Linda's ramble and rants

what a week

2011-03-25T22:08:00.000Z

Well whats been happening loads and nothing all at the same time, what may seem trivial to me has probably been maga for them and visa versa.
One thing though my daughter seems to be going through the mill at the moment she is only 11 and feels she is being "picked on " as she is a scout in a primarily male troop, most of the boys dont see her as a girl but as a scout but just one or two want to spoil it for her and I have to stand up for her dont I.
I really hate it when she is upset as it upsets me as well.

New starts and new beginnings

2011-03-21T20:57:00.000Z

Well here we are new starts and a new beginninig I am writing this blog to try and help me through my day to day rambling. Its been a tough few weeks were I work with one thing and another and I can honestly say its not been nice and not primarily for me. Anyway onwards and upwards, yesterday I went to Harrogate to a craft fair at the yorkshire showground. I went round with my sister and hubby and the kids as well and we all had a great time. Rebekah has said she wants to start her very own art journal she was very impressed with the people at Art from the heart and wants to be just like them.

OMG

2011-03-20T22:02:00.002Z

Omg how weird is this i decided to log onto here as not been here for 2 years and as i come back because of some blogs i am reading I see the video I have on here is save a prayer duran duran and I have just been watching them on tv tonight, coincidence or fate who knows lol.

going to try and write on here at least once a week from now on as i feel it will help me come to terms with lots of things that are going on in my life, I feel as its a bit of a mess at the moment and really need to come to terms with it. Not going to bore you all with it but you may be my sounding block if i need to scream.
not going to do much now but familiarise myself with my blog
seeya soon

January 2009 news

2009-02-01T19:35:00.004Z

Hi Folks

January what have we done well life really not that exciting really, hubby has got his date for his knee replacement thats in February. We have been busy doing cubs and stuff and this weekend we have been to china town in Manchester to celebrate the New Year. 2009 is the year of the Ox and we took some photographs which i hope you like.

Tomorrow sees my birthday and my step daughters she is 18 I am older lol, will add some news later as i have to get off now x

Chinese Dragon Dance

OMG ITS 2009

2009-01-01T20:15:00.002Z

Well folks what can I say its 2009 and here I am. think i forgot about this with everything that has been going on and believe me i don't even know where to start.
On a work level things are doing ok I now work a 37 hr week as we have been through job evaluation and I think the only thing I can say about that is that i always thought that consultation was a two way process but from my experience that is not so you are told what to do lol.
Family Life well where do i begin ? I love my family to bits but its been a bloody hard 6 months my two step children who have been living with us permanently for the last two years but seeing their mum and step dad at weekends and holidays well their mum emigrated to Australia ( yes Australia) in November and we have had our ups and downs as you can well imagine with the emotional roller coaster of feelings that the children are going through, we just about settle things and then Christmas comes along and rears up lots of emotions.
My card making has taken a back seat or even a seat up in the loft far far away lol as i have just not had the motivation to do anything but hopefully that will change , my lovely husband bought me a cuttlebug for Christmas and i am looking forward to using it lol and i have promised myself i will do haha
Oh well in for a penny in for a pound ( i feel like i am in confession lol ) my name is Linda and I am a facebook addict . There I said it facebook takes up a lot of my time lol too much if you listen to my husband lol.
On a downish note my dad has not been too well and has had a short stay in hospital before Christmas he is home now he is better than he was but will not get better as he has a heart condition and its deteriorating so were waiting at the moment to see what options are open to him.

Well i think that more or less brings you all uptodate in my little life lol.
I hope you all had a good Christmas and wish you all the best for 2009
Now I don't promise to be here everyday but hope to be back more regular than 8 months lol
Take Care Now
Thanks for reading x x x

Catch up photographs

2008-04-01T16:37:00.004+01:00

Hi Rebekah has had a few days of dressing up one at school when she was the Snow Queen at school for the Big Read Week.

Second was a friends party and they had to dress up as a favourite film character and Rebekah chose Hannah Montanna. Take a look

my special card

2008-04-01T16:24:00.004+01:00

Hi I have been making a card for a friend of ours who will be 50 on Thursday. Mick is our Group Scout Leader, a Jujitzu trainer, plays the organ, into amateur radio and much more therfore i tried to make it a bit special hope you like it

quick update

2008-03-28T14:59:00.005Z

Well what we been up to then since I last blogged ??? I have to apologise as I am still utterly addicted to my face book and I seem to spend any spare time I have growing plants, poking people and finding friends both new and old.
We had a good Easter time as we went o visit our dear friends in the lake district and it was brilliant we had such a good time and on Easter Sunday there were 12 of us for lunch it was so nice to be part of all the family fun.
Since we have been back Steve unfortunately been working so we have done some its with Nana and my sis. Did have some good news though Matthew who is Rebekah's God Father and his wife Joanne who live in Texas have had a baby girl and we were privallaged to see Taylor when she was only a few hours old via web cam it was amazing and if you read this Matt and Jo Thank you and Congratulations .
We went to the pictures this morning to see The Game Plan which I have to admit was quite funny.
Rebekah is off to a party tonight where she has to dress as a movie star so she has chosen Hannah Montana ( you must have watched an episode lol ) and then she is on a sleep over and pictures in the morning before another party tomorrow afternoon ( it costs us a fortune lol ) and she has a busier social life than me.
Off to sort out the fancy dress now will post photographs as soon as I can

sorry sorry sorry

2008-03-16T21:38:00.001Z

Hi just wanted to let you know that I am still around bu oh my word I have found Face Book and to say I am addicted is an understatement lol
Break up on Thursday for Easter so hopefully normal service will be resumed hehe

Oh my word I won

2008-03-03T22:15:00.002Z

Just been on Crafts by Carolyns one of the crafty forums I visit and I have won a competition on there !! Now before you think what lol it wasn't a crafty comp it was a quiz and all the answers where about the lake district.
Had loads of fun and remembered why I love the lakes so much.
Will keep you informed of my prize lol

Happy Mothers Day

2008-03-02T17:09:00.003Z

Firstly I would like to wish all mums reading this a Happy Mothers Day just had a text from a friend and would like to share it with you

A mum is a rose whose petals are soft

A mum is a lily whose stem is tall and strong

A mum is a person who is never wrong

A mum is a person you should love for ever

A mum is a person who you should trust and believe in and never doubt her.

From one good mum to many others feel free to pass it on.
I recieved some flowers from my step children and some lovely earrings from Rebekah also we went out for lunch.

Anyway a quick catch up of what we have been upto we went to visit Cobbles and Clay in Haworth which in its description says its an art cafe.

Its a fantastic place and I have posted a fe pics of what we have been doing

Rebekah Miles Neesa and Nana enjoy painting their pots.

Rebekah and Miles

Me and my plate

Neesa and her penguin

Got to appologise for lack of blogging as well as I seem to be addicted to FaceBook at moment lol

Bulb Competition

2008-02-18T16:34:00.004Z

Every year Rebekah takes part in Darwen's Civic Society School Bulb Competition. This year she she won Best in School and a highly commended.

Here is a couple of pics ( getting used to my camera lol )

Some of the flowers on display

The Mayor gave out the certificates.

Bit Late but here goes

2008-02-18T16:02:00.010Z

Its the year of the Rat

Well folks like i said before I think we went to celebrate the Chinese New Year a couple of weekends ago and now that I have got to grip with my ne birthday present of a lap top ( whoo !!!!! ) I can now try and get some pics on here for you to see.

This is Cameron Rebekah and Miles having a go at Oregami ( sp )

A look at the stalls.

Entrance to China Town

The Dragon in its parade.

February News

2008-02-08T20:08:00.000Z

Hi folks
Well February is upon us and whats been happening ? Well Neesa and I had our birthdays and had a good time and we also recieved some great presents.

The chinese buffett was good that we went to and all thoroughly enjoyed but what Rebekah couldnt get over was that it had snowed on my Birthday she thought that was brilliant lol.

Now the week has passed quite quickly and work is work lol so weekend plans

We are nt up to much tomorrow but Sunday we are off to China Town in Manchester to the Chinese New Year Celebrations. It will be the 4th Year we have been and joined in with the celebrations and we are all looking forward to it.
Hopefully will get some photographs and post them on here asap.

So thats my weekend plans what about you ???

Nearly the weekend whoo !!!

2008-01-31T20:40:00.000Z

Well its nearly the weekend and I cant wait this week at work seems to have lasted forever. Well what have we got planned not too much but it is mine and Neesa's Birthday on Saturday and after we watch Rovers beat Everton ( Hopefully ) we are off to an all you can eat Chinese Buffett so hopefully we will have a good night.
Sunday Hubby is on D.O.E. Training so will be pretty quiet around here.

