a sweep on Sat 27th if Pumpkin hasn't arrived by then which I am sure sounds like more fun than it really is. However, all this extra time waiting for Pumpkin has allowed me to finish some more pages thanks to all the wonderful inspiration at Studio Calico.

16th September

2008-09-17T09:22:00.003+01:00

Another day spent crafting and watching TV with the obligatory walk. No symptoms of imminent labour. Managed to get some great photos from the garden and the cutest little jacket that Mum made. I almost hope that Pumpkin is a girl otherwise the jacket probably won't be worn - at least for this one. Also James took some pictures of me as even he cannot deny that I am not the size of a small elephant right now - as a disclaimer I would like to say that I think that the top exaggerates my shape.

15th September

2008-09-16T08:38:00.003+01:00

Got to spend another day crafting. Really enjoyable but looking forward to Pumpkin's arrival. I can't believe that the rose bush has decided to flower again. There has been nothing there since July. It must be the warmer weather that we have had recently. Also Monday night means my favourite meal - vegetable pasta - Yum!

14 September

2008-09-15T08:54:00.003+01:00

Got to sit down for most of the day with my new kit and my new book. I didn't create amazing layouts but I had lots of fun. I also watched the mighty Green Bay destroy Detriot 48-25 thanks to some timely interceptions which were returned for tounchdowns. Brett who?

13th September

2008-09-14T09:24:00.004+01:00

Finished my first bottle of Raspberry Leaf tablets which are supposed to make the second stage of labour quicker. Hopefully I won't need too many of the second bottle! Also watch the Man United Liverpool match. James was convinced that we would lose but we actually won 2-1. Finally we went for a walk along the Mill Lane as it might be the last weekend alone. Here's hoping.

12th September

2008-09-13T13:45:00.003+01:00

I'm not the most patient person at waiting for events or things that I want. I normally plan to save up for things but cave in and buy them first and save the money later (at least 1/3 of my new camera falls into this catergory). So this late stage of pregnancy is a challenge for me. I think that part of it is the fact that I am so excited to meet this little person and the fact that I have to return to work on April 20th so every day that passes means one less day with him/ her. Fortunately my Mum and Dad came to visit today which cheered me up and gave me something else to do. Thankyou!

11th September

2008-09-13T13:33:00.003+01:00

Finally the nursery is finished. Now all we need is a little pumpkin to live there, hopefully within the next ten days because I'm getting far too impatient and excited to meet him/ her. Enjoy the copious amounts of pictures!

10th September

2008-09-11T09:44:00.003+01:00

Another day passes. I am enjoying the time to craft and watch what I want on the TV but I still know that I am waiting for something better to happen. Today my new book finally arrived which filled up some of the time. We also got our weekly delivery of fruit and vegetables from Riverford. It all looks delicious.

9th September

2008-09-10T09:05:00.004+01:00

Finding myself falling into a little bit of a routine whilst James is gone. I normally go back to bed after he has left. Use the computer for a little while to check my emails. Do some crafts and watch "Without a Trace". Check my prompt for Shimelle's class and check James' email. Wait for his call at 12pm. Eat my lunch (apple, cheese, bread, raisins and milk - I used to hate milk!). Watch two episodes of Desperates Housewives. Do some chores. Watch two episodes of "Bringing Home Baby" as research. Watch Frost and have a cup of tea when James gets home from work. It's all very pleasant but I can't wait for Pumpkin to get here. I have a feeling that Pumpkin might be late so this could be my routine for a few more weeks yet.

8th September

2008-09-09T09:10:00.003+01:00

Today's exciting trip involved visiting the new Tescos in Cullompton. I was able to quickly snap a quick photo - people must think that I am mad, but I was able to purchase the ingrediants needed to made some mars bars cakes - which I think need a little more practise! I was also able to snap a few pictures of the Mill Lane.

7th September

2008-09-08T09:56:00.003+01:00

Cooked (well James did) lunch for Pat and Tim. Bought a dessert for the first time that I can remember which wasn't ice-cream. Spent part of the evening trying to photograph the moon. I kid you not when I say that I deleted 17 pictures that were fuzzy or just appalling. Need to keep working how to use the new camera. Made my first Christmas card. Not sure how much time I will have over the next few weeks.

