From C to K and back again

A busy week...

2012-03-11T12:54:00.000Z

Wow! Well, so I knew that this last week would be a pretty busy one, but I hadn't quite anticipated just how busy it would turn out to be... but it was all good :-) .

1) Between my normal parent help session with primary 7, attending a parent information session on Big Writing, helping out with the organisation of the annual Prize Draw with the Parents' Association, and then a couple of long sessions helping at the Travelling Book Fair, I seemed to spend most of last week in the school! But it's fascinating - I love the insights and understanding this gives me of school life, and how different each teacher's style is, but mainly what my children are experiencing in all those hours they are away from me. And I've been very impressed with what I've seen :-) .

2) This weekend we celebrated my sister's birthday, with a big family celebration last night. It was a fab night, and we all enjoyed catching up, especially with some family members we haven't seen in ages... K and I made her a special birthday cake, which certainly contributed to the lack of blogging this week!

3) Yesterday A took part in a Boy's Brigade Figure Marching competition - and his company came first :-) , and M had an Gymnastics exam, and attained her Level 3 certificate. So we're extremely proud of them both :-) .

Found, best excuse I've heard recently, and sweeping up.

2012-03-06T20:35:00.000Z

1) I'd almost given up hope of finding it, but she kindly went through to the store room for a moment, and then returned with the precise item I need :-) .

2) Upon being admonished over the number of pieces of pasta he was attempting to eat in one mouthful, A explained that he was merely using the tomato ketchup efficiently!

3) And then later, another cute Aidan moment: "I don't want you to have to clean up my crumbs, Mummy!", as he got the dustpan and brush and swept up the mess he'd made.

Women Walking with God

2012-03-05T13:50:00.000Z

I spent most of the weekend at the wonderful Women Walking With God conference... I've come away from it feeling:

1) Inspired

2) Motivated

and

3) Encouraged.

Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this such a fab event :-) :-) .

Phone call, cute kids, and ideal afternoon.

2012-03-01T22:13:00.000Z

1) An unexpected phone call throws my plans for the afternoon into disarray. However, the news was positive, so I'm not complaining!

2) I pick the kids up from school and they are in happy bouncy mood, vying with each other to tell me little things about their day, and skipping on ahead happily (if you are M) or holding my hand (if you are A) when it wasn't their turn...

3) The kids and their friends disappear off down to the park, while my friend and I catch up in the kitchen as tea is cooking. It's a good way to spend a Thursday afternoon.

Quiche, sitting, and knitting (WIP Wednesday)

2012-02-29T22:36:00.000Z

1) Now that I can't source our favourite quiche anymore, I decided that we needed to have a go at creating our own version: poppyseed shortcrust pastry, filled with crumbly feta, wilted spinach, caramelised onions, mature cheddar, creamy savoury custard and topped with roasted red peppers and toasted pinenuts... Dinner was good.

2) As A enjoyed his skiing lesson, I spent a quiet hour sitting in the car listening to the radio, knitting, and watching as the clouds played hide and seek with the Ochils.

3) I've been working on a couple of new knitting projects this week - the first is the second of my three Spring Projects. It's a baby cardigan, and the first item I've done created entirely in moss stitch. It makes for fairly dense knitting, but it's good fun, and I'm nearly finished with the back...

Spring Project #2: Baby cardigan

I've also cast-on for a Silky Lacy Scarf, using Rowan Kidsilk Haze, in the Majestic colourway. I've just started it, but I love it already :-) .

For more of today's Works-In-Progress, check out Tami's blog...

Garden, tidy, and crocus

2012-02-29T00:00:00.001Z

1) Hidden away in a corner, a tiny garden bursting with the colours of a rainbow of primulas.

2) The kids finish dinner and clear away the dishes, and tidy up downstairs. All without being prompted to do so.

3) The crocus that M brought home has opened up in the warmth of the house. Its beautiful white petals encase glorious golden stamens.

Hopeful, parmesan, and soothing.