Next week we are off to Manchester to the Chinese New Year Celebrations so hopefully will get some pics and get them on here for you

Speak soon

Catch up Time

2008-01-20T21:00:00.001Z

Well after the long awaited camera that I got a christmas thought it was time to try and get some photographs on this blog of mine so here we go

High School Musical eat your heart out

This weekend we had the great honour of being God Parents for our dear Friends little Boy Jack and below are some pictures.
Us all outside ready to go to church

Jack with Mum and Dad

Hope you enjoy will have to get into the hang of putting pics on here lol

well it didnt last long did it lol

2008-01-17T19:25:00.000Z

Well i have not blogged for a while now and I don't really know why. Think I have been pre occupied with stuff at home and work.
Home stuff not too bad but kids just know how to push the boundaries don't they and i am tired of being the bad guy it just gets me down sometimes.
Work stuff well we are all going through Job Evaluation at the moment and rumour has it that if I stay on my current hours of 32.5 hours which has been classed as full time for the last 19 years I will be classed as part time and lose £130 per month. If I move up to 37 hours a week which is now full time I will be possibly £30 a month better off ( before tax lol ) oh and still classed as part time as I don't work 52 weeks of the year ( not my fault the nursery school does not open all year ) arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

On the good side lol went to the forum friends get together a couple of Monday Nights ago where i made a start on a cd book and as soon as its finished I will post some pics lol.

Well as they say in all good cartoons that's all folks lol ............................................. speak soon

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T22:33:00.000Z

Happy New Year to everyone

Will be back soon

Linda x

Catch up and my new toy

2007-12-26T22:00:00.000Z

Well folks Santa has been and gone and don't we know it lol everyone got something they wanted and some got more than they wanted lol but hey everyone is Happy Happy.

I certainly am as I got a digital camera with its own little printer for my present so I have been having a play and here are a few pics of our Christmas Day lol

Me and Pam cant sing for laughing Pam and Miles hit the high notes.

Rebekah is a natural at singing lol Christmas is all a bit too much for mum !!!

Giant African Snails ( Sam's not mine lol )

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T22:31:00.000Z

Just want to wish you all a Happy Christmas and all the best for 2008

New years resolution to keep updating blog lol

Merry Christmas !!!!!!!!

Not been well

2007-12-16T17:40:00.000Z

Hi folks well finally feel up to posting on here, seems like a life time really.
Started off about 1 month ago if I am honest with myself, firstly a cold then that disappeared then got no voice, my throat was not sore at all just perhaps a bit itchy in my ears lol. Well me being me thought it would soon sort its self out and carried on as normal, but after going into the third week of no proper voice ( by this time my hubby was hoping it would carry on till Christmas lol ) I decided to go to the doctors. There she looked and said my throat was inflamed and I needed antibiotics to get rid of it. Good I think and for a couple of days I take the penicillin and my voice starts to improve. Friday pow bang I am floored everything I eat or drink doesn't stay there and with out going into great detail have a rather upset tummy. I couldn't stay awake I was in bed all day. My Mother In Law who is an angel at times like this rang the doctor to see if they could change my tablets and they have and thankfully I am on the mend.( touching wooden desk as I type)
Didn't realise how bad I have been feeling until today when I feel much better.
Anyways what else has been happening Rebekah went to Blackburn Cathedral to sing with the school choirs it was Children for Children at Christmas for the Mayors " Make a Wish " charity and it was wonderful the children all sang so beautifully and yep I cried lol. The children from Rebekah's school were asked whilst they were there if they would go and sing at a local Brewers Fayer so are off there tomorrow just a shame i cant get out of work to watch .
At work we have had our concerts 8 in total 4 for parents and 4 for the local primary schools and remembering that the children are only 3 and 4 they were brilliant, and it now feels like Christmas is starting.
Anyhow finish work on Wednesday so hopefully can then get on with the wrapping of presents.
Hopefully will post again soon

December whoo !!!!!!

2007-12-02T09:40:00.001Z

Sorry but I am like a child when it comes to December I love it the tree has gone up and Rebekah cant wait to get up in a morning to open her High School Musical calendar lol.
Just glad that something has cheered me up I have had this awful cold but not a cold if you know what i mean i have all the symptoms but nothing comes out. Including my voice it is now a week since my throat went its not sore but i have very little voice. Steve thinks its great lol.
Had some fantastic news last night our friends Craig and Pam who moved up to the lake district in spring time and then had their little boy Jack have asked me and Steve to be God Parents I cried when Craig asked and I am just so honoured to be asked. Cant wait so will have to get the creative juices flowing for a card wont I lol.

Tomorrow Monday we are off ( me and Pam ) over to Bamber Bridge to Stamping Mad Forum Friends Craft Club I cant wait we had a fantastic time last month and I am excited lol
Will hopefully get back and post about what we got up to lol

Speak soon

So sorry cant believe where the time has gone !!!!!

2007-11-25T18:24:00.000Z

I really cant believe where the time has gone it was the end of October when I last filled my blog in and now its nearly the end of November who stole a whole month from me ????????

Whats been going on well lets see :

everyone appears to be doing ok at schools and colleges and enjoying what they are doing at the moment.
we have entered the mad time at nursery where we are starting to practice the Christmas concert and i cant get the song about the reindeers pulling the sleigh out of my head lol
Friday we went out to the Whitehall Country Club for a scout leaders centenary celebration meal and it was really good.
Saturday was my mother in laws birthday and we went out to Huntley's (http://www.huntleys.co.uk/ ) for lunch to celebrate which was really nice
Saturday also saw the lights being turned on here in Darwen and we had a girl out of Hollyoaks and her band diamond switch the lights on ( sorry hollyoaks fans but i don't watch lol )
Today we had our first Nativity meeting for the Children's Liturgy group as the children are going to do a short nativity play on Christmas eve before mass and Rebekah has only gone and been given the part of Mary. ( guess who wont see any of it cos of my crying eyes )
This afternoon we went to Ozzy Mills to sort out a Christmas present for my mum and dad and ended up buying a craft bag for me ( from the children of course ) for my Christmas present.
And lastly Pam is on her way and I hope to make a start on some Christmas cards now lol

So that's it for now not very exciting I know but hey at least I have updated hahaha

Speak soon

Half term report

2007-10-28T09:09:00.000Z

Well what have we been up to

Well its official I have now not bitten my nails for a whole week, now I know to some people its a disgusting habit and I totally agree but its something I have done since i was a child and i do it without even thinking, but I am trying to stop and believe you me it takes all my will power not to bite them.

We have been helping my mum and dad move house which has been a little sad as its the old family home they have moved from but its for the best as this is into sheltered accommodation and is going to be much better for them in the future but they have been in the same house for the last 42 years and it has taken some moving lol.

Went up to the lakes on Friday to see some good friends and see how there new house is coming on and on the way we stopped at a sandwich shop called the Square in Milnthorpe which belongs to a friend H off Carolyns Craft Forum is and we had the most fantastic breakfast rolls yum yum.

Saturday was Ikea day and we went spending my mums money for the new house lol
Today we are off to church then back into routine of uniforms and homework lol ready for school although Rebekah not back till Tuesday and Sam Wednesday. Poor Neesa back on Monday.
Been thinking of Neesa and Sam a lot this weekend whilst they are visiting their mum.
Well that's all for now folks Rebekah just altering a plain pencil case so will add photographs later.

Half term madness at the football

2007-10-22T14:59:00.000+01:00

Sorry but this will bore the pants of anyone who is not into football.

But today me Rebekah and Steve went down to Ewood Park to Blackburn Rovers Fun Day.

Here you could watch the team train have photographs get autographs etc.

It was manic but we got some photographs of some of the team. ( Bit of eye candy for Neesa lol)

So sorry but here are the pics lol

From left to right

Brad Friedel Goalkeeper

Robbie Savage

morten gamst pedersen

Happy Stampers

2007-10-13T21:31:00.000+01:00

Well today I have been to Port Sunlight to the North West Happy Stampers Craft Fayre. Its just amazing and gets me every time. So many different things to see and do.
Today we watched the fantastic Barbara Santerelli with her Clarity Stamps and she was brilliant as usual and Rebekah my eight year old was very lucky to get one of the Christmas Trees she was demoing how to do.
We also watched a lady who made fantastic triangular boxes which you can hang on your Christmas tree ( which i have thought are a fantastic thing for the cubs to make at Christmas)
Someone showed us how to do marbling with chalks and water ( again easy and fab for the cubs to do)
It was a really fantastic day made better by meeting up with our friends June and Lynn off Stamping Mad.
Just one last thing remember my Disney LO that i entered into a comp on Bumbelberry Crafts Forum ? Well .............................. Rachels daughter has chosen mine as a winner and so I recieve a small goodie bag off the wonderful Rachel aka Turtletress

My little girl is now a cub !!!!!!!!!

2007-10-03T22:18:00.000+01:00

Oh my what a change in circumstances my little girl has just been invested as a cub scout. She has waited for ages for this day as she has always wanted to be a cub.
I am so proud of her she remembered her promise word for word and stood so proud as our group scout leader invested her, along with two other cubs who had come up from Beavers.