6th September

2008-09-07T09:06:00.002+01:00

Quiet day today. Feeling really restless and wanting something to happen, even though I know that I am probably at least two weeks away from meeting pumpkin, and if it takes after it's father probably a lot longer. It's a bit like waiting for Christmas bit not really knowing what day Christmas will be. Favourite dinner tonight - Chinese Vegetables and brown rice. Yum!

5th September

2008-09-06T08:51:00.003+01:00

Boy did it rain today. Torrential heavy rain that went on all morning. In my constant quest to improve my photography skills I tried to take some photos, some better than others. I need to work on understanding how to alter the shutter speed without under/over exposing the picture. We also got the new sink fitted which is far nicer than the old one, although in comparision looks big enough to bathe a baby in.

4th September

2008-09-05T11:52:00.003+01:00

Another normal day, bought some milk, went for a walk and had a nap. Watched some pre-recorded Desperate Housewives and Who do you think you are. Just general things. And then as I was on my walk I saw this amazing grass head which I managed to photograph. I must make time to savour the little things.

3rd September

2008-09-04T07:50:00.004+01:00

Today was James' first day back at work. The house felt very empty once he had gone - after 6 weeks I was used to having him around and missed him. However, I filled up the day doing little chores and waiting for him to come home. Can't wait for Pumpkin to arrive now - I'm sure that I won't be bored then!

2nd September

2008-09-03T07:57:00.003+01:00

This morning was beautiful, so I went outside to practise taking a few more photographs of my back garden.

The problem with being so heavily pregnant is that my opportunities for taking photos are limited to things around the house and I think that James is getting a little bored of being my model. Hopefully I will have a new model soon!

1st September

2008-09-02T08:04:00.006+01:00

Today was James' last day off work - it's amazing how quickly 6 weeks have gone by. We had a perfect day washing baby clothes, going for a little walk at Knightshaynes and having hot chocolate and cakes in the tea shop. Probably our last little trip out before Pumpkin arrives.

These are also some of the layouts I have completed lately having been inspired by the very talented ladies at Studio Calico

31st August

2008-09-01T19:40:00.001+01:00

Weekend breakfast - poached eggs on marmite on toast, tea, juice, and bread and jam. It marks the weekend out as different from the week and is something to really look forward to, savour and enjoy.

30th August

2008-08-31T15:21:00.003+01:00

These are the wonderful sunflowers that James bought me. Sunflowers are probably my favourite flowers so I was thrilled to get these because they are so cheerful looking. Lucky me.

29th August

2008-08-30T10:24:00.003+01:00

After fears that Pumpkin will get sick from the toxic area that it our washing machine I have spent today giving it a thorough clean and running copious amounts of soda crystals through it on it's hottest setting. Having had the machine for five years and never having done a service wash before this has been a surprise to both of us. Fortunately we seem to be making some progress although I will need to rewash all the clothes I had already washed and will probably leave it a few days before I wash anymore of Pumpkin's things. These are my before and after photos. I feel strangely proud of myself, perhaps I am beginning to get the nesting instinct - James didn't believe that it would ever happen!

28th August

2008-08-30T10:22:00.002+01:00

Today was kit club day. The new Studio Calico kit was revealed. No add-ons were purchased (except extra kraft cardstock) and I just have to count down the days until it arrives.

27th August

2008-08-28T07:01:00.003+01:00

Today we put the chair together. I have lusted after a chair like this since I saw them in multiple episodes of "Bringing Home Baby". It's is so comfortable and relaxing I think that I will have trouble staying awake whilst nursing Pumpkin. I also had a midwives appointment and my blood pressure was only 90/68 Yeah! Most importantly of all Pat's scan showed that the cancer has gone. Celebrations all round.

26th August

2008-08-27T09:23:00.003+01:00

Today was the last parentcraft class. The subject was feeding, mainly breastfeeding. Although there were lots of opportunities to ask questions I didn't really have any, although I am sure that I will have lots once Pumpkin is here! I plan on going to the Breastfeeding Cafe once Pumpkin arrives as I think that it will be good for me to get out of the house and to meet other mothers as I don't have any friends with babies.

25th August

2008-08-26T18:53:00.002+01:00

Today I finally packed my bags for the hospital. Not sure why I had been putting this off for so long maybe it made it seem more real. I probably have brought far too much stuff and not enough of somethings but I am now ready to go!

