I have said yes to having a 'craft party' for my friend who has started her own business venture! She has been making her own cards and crafty things for a long time and now is a 'stamping it up' consultant!!! I think it is a bit like having a body shop party but selling craft items and printing stamps. This is so we will all be able to make our own cards from now on.........I think not hehe. I have booked the party for two weeks time (slightly regretting it already!). I'm not sure how much my friends are into craft but it may be a giggle and as long as I have gin in the house it will all be alright. I have decided that seeing as I'm going to have lots of people in my house I must make sure that I get my act sorted and do a few jobs around the house that I have been meaning to do for a long time!
I am going to start by painting the dining room, sorting out the curtains and finally make the table runner I have been going to do for some time. I cleaned the shelves of the dresser yesterday and decluttered as much as I could.
I really want to make a valentines day wall hanging and maybe even make a small picture from fabric with Emily. Again something I wanted to do several weeks ago, although I have had the excuse as I have been making Amy and Neils quilt (I have now finished making all the heart blocks). My other project that Samuel is very keen to help me with is to make my wooden heart garland. It involves using a jig saw to cut the wood and he is fit to burst with the thought of it.
I have found a picture that I would like my room to resemble! It may be a bit too 1930's for Benjamin's tastes but I have fallen in love with it so we will see hehe. I quite like having a deadline as I seem to work much better this way and things get dome alot quicker. I could just do with some time off work to have the time to do it all.
I think I'm going to declutter some more tonight! I'm in the mood to throw things away at the moment and try to create a little order in the house. I must start and sort out all our clothes this week as our cupboards are bursting at the seams but I'm sure that we only wear half of the stuff if that!!!!!! I think if I have had a good spring clean before spring starts then I can be doing fun things when the weather starts to warm up - see there is a plan..........
Thursday, 27 January 2011
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Panto season
Life has got back to it's normal level of chaos! The holidays are a far distant memory and everyone is back into the 'swing' of things!
The children have been busy over the last couple of weeks as they have been in the village pantomime, Calamity Jane. They have had such a fabulous time and Emily even had several lines (now she is a big girl and at college). They were all dressed up as Indians and cowboys. The after party in the Archers Arms was fun as well. Children from the panto were invited as well and Em and Sam spent the night dancing and singing to Queen songs .......someone gave Sam a microphone....... Bless them they were so good and had so much fun, very proud Mummy and Daddy. So many people came up and said how well behaved they both were and how much they had put into it all. We have said for the last year 'cant do it again as it's so late at night' but I think it is worth it and I they more from it than we think. Tamsyn was very happy, as after the performance we took her up to Granny Rosa's and she had a sleepover. She was very brave and went up on stage to dance with Samuel at one point.
The children have been busy over the last couple of weeks as they have been in the village pantomime, Calamity Jane. They have had such a fabulous time and Emily even had several lines (now she is a big girl and at college). They were all dressed up as Indians and cowboys. The after party in the Archers Arms was fun as well. Children from the panto were invited as well and Em and Sam spent the night dancing and singing to Queen songs .......someone gave Sam a microphone....... Bless them they were so good and had so much fun, very proud Mummy and Daddy. So many people came up and said how well behaved they both were and how much they had put into it all. We have said for the last year 'cant do it again as it's so late at night' but I think it is worth it and I they more from it than we think. Tamsyn was very happy, as after the performance we took her up to Granny Rosa's and she had a sleepover. She was very brave and went up on stage to dance with Samuel at one point.
Samuel looking fab but not wanting me to take his picture!
Emily and Jo having lots of fun
Tamsyn so very pleased to be up on stage.
Monday, 10 January 2011
A week of up's and down's xx
This week has been very mixed. The children are back to school so we are having to be back into the routine of early to bed and up in the morning, smiling, dressed, breakfast, teeth brushed, book bag, PE kit .......and on and on! Luckily it was a short week (they went back on Wednesday!) so we sort of had a practice run before Monday morning and it all has to start again for real. We are trying our new chores rota / list of things to to to keep us sane and happy :-) Samuel put the vacuum around the other day without being asked - I was in shock!