As for me , counting down to October half term now lol ........................................................................
How long left ????

Work shop photographs

2007-09-22T20:55:00.000+01:00

Photos of workshop with Marion from Magpie Crafts

from top to bottom

1/ making a back ground

2/ Moving house card

3/ Passed your driving test card

4/ Birthday tag card

5/ Pam busy busy busy

6/ Mans card

Hope you like have some more cards to put on here when i get the chance lol

Sorry its been so long

2007-09-22T07:26:00.000+01:00

Well what a time we have been having here lol I have had the most awful ( in a fun way if that's possible) week at work as our new intake have started and when you start 100 3yr olds at nursery for the first time you know your gonna have fun lol even though we do stagger the intake, you forget just how far on the children who left us in July have come.
I have a wonderful group of children who are just fantastic and make me laugh, cry and feel so proud.
Neesa is getting on at college with her NVQ in Beauty Therapy and has informed us in a couple of weeks she needs her first volunteer for one of the treatments a half leg wax !!!!!! My sis has kindly volunteered lol well i promised i would have miles if she did it and we kind of organised it so she cant get out of it hahah Thanks Pam though seriously Nessa is appreciative of your offer.
Sam appears to be doing ok at school he is in year 9 so busy busy year for him with sats and his options he is getting on with his homework now and seems more settled at school (poor love he has a lot to put up with) had a little accident yesterday in Metal work where he nearly sawed his finger off lol.
Rebekah is loving year 4 at the moment and I am so pleased it makes me want to cry she got Head teachers award for her class on Friday ( this is chosen by each class teacher) and she was so proud she has also had stickers in the last week for good behaviour, making her teacher smile because of her good work and for mental maths she seems to be really enjoying herself and I cant help but smile while i type this bit about her.
This weekend is busy busy busy I am off soon to a workshop with a few girls from
http://www.stampingmadforum.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl
and I cant wait it will be so good to meet up with everyone again as it seems like ages since we got together and then I am off to http://www.craftworkcards.co.uk/papercrafts.asp
with my sis and again meeting up with some pals so cant wait .
Hopefully will put some pics up on my blog from both occasions real soon.

how time flies

2007-09-13T22:38:00.000+01:00

Well have been back at work for nearly 2 weeks now and i just don't know where the time has gone. Its all back to normal here well our kind of normal anyways. I am back at work, Neesa has started her beauty therapy course at college Sam has gone into year 9 and Rebekah has started in year 4.
Cubs has started back so my Wednesdays are back to the hectic times they where before the summer holidays but that could all change as Rebekah may be joining Cubs and leaving Brownies. Its a decision we have all had to discuss as its not as easy as it may first seem.
My Dear friend who I have done cubs with for many years and is also Rebekah's God mother has been diagnosed with Cancer and starts her Chemotherapy in the next couple of weeks, this means we are a leader down and if Rebekah is at Brownies then I cant be in two places at the one time and so really need her to be with me at cubs for convenience more than anything and I didn't want her giving up brownies and just attending cubs with me with out the chance of being able to achieve some awards.
Ramble over with now off to look at a cd of pictures from my friend at work who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro (sp) during the summer with her husband.

Disney Lay out

2007-08-31T09:30:00.000+01:00

I dont believe it I have only gone a done my first Scrapbook LO ever and put it on a craft site to show them as part of an intersite fun comp

http://www.bumbleberrycrafts.co.uk/phpBB-2.0.22/phpBB2/index.php

its a great site why not take a look, full of good ideas.

So decided I would be brave and put it on here as well now remember when you look at it its my very very first attempt so please be kind lol

Both a variation using same photo and passes but different background and order.

Time to move on

2007-08-28T22:17:00.000+01:00

Well after the sad news of yesterday we have to move on my uncle is back home in Devon and we await news of the funeral but Aunty Margaret being aunty margaret would want us to get on with things.

Didnt tell you about our trip yesterday we went to Southport to the Botanical Gardens where we had a lovely day. We played Crazy Golf ( I came 2nd) lol we had a lovely walk through the gardens, Steve took Rebekah, Sam and Miles on a rowing boat ( It had to be seen to be believed) and me and Pam had coffee.
After that we went kite flying on Southport Beach.

Today has been spend spend spend It was Neesa's enrollment day at College she is doing NVQ2 in beauty Therapy and with her " Kit " she has to have her uniform and a terms bus pass her sensible lol court shoes we spent just under £300 ouch !!!!!!!!!!!!

She is looking for a part time job now lol Well off now
Thanks for reading lol

Sad News today

2007-08-27T22:36:00.000+01:00

Had some really bad news today so dont really feel up to blogging much

Myself and my sister Pam received a phone call early this morning to relay some really upsetting news. Our Aunt and Uncle retired to Devon a few years ago and always for as long as I can remember went to the Scilly Isles for their summer holiday. Yesterday they went out on a boat with a friend and the boat capsized, they had to be pulled from the sea, my uncle and his friend the owner of the boat survived, but my Aunty sadly didnt make it and drowned. I just can't believe it. My Uncle is absolutely devasted and so are all the family. Please think of him in your prayers.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/6965221.stm

Bad Blogger

2007-08-26T23:18:00.000+01:00

Really sorry not been a good blogger at all over these holidays i think its the thing of the kids being off and we go out more or they are on the pc more lol.

Anyway a quick up to date for you lol

Been back to work in the summer club for a week and a half which was good we had a visit from zoo lab who brought with them rabbits,gerbils,spiders,scorpions,stick insects,tree frog,corn snake,giant millipede,giant African snails and hissing cockroaches the kids loved it have some photos and will have to spend a whole day on here adding them for you to see.

Neesa got her GCSE Results 1 D 8 C'S and 2 B'S and is off to enrol at college on Tuesday to do NVQ Beauty Therapy.
Went to a birthday BBQ last night which was very good but not good for the diet as I have gone back to WW and had far too much wine and food last night but too late now.

Think that's about it will try and be a better blogger not that I think many people actually read this but hey I can dream lol

OMG Disneyland Paris

2007-07-27T21:48:00.000+01:00

Firstly we went to Disneyland Paris and had a fab time shattering but fab we were on the parks for the best part of 12 / 13 hours a day and it was just brilliant. The look on Rebekah's face as she saw the Disney castle and then all the characters in the parades it was just fantastic. After Disney we came home for 2 days and then went off to Scotland for 10 days camping. We went to Lauder near Edinburgh for 3 nights and it was beautiful and we went all over Edinburgh we even took part in the sunrise ceremony for the scouting centenary celebrations and then we went to Oban for 5 nights, unfortunately although we had a brill time visiting oban , loch ness , fort william etc when we got back to the site there appeared to be a permanent black rain cloud and the site was very wet. We left Oban one day early and went to Haltwistle in Northumberland where the sun shone and we had a lovely time again visiting Hadrian's wall and even had a visit into Newcastle. Came home and think I need a holiday to recover lol

Will add some photographs later

hooray hooray its the holi holidays !!!!!!

2007-07-20T22:02:00.000+01:00

Well hooray hooray its the holi holidays sorry dont mean to rub it in but I am now off for the summer hols. I am doing a week and a half of the summer club but thats it lol.
I feel very honoured today and privalaged to have had such wonderful children in my group at nursery who have spoit me with such lovely thank you gifts.
Rebekah has now left year 3 and I think she possibly is quite pleased but she does say she has enjoyed it.
Well tomorrow I am going on a visit to one of the local mosques they have sent out open invitations and as cultural diversity co-ordinator at work i thought it would be good to go and see. I also need to pick up some mor euros for the hols and then on Sunday I am off to Disney land Paris whoo!!!! cant wait.

Watch out secret postcard pal your card will be with you soon lol ( I am in a postcard swap on http://www.craftsbycarolyn.co.uk/ )

Its oh so quiet !!!!

2007-07-07T22:23:00.000+01:00

I just had to change the music on here as it makes me laugh and its what it is like here with my two step children away with their mum for a couple of weeks lol
Well what a weekend at last it has stopped raining though I have heard it might only be today it is fine .
We have been to toys r us where Rebekah spent some of her Birthday money but she also saved some for euros for Disneyland.Tonight we went to see Shrek 3 and it was good but I dont think it was as good as the others but Rebekah enjoyed it.
Tomorrow Steve starts his silly shifts at work and I have all my children's reports to write for work so fun fun fun eh?
If you read this why not leave me a comment and let me know what your weekend has been like

Birthday Weekend and loads of surprises

2007-07-02T21:18:00.000+01:00

Hi what a weekend we have had firstly on Saturday we went to the trafford centre with Rebekah and her friend Molly as part of her Birthday surprise and she went to the build a bear factory http://www.buildabear.co.uk/. It was a really good day and we had loads of fun.

On Sunday it was Rebekah's party and we went to http://www.chiquito.co.uk/ and had a pinata party everyone loved it all 16 of the children lol.