24th August

2008-08-25T09:18:00.003+01:00

Today we had to practise putting the baby seat into the car. Lacking an actual baby we needed a model. We followed the instructions carefully but I'm a little worried that it seems a little loose, but I suppose that the seat belt always has some give in it. We're planning on getting it checked out before Pumpkin actually arrives.

23rd August

2008-08-24T09:12:00.003+01:00

Mum, Dad and Katy came to visit today. They brought the crib with them which is just sitting in the baby's rooom looking really sweet. They also brought some sheets - we are now swimming in sheets as I had bought some as well and another knitted blanket. I showed Mum and Katy the tiny baby vests and babygros that I had bought as the scan seemed to suggest that we were going to have a midget baby!

22nd August

2008-08-23T10:14:00.007+01:00

Today was the final shopping trip to Exeter to purchase the last few things. Mainly clothes for me for the hospital (cheap things from Primark). Although we don't go to Exeter very often it really is a beautiful city.

We also bought Pumpkin two books. Things have obviously changed since our day but we were able to find the "Hungary Caterpillar" we James insisted we buy and a large copy so that Pumpkin could see it and a book board of Peter Rabbit. Although we are not intending to hot-house Pumpkin we thought that it would be nice to have some books there.

We then went for dinner to Pizza Hut which James loves for the free refils of Coke. This will probably be our last supper together and alone so we thought that we should record it!

21st August

2008-08-22T18:08:00.002+01:00

The first day in the diary that I am trying to keep to remember what our lives were like before Pumpkin came along. Today, finally, the bathroom was completed. Although it took a lot longer to lay the boards than I anticipated, I thought that I was going to have to offer the workman dinner, the finished room looks surprisingly good, almost as though it had been planned to look that way rather than just see what we could find! We are pleased with the finished result although you do have to shut the door firmly otherwise it springs open!

Walking!

2008-08-20T08:23:00.003+01:00

As part of my attempt to make my labour as easy as possible (!) I am trying to ensure that I get some daily exercise. Exercise is not my favourite thing but I am quite enjoying my walks and will try to keep them up once Pumpkin arrives. Yesterday we went along the Mill Stream. We hadn't been there for months and you can see the impact that Tescos is having. Unsurprisingly it was raining or at least threatening to rain, but I was able to snap a few pictures.

Tomorrow there is only one month left until Pumpkin arrives so I am going to try to complete a mini album using my Studio Calico kit about what our live was like before Pumpkin was here. I'm sure that in a few months I will look back on our pre-Pumpkin life as a bit of a dream!

New Camera!

2008-08-17T08:34:00.007+01:00

I finally caved and bought myself a new camera. It's not a D40 as I decided that it was probably going to be too complicated and work out very expensive. Instead I bought a Panasonic lumix dmc fz18 which arrived yesterday and I love it. These are a few of the pictures that I took this morning.

We also had a wedding to go to yesterday. It's not very easy to find something to wear at 35 weeks pregnant without buying something new so I was pleased that I could still just about squeeze (squeeze being the right word) into a dress that I had before I was pregnant.

From the side I look more noticeably pregnant and people did seem a little concerned that I was about to go into labour then and there. Likely me and pumpkin arrived home safe!

Only 5 weeks of me and pumpkin left!

39 Days

2008-08-13T07:10:00.002+01:00

As the ticker shows there are only 39 days to go until Pumpkin is scheduled to make his/her arrival. Progress on the nursery has slowed as we awaited the arrival of the carpet men to measure the room. We are going back to the shop today to book a fitting and then we just have to paint the trim and door and we are done. We decided to pay the extra and get the carpet fitted whilst we were doing everything else. The attic room looks like a bomb site - there is literally stuff everywhere that belongs to Pumpkin or is preparing for Pumpkin's arrival which is just waiting to be unpacked. I am also trying to talk myself out of buying a Nikon d40, my dream camera which I have been researching for about 8 weeks and is currently at a great price on Amazon. I struggle to get the pictures that I want with the Kodak , although this is more to do with my inadequacies rather than the camera so I think that it would be a real extravagance to buy it. It doesn't stop me wanting it though!