2012-02-27T21:43:00.000Z

1) Her eyes lit up when I described what the PA are planning to buy for the school...

2) Parmesan scones make a delicious topping for tonight's mince cobbler. Even M liked them, so they must be good!

3) A freezer-chilled lavender wheatie is lovely and soothing on my forehead, still sore after M accidentally head-butted me last night.

Blueberries, walk, and indoor picnic.

2012-02-25T22:07:00.001Z

1) We start the day with homemade pancakes and blueberry syrup. I love the way that the blueberries turn the pancakes purple.

2) The rain holds off for our walk - alongside the river, and back over the hills to the playpark. The last time we were here the kids were much smaller - this time they race to the top of the climbing pyramid like old pros.

3) The dining room is still messy as we're in the middle of tidying up the understair cupboard and the table is covered in stuff. So we camp out in the lounge and eat dinner, picnic-style.

Sunshine, gym and happy girl (FO Friday).

2012-02-24T14:54:00.000Z

1) To feel warmth and sunshine, and see blue skies complete with high wispy white clouds, after several days of heavy grey skies, biting wind and rain.

2) I pushed myself hard at the gym this morning, and came away tired but with a real sense of satisfaction of a job well done.

3) Woo hoo - another Finished Object, and one very happy little girl :-) .

Here's Megan's Frondly Yours hat...

For more of today's Finished Objects, check out Tami's blog...

Rainbow effect, library, and experimental baking.

2012-02-23T23:12:00.002Z

1) I love watching the way that oil disperses when a few drops of washing-up liquid are added. (Into that you may read the history of the last couple of days, which included the discovery of oil on the driveway!).

2) A has spent the last few days creating a database with details of all of his books. He intends to line up all his books in numerical order on the shelf, and has painstakingly written out a ticket for each book.

3) Nanaimo bars - today's baking experiment. Two dark chocolatey layers, separated with a streak of creamy orange-coloured filling. I don't know how it tastes yet, but it certainly looks pretty!

Return, coat contents, and WIP Wednesday.

2012-02-22T20:26:00.004Z

1) I'm out when the postie comes the first time, and discover a failed delivery slip on the doormat. A wee while later the doorbell rings. Our lovely postie spotted the car in the driveway, and returned to deliver the letter.

2) When I went to put M's coat in the wash this afternoon, I discovered a hole in her pocket... The contents of the coat were as follows: 1 necklace, 1 braclet, 1 hair band, 1 hair tie, 2 small rocks, 1 polished stone, 1 50p piece, a plastic thimble, and a lollipop!

3) I'm nearly finished M's Frondly Yours hat (I ran out of yarn two-thirds of the way through, and the new yarn only arrived today), and I'm working on my design of the little knitted party bags too...

Check out Tami's blog for more of today's Works-in-Progress!

Fixed, nearly here, and pancakes.

2012-02-21T22:49:00.001Z

1) After two car-free days, it's good to have it back again.

2) Tiny white snowdrops, and golden orange crocus buds are peeking through the soil.

3) Banoffee pancakes - mmmm! Some friends came round, bringing a variety of toppings and we all ate pancakes together :-) .

Fab February Holidays

2012-02-20T22:40:00.000Z

We've had a lovely "staycation" this weekend!

1) A family day out at Loch Lomond: we went to the Sea Life Aquarium and spent a lovely couple of hours there. The kids enjoyed doing the quiz, and Loch Lomond revealed a variety of its favourite moods to us as we sat in the cafe having lunch - from soft mist, to dense fog, to a view of snow-capped Ben Lomond, glorious in the sunshine.

2) A more at-home day yesterday, including a couple of hours playing games (yay Bananagrams!) with the kids in the afternoon.

3) A day trip into Edinburgh, a visit to the National Gallery, followed by lunch at the Botanic Gardens and a lovely wander round the Glasshouses this afternoon.

Alone, perfect end, and at last.

2012-02-17T23:37:00.000Z

1) The kids were picked up bright and early, and I had a day to myself :-) .

