Bye Bye 2006!

Well that's another year almost over!

I spotted a blog prompt on UKS last night that really got the old cogs whirring.

Posted by Gallifrey

What are you doing now, or what have you done this year, that a year ago would not have seemed possible?

I sat thinking back over the last 12 months and TBH couldnt quite believe all, that we, as a family have acheived.....J finally settled into a good school and is now reading and writing....Bobs getting straight A's in all subjects at school and winning Footballer of the Year as well as SK8 Champ 2006....Hubs has acheived loads and at 41 has decided that 2007 will see his early retirement from full time work with him concentrating on a couple of other projects....its time for his dreams to come true.

So what about me? What have I done this year that I never thought possible?

I tracked back to Jan 2006 and remembered with sadness how my very dear friend had suddenly decided to pack up her dancing shoes and go party with the angels. Her death really affected me more than I ever acknowledged.

She was the life and soul...the keystone that kept our social calendar so very full...she supported me through my darkest days, held my hand and wiped my tears....she laughed with me and sat by my side as we watched our children grow.

She had such a strong positive mental attitude and her strength and belief often carried me over the bumps in my life.

It is because of her influence that I started to believe in myself a lot more and I can honestly say that 2006 has been my year. I have found this passion to live life to the full....to never fear rejection....to be committed to my goals and dreams because with a little patience dreams do come true.

I feel I have achieved so very much in all areas of my life....possibly more than I should have in such a short time.....which possibly explains why I am so blinkin shattered all the time.

Reflecting over the past year ended up with me reaching for my herma and I created this LO which I have dedicated to my buddie.....

I guess the LO says it all really.....none of the things I ever thought possible 12 months ago.

Another thread on UKS alos caught my eye.....which are your fav LO's.

I guess I have to choose my very first 12x12 LO....it was afterall the one that got me hooked!

and possibly this one simply because it was the LO I created using yummy 3 Bugs papers and is the reason why I was lucky enough to get an honourable mention from Rik and Kris and a DT Guest Spot for 3 Bugs in a Rug.

And finally.....2007....what will that hold for us? Will we reach our dreams and acheive all we have planned....well it wont be from a lack of trying, thats for sure.

We have so many goals and so many things in the pipeline that somethimg has to give....we have spent the last few days really contemplating and priortising our dreams. There simply are not enough hours in the day for us to do it all, so we have decided to close Little Cottage Crafts for the time being.

Im not sad to see it go.....because it hasnt! Its still there....just the shutters are down for a wee while whilst we get to where we want to be.

The plans for the shoppey are all detailed in my mini book of goals for 2007 which is sitting snuggly with the guys books in our 2007 Family Promoises Box.....we dont make Resolutions....they are always so negative....where as promises....well they are never broken.

Have a wonderful evening tonight....be with those you want to be with...and may 2007 be a prosperous year filled with health and happiness.

See you next year...LOL!

Txx

TROLL!

This little cutie is not a Troll! This is William, my baby nephew....how cute is he??? Ohhhh I could just squidge him....shame we live so far away and I dont get to see him:(
( Ummmmm someone is feeling a tad broody - can you tell??? )

Williams Moma is a complete camera addict and sure knows her stuff - unlike me! Im always nagging at her to teach me how to do this and that and last night she gave me a mini tutorial over the phone....I can now burn and dodge my images....yipppppeeeee.....thanks Sis. xx

I bet you all have mountains of Crimbo images waiting to be processed so you can scrap your hearts out.....why not check out Frosts Photo Centre....the service is unbelievably quick, the quality amazing, the staff really friendly and efficient....plus their prices are pretty darn cool too!


Everyone is going Troll crazy! Heres a piccie of mine....I wubs it soooo much.
Check out more funky beads here

I sat and made up a couple of things yesterday.....they just need completing today and then I'll charge up the batteries and take some images to share.

Have a great day all.

Txx

*****Dont forget to leave a message before 2007 kicks in, if you want to be the lucky winner of a 3 Bugs Goodie Bag*****

What was in your stocking?

Santa was really generous this year and my stockings were bursting with the loveliest of pressies.

There were the usual socks, smellies, CD's and DVD's along with some rather slinky grundies!

After spending 17 years together Hubs knows only too well that I like different funky things and he tracked down some really unusual bits for me.

Check out this hat! Its fab and I adore it. The guys think I look a real FunkyMama in it!! I guess everyone who knows me in RL knows how much I love hats and hair accessories.....I received 7 hats in total to add to my every growing collection....a new hat for every day of the week.

Look at these fabtastic slippers....how cool are they??? They are really snuggly and keep my tootsies sooooo warm.