Today Monday 2nd July Rebekah's actual birthday and we let her into a surprise As part of her Birthday surprise we are off to Disney Land Paris for a 4 day break. My step children who live with us ( Long story ) are off with their mum this next week for 3 weeks to USA and we dedcided that it would be nice for us to do something special for her ( its been quite a year in all for her) To say she was pleased was an understatement. This morning she opened her presents and then I gave her a box with two tumbler glasses in with mickey and minnie mouse on them and there was also a letter inside explaining what we were doing. She read it out loud and when she read the bit that said we were going she shrieked and ran to hug me ( and yes i was crying ) So all in all a lovely day and now I can get excited cos I can actually talk about it now

Belle of the Ball

2007-06-30T22:16:00.000+01:00

Our weekend has been hectic so far and will probably carry on being hectic lol. It really started on Thursday ( not the weekend but the start of our plans lol) when Neesa my step daughter attended her prom so we spent all of Thursday Tea time getting her sorted.

Neesa looked absolutely beautiful and I wanted to show you all.( blogger playing up so will add some more later)

Today has been my Hubby's Birthday and we have been to the Trafford Centre where my daughter Rebekah who is 8 on Monday went to the build a bear factory as a birthday treat. Tomorrow we are off to the Mexican where Rebekah is having her Birthday Party so I think by Monday I will be going back to work for a rest.

My Friend has had her baby !!!

2007-06-23T17:42:00.000+01:00

What brilliant news today my dear friend who moved back up to the lake district a month or so ago has given birth this morning at 7.00am. Jack William weighed in at 6.5lbs. Mother and Baby both doing well.
Got to admit it I cried when they rang as I do miss them all so much now they have moved away.

What else have we done today well we went to Cuerden Park http://www.cuerdenvalleypark.org.uk/ which was really good Rebekah made a bird box, twig pencil had a go at paint balling, played on some of the children's rides and had a good walk around.

Tomorrow we are hoping to go and visit Baby Jack I will try and put a picture of the cards me and Rebekah have made for the new parents.

Weekend happenings

2007-06-17T22:42:00.000+01:00

Well this weekend has been fairly quiet compared with the last few I have had lol. Saturday was taken up with a cub Competition at Bowley where our cubs finished 4th so we were happy with that they had to try their hands at fire lighting , putting tents up , pioneering and lots of other scouting skills and they all enjoyed it.

Today we have been out for a walk with my friend from work with the dogs and Steve has been trying out his new toy ( camera so I will add some of his pics for a quick look for you)

Back to work tomorrow so better get off here and some work done lol

Sam and Rebekah make a fire.

A view of Darwen Tower

Benji Jasper and Cindy enjoy their run in the fields.

School Trip

2007-06-14T21:29:00.000+01:00

Well this week has been taken up with our school trip as you may be aware I work in a local Nursery School and we have 100 children which equals two trips with 50 each session.
This year we went here http://www.smithillsopenfarm.co.uk/Home-s.html and it was fantastic.
We went into pets corner first were we fed the lambs and cuddled guinea pigs chicks and rabbits and also stroked 2 day old goats and an 8 foot long snake. Then we went on donkey rides and then fed the goats and the Llamas. Had our lunch although the children wanted that as soon as we got there. Then off to see the cows being milked and feed the calves. Lastly before back to Nursery we had a tractor ride and fed the donkeys and the horses.
The children loved it and so did I and just wanted to share it with you.

Tonight we have been to the Summer fayre at Rebekah's school were she dressed as a alien and won a pass to the local swimming center for some free swims so she is happy.

Holy Communion Day

2007-06-11T21:46:00.001+01:00

On Sunday it was Rebekah's Holy Communion Day and we had a lovely day and thought you might like to see some photographs of her on her special day.

Steve me and Rebekah

Sam Neesa and Rebekah

Aunty Pam , Miles and Rebekah

We had a brilliant day and went for a meal afterwards as well. Rebekah looked so beautiful that I hold my hand up I cried I was so proud.

Race for Life superstars

2007-06-08T21:26:00.000+01:00

Just wanted to come on here and tell you how proud I am of my two girls and my sis they did the race for life on Tuesday and helped raise money for cancer research. I have done it myself before but could not manage it this time but hope you like the photo's I took of them.

Rebekah , Pam and Nessa ready for the off

Rebekah before the start of the race

Joining in with the warm up

With the medals well done girls

Really proud of them

Half term madness

2007-05-31T19:47:00.000+01:00

Been a week or so since i last blogged as I really seem to struggle to find the time at the moment but as its half term i have a couple of minutes to myself.( I don't suppose too many read this but for the people who do (thanks for your comments) i better try and keep it updated lol )

Neesa and Sam have gone to their mums for a couple of days and Rebekah has gone to explorer scouts with her dad. I feel he wanted me to go with them but I managed to get out of it lol.

So what have we been up to ?

We went on our scouting centenary camp and arrived Friday night in the sunshine but oh how cold it got in the night and doesn't it get light early ? well that was the excuse that our cubs made when they were up at 4.30am fully dressed waiting for breakfast. That wouldn't of been too bad but the scouts didn't stop chatting till 4.00am and tents don't have good walls do they lol . We had a fantastic opening ceremony where i did see Tracey's son but then when i went to point him out to my sis they all merged into one in their uniforms. Loads of activities Loads of food Loads of laughs loads of oohs and ahhs at the firework display but not a lot of sleep. We came home Monday afternoon just before the hail and rain hit and all tents were dry thank goodness

So really now we are just recovering and wow is it taking some time.

What have we been upto

2007-05-13T07:52:00.000+01:00

Well at the moment things are looking ok re Rebekah and the others etc, but we had a bit of scary news Saturday morning Tom who is Nessa's boyfriend Nessa being my step daughter was rushed into the hospital with a suspected blood clot on his lung he is only 16 and had his appendix out about 4 weeks ago, he has now had a scan and have started treatment to dissolve it so she is a little worried at the moment as she has not seen him yet as he was not allowed visitors yesterday so she will go today.
I have just finished a first aid course yesterday it was over 12 hours so the last two Saturdays that's what I have been up to.
Rebekah went on her first ever sleepover last weekend and although she cried at bedtime she stayed but we had to go and pick her up at 7.30am as she wanted to come home little babe, ( I cried when i dropped her off I am such a wuss when it comes to Rebekah lol)
Last night we went to the Mexican with my mother in law and Steve's brother and wife they are up from Dorchester for the weekend.It was really nice and we had a good time.

Forgot to add my TSV came from QVC and I love it !!! might even use some of it ( that would be a surprise lol )

May May May

2007-05-07T09:15:00.000+01:00

Gosh into May already and I haven't even gotten round to Blogging so whats been going on. Well our house is full of pre gcse nerves as Nessa prepares for her exams and I am warned it will probably get a lot more tense before June and the final exam. We have had another meeting in school about Rebekah and it seems fingers crossed touch wood that we are on the right track to getting things back to normal.

Bank Holiday weekend news not a lot to say really but I have managed to persuade hubby that we should go visit the Lowry Shopping outlet at Salford where I know there is a paper mill shop lol so I will report back later with any news lol. Oh ........................... and yes I just had to order the TSV on QVC today to cheer me up hahaha

Enjoy your Bank Holiday what ever your doing

Film Buff ????