2) Roasted butternut squash risotto for dinner - perfect comfort food for a Friday evening.

3) Finally a couple of Finished Objects to show you!! First up, the long awaited pics of K's Decoder Hat, knitted first in December, given at Christmas, and then largely frogged (for complicated reasons) and re-knitted in January...

Hubby's Decoder Hat - thanks to Zabbet for the great pattern :-) .

and secondly my Frondly Yours hat, knitted just last week. Giving in to pressure from my daughter, I'm now in the process of knitting a second, somewhat smaller, version for her... :-) .

Here's the link to Tami's blog for more of today's Finished Objects!

Beautiful, catching-up, and the right touch.

2012-02-16T22:53:00.000Z

1) The scenery was stunning, the skies were awesome, and the kids were happy. A perfect drive.

2) A day spent with my friend and her two little girls. The kids kindly played beautifully in the next room, which gave us plenty of time for a good catch-up.

3) K was late home this evening, and the kids just wouldn't settle to sleep. Once home from his meeting, he went upstairs and said goodnight, and they settled immediately and went straight to sleep :-) .

Planning, outside, & happy girl (WIPW).

2012-02-15T23:22:00.000Z

1) Planning a trip for tomorrow - just a day trip this time...

2) Four kids happily play outside in the sunshine.

3) M is excited - I'm knitting her a hat. Actually, I'm knitting her a smaller version of the hat I knitted for myself last week - pics on Friday!). I started it, fifteen rows in I realised it was too small, frogged it, and am now 14 rows in...

For more of Wednesday's Works-In-Progress, have a look over at Tami's blog...

How many? fresh perspective, and favourite.

2012-02-13T22:38:00.000Z

1) To notice that I have now written over five hundred Three Beautiful Things posts.

2) A message from a friend, which lifts my spirit. She said just exactly the right thing :-) .

3) She throws herself into my arms for a hug. As I wonder what prompted this sudden display, she says with glee "they're my favourite!!".

A weekend up north...

2012-02-13T22:18:00.001Z

We had a lovely weekend away visiting my sister and brother-in-law in Inverness - the kids loved seeing their auntie and uncle, and we managed to catch up with some other friends aswell. Some highlights:

1) Clear roads north and south bound. Those of you familiar with the A9 will understand what a blessing that was!

2) A walk on the Ness Islands, and then an explore round some of the nooks and crannies of Inverness we had never visited before.

3) Both evenings, a delicious meal, followed by games and relaxed chat.

4) Meeting up with mutual friends and going out for delicious Sunday lunch.

5) The beginnings of spring colours, side-by-side with dramatic frozen waterfalls and snow-capped mountains.

Snooze, evening, and fog.

2012-02-09T23:24:00.001Z

1) I snoozed for a while on the sofa. And awoke feeling much better :-) .

2) We ate dinner early, just the two of us, as the kids were out. This gave us the whole evening, after the kids were home and in bed.

3) It's a foggy night - all the sharp angles are softened, and the world has a mysterious, other-wordly feel to it.

Unexpected, quick meal, and WIP Wednesday.

2012-02-08T23:00:00.001Z

1) I bumped into someone I don't normally see on my walk up to school. It was lovely to have a chance to chat.

2) Tonight's dinner was cooked this morning, so all that was needed at dinnertime was to reheat it :-) .

3) Loving how my new hat is knitting up. The pattern is challenging, but fun, and I love how it looks so far. Don't think it will be finished by Friday, but here's how it's looking so far...

Check out Tami's blog, if you'd like to see more of today's Works-in-Progress...

Spring, shimmer and sleep.

2012-02-07T22:17:00.000Z

1) It might be cold and frosty outside, but tiny daffodil shoots are fighting their way through in the back garden. They are just taller than the grass.

2) The deck shimmers, as if encrusted with a million tiny diamonds, glittering in the moonlight.

3) It's later to bed than planned for the kids, but the plus side is they settle very quickly, with little fuss :-) .