As well as a host of other wonderfully yummie goodies Hubs and the guys bought me the new Craft Robo to replace the one I bought back in the summer and never had time to use! It sat waiting to be played and it just never happened so I sold it on to a buddie and regretted it the minute I did so......My new Robo has been sat in the office for over a month with a Dont You Dare Open This sticker smaked on it....how cruel was that! A scrapper needs to play there and then and not be made to wait for what felt like eternity!

We spent Boxing Day down in the village for the annual Tug O War contest.

Its been tradition in the village since the year dot that the two village pubs each produce a team of Tuggers. The battle takes place at 1pm on Boxing Day and is watched by all the village folk who are encouraged to dig deep in their pockets and donate to a local cause.

Last year my closest friend was the captain of the ladies team and as some of you may remember she passed away rather suddenly just a few days later. This year donations were made in her memory to enable us to finalise the plans for her Memorial Play Garden. We raised over £2k yesterday which now means we have enough in the pot to complete the project :):):)

This morning after having a rather much needed lie in we headed off down to the barn to walk the dogs. Bobs and J received Paint Ball Guns from M, M, M & J for Christmas.....what a hoot they are. The guys love em and have had so much fun....thanks guys for the fab gifts.....they want gas powered ones now!!!!

Hubs and Dylan watching the madness.

Have a great day....whats left of it!

Im off to go play with Mr Robo.....yipppppeeeeeeeee.

Laterz babes.xxx

He's been!

Merry Christmas to one and all.

Have a wonderous day.

Txx

***A little gift from me to you.....leave a message on my blog over the week and J will choose one lucky poster who will receive a 3 Bugs Goodie bag xxxxx***

Just One More Sleep!

The food cupboards are full to bursting with far too many fattening yummies.....the pressies are all wrapped...logs chopped....the house has never looked so tidy....I guess we are ready for Santa to come pay us a visit tonight!

Ive had a fab few days with the guys. We have lunched out with friends and had the most fantastic family time.

Yesterday I helped organise a graffiti session at our local skate park. 20 guys all armed with spray cans! The Bowl sure looks colourful now. This was my effort!

Bobs loves to hang out with his buds down at The Bowl. It really has been the best community project and I am grateful that I had the oppurtunity to be part of the creation of such a fantastic ammenity for the local skaters. The Guys dont know yet but we have great plans to extend and develop the area in 2007, which will also incorporate the building of a BMX park. As BMX bike riding will be a part of the next Olympics there are huge possibilities of funding being made available from the various Sports Councils. How fab would it be if we could nuture the home grown talent we have down here in the South West and see a gold medal make its way home!

I called in to see my godson Tommy yesterday....poor mite was having a "Bad Day". He is so hyped up about Santa calling that he "just cant wait"! Im talking a major strop! Bless.xx

I'll leave you with this snapshot I took of the view from our village.....fog over the sea.

May you all have a wonderful Christmas with your families.

Love and Light always.

Txx

***I just want to say a huge Thankyou to everyone who posted messages here, phoned, emailed and texted to congratulate me......it really means a lot.xxxxx

A little gift from me to you.....leave a message on my blog over the week and J will choose one lucky poster who will receive a 3 Bugs Goodie bag xxxxx***

We Got Bugs!

The guys left me resting to go off and visit Gran in her nursing home and came home with far more than they wanted!
90% of the residents were suffering with a nasty attack of bog n bowl and my poor guys all dropped like flies within 36 hours of their return :( Thankfully all are now fully recovered and looking forward to the weekend.
My best buddie is coming to pay a visit tomorrow with her two wonderful sons. The guys have all been buds since they were toddlers and despite not seeing each other that often, they just pick up where they left off - isnt that what true friendship is all about? No matter how many miles seperate you the bond is always there.
I cant wait to curl up and natter the night away with Michelle. She has been the bestest friend anyone could wish for and has supported me through all the good and bad. She is my rock.x.

I thought I would share a piccie of a Flop Book I made for Lippy Chick. These books are so fab to use and make up fantastic little keepsake books - ideal for Grannies or distant Aunts - LOL! Bet you cant guess what my Mom and Sis are getting in their Crimbo stockings!!! This one I made for Hubs just b/c I love him soooo much.xxx. I really do adore this man b/c he is just perfect in every way. I couldnt have wished for a better life partner - he is so supportive, encouraging, sensitive, strong and he loves me despite me looking about 110 years old atm! He carried me to bed last night b/c my silly old leg decided to stop working again and I couldnt get up the stairs! I'll be whizzing around on one of those speedy shopper bikes if this new lot of medication doesnt start working soon! LOL!

I used the yummy 3 Bugs in a Rug Smitten collection to make up the Lippy Chick Flop book - I adore 3 Bugs papers - they are by far my fav.
Talking of 3 Bugs in a Rug - Rick and Kris have just announced their 2007 Design Team and one UK Scrapper got an honourable mention and is going to feature as a Guest Designer for 2007....ummmmmm wonder who she is??????