2007-04-29T14:07:00.000+01:00

I found this fun film questionaire on Nic's blog....It’s been said that allegedly if you’ve seen over 85 movies you have no life. Mark the ones you’ve seen. There are 239 films on this list. Copy this list, go to your own blog, paste it in and put x’s by the ones that you have seen. Add them up........
(x) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(x) Grease
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean
(x ) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man’s Chest
( ) Boondock Saints
( ) Fight Club
( ) Starsky and Hutch
(x) Neverending Story
( ) Blazing Saddles
(x) Airplane
( ) The Princess Bride
( ) AnchorMan
( ) Napoleon Dynamite
( ) Labyrinth
( ) Saw
( ) Saw IIx
( ) White Noise
( ) White Oleander
( ) Anger Management
( ) 50 First Dates
( ) The Princess Diaries
( ) The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
Total so far: 6 out of 22.
( ) Scream
( ) Scream 2
( ) Scream 3
( ) Scary Movie
( ) Scary Movie 2
( ) Scary Movie 3
( ) Scary Movie 4
( ) American Pie
( ) American Pie 2
( ) American Wedding
( ) American Pie Band Camp
(x) Harry Potter 1
(x) Harry Potter 2
( x) Harry Potter 3
( ) Harry Potter 4
( ) Resident Evil 1
( ) Resident Evil 2
( ) The Wedding Singer
( ) Little Black Book
( ) The Village
( ) Lilo & Stitch
Total so far: 9 out of 43
(x ) Finding Nemo
( ) Finding Neverland
( ) Signs
(x) The Grinch
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
( ) White Chicks
( ) Butterfly Effect
( ) 13 Going on 30
(x ) I, Robot
(x) Robots
( ) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
( ) Universal Soldier
( ) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
( ) Along Came Polly
( ) Deep Impact
( ) KingPin
( ) Never Been Kissed
( ) Meet The Parents
( ) Meet the Fockers
( ) Eight Crazy Nights
( ) Joe Dirt
( ) King Kong
Total so far: 13 out of 66
( ) A Cinderella Story
( ) The Terminal
( ) The Lizzie McGuire Movie
( ) Passport to Paris
( ) Dumb & Dumber
( ) Dumber & Dumberer
( ) Final Destination
( ) Final Destination 2
( ) Final Destination 3
( ) Halloween
( ) The Ring
( ) The Ring 2
( ) Surviving Christmas
( ) Flubber
( ) Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
( ) Practical Magic
( ) Chicago
( ) Ghost Ship
( ) From Hell
( ) Hellboy
( ) Secret Window
( ) I Am Sam
( ) The Whole Nine Yards
( ) The Whole Ten Yards
Total so far: 13 out of 90
( ) The Day After Tomorrow
( ) Child’s Play
( ) Seed of Chucky
( ) Bride of Chucky
( ) Ten Things I Hate About You
( ) Just Married
( ) Gothika
( ) Nightmare on Elm Street
( ) Sixteen Candles
( ) Remember the Titans
( ) Coach Carter
( ) The Grudge
( ) The Grudge 2
(x) The Mask
( ) Son Of The Mask
( ) Bad Boys
( ) Bad Boys 2
( ) Joy Ride
( ) Lucky Number Sleven
( ) Ocean’s Eleven
( ) Ocean’s Twelve
( ) Bourne Identity
( ) Bourne Supremecy
( ) Lone Star
( ) Bedazzled
( ) Predator I
( ) Predator II
( ) The Fog
(x) Ice Age
(x ) Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
( ) Curious George

Total so far: 16 out of 121.
(x) Independence Day
( ) Cujo
( ) A Bronx Tale
( ) Darkness Falls
( ) Christine
(x) E.T.
( ) Children of the Corn
( ) My Bosses Daughter
( ) Maid in Manhattan
( ) War of the Worlds
( ) Rush Hour
( ) Rush Hour 2
( ) Best Bet
( ) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
( ) She’s All That
(x ) Calendar Girls
( ) Sideways
( ) Mars Attacks
( ) Event Horizon
( ) Ever After
(x) Wizard of Oz
(x) Forrest Gump
( ) Big Trouble in Little China
(x) The Terminator
( ) The Terminator 2
( ) The Terminator 3
Total so far: 22 out of 147.
( ) X-Men
( ) X-2
( ) X3
( ) Spider-Man
( ) Spider-Man 2
( ) Sky High
( ) Jeepers Creepers
( ) Jeepers Creepers 2 -
( ) Catch Me If You Can
( ) The Little Mermaid
( ) Freaky Friday
( ) Reign of Fire
( ) The Skulls
( ) Cruel Intentions
( ) Cruel Intentions 2() The Hot Chick
(x) Shrek
(x) Shrek 2
Total so far: 24 out of 165
( ) Swimfan
( ) Miracle on 34th street*
( ) Old School
( ) The Notebook
( ) K-Pax
( ) Krippendorf’s Tribe
( ) A Walk to Remember
( ) Ice Castles
( ) Boogeyman
( ) The 40-year-old Virgin
( ) Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
( ) Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
( ) Lord of the Rings: Return Of the King
(x) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(x) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
(x) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Total so far: 27 out of 181
( ) Baseketball
( ) Hostel
( ) Waiting for Guffman
( ) House of 1000 Corpses
( ) Devils Rejects
( ) Elf
( ) Highlander
( ) Mothman Prophecies
( ) American History X
( ) Three
( ) The Jacket
( ) Kung Fu Hustle
( ) Shaolin Soccer
( ) Night Watch
(x) Monsters Inc
(x ) Titanic
( ) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
( ) Shaun Of the Dead
( ) Willard
Total so far: 29 out of 200.
( ) High Tension
( ) Club Dread
( ) Hulk
( ) Dawn Of the Dead
( ) Hook
(x ) Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
( ) 28 days later
( ) Orgazmo
( ) Phantasm
( ) Waterworld
( ) Kill Bill Vol. 1
( ) Kill Bill Vol. 2
( ) Mortal Kombat
( ) Wolf Creek
( ) Kingdom of Heaven
( ) The Hills Have Eyes
( ) I Spit on Your Grave
( ) The Last House on the Left
( ) Re-Animator
( ) Army of Darkness
Total so far: 30 out of 220
( ) Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
( ) Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
( ) Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
( ) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
( ) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
( ) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
( ) Ewoks: Caravan Of Courage
( ) Ewoks: The Battle For Endor
( ) The Matrix
( ) The Matrix: Reloaded
( ) The Matrix: Revolutions
( ) Animatrix
( ) Evil Dead
( ) Evil Dead 2
( ) Team America: World Police
( ) Red Dragon
( ) Silence of the Lambs
( ) Hannibal
Total 30 / 239

Thanks for this one Nic.....and like the lady says, if you're reading this, consider yourself tagged!
Linda x

Ok I admit it I am addicted

2007-04-28T22:26:00.000+01:00

Well folks I have got to admit it I am totally hooked on reading lots of Blogs ( is it addicted or just down right nosey cant make my mind up)
Well had quite a nice weekend so far Rebekah went for tea to a friends on Friday night which gave me time to go and have my hair done in peace and quiet lol. Today we had a cub competition in the morning where the Cubs had to do bases such as pioneering, first aid, fire lighting, map and compass, home safety, road safety and tracking they all had a brill time and our team came 2nd ( Well done lads ), this now means we get to go on and represent our district in the county competition in June.
Next we went to the football and Blackburn beat Charlton 4 - 1 so that was good, went to Asda thanks to my sis who took me and then had KFC for tea.
Tomorrow hubby and two step children are out for the day so just me and Rebekah to do as we please ( how lovely )

Going to add a list of blogs I read so check them out they are such a bunch of talented people

catch up

2007-04-26T21:18:00.000+01:00

What a week we have had and I feel I have had no time what so ever to sort stuff out but here is a quick catch up.
We had our meeting at school and to be honest it went really well as I was half expecting to get in there and be told " Rebekah will have to get on with it " but the Head Teacher was really good and supportive she said we needed to unpick all this with Rebekah as we don't want a school phobia and we need to get back the Happy little girl who left infants in July.

I was told that she is ok once in class but that doesn't help us when she is making herself sick and crying in a morning. So these are the strategies we are putting in place

Rebekah is going into class a little earlier than the others as she has a really important job to do ( you know the ones that the school could just not continue if she didn't do it )
The N.T.A in the class has become her "mentor" who she can go to for a cuddle and a love and just a hold of the hand if that is what she feels she needs.
The Family Liaison teacher ( who is brill) has an ever open door for her to pop down and see and chat to and hug if needed
The teacher has been told that Rebekah just needs a little more recognition in the class and made to feel more at ease ( i.e rub on the head in the morning and a "hi how are you this morning")
And the Head said we should let Rebekah know we have had the meeting so she knows we are all trying to make it better for her.
Another meeting has been set for next Friday (4th May) with Rebekah so we can see how she feels and she can help us make it better.

So hopefully things will be on the up she hasn't cried this week apart from Monday although it wouldn't take much to push her over the edge but a least we are making progress ( fingers crossed) So that's were we are at.

Thanks to all for their support I have had some lovely messages on various forums i visit it just helps knowing there are people i can chat to if i feel the need.

Back to school Blues

2007-04-19T19:51:00.000+01:00

Some of you might be aware of the trouble I was having with Rebekah and not wanting to go to school ( she has been making her self sick and crying that she was not well enough to go) This has been going on for a while now and although we have been working with the family Liaison teacher and we did seem to be making some progress we have been knocked back to step one today when she went back to school. I have had to literally push her into the car whilst she is crying and trying to make herself sick and all in all have had one bad day. I have been in touch with school today with the head teacher and arranged a meeting tomorrow , I am really at my wits end I don't know what to do anymore for the best. Sorry to bore you but feel better just "talking" about it

how long till next school holiday ??????????????????

2007-04-16T22:31:00.000+01:00

Only Joking !!

Well been back to work today after the Easter hols and its like I have never been away. We have had some work done at nursery and its fantastic even though not completely finished it looks so modern and light its like being in a new building so happy bunny.