Lengthening days, contrast, and moon

2012-02-06T23:14:00.000Z

1) At 0740 we open the curtains, and I realise that it is actually light outside.

2) It was one of those clear days when the views of the Ochils along the whole length of the Forth Valley were crystal clear. At the foot of the snow-capped Ochils, however, in place of the river lay a sea of fog.

3) The moon shines, silvery-bright and huge, in an ever-darkening night sky.

Time out...

2012-02-05T22:18:00.000Z

Last week was sometimes incredibly busy, and sometimes pretty stressful. So this weekend was the ideal antidote. We...

1) spent lots of time with friends,

and we

2) spent lots of time cooking,

and we

3) spent lots of time relaxing.

:-) .

Extreme knitting (& FOF), waken up, and relax

2012-02-03T21:56:00.000Z

1) To visit a friend this morning and have a go at her new project - extreme knitting. Hers is not quite "this" extreme, but still used 24mm needles (literally converted broom handles) and knitting with 18 strands of yarn simultaneously was quite a task!

For today's Finished Object Friday: I'm afraid I don't have any pics, but I have completed the knitting part of the basket I showed you on Wednesday!

2) I need to be up early tomorrow morning, so I asked A (who is an early bird) to make sure that I waken up in time. A little while later, he brings me his watch, with the alarm set to the time I requested.

3) To relax, after a busy week, and look forward to an early night.

If you'd like to see some more Finished Objects, check out Tami's blog...

Colourful, parcel and homework

2012-02-02T18:44:00.000Z

1) My shopping today was a pleasing rainbow of colours: aubergine, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, granny smith apples, bananas, orange pepper, gala apples and strawberries.

2) The doorbell rang. It was the postman, with a parcel for me :-) .

3) The house is quiet, and A sits at the table cheerfully doing his homework.

Assembly, done, and new projects/WIP Wednesday

2012-02-01T23:33:00.000Z

1) It was the Primary 2 assembly this morning and, as I watched my little girl up there on the stage with all her classmates singing her heart out and performing the actions, I was struck once again by how expressive she is.

2) To do a difficult thing, which pushes me right out of my comfort zone, and have it over and done with.

3) At Christmas I received a lovely book The Knitter's Year, by Debbie Bliss. To challenge myself to knit some different things, I've decided to choose 12 of the potential 52 projects. The first of my Spring projects is this - a knitted basket:

Spring Project #1

Also on the needles at the moment is another hat, this one for myself (probably) - well I did need to use up that left-over yarn somehow, didn't I?:

Do check out Tami's blog if you would like to see more of Wednesday's Works-in-Progress...

Gym, contented, and quick and easy.

2012-01-31T23:26:00.000Z

1) A good workout at the gym left me energised and ready for the day - it felt good to stretch :-) .

2) The little baby's wails turn to snuffles, then contented sucking, as a dummy and some bouncing take effect.

3) Aubergine, tomato, mozarella and pasta - simple, and yummy.

Ready, comfy, and clean.

2012-01-31T00:12:00.001Z

1) A is changed and ready to go, even before I ask.

2) Long after bedtime, M appeared downstairs, bleary-eyed and mumbling something about not being able to get to sleep. She then climbed up on top of the back of the sofa, curled up, and promptly fell asleep - very cute!

3) Curling up in a bed freshly made-up with clean sheets.

An ordinary weekend, afternoon out, and stars.

2012-01-29T23:37:00.000Z

1) It's been a quietish weekend - relaxing, tidying, and visiting.

2) We also included a trip to Our Dynamic Earth yesterday, which was fab - the kids had a ball, the exhibits fascinating and the staff were all incredibly friendly and helpful.

3) Tonight is a cold, crisp and starry night - the stars shine brightly against the inky blackness of the sky.

Red clouds, nearly here, and Finished Object Friday

2012-01-27T18:29:00.000Z

1) I opend the door this morning to bring in the milk, and was greeted by a white glittering world, and a dawn (this is Scotland remember - sunrise at 0820) sky lit up by glorious luminous red clouds.