Purchases

2008-08-09T08:41:00.002+01:00

For a couple that don't normally spend a lot of money the last few weeks have been crazy. Yesterday we went to the carpet shop to select flooring for the bathroom and possibly the baby's room. We returned home to find that we think that we might need a new fridge-freezer and sink. We figure that if we keep buying new things at least we won't have to replace anything when Pumpkin arrives! We then went to Tescos to buy lots of other things for the baby and the health food shop to buy raspberry leaf capsules as suggested by the midwife. By the time we got home I was exhausted and was ready for a rest!

Nursery

2008-08-06T10:18:00.002+01:00

The nursery is finally taking shape - one more coat on the walls and just the trim and door to do. Although we don't really know what we are doing it doesn't look that bad! I can't wait to get all the furniture in there so we can start unpacking everything we have bought!

First parent craft lesson yesterday which was good. I was a little apprehensive that I would be the youngest, but quite a lot of the women looked younger than me. There was also a knitted uterus to illustrate the stages of birth. I couldn't wait to tell James when I got home as we had laughed over it when we read it in the book.

Early Starts

2008-08-04T07:33:00.004+01:00

Pumpkin does not seem to enjoy staying in bed too late - I don't know if this is a bad sign for the future - however, by 5am s/he he had enough and had started to kick like crazy. I eventually got up and had a shower. The good news is that I was finally able to charge the camera battery so can post the first pictures of "My Freedom" class. I have followed the prompts but not that strictly - I figured that the class was all about freedom! I'm really pleased with the way the pages have turned out as the prompts really made me think. I also realised that I cannot do two page layouts.

Holidays

2008-08-02T16:33:00.007+01:00

And so the weeks go by. Whilst I am on holiday I am always slightly surprised to find that I normally hold down a full time job, I mean, how do I do it? I still get up between 6-7am but somehow the days drift away full of craft activities, watching TV and surfing the internet. The good intentions that I have to take walks, visit local attractions and cook fantastic meals never seem to happen as I don't have enough time - but how can that be when I am not at work! I suppose that at the moment I have a good excuse to basically hibernate in my house (although I ensure that I go for a little walk every day) but it makes me happy and that's what holidays should be about, what you want to do, not what you feel you should do.

On another note I am able to produce masses of craft type stuff. I am currently working on "My Freedom" pages which are complete but the camera battery has ran out again (must buy a new one before Pumpkin is born) so I am waiting for it to charge up. These are the pages I made of my most inspirational/ favourite quotes. Enjoy!

Hospital Appointments

2008-07-30T21:31:00.002+01:00

Today was my 32 week appointment at the hospital and everything was perfect. My blood pressure is low, my urine is normal and most importantly Pumpkin is growing beautifully. I will have to have weekly blood pressure appointments with the Midwives and go back in week 36 but I am thrilled that everything is going so well. The best part was that we got a really detailed look at Pumpkin courtsey of a lovely ultrasound technician. We got to see Pumpkin's hands and feet, his/ hers slightly grumpy face (James is convinced that we will have a grumpy baby) and best of all a few hairs on the baby's head. What a miracle it all is.

Baby Items

2008-07-29T18:34:00.003+01:00

It really is amazing how much stuff one little person needs. Our beautiful gliding chair arrived today and I also received an email telling us that out Mothercare order has dispatched, at least I hope that is what it say as one item is mentioned separately to the rest. If they deliver one item at a time I think that Pumpkin will be here before our order is complete. We just need to find somewhere to store the items until the room is ready. My sister also created this incredible height chart to go in the room. Pumpkin is lucky to have such a talented aunt. The picture is in black and white because it was hot and I really don't look my best - black and white minimises the horror slightly!

Busy Week

2008-07-27T10:42:00.004+01:00

For us this has been a very busy week. We had a lovely visit from friends, went to see family and the bathroom project is finally near completion. All we have to do is have the shower reattached to the wall (3 weeks of baths at 32 weeks pregnant has not been a lot of fun) and choose new flooring. Today we need to order all the items for the baby's room which we need to start redecorating in the next week or so. However, I have been able to complete some pages.

What I want you to know

2008-07-20T07:29:00.016+01:00

Finally finished my mini-book and been able to get some half decent photos. Saw this idea in Simple Scrapbooks a few months back and with Pumpkin's birth only 9 weeks away I thought I would have a go at making my own. The Baby has no decorated room, no cot, no pram, and very few clothes but it is now the proud owner of it's first mini-book!