Went to the football yesterday and I am sorry if your a Chelsea fan but we were beaten by a referee and a team that couldn't keep on their feet ( there got it out my system now lol )

Big kids went back to school today but Rebekah not back till Thursday so fingers crossed she will be ok

Right off to bed absolutely shattered

Linda x

Sorry

2007-04-11T22:40:00.000+01:00

Hi been a while since i blogged sorry but time just seems to slip away from me ( I cant believe its nearly the end of the Easter Hols) Well what have we done well

Rebekah finished school last Wednesday
Went to Ikea on Thursday
Friday Easter activities at Rufford Old Hall
Saturday was football
Sunday egg hunt followed by church then i cooked for 11
Went to Lake District to a friends and called to see H's shop ( the sign is just brill)
Cubs tonight where we made fires and cooked twists

Oh yes and in between all this we have put new laminate flooring down and swapped all our rooms round ( mad or what !!! )

On a sadder note some of you may be aware of the trouble I have had with Rebekah and her not liking school well she broke down in tears today ( just after buying some new school bobbles) saying she didn't like her teacher and that he frightened her I really don't know what to do it makes me so sad I just want her to be happy, but don't know how to help.

Any way hopefully will be able to talk a little to her before she goes back as she still has another week yet

Linda x

Easter Passion

2007-04-02T22:31:00.000+01:00

Tonight we went to school to watch Rebekah in the Easter Passion Production it was fantastic!!!! and I am not just saying that because Rebekah was in it but it was. The teachers had worked so hard it was all done to music and modern music and the children had learnt all the words to about 10 different hard songs. Well done to all of them.

Bit behind the times in the technology stakes here but I have finally got an Ipod I have had my mp3 player for ages but now I have moved up in the league of music and have a snazzy pink ipod lol

Been thinking about a friend today off a crafts forum i go on who was opening her shop today selling food so if you read this H have been thinking of you and hope all went well. Also glad to read my Raks had been received.

Right off to bed now
byeeee

P.S have added links to blogs i love to have a look at if you have a blog and would like adding then just leave us a note cheers now x x x

Yeh its the weekend

2007-03-31T08:06:00.000+01:00

Have now finished for two weeks for the Easter Hols only cant shout too much about it as Rebekah doesn't finish till Wednesday Lunch so she is not too happy.

What are you up to this weekend ?
The kids have gone off to their mums this weekend so its only the 3 of us and I hope i don't seem unkind or cruel but it is nice just to be the 3 of us again for a little while ( i do miss them though and are glad when they are back)
We are off to town to get some Easter eggs for Rebekah's teachers for her to take in and some bits for her to make her cards.

Tonight off out for a meal so looking forward to that

Will try and come back and put some pics on for you of Rebekah's cards when we have finished them.

Before I go question for you

Why cant I get Rebekah out of bed on a school morning ? and today 7.00am whoo bright and breezy lol
Kids eh ????

our weekend

2007-03-25T22:17:00.000+01:00

Nearly time to go back to work but only for one week hooray and then its Easter Hols. ( sorry all you people who only get the bank holidays.

Here's a quick overview of our exciting weekend lol ( did warn you this could get quite boring lol)

Right Saturday was a good day up early and Rebekah is off to Nana's to play and make our tea she has a new cookery book and wants to make us ham and pineapple pizza and potato cakes then bread and butter pudding or clowns faces. So I wave bye bye to Rebekah armed with her bag of goodies like she is off to be on ready steady cook. Hubby and step children are off on a walk with the explorer scouts ( hubby is a leader and children are in scouts and explorers) so i make all the packed lunches for them and wave bye bye.

Next my sister arrives and were off to Harrogate to the Great Northern Paper Extravaganza were we met up with a couple of people we have met off stamping mad and Crafts by Carolyns( waves to Cheeks and hubby, Joan and hubby, and Net)

Bought some bits and bats and not loads contrary to the rumours being spread around lol some lil fairies for some cards for Rebekah to make some cards and envelopes a disc with verses for cards and some little toppers to make up ( Rebekah loves to get some kind of surprise when i come home)

Gets home to a wonderful tea made by Rebekah and Nana.

Sunday we are off to church after loosing an hour with the clocks going forward and then this afternoon it was the celebration of Rebekah's Brownie Packs 90th Birthday so we were at church again ( can you see my halo shining lol) where Rebekah had to dress in a uniform from around 1919 i think which was a rosebud uniform she had to walk down the aisle all by herself and stand at the front of the church whilst other girls in different uniforms came and stood with her. I was very proud !!!!

I have also found another brill forum which i hope to keep popping onto why not take a look

http://www.bumbleberrycrafts.com/phpbb/index.php

Think that's about it apart from I still have lunches and uniforms to sort for tomorrow but hey that's another day

BBFN

Linda

wow doesnt time fly

2007-03-23T13:43:00.000Z

Well people its Friday already and I am at home doing my record of achievement books as well as looking over a few posts on my favourite sites such as http://www.craftsbycarolyn.co.uk/ and http://www.stampingmadforum.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl. Well its been a quietish week really Tuesday we had our meeting at church for Rebekah's sacramental programme she is to be confirmed in May and Holy Communion in June and she has chosen Cecilia as her confirmation name.
Wednesday I had the final meeting concerning Rebekah at school as some of you may have been aware we were having some problems with her but she is starting to sparkle a little bit now and seems happier so happy Rebekah = happy Linda.
Thursday all quiet in the Lawrence household as the older ones had gone bouldering with the explorer scouts . Tonight Rebekah has a practice at the church for her Brownies as they are 90 this year and having a celebration. Rebekah has to dress as a Rosebud from I think the 1930's.
Then tomorrow me and my sis are off to Harrogate to the Great Northern Paper Extravaganza
it will be brill hoping to meet up with a few peeps as well.
Anyway better get back to work
Linda x

Monday Monday

2007-03-19T22:43:00.000Z

Gosh don't Mondays come around quick ?
Work is absolute chaos at the moment we have the builders in doing some internal changes to our building and so along with the builders knocking and hammering and the children pretending to be builders in the brick corner knocking and hammering and then the other children trying to be noisier than them well............................ you can just imagine the noise cant you.

Really need to get back into my card making as I feel it is slipping away from me again so fingers crossed when we have our Easter break in two weeks I can really get my head round it all again.
We have a meeting at school tomorrow for Rebekah's Sacramental Programme with Father John as she makes her confirmation in May and then her Holy Communion in June .

Hopefully will have some more excitement for you tomorrow lol

Happy Mothers Day

2007-03-18T17:33:00.000Z

well we have had a lovely day today my little Rebekah who is 7 made me breakfast in bed ( with daddies help of course) then i opened my presents which was some shower gel from "lush" called sweetie pie ( Rebekah chose it cos that's what i call her lol) I also got some small storage boxes which i think are a hint to sort out my crafting stuff lol. We went to church were all the mums got a little bunch of daffodils and then been out for a meal which was lovely. Me and Rebekah have just made some yum yum cake as we call it others may know it as mars bar cake All in all a lovely day ( just waiting for the peace to be shattered lol when my two step children come back from spending the weekend with their mum )

Been a good weekend for a change so fingers crossed next week will be just as good

self review then parents evening !!! glad thats all over

2007-03-14T21:43:00.000Z

Hi well what a day today has been I had my self review today with our head teacher and although I had lots of positive things to say i did find it quite emotionally draining, I feel I have been on a roller coaster the last 6 / 8 months but at least my boss does not think it has effected my work in anyway so that was good to know.
Then tonight we had parents evening for stepson got to be honest with you was absolutely dreading it as he has not been having a good time at school with arguing with teachers being sent out of lessons and that's only a few things that he has been doing. But we went into school and to be honest his main problem is his literacy skills or lack of them ( i personally feel he has been let down at primary level where this could of been addressed a bit more and i feel as we should of done more for him but up until him coming to live with us in November we were never part of his schooling as we were never invited to be ) but he can do the work and is a bright child but he just struggles with the paper work so hopefully strategies can be put in place to help him.
Oh yes his mum and step dad turned up at parents evening as well and saw a couple of teachers and basically told them that well you see he doesn't live with us anymore he is with his dad ( pass the book pass the book) and forgot to add one vital part of information ........ they are clearing off to the other side of the world anytime ( that wont have an effect on him will it ?)
Sorry rant over

Linda x

its the weekend

2007-03-10T08:19:00.000Z

Well what are you up to this weekend ?
My plans are for quite a relaxing weekend but hey it never works out as planned does it ?
I am off to the hairdressers this morning and its a treat as well as i don't have to pay as i have vouchers from my birthday so that's nice but do I have my highlights as normal or do i go for a colour and highlights decisions decisions.

After that were off to Blackburn for a bit of retail therapy but also the boring bit like essential food shopping lol.
Tomorrow were off to the football for the Rovers V Man City FA Cup round so come on you Blues. For a change its me hubby and daughter off to this as step children are off to their uncles 40th Birthday meal. Just hope there alright when they come back as Stepson has been having quite a troubled time of it lately.

That's all for now folks

Keep Clear its the sicky house !!! ( please dont read if of a delicate stomache )

2007-03-02T20:17:00.000Z

Oh my word what a day it started at just after midnight ( well i know they normally do but i don't normally see the start of the day in lol) Rebekah was sick ( not just normal sick but sick from a great height as she is on the top bunk and it was as she was coming down the steps to go to the loo) It went everywhere BUT fortunately not over her sister in the lower bunk.