2) I spot the first blossom on the trees today - spring is on its way :-).

3) Woo hoo, being Friday, I've got a couple of FO's for today. I finally finished (for the second time) K's Decoder Hat - unfortunately he's wearing it, so no photographs yet...

As for the second FO... long time readers of my blog may remember the little gift project I was working on last autumn:

Well, I'm happy to say that the recipient has now received it, and I can finally show you the end result :-) . It's Betty Balcomb's "Flying Geese Shawl", knitted with Regia Extra Twist Merino Colour (Esprit Spray 09325). I loved the way the "V" formation falls across each shoulder, and it drapes beautifully.

To see more of today's Finished Objects, please check out Tami's blog...

Sorted, playing nicely, and vanishing snow.

2012-01-26T20:04:00.000Z

1) I have the whole day to get organised. So I do!

2) A little friend of M's comes round to play this afternoon - they play beautifully and, for the most part, quietly, for the entire time :-) .

3) When I go out to take M to Explorer's, a light dusting of pristine snow covers the ground. By pick-up time, it has vanished.

Pyramids, crammed full, and cuddles.

2012-01-26T19:47:00.000Z

From yesterday:

1) I spent a couple of hours making pyramids today - it's been a long time since I did that much cutting and sticking.

2) I discover a tiny little shop, full of nooks and crannies, and crammed full of goodies.

3) A cuddle at the end of a hard day.

Warmth, just right, and sorted,

2012-01-24T21:17:00.000Z

1) I was grateful for the comforting warmth of a hot wheatie this afternoon.

2) The pie crust came out of the oven, looking just perfect and ready to be filled.

3) A text from a friend resolves a dilemma, and makes things much less complicated :-) .

Proud mummy, experimenting and still there.

2012-01-23T23:34:00.000Z

1) Today I came across this post from three years ago, wherein Aidan is awarded a "Superstar" for writing a story. On the main school noticeboard today was a copy of the story A wrote last week - he's been awarded a "Good Work Star" for it!

We'll get the story scanned in and up on the kid's blog later this week, if you are interested in actually reading it!

2) A's favourite playtime snack is a Mixed Berry Fruit and Oat bar, but everywhere I go to buy them is out-of-stock. So I decided to have a go at recreating them... The basic recipe - whizz some oats, and make a mixed berry jam (blackberries, strawberries, and sugar). Strain the jam to remove the bits, and mix with the oats. Press into a baking tray and bake. The result was surprisingly good, although I'll increase the fruit to oat ratio next time I think.

3) Accidentally closing the tab containing this post, going to Recently Closed Tabs, re-opening it and discovering that nothing has been lost!

Cute, carousel, and even more cute.

2012-01-22T23:19:00.001Z

1) One of the lovely perks of having a little girl is getting to play hair-dressers! This morning, M wanted her hair straightened, and then put into a half-up half-down style - so cute, I wish I'd taken a photograph!

2) We bought a new carousel for the corner cupboard recently. Today we installed it, and it's fab - it has a solid base instead of an open wire bash, which was just perfect for jars and smaller items to fall through...

3) A certain (not-so) small boy appears downstairs: "I can't get to sleep..."* says he, but in such a cute manner that we can't help laughing.

* He is asleep now, thankfully!

Crafter's Ceilidh

2012-01-22T21:48:00.001Z

From Saturday:

1) I had the privilege of meeting up with twenty or so other lovely ladies at a "Crafter's Ceilidh" (no dancing, just plenty of chat and lots of shopping!) in Edinburgh today. The day was such a lot of fun, and I've come home completely inspired, and looking forward to future meets :-) .

2) The weather stayed clear and dry from station to cafe to shop to shop to shop (plus a few more) to cafe to restaurant to station to home :-) .

3) I arrived home to hot shower, hot tea, and a lovely (and very welcome) foot rub from my lovely husband!