Tee hee heeee.

Laterz babes. xxxx

Tress UP!

I dont really have much to report at all! Its been a quiet few days with me sleeping for the majority of the time! Lazy days snuggled up just watching DVD's and resting - docs orders - which is possibly the first time ever I have done what the docs have told me too!

Number 1 tree is now up! We normally have four trees! One for each of us! The main tree is always a real jobbie and takes pride of place in the lounge. I love our house b/c its steeped in family history which comes alive even more so at Crimble time.
Numer 2 will be put up tonight - always on the last day of school- and will light up our dinning room.
Numbers 3&4 will be put up tomorrow...one in the guys den and the other outside.
I guess you could say as a family we love the festive season.



Off to wrestle with the huge pile of cards I need to write and get in the post....last posting day is today!

Laterz.
xx

Sugar Daddy

WOW! What a crazy few days I have had.

We took the decission to close down the shoppey over Christmas to give me some quality time with the guys. They do miss out on spending time with me......which in one way really warms my heart that at nearly 13 and 11 they really do want to have Mom around to hang out with.....the other side of the coin is that it pulls the old heart strings when I hear them chatting and they mention how Mom doesnt have much time for anything anymore :(

The sale was hectic but thanks to a fab sysytem we managed to get 400+ orders picked, packed and shipped in time :) The shoppey looks so bare now but no worries cus we have lots of things in store for 2007 and needed to make room for the new project we are working on :)

I had an overnight stay in hossie this week which was a bit of a PITA really...talk about bad timing hey!
All is well and Im deffo feeling a little more human after some much needed R&R.

Hubs completed the Crimbo shopping and we are now officially finished.....yeeeeeeeee haaaaaaaa. I love buying gifts for my family and friends and spend far too long making my present choices...I want the "right" gift for each person and always go for off the wall! Hubs is deffo a dash into Boots and grab 27 gift boxes...all the same...for him thats it...its done!

Im just itching to play on my new toy which arrived 3 weeks ago but Hubs has hidden it until Crimbo morning .....grrrrrrr....he doesnt understand that a new scrapping toy needs to be be played with now and not in 3 wweks time....thank goodness I only have a week to go :)

Ive put in an order with Santa for some more funky shoes and or boots from Rocket Dogs


I have had a pair of Sugar Daddy's for....well for ever and they are by far the most comfortable boots....I love em. Just check out the funky plimsoles and trainers....they are so so awesome and just so street cred - I gotta have a pair....or two!

Despite feeling totally poohey for a couple of days I did manage to pull a couple of LO's together using my fav papers from 3 Bugs in a Rug

Best go and sort my stockings out.....its only 8 more sleeps :)

Laterz babes.
Txx

Go Grab a Coffee!!

Go grab yourself a coffee and prepare yourself for the mamouth task of reading this post!

Its my own fault for being so busy that I havent updated my bog any sooner!!

Things have been so hectic what with the Sale on at Little Cottage Crafts....40% OFF Everything in store!!

Not only has the shop been really really busy but its that time of year when the dreaded snot monster pays the guys a visit and the dreaded snivels set in :( Thankfully they are over the worst and both back at school....yipppeee!

So lets back track to the 1st December!

My day started with me manically trying to figure out what on earth I was going to do! Our family car had decided to be sick and was whisked away to the garage to be fixed, which meant I would be whizzing up to Bristol Airport to go collect my very lovely friend Janet (aka Tigger) from Bristol airport in The Purple Pash (aka as my MG Sports car!). She was flying over from Eire to come and play along at our one day workshop.

Poor Tigger had the pleasure of my awful driving combined with a 2 hour bone shaking session in the Purple Pash!

She edured the session well and we arrived safe and sound back at base. Twas a late late night as I had so much to do. Hubs had cooked us a lush supper and as soon as it was down the hatch I was back to work work work!

It was our Christmas Crop with Braunton Croppers on the Saturday so I had kits and the class to put together....a quick decission was made to make up a clippy kit bag kit and away I went crazily putting together kits using the totally yummilicious Chester range from Me & My Big Ideas. I settled down to a couple of hours cutting and sticking to create the class for the girls.

Tigger finally relented and made her way to bed shortly after 3am! I crawled into my bed an hour later only to be woken at 6.45am by the sound of the dreaded alarm! Grrrrr I was having such a lovely dream too!

The Crop was wonderful as ever with loads of totally yummy Christmas goodies to eat. We left at 3pm and headed back home for a wee pit stop. Debs had arrived in North Devon and was staying in a lovely farm house cottage just a mile away. Its was so fab to meet the Lil Jewells and her darling hubby. They packed themselves off to the Big Sheep for the afternoon in hope of tiring the Lil's out for the night....Im pretty sure it worked....there is nothing like sea air for a gaurenteed restful sleep.