After we had tidied all that up she came in my bed for the night and as she slept on and off I hovered on the edge of the bed ( how can a 7 yr old take up so much room ?) She was awake on and off with tummy ache and at about 5 ish this morning she was fully awake and then sick again all over our bed so had to change that. ( twice ) second time just put her in a sleeping bag on the bed.

I went to work but ended up coming home I felt decidedly dodgy and still do if i am honest. I should of been out tonight with my dad and my hubby for a meal at the local cricket club but feel lousy so sent Steve to go on his own.

Right off to bed now to see if this yucky feeling goes

Linda x

gosh where did the time go ?

2007-03-01T20:48:00.000Z

Hi folks really really sorry for not blogging sooner but i really don't know where all the time has gone ( go on own up who has hidden the rest of February ?)
Whats been going on well life is never what you might say calm in this house hold ( life is a roller coaster ) cue for a song i know but that's what i feel like at the moment ups and downs.
ups = have received a couple of RAKS ( random acts of kindness) off Carol and Joe from http://craftsbycarolyn.co.uk truly thankful for those as they really cheered me up.
another up is that Rebekah seems happier at school than she has done in a long time.
It has been my sister and nephews birthdays been out for a meal and off to pictures at weekend to celebrate.
downs = my step son is having a bad time at school and i really don't know how to help him we have tried all sorts of things and are getting nowhere fast. this leads to arguments , tears arguments , tears round and round again.

So like they say things can only get better ( another song i know !!! Lol ) hopefully wont leave it too long next time.

"Gung Hay Fat Choy"

2007-02-18T16:42:00.000Z

Well we only got back from our trip to York on Saturday were we had a fantastic time we went to the railway museum, castle museum, York Minster, had coffee in the shambles and a good walk around the town doing some shopping and ......................... oh yes managed to get a look in Lakeland as well and just bought a few bits and bobs ( it would of been rude not too lol )

Today we have just got back from Manchester where we have joined in with the Chinese New Year Celebrations it was fantastic so many people and so many stalls and shops to go in.
It really is a great experience.

Back to work tomorrow as we have had half term this last week so back to normality in this house ( what ever that may be )

Happy Valentines Day

2007-02-14T14:21:00.000Z

Well Happy Valentines day people how many cards did you get ???? Its my ninth wedding anniversary today so I got valentines and anniversary cards so that was nice no pressie as such as we are off to York tomorrow for a couple of days so that will be nice. I did get 12 red roses if you count the ones my hubby stamped inside my card though lol.
I have taken some photographs of the cards i made for my hubby hope you like them and oh yes Rebekah wanted the one she made for us all on her own to be shown as well so here goes

Will get back on here after York enjoy your weekend

ok dont fall down in shock but....................... I made some cards

2007-02-13T14:21:00.000Z

Hi just a quick hello and a chance to see if i can add pics to this blog. I actually made a card well a couple really but forgot to take photos last night so will have to wait till hubby opens his valentines and anniversary card then i will take a photo.

But I have remembered to take a photo of a swap I am taking part in on one of the forums I visit and the theme is Black and White ( but a touch of red looks good too )

Do you think this will be ok ? I am so out of practice at making cards lol

Linda x

hi its been a right old couple of days

2007-02-12T22:18:00.000Z

Goodness me where do I start ? Well finished for half term thank goodness but before that had a meeting in school about Rebekah ( some of you may have been aware of the problems she was having at school ) this was an update about how she is going on. Some good news is that she is now being seeked out on the playground to play with others rather than standing on her own. She still can go down to a very nice teacher if she feels she doesn't want to go out at break time and they have a little chat which is nice for her, but in class she still feels under pressure to please her teacher and she is struggling to come to terms with this.

Next part of the saga Step children meant to be off to London with mum and step dad this week Step daughter decides its not what she wants to do as she has asked her mum if there will be time to do some course work as she is on gcse's and the answer was well we will try but cant promise so she has decided to stop here and get on with her work. God bless her she is working really hard.

Oh and to top it off apparently my hubby's ex has refused to pay any maintenance ( but that's another story )

Speak soon

Linda x

40

2007-02-04T22:07:00.000Z

Talk about a hectic weekend where do i begin well Friday was my 40th Birthday and my darling hubby was working so I invited a few friends round for drop in and a few nibbles. Saturday I had been told that we were going out for a meal but not were i was going.

The next thing I know I am at the local Cricket Club where a fantastic surprise party had been organised for me by my hubby sis and friend Andrew. I had no idea at all and walked into a darkened room where all of a sudden lights came on and the room was full of all my friends. I still cant believe it to be honest as I know the most talkative people in the world and they all managed to keep it a surprise for me.

So overall a really really brilliant weekend and absolutely blown away by peoples kindness.

last day of being 39 arghhhhhhhhhhh

2007-02-01T20:25:00.000Z

Yes folks its finally caught up with me and tomorrow my life begins apparently ( well that's what everyone keeps saying apart from my darling Rebekah who keeps telling everyone that mummy is only 21 ) she is a good girl

Well whats been happening well loads really regarding the step kids and there mum but to personal to put on here but i just want to hug them and let them know I love them and and will always be there for them even though they are confused angry and sad at the moment.

The weekend should be good we are having a drop in night tomorrow with a few friends calling round and then on Saturday off to Bolton shopping early doors then off to Football to watch Blackburn V Sheffield Utd then off out for a meal and I don't know where it is either so that will be a nice surprise

Cards are piling up nicely ready to be opened tomorrow so i will say bye for now

Linda aged 39yrs 364 days and counting lol

Whoops !!!

2007-01-27T15:14:00.000Z

Not blogged for ages sorry but its just one of those things i don't have a very interesting life lol either that or by the time i get on the PC at night i am too tired to bother lol.

Anyway not much has been happening in Lawrence world this last week apart from me trying to hide away from my Birthday which is coming up on Friday. I share my birthday with my step daughter and she will be 16 can't quite believe it and I will be 40.
Wanted to hide away from this birthday but have now decided to stand up and shout out about it. We are not having a party but will have a kind of buffet tea where friends and family can drop in and see us ( hubby is working ) and will go out for a meal on Saturday.

Neesa has no idea what she would like for her birthday and to be honest neither do I so we will have to have a real good think about it.

Anyway got to go as Rebekah is at a party and needs collecting soon

Bye

Linda x

weekend news

2007-01-20T20:23:00.000Z

Not a lot to tell really but had a nice day today ( Saturday ) only me hubby and Rebekah here this weekend as the kids are at their mums so it seems really quiet lol plus i am only fighting 2 other people for the computer and not 4 ha ha ha. By the way here is the pic of her in her new glasses as promised not a brill one but will do for now.

My sis came round today and we had a laugh watching the craft channels looking for inspiration ( still waiting I am afraid ) then we headed off to Ozzie Mills for a look around Topaz to see what was hot lol didn't really pick up much its been a long time since payday in December and seems a long way off end of January.

Been trying to sort out what to do for my Birthday ( 2nd Feb ) when i will be 40 oh god there you go i have said it i am dreading it turning 30 never bothered me but 40 arghhhhhhh. Me thinks just a quiet family night in on actual Birthday but then out for a meal the Saturday if i have to celebrate then might as well go all weekend lol.

Watched the football down at my sisters tonight yes sorry all you girls who think football yuk i really do enjoy the game so much in fact me and the girls have season tickets for Blackburn Rovers any way we won yeah 3 - 0

Off to sort out some stuff for church tomorrow as my darling little girl has volunteered me to help out with the children's liturgy ( kids !!! )

Linda x

Been on a course

2007-01-17T22:27:00.000Z

Not been at work today but been on a course it was quite good actually and called time to communicate and the key note speaker was brilliant she does a lot of work with puppets and she was so passionate about what she did that it really did inspire you.

Later been up to cubs where we had our own little fund raiser ( scouts is 100 years old this year so January is taken up with challenges based on the number 100 ) we saw how many lines of 100 1 pence pieces we could do and we managed 30 so £30 raised for a local charity. We have asked the Cubs to think of a charity and if we get more than one we will choose out of a hat next week.