Enough time, poem, and cuddles.

2012-01-20T23:13:00.000Z

1) My friend texts to say she's going to be a little late... that gives me just enough time to get to the bank and back again.

2) M performs her Scot's poem (Drum Major by J. K. Annand), complete with actions, for us this afternoon, with great pride... She's been chosen as one of the three representatives from her class to perform in the whole school competition next week.

3) A isn't feeling too well and curls up beside me on the bed for a cuddle.

PS: If you are missing the knitting posts, they'll be back next week... I'm off to a Crafter's Ceilidh tomorrow in Edinburgh (if I'm brave enough - I don't think I'll know anyone else there!), so I fully expect to come back inspired!

Kindness, much better, and quick and simple.

2012-01-19T22:39:00.000Z

1) As I walked towards the parking meter, a car pulled up beside me and the driver offered me their ticket - "there's still an hour on it...". Which was exactly the length of time I needed :-) .

2) I had a lovely massage today - she worked on all my sore spots (including several I didn't know I had). Walking home, I felt like I was walking on air.

3) K pulled the remainder of last night's thai green curry out of the freezer, and cooked some veg. I put on some rice. A short time later, dinner was served. :-)

Holding hands, not so dark, and helping hands.

2012-01-18T23:16:00.000Z

1) A still insists on holding my hand as we walk to school. I think he'll decide he's too grown up for this soon, so I'm enjoying every moment while I still can.

2) I sit and knit as I wait for A's skiing lesson to finish - it's still light when it's time to pick him up. Last time we were there, it was pitch black.

3) K carries the extremely heavy basket, full of ironed & folded clothes, upstairs for me :-) .

Smile, gym, and writing.

2012-01-17T22:37:00.000Z

1) In distinct contrast to her predecessor, the new proprietress of our local coffee shop worked with a smile and a cheery manner :-) .

2) Back to the gym at last - and I came away wondering why I've put it off for the last week!

3) A wrote a story at school recently - he came home very excited as he's going to be awarded a "Good Work" star for it at the next Success Assembly at school. Very proud :-) .

Accompaniment, all done, and warm.

2012-01-16T22:49:00.000Z

1) We walked to school, and listened to the birds singing.

2) Homework completed, bedroom tidied, they both went off to their various activities happy.

3) The weather turned colder today, and I was glad to snuggle into my hat, scarf and gloves.

An beautiful anniversary celebration...

2012-01-16T22:36:00.001Z

K and I are home from a really lovely weekend away, a belated celebration of our 11th anniversary:

1) We stayed at the Craigendarroch hotel, in Ballater. The hotel was comfortable, the staff were so friendly, and the setting was stunning.

2) The weather was perfect, for the entire holiday.

3) We walked, swam, read, drove through glorious scenery, ate beautiful food, and just relaxed. We had such a lovely time, the whole weekend.

As always, we so much appreciate Grandma and Grandpa for looking after the children for the weekend :-) .

Purple-headed mountains, catching up, and easy option.

2012-01-12T22:46:00.001Z

1) The Ochils had been painted a beautiful deep purple colour this morning. The children spotted this and were delighted.

2) To scale Mount Crease, and re-populate the clothes drawers.

3) To realise that we had a simple pasta supper option, as well as the more prolonged stir-fry option, at the end of a day which was somewhat more fraught than I'd originally anticipated.

On time, home safe, and back to normal/Work-in-Progress Wednesday

2012-01-11T22:16:00.001Z

1) K left for London at 0530 this morning, but I still managed to get us all up, breakfasted and dressed, and at school in time for the bell.

2) K's flight has landed safely, and he's just arrived home :-) .

3) Finally getting back to WIP Wednesday - an indication that life is settling down again :-) .

At the moment I'm working on my version of Zabet's "Hubby's Decoder Hat" - I just loved the concept - take a message, use an Ascii-to-Binary converter and convert the message into Binary, and assign Knit stitches to all the 1's, and Purl stitches to all the 0's. Cast on and begin... Once complete, challenge the recipient to decode the message...