Work has been more than hectic this week. We have been so busy that I forgot the time on Wednesday and looked at the clock saying 3:20pm when I was supposed to have left at 3 to pick the children up from school. Luckily Rosa was at home and went up to the school to get them!!!!! Cant wait for tomorrow to go into work!!!!
I had my first day off on Friday (I'm now part time again YEAH ) which I really needed. I wasn't able to do too much. Friday marked two years since Dad died and I found it really hard. We also had some very sad news that a young friend had passed away that morning as well so as you can guess it wasn't the best day. I went over to a friends house and had a hug with her two younger little ones which made me feel much better. In the afternoon I met with Liz and had lunch at Cowslip - when your feeling down this is the best place of all to be, instant calm. I met with Jo and talked about my ideas for a patchwork quilt I want to make for Amy and Neil's wedding present. I came away feeling much better and when I met up with Mum felt a little easier.
Saturday was a complete contrast! We took the children, along with lots of Granny's (Granny Sandra, Rosa and Cleo) and also Amy and Emma to see the pantomime, Sleeping Beauty at Plymouth pavilions. It was amazing and we all had such a fantastic time. Emily was pleased as we met with her friend Holly who had gone as well. Emily and Samuel had there own dress rehearsal of Calamity Jane (Lewannick pantomime!) in the evening so it was a whole day of 'its behind you' and 'oh no he isn't' for them.
Today I have been quite busy. Ben and Samuel went fishing so the girls and I met with Emma, Holly and Poppy and family at Trethorne for a couple of hours bowling - fabulous fun. Then we visited Granny Mary and took her shopping. Bless her, Emily is nearly as tall as her now!!!! We came home and put the roast beef in the oven and went down to see some friends to finally give them their Christmas presents. On our return we put the roast potatoes on and Ben and Samuel came home just in time!!!!!!!!!!! The children were so tired so we watched a film and then got them all into bed. I'm looking around my house now and I have so much to do but I'm not sure I can be bothered! I will all keep ............
Work has been more than hectic this week. We have been so busy that I forgot the time on Wednesday and looked at the clock saying 3:20pm when I was supposed to have left at 3 to pick the children up from school. Luckily Rosa was at home and went up to the school to get them!!!!! Cant wait for tomorrow to go into work!!!!
I had my first day off on Friday (I'm now part time again YEAH ) which I really needed. I wasn't able to do too much. Friday marked two years since Dad died and I found it really hard. We also had some very sad news that a young friend had passed away that morning as well so as you can guess it wasn't the best day. I went over to a friends house and had a hug with her two younger little ones which made me feel much better. In the afternoon I met with Liz and had lunch at Cowslip - when your feeling down this is the best place of all to be, instant calm. I met with Jo and talked about my ideas for a patchwork quilt I want to make for Amy and Neil's wedding present. I came away feeling much better and when I met up with Mum felt a little easier.
Saturday was a complete contrast! We took the children, along with lots of Granny's (Granny Sandra, Rosa and Cleo) and also Amy and Emma to see the pantomime, Sleeping Beauty at Plymouth pavilions. It was amazing and we all had such a fantastic time. Emily was pleased as we met with her friend Holly who had gone as well. Emily and Samuel had there own dress rehearsal of Calamity Jane (Lewannick pantomime!) in the evening so it was a whole day of 'its behind you' and 'oh no he isn't' for them.
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| Silly 3D glasses! |
Today I have been quite busy. Ben and Samuel went fishing so the girls and I met with Emma, Holly and Poppy and family at Trethorne for a couple of hours bowling - fabulous fun. Then we visited Granny Mary and took her shopping. Bless her, Emily is nearly as tall as her now!!!! We came home and put the roast beef in the oven and went down to see some friends to finally give them their Christmas presents. On our return we put the roast potatoes on and Ben and Samuel came home just in time!!!!!!!!!!! The children were so tired so we watched a film and then got them all into bed. I'm looking around my house now and I have so much to do but I'm not sure I can be bothered! I will all keep ............