Busy Week

2008-07-19T07:17:00.003+01:00

This week has been really busy. James has been writing his E3 "stuff" so I have barely been able to see the computer, hence the lack of blogging. I spent the week making cards and scrapbook pages with the kids on Activities Week which was great fun. I also managed to make these two cards myself which I am really pleased with. Very excited as I am off to collect my new apple ipod shuffle in a few hours. I am finally joining the modern human race!

Sunny Sunday!

2008-07-13T20:45:00.004+01:00

Lovely day today. Lunch with an old friend from work. Spent today crafting mainly finishing my mini-book (which needs better pictures) and creating this layout of James. Activities Week this week. Can't wait!

Competitions

2008-07-12T11:51:00.002+01:00

Today I actually entered a competition. You had to post a layout using the Sarahs Cards July kit to win a voucher. I never win anything but I thought that I would give it a go and I really liked this layout I made, even if it is a total scraplift of a Cathy Z layout. Oh to have original ideas like this!

Mail Day

2008-07-09T16:26:00.005+01:00

Today was a good day as I received 3 parcels in the post including my new Studio Calico kit (very excited about this one). In the new spirit of photographing more day to day things I have taken pictures of all my new goodies (I really should get out more)

Day three prompt is about travel and as I'm sure you all enjoyed my epic answers from yesterday I have decided to answer the questions on my blog again.

1. Where were you born

Luton

2. Where have you lived?

Wiltshire, Liverpool, Exeter

3. What travel experiences do you remember from your childhood?

A farming holiday in Yorkshire, Camping in Dorset, Several trips to France and Europe as a teenager.

4. Where do you travel to on a day to day basis?

Work. It takes about 35 minutes. I hate it. The only thing that makes it worthwhile is car sharing with James.

5. For what reasons do you travel

To see family who live away but apart from that as little as possible

6. Do you travel light

Yes because I'm a weed that can't carry much.

7. What modes of transport do you use?

My feet - I like walking places. Car if I have to. I hate boats of any kind and James hates planes. I quite like travelling by train though, especially overnight.

8. What place in the world has left an impression on your soul? How did this happen?

A three part answer!

a) Auschwitz. Visited on a trip round Central Europe simply indescrible.

b) Charles Bridge in Prague. The spot my husband picked to propose to me in a extremely romantic way. I am a very lucky girl.

c) The hills surrounding Pescia in Tuscany which is were we spent our honeymoon.

9. Has there been a time in your travels when you wished that you stayed at home?

To be honest that would be most of the time. Although I am quite a calm and relaxed person travelling stresses me out and I don't really enjoy it. Luckily I married a man who feels the same way.

10. Given any option where would you trvael to right now?

The only place I would really like to visit would be America. I would love to take a train journey through the Rocky Mountains in Autumn to see the leaves. I would like to say that I would hike but really that's not going to happen.

Prompt Two Writing

2008-07-08T18:09:00.002+01:00

Today is day 2 of Shimelle's class and it is about writing, something I like to do and something that I am not that bad at, unlike Maths or Science which I totally suck at. So here it goes

1. What is your earliest clear memory?
Being woken to be told that I had a new sister. I was nearly 5. My mum doesn't think that this really happened but I am sure that it did. Apart from that I remember being bribed with sausages for lunch on my first day at school because I didn't want to leave and come home. I don't remember anything about school but I remember sulking in the park on the way home because I wanted to stay.

2. What three things seem to take most of your time
a) School - not the fun creating lessons stuff but the boring marking and form filling
b) Crafting - I seem to spend an inordinate amount of time producing "stuff"
c) Currently sleeping and feeling very tired and stiff.

3. If you had one day woth no obligations what would you do with the time.
I would have a lovely breakfast with a perfect poached egg, which would be perfect as I wouldn't be trying to do lots of things all at once so the egg wouldn't get overcooked. I would have a lovely parcel in the mail full of new scrapping things. I would go to lunch at my favourite pub with my husband. I would spend the afternoon creating something and watching episodes of Law and Order. I would watch my stomach move as my baby kicked. I would have a pasta dinner and a glass of red wine (something that I haven't had for several months) and watch a good film with my husband.

4. Imagine childhood you at any age that felt as happy and carefree as you can imagine. What would she do with a day of free time?
Probably read - I was a little bit of a geek like that.

5. How much do you rely on a schedule? Do you wear a watch?
I am an obsessive list maker and always had a plan for every day. Although I hate lateness I never wear a watch (driving Year 12 mad as I constantly ask the time) due to my tendency to lose them.