Tigger headed off for a snooze whilst I raced over to the train station to go and collect the lovely Sarah...aka Monroegirl. I love getting to meet everyone in real life.

Back home to a quick shower and freshen up before Alison arrived at The Cottage. J phoned his friend Billy, who lives next door to tell him we had a visitor in the house and she was a pretty hot babe! Bless...he was mightly struck by Alison and adores her. J desperatly wants Ali to come back down to stay again and fingers crossed she will.....cus I adore her too :)

Kirsty was the next to arrive after her day teaching at Mod Scraps Workshop in Bristol. Time for a quick cuppa and a chat whilst wrestlin the pup away from licking Kirsty's tootsies!!!

Then the partay began :)

We headed off to The Rock for a meal and a few bottles of falling down water. We were joined by Terrie who had driven up from Cornwall and was staying at one of the B&B's in the village.

The lovely Tigger enjoying a Coke!

Im suffering from camera envy after seeing the size of Kirstys whopper!

After a wonderful night chitter chattering non stop about Scrappin we headed back home to even more natter!

It was soooo late when I finally made it to bed and again that blasted alarm woke me far to quickly from my slumber!

Off to the Rock Inn we headed for the start of the Workshop.

Kirsty used the totally scrummy KI Memories Alpine and Joyful ranges to teach her Exploding Box and Card classes. Im sure everyone fell in love with the papers...they are so touchy feely.

Next was Debs two layout classes using Cherry Arte Amaze and Dasher from Basic Grey. The layouts were amazing but my bloomin camera was playing up and I dont have any images of the classes to share with you......if anyone has can you email them to me so I can share??? info@littlecottagecrafts.co.uk thanks.xx

Alison taught a fab altered canvas class using Fruitcake from Basic Grey and the day ended with a nice simple challenge....12 layouts in an hour using SEI Scrapbook in a Bag kits! The challenge to complete all the layouts was won by Linz from Crafty Pastimes with UKS's Scrappy Bunny aka Fi coming in at a very close second!

During the day Kirsty took some fabby piccies of my guys and I even gave in and had a wee session with her myself....I hate having my piccie taken soooo much!

I just adore the piccies she has taken of the guys

and heres me!

The day came to an end and we waved bye bye to Kirsty, Debs and Ali and all the lovely ladies who had come along for the day.

Back home I kicked off my shoes and snuggled down to an evening just chatting and relaxing with Tigger whilst Hubs made us some yummies to eat.

It wasnt too long before I headed off for bed!

Monday was spent taking Tigger back to Bristol for her return flight home. It sure was quiet when I arrived back home! The kids missed all the hussle and bustle of the weekend and were asking when the next Workshop would be!

Since then we have been busy packing orders, attending various health appointments and getting ourselves ready for Christmas.

J had his school nativity play and I was sooooo proud of him.

He was really anxious about playing infront of everyone but he managed fine and really was a little star.

Hubs wanted too know why the teachers were never so pretty when he was at school. LOL!

I will admit to shedding a tear or two when he played his accordian.....it really was a proud Mommy moment!

I couldnt not share this piccie of Mary, Jo and the babe could I.....the children all did so very well and were all super singing stars......watch out X Factor!!

Ive manged to make up some of my Crimbo cards....just have another 40 to do!

Using the yummy Doodlebug papers and Jellishments I made these little Matchbook cards for my nephews....

and KI Memories Joyful for my Moms card

So thats a week in my life....hoping this week will be a little less busy.... I can hope cant I???

Laterz.

Txx

Snot and Stuff!

Apologies for not updating sooner!
Its been a manic couple of weeks and I have so many photographs to upload and share with you.

The Christmas Workshop was wonderful and we had such good fun but I want to give it the time it deserves and share with you all the details in full...as ever I am dashing around like a loon and havent got time right now to update!

I will later on tonight.....however I just wanted to share this little snippet of jolliment with you.....

J has a cold developing.......

" Mom do you like the heating?"

"Umm well it keeps us warm and cosy when we are all snuggled up in the house"

"Mom but does it take away your cold?"

"Well it helps to keep you feeling snuggly and when you have a cold you want to be snuggled up dont you?"

"I dont think I like the heating Mom"

"Why is that darling?"

"Because it keeps melting my snot and making my nose run" LOL!!


Promise I will be back later to update and share the fun of last weekend with you.

If you wanna grab yourself a bargain....go shop at Little Cottage Crafts - we have 40% OFF EVERYTHING in store until 5pm on Friday 15th December! Quote the code SANTA at checkout and the discount will be applied!

Hugz to you all hunniez.xx