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
Designing pyjama tops
The girls designing their pyjama tops
Lots of flowers and a picture of herself in the middle
Samuel and his six pack!!!!!!! He says he might wear this one for PE!!!!
Sunday, 2 January 2011
Out with the old
Today I have woken up in a clean and tidy mood! Be afraid...... Today, I have decided, is a perfect day to get the house 'sorted out'. Its all wet outside and the children are quite tired from the new years party and family day so a stay at home day it is to be. Ben is about to get a long list of things that need to be done (including putting up the many mirrors that need to go up around the house). Sadly I think the Christmas tree must come down today. We are all back to work and the children back to school in a couple of days and after that time will be limited. Our tree looked fabulous this year, chosen by Samuel and decorated by us all. The cranberry and popcorn garlands are now looking quite sad (what is left after Mum's dog decided he was hungry!) It is time to say goodbye.
I went on eBay last night and found two most beautiful French sheets. One is a pink stripe and the other a blue stripe. I'm going to make them into tablecloths (I thought they would be perfect for, girl and boy birthday party's). They both come with two pillow cases which I'm thinking might be able to make into bunting, to go on the dresser. I'm quite excited to see what they look like, and if they don't look right they can go on the bed :-) Ben would say I have enough tablecloths! They are fast becoming quite a collection, too many to fit in the dresser and have taken over from my shoe obsession. I'm trying to get one for every occasion.
Must go now and clean my house from top to bottom and try and get it back to normal!
Our fabulous Christmas tree
I went on eBay last night and found two most beautiful French sheets. One is a pink stripe and the other a blue stripe. I'm going to make them into tablecloths (I thought they would be perfect for, girl and boy birthday party's). They both come with two pillow cases which I'm thinking might be able to make into bunting, to go on the dresser. I'm quite excited to see what they look like, and if they don't look right they can go on the bed :-) Ben would say I have enough tablecloths! They are fast becoming quite a collection, too many to fit in the dresser and have taken over from my shoe obsession. I'm trying to get one for every occasion.
Must go now and clean my house from top to bottom and try and get it back to normal!
Snow in the back lane (I got out to play before the children)
Happy New Year to you all
A new year and whole lot of new beginnings. A new year to start again and plan and enjoy our families journey.
We are all a little older and as the children get more independent and enjoy new wonders, life in the Lang family seems to get more exciting if not a little more hectic! New challenges and new worries (for me anyway! as I see my children needing a bit less of me and more of the world around them).
Emily is now established at Launceston College and enjoying her new, more 'grown up' environment. Instead of toys this year she got hair straighteners and hair products! (although I was pleased she was still excited about Father Christmas and her Playmobil advent calender).
Samuel has changed a little - his understanding of his world has increased and is really eager to learn all he can. Moving up to the 'big class' I think has been his making this last year. He really loves school (most of the time) and is trying really hard. He still is his cheeky, silly self but this I'm told is a good thing, can't be sensible all the time! It would seem that it is only Ben and I that panic sometimes about it - he has many many fans (especially as it is now pantomime season and they love him).
Tamsyn doesn't really want to get older she has already told me! She has sensed that getting older is hard work. Being the baby of the family she gets away with it. She is getting taller very fast and has lost her 'mouse tummy' which she was so proud of (like the mouse from the Gruffalo story - our favourite). She is now a tall and skinny thing, and perfect. She keeps surprising us with how much she knows, a clever young lady.
I sadly am turning into the opposite!!! I weighed myself the other day and oh what a shock! Getting fit and healthy is my aim for the year. I've put on over a stone - which has to be got rid of very quickly. I'm not sure if I want to start running again but it wouldn't be a bad idea.......
To be fit, healthy and organised are my New Years resolutions!!
We all sat down the other night and planned a new 'routine' to make sure our house runs a little better. Aunty Wendy gave us a fabulous family calender/organiser for Christmas which we intend on using lots. With the children getting older and doing so much more we need to have more order. We decided that the children could help so much more at home. A chores list has been drawn up and hopefully we will stick to it. Morning and bed time routines and making sure homework is done on time is most important....oh and the ironing! I'm quite excited about us all working together to make our home a lovely place to be, and to enable our free time to be more free and fun.