I gave this hat (completed) on Christmas Day and promised him a matching cover for his HTC Desire if he could decode the message. Apart from telling him there were 96 stitches he used none of the other clues I gave him. And decoded the message - without even using a computer to convert the zeros and ones back into Ascii. I can honestly say that, until that moment, I hadn't truly appreciated just how geeky my lovely hubby is!!

(After trying it on and wearing it for a few days, we felt that I hadn't knitted it quite long enough, so on Monday I took it back to the top of the decreases and am now in the process of adding an extra few centimetres of length...)

For more of Wednesday's Works-in-Progress, check out Tami's blog...

Walking, recipe, and the start of the process.

2012-01-10T22:49:00.000Z

1) We go for a walk along the canal this morning. It's not too windy, nor too cold. And it's not wet either. In fact, it was just right. We hear the birds singing in the trees.

2) I experiment with a new recipe this evening - Nick Nairn's filo flan, topped with tomatoes, courgette, feta cheese, pine nuts and the yummy pesto I made at the weekend. The flavours were absolutely delicious! Next time I plan to use the topping as a pasta sauce to make a more substantial meal.

3) To stand and look round the attic and to plan how to tackle the job of tidying it up. Then to kick-start the process - four boxes down. And most importantly, we know where to start the next time we go up there :-) .

New term, clever girl, moon, and Making Monday 9.

2012-01-09T22:53:00.000Z

1) We walk to school on the first day of the new term, in the sunshine. The kids are both glad to be going back :-) .

2) M comes home from gymnastics and demonstrates a cartwheel, a handstand, a bridge, a forward roll and a backward roll (to standing). I'm very impressed!

3) The moon was low and large, highlighted with a delicate golden light. Just glorious.

I haven't done a Making Monday post for quite some time so, as this weekend was mostly about baking (Nowegian mountain bread), experimenting (with making pesto), creating (chaos in the kids bedroom, and then tidying it up again) and making (plans...), and I don't have any pics of any of that, I thought I would show you this blanket I made for Aidan a wee while ago - it's so warm and snuggly, and very easy to make:

and the complete set of scarves and bags I made for various little friends...

For more of today's Three Beautiful Things, please visit Claire's blog, and if you'd like to see some more Monday makes, please visit Natalie's blog...

Catching up, tidy, and early night.

2012-01-08T23:03:00.000Z

1) To catch up with friends, having not seen them in several weeks. And to plan future gatherings.

2) To spend a few hours helping the kids to tidy their room. They might have space for all their 2012 projects now...!

3) To look forward to a cosy warm bed, and an early night.

A happy Saturday morning, anticipation, tea and cake.

2012-01-07T22:15:00.002Z

1) I spend the morning baking - Norwegian Mountain bread, and making yummy fresh basil pesto. The kind of morning weekends are made for :-) .

2) To book a holiday weekend away, for just K and I. A belated celebration of our anniversary.

3) We drink tea and eat Christmas cake - enjoying time to relax after dinner.

All done, new skill, and new taste.

2012-01-07T14:45:00.000Z

From Friday:

1) To finally complete the mammoth knitting project I started a few months ago.

2) I taught my friend to knit this afternoon. I say "taught", but I really mean reminded her. It was fun.

3) My friend's daughter asked to stay for tea - I had no objections as long as she was happy to eat what I was making for my two. She tasted it and then told me that she really liked it :-) .

Outside, choosing clothes, and good neighbours.

2012-01-05T21:58:00.000Z

1) The sun is shining, the skies are blue, the winds have dropped. It's good to get outside for the first time in days.

2) M asks "what shall I wear today Mummy?", I replied that she could choose what she wanted. She thought for a moment "I don't think I'll wear a dress today." "Mmmm..." I say. She thinks some more and then announces, with an intense expression on her face "I think trousers and a top will do, Mummy." I nod my agreement, matching her seriousness. And only allow myself to giggle once she's left the room!