Linda x

Weigh in day

2007-01-16T22:41:00.001Z

Well its Tuesday and that means weight watchers weigh in day Now when i tell you how I have gone on this week please remember I was on camp all weekend cooking as well lol

I lost 1/2 lb so I am pleased with that cos at least its off

Linda x

Well its been a couple of days

2007-01-15T22:37:00.000Z

Hi I think Thursday was the last time i managed to get online so I have a bit of catching up to do wont bore you with all the mundane stuff but here goes

Friday

Rebekah got her glasses they are little miss naughty ones ( she chose them lol ) and once i have managed to get some picture i will add a photograph.
A quick turn round at home as we went off on scout camp with a friend of ours ( It always seems like a good idea when you are asked like 6 months earlier can you go on camp !!! )
Arrived on camp we were indoors and it was a really nice place its actually a guide site and we were staying in a cottage that slept 15

Saturday

The scouts got on with there activities and in the afternoon me and my step daughter crept away for a couple of hours to go and watch the football ( they didn't win )

Sunday

Home from camp Sunday afternoon very tired as it had been very late nights and very early mornings but it was enjoyable although being in the kitchen all the time it did feel a bit like working in a children's home and catering all weekend for 15 of them added to this lol

Today Monday

Work as normal but the main thing was that Rebekah had had a good day at school and seemed far happier than she has done is ages ( don't get me wrong we have a long way to go with her yet but its a start and I feel happier seeing her happy)

Well bore over speak soon

Linda x

Its nearly the weekend

2007-01-11T22:30:00.000Z

Firstly I must apologise about my posting yesterday I was feeling really down and shouldn't of posted at all but then again this is more about my day to day feelings and that's what they were yesterday.
Today things look brighter Rebekah has had a better day at school and my day has been good we are going on camp with the scouts tomorrow so probably wont get online till Sunday to update the blog sorry, also big thing tomorrow Rebekah gets her " Little Miss Naughty " glasses and she cant wait bless, also a bit of a pick up for her is she is going to be taking on keyboard music lessons at school next week she is so excited ( she had decided violin was not for her thank you thank you thank you lol )

Well that's it I have still to pack yet so will say night night

Linda x

Wednesday Woes

2007-01-10T22:36:00.000Z

Hi started to think about what I could write tonight, about what has been happeneing in the life of the Lawrence's but to be honest i dont want to bore you all with it so possibly less said soonest mended eh?
I just feel down tonight been to parents evening and well thats another story.

Gonna go will post again when feeling a bit better

Sorry

Linda x

just when i thought things were on the up

2007-01-09T22:31:00.000Z

Well today has not been particully a good one, Rebekah went off to school absolutely fine but by the time she got to breakfast club she had been sick and really upset and kept saying she didnt know why. ( made worse by the fact that my dad had taken her to school as i was already at work). I spoke to the Family Liaison Teacher who tried to put my mind at rest by telling me that she would go and see her and make sure she was ok but to be honest all i wanted to do was go and get her BUT I didnt i stayed strong knowing that i have to do it even though it was breaking my heart.
Any way sad bit over she came home from school absolutely fine and seemed as though she had no cares in the world lol so we are gonna give Breakfast Club a break for the rest of this week and see how we go on.
On a personal note been to be weighed tonight and have lost 3.5lbs so thats a total of 14.5lbs now so onwards and downwards hopefully lol

Thats it for now folks

Linda x

Monday Monday

2007-01-08T22:18:00.000Z

Now then whats happened today well Rebekah went off to school quietly cant really say happily but there were no tears so that's a plus. When she came home she has had not too bad a day to be honest and my super duper girl got 15 / 15 in her spellings today and she was really pleased and I am very proud of her.
She started tonight at her extra tuition tonight which is really focusing on confidence and she seemed to really enjoy it so fingers crossed it will help.

Neesa been bogged down with homework tonight so only just got online to see whats happening around the place its her gcse year so busy busy busy

Right off now

See ya

Linda x

Weekends come and go

2007-01-07T23:54:00.000Z

Well cant believe i am back to work tomorrow this weekend has flown by. We were up and at church this morning and then not a lot else really we have been doing to normal homework reading etc and getting uniforms ready for tomorrow. Neesa and Sam came back from their mums tonight and seem to have had a good weekend but you never can really tell, bits will come out over the next few days.

Been planning a Scout camp tonight with out friend Andrew its his group who are going on camp and we are helping out so that's what were up to next weekend.

Rebekah a bit apprehensive going to bed tonight she said she was ok but had tooth ache gave her some calpol which seems to have done the trick.

Right off to bed myself not an interesting read tonight lol but at least i am keeping up with it at the moment hahaha

See ya

Linda x

How to be proved wrong big style

2007-01-06T17:17:00.000Z

Hi well Saturday a day of rest not working eh? WRONG !!!!! got up early this morning as Rebekah had an eye test at 9.00 ( she had been complaining mummy my eyes hurt when i am on the computer, mummy my eyes hurt when i .......... she would then go on playing I thought this was all part of the not wanting to go to school thing so we went for her eyes testing .)

She only needs glasses doesn't she ? Its not a big prescription and the optician said a lot of it could be eye strain and over compensating but she has to wear glasses for computer and reading which reminds me where did i put mine lol !!!!! )

Afterwards we went for a free assessment at a tutoring place as i thought this might help her confidence at school and it was Rebekah that first mentioned it, she had a test which lasted half an hour ish and these were the results
reading age 10yrs 4 months
comprehension 9yrs 10 months ( she is 7 yrs and 6months )
so its just some help numeracy they are going to give her she seems to have some of the ways to work calculations out a bit mixed up

I am really proud of her and she seems a bit more upbeat today lets hope it keeps up.

Linda x

Friday whoo !!!

2007-01-05T23:13:00.000Z

Well folks it's Friday whoo!! only been back at work two days and it feels like a lifetime lol, Rebekah seems to have been ok today only she says she didn't enjoy breakfast club and i don't know she just doesn't convince me she is 100% ok, but tomorrow is weekend and we can have some fun.

Bit quiet here to night the kids have gone to their mums for the weekend and i know this might sound daft but i feel absolutely shattered now they have gone.

Going to go now no point in waffling on about nothing lol hopefully have more chat tomorrow

See ya

Linda x x

well it was back to work and school today !

2007-01-04T22:42:00.000Z

Hi well today was the day I was back to work and the kids back to school and as far as Rebekah I was dreading it this morning I felt like i had done a days work before i got to work keeping Rebekah upbeat about going to school. She didn't go to breakfast club I took her to school at the normal time and as we were standing outside she was just transferring one anxiety to another but she was really brave and i kissed her and in she went. Her teacher just grabbed me and asked how was she and said don't worry i will keep my eye on her. Hence i got in the car and cried my eyes out I have jumped every time the phone has rung at work but she has come home ok not brilliant but ok and that in its self is an improvement.

I came home from work to a lovely tea cooked by hubby and then after he had been out to explorers my friend came round with her scan picture to show me and Rebekah. Pam had told us a few weeks ago she was expecting but hadn't told anyone but now she is 14 weeks she had a picture to show and came to show us Rebekah is so excited its unbelievable.

I am really pleased for Pam and Craig as they have longed for a baby for so long. Can't wait lol

Right I am off

Linda x

Work tomorrow ( well the type i get paid to do and not just here at home !! )

2007-01-03T22:00:00.000Z

Well today has been a busy day I got up and after breakfast got to work on " getting everyone ready for work and school". Just before Christmas we had a few problems with Rebekah not wanting to go to school and making herself physically sick when she was at school so she could be sent home, went in to see the family liaison teacher who had been watching her for a couple of days and it appears she is not really happy at school full stop so today I feel really sick with worry about her going back, but fingers crossed the break has done her good and she will be ok.

This afternoon went over to Whalley were darling hubby got another new coat ( i am sure he needs coats anonymous ) and then went to do the shopping at Asda as hubby is working weekend and i have a lot on with Rebekah so best its done and out the way is what I say.

Tonight after tea which Steve made ( beef stir fry) i went down to Barbara's who I do Cubs with and Pam and we planned our programme up till the end of April ( Who ever said that Cubs would only be an hour a week lied !!! )

Well thats it for now ( rather pleased i have blogged now for 3 days running !!! )

Linda x x x x x x

Second day do i still have anything to say ?

2007-01-02T16:01:00.000Z

Seem to have got the hang of this she says with fingers crossed.

Well what has happened today? well hubby has gone back to work and I have made a start on taking the Christmas decorations down. All the cards are down and the advent calendars and crib so only tree to go now.

Will pop back later and add whats gone on

Well i am back all the decorations are away now for another year I went back to ww tonight and lets put it this way I had a good Christmas lol.

Think thats about it for today ( did warn you it wouldn't be exciting )

Linda x

New years day came and went

2007-01-02T08:50:00.000Z

Well Happy new year or is it spent yesterday trying to get organised with this blog and the after I had written it all couldn't get back into it arghh so here i go again.

I have kept threatening to bore you all with my ramblings so here goes the start of our family stories ( bear with me it could get quite boring at times )

Well we saw the new year in as a family plying games both on PlayStation and board games and to be honest we had a really good time. Got to bed about 2 ish and darling hubby was up at about 8.30 to take Sam up to scouts for their annual New Years Day Hike they were out about 4 hrs whilst Rebekah and Neesa played on Buzz and tidied their room.

I just kind of slobbed around on New Years Day to be honest and watched TV or and tried to sort this thing out lol.

So that was our new years day I did warn you its not the most interesting read in the world but hey knowing my lot keep checking back you never know !!! I cant promise to write everyday but will try my best.

Happy New Year Everyone

Linda and Co