Our most fantastic news this Christmas was that of Aunty Amy's and Uncle Neil's engagement. They have been together for a few years and have done so much in what seems a short time. They have built there own home and have the cutest, funniest little lady, Emma. We weren't sure if they would get married but hoped they would - and now they are. They have already booked the date in June (24 weeks away as the children and I worked out) and booked the venue (Cowslip - my favourite place). It will be a wonderful day and a really happy event to look forward to for both families.
We have spent New Years day (yesterday as I'm writing so late!) with Rosa and Roger. Amy, Neil and Emma were there as well and my Mum as well. Poor Andi had to work. It was really nice to get together with Ben's family as we haven't seen them hardly at all over the Christmas holidays, but even nicer that my Mum was there as well. We all had a fun day, even though I felt the same as I did last year - that it felt wrong to start another year without Dad being with us! But this is a new year to celebrate and to make new memories for our family, whilst remembering the past ones with a smile and not tears, slightly harder to do then write :-) but we keep trying.
We are all a little older and as the children get more independent and enjoy new wonders, life in the Lang family seems to get more exciting if not a little more hectic! New challenges and new worries (for me anyway! as I see my children needing a bit less of me and more of the world around them).
Emily is now established at Launceston College and enjoying her new, more 'grown up' environment. Instead of toys this year she got hair straighteners and hair products! (although I was pleased she was still excited about Father Christmas and her Playmobil advent calender).
Samuel has changed a little - his understanding of his world has increased and is really eager to learn all he can. Moving up to the 'big class' I think has been his making this last year. He really loves school (most of the time) and is trying really hard. He still is his cheeky, silly self but this I'm told is a good thing, can't be sensible all the time! It would seem that it is only Ben and I that panic sometimes about it - he has many many fans (especially as it is now pantomime season and they love him).
Tamsyn doesn't really want to get older she has already told me! She has sensed that getting older is hard work. Being the baby of the family she gets away with it. She is getting taller very fast and has lost her 'mouse tummy' which she was so proud of (like the mouse from the Gruffalo story - our favourite). She is now a tall and skinny thing, and perfect. She keeps surprising us with how much she knows, a clever young lady.
I sadly am turning into the opposite!!! I weighed myself the other day and oh what a shock! Getting fit and healthy is my aim for the year. I've put on over a stone - which has to be got rid of very quickly. I'm not sure if I want to start running again but it wouldn't be a bad idea.......
To be fit, healthy and organised are my New Years resolutions!!
We all sat down the other night and planned a new 'routine' to make sure our house runs a little better. Aunty Wendy gave us a fabulous family calender/organiser for Christmas which we intend on using lots. With the children getting older and doing so much more we need to have more order. We decided that the children could help so much more at home. A chores list has been drawn up and hopefully we will stick to it. Morning and bed time routines and making sure homework is done on time is most important....oh and the ironing! I'm quite excited about us all working together to make our home a lovely place to be, and to enable our free time to be more free and fun.
Our most fantastic news this Christmas was that of Aunty Amy's and Uncle Neil's engagement. They have been together for a few years and have done so much in what seems a short time. They have built there own home and have the cutest, funniest little lady, Emma. We weren't sure if they would get married but hoped they would - and now they are. They have already booked the date in June (24 weeks away as the children and I worked out) and booked the venue (Cowslip - my favourite place). It will be a wonderful day and a really happy event to look forward to for both families.
We have spent New Years day (yesterday as I'm writing so late!) with Rosa and Roger. Amy, Neil and Emma were there as well and my Mum as well. Poor Andi had to work. It was really nice to get together with Ben's family as we haven't seen them hardly at all over the Christmas holidays, but even nicer that my Mum was there as well. We all had a fun day, even though I felt the same as I did last year - that it felt wrong to start another year without Dad being with us! But this is a new year to celebrate and to make new memories for our family, whilst remembering the past ones with a smile and not tears, slightly harder to do then write :-) but we keep trying.
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