6. What is your favourite time of day?
When I'm not working early morning 6-7am. I get up early even at the weekend and on holidays. The day always seems full of such promise at that time.

7. Is there a day of the week or a time of the year that you find particularly lovely?
As a teacher I love the Summer - all that time off for fun. But I also love September as it was my Gran's birthday (now hopefully my baby's birthday) and it seems like a time for fresh starts and new beginnings in a way that January never feels for me.

8. What hour of the week would you skip given the opportunity?
That's easy Friday 5pm-6pm which is when we clean our house.

9. Think back to a time before the most recent milestone in your life. How was your day different compared to now?
My life hasn't really changed for the last 5 years - same house, same job and same relationship. Even getting married didn't really change my life as I was already so happy. I can't imagine that the change that the arrival of Pumpkin will bring. The little glimpses that I can imagine seem magical.

10. How do you make time for things that are important to you?
Decide what you want and don't get sidetracked by things that you don't need i.e. TV watching endless internet surfing (although I could probably do with taking my own advice here) and unnecessary house cleaning (not something that I could be easily accused of).

The second part is a schedule of my day. I'll have to finish this tomorrow
1am sleep
2am sleep
3am wake for my now nightly bathroom visit
4am sleep waking at 4.50am
5am doze until the alarm goes off at 5.30am then doze a little longer until James finishes in the bath.
6am get into bath (redecoration means that there is no shower yet). Feel a bit like one of those seals you see heaving themselves onto the shore as I am 7 months pregnant when I get out of the bath. Dry hair get dressed and eat breakfast. Nag James to leave the house before 7am
7am Drive to work. Check my emails and surf internet sites.
8am Prepare for briefing. Go to register my tutor group. Explain several times what the concept of silence during the register actually means. Collect a small fortune in pennies for the activity at the end of term. Feel that this is something that we could actually win after coming last at Sports Day.
9am Teach sweet Year 7 class.
10am Free lesson attach a billion files to an email so that I can print them out later.
11am Teach Year 12 who are a little more awake than yesterday. Watch some of Angela's Ashes.
12pm Open email to find that it was too big to send. Fortunately manage to print documents off in another way.
1pm Eat lunch, surf internet. Horrible indigestion courtsey of Pumpkin afterwards.
2pm Teach Year 8 who are making PowerPoints on Martin Luther King which results in high noise levels.
3pm Drive to MIL to collect husband and drive home
4pm Admire new bathroom suite with mixer tap on the sink (a luxury for me and the only thing that I wanted our new bathroom to have)
5pm Cook dinner (courgette risotto) and wash up.
6pm Use internet. Create this massive blog post.
PLANNED
7pm Watch Law and Order. Craft. Eat choc ice and expensive chocolates from France.
8pm Hot chocolate. Find something to watch on TV
9pm Bed (how rock and roll) Read chapter of book on Mary Queen of Scots
10pm Sleep
11pm Sleep
12am Sleep

2008-07-07T18:28:00.003+01:00

Today was a significant day as it was last Monday at "proper" work for 9 1/2 months. The next week and one day are mostly taken up with craft activities (I love my job) and then there is nothing for the next 9 1/2 months - with the little exception of birth sometime in the next 11 weeks.

Today was also significant because I started my new Shimelle class. This weeks themes are travel and time. These are the pictures I have selected/ taken. I think that the stories are tomorrows task.

New pictures

2008-07-06T11:01:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, when it finally stopped raining I was able to snap a few pictures on the camera. I am considering an up-grade for the camera so I wanted to explore what the current camera could do. This was the result when I played around with the camera settings. It all seems quite technical so I'm not sure what to do.

I also made two 12x12 pages, the first for about a year, to prepare for the arrival of my American Crafts albums which I have just ordered. The idea is that because they are 12x12 and use a ring binder I can mix and match different sizes. I'm still not entirely sure about the layouts but at the end of the day it is only paper and pictures right!

2008-07-05T11:29:00.000+01:00

Rainy Saturday Morning today. Finally recovering from my illness and counting the days until Pumpkin is born (11 weeks). So far today I have already prepared the spinning cards for activity week. This is yesterday's creation!

Really looking forward to starting Shimelle's class on Monday - must go and prepare my album!