3) Neighbour one comes round and we discuss the fallen fence on our adjoining properties. Her boyfriend is confident he can repair it with little difficulty. Later I hear banging, and out there is neighbour number two, doing a temporary fix on the other side fence, which had also come down in Tuesday's storms. I'm grateful for such good neighbours :-) .

Normality returns, sauce, and walking.

2012-01-04T21:55:00.000Z

1) The Christmas tree and decorations down, my house is back to normal :-) .

2) We jazz up the remaining savoury left-overs (burgers) with a yummy mushroom and stilton sauce.

3) A appears "I still can't get to sleep...", so K takes him out for a walk.

Staying home, no problem, and pudding.

2012-01-03T21:22:00.001Z

1) K wakes me up to say that he's going to work from home today. Given the storm raging outside, I'm glad.

2) Our neighbour reckons that he can fix our shared fence, which blew over in the wind, with little difficulty.

3) Still working our way through left-overs, we finish off the baklava made for last Friday's party. It was good.

Wake up, first bbq, and no need to cook.

2012-01-02T22:52:00.001Z

1) To wake up, toasty warm, completely relaxed, after a restful night's sleep.

2) Our first barbeque of the year (we ate indoors, but bbqed in the sleet!). Heaps of fun, and I don't think I've ever seen a pavlova disappear quite so quickly :-) .

3) Kids asleep, we feast on left-overs.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T14:52:00.000Z

1) Antibiotics are amazing! After three days of fighting a respiratory tract infection, I went to the doctor. Two days into the course of antibiotics, and I'm definitely on the mend :-) .

2) My parents joined us for the last few hours of Hogmanay, we ate dinner, reviewed 2011 and talked about our plans for 2012. Then we stood to bring in New Year.

3) We had "special breakfast" with kids (crepes this time). And went for a walk in the sunshine. Then we discussed our New Year's Resolutions... More on that in the days to come :-) .

I'd like take this opportunity to wish all my readers a very happy and blessed 2012. I hope it's filled with surprises, new friends and old, and much happiness. xx

Breakfast in bed, Gingerbread House, and good news.

2011-12-23T21:15:00.003Z

1) It's the first day of the holidays. The children bring us breakfast in bed!

2) We host the second annual Gingerbread House party - lots of fun, and it was immensely satisfying smashing up the Gingerbread house so we could all partake!

3) A phone call from a friend brings wonderful news :-) .

Oasis, wrapping, and partying.

2011-12-23T21:12:00.000Z

From Thursday:

1) My Mum and I meet for breakfast - an oasis of calm in the midst of a busy week.

2) My Dad and I indulge in the second part of our annual tradition - present wrapping :-) .

3) We spend the evening at a party - good food, good chat, and good company :-) .

Making, decorations and giving.

2011-12-21T23:59:00.001Z

Wow - this week has been busy...

1) In the run-up to Christmas, I've made multiple hats and scarves, a shawl, 78 mince pies, a chocolate fudge cake, a gingerbread house, gingerbread biscuits, 7 Christmas cakes and a batch of brownies... that's what I can remember anyway :-)

2) Most of the hanging decorations on my Christmas tree are stars - I love their special reminder of what Christmas is really about.

3) K calls me to tell me that he's found the perfect present for a special little girl. It's the last of the planned gifts for this Christmas.

Not so hard, new bird feeder, and success.

2011-12-20T12:36:00.000Z

Yesterday was such a busy day that I didn't have time to blog... So from Monday:

1) To finally start a new project, and discover it's a whole lot less complicated (and much more do-able) than I originally thought.

2) I love my new bird feeder (the storms of the last couple of weeks finally caused the demise of the old one) - lovely to hear bird song again as I went into the back garden.

3) I accomplished more than I thought possible yesterday - a very good feeling.

Well read, Christmas lights, and I won!

2011-12-18T22:33:00.000Z

1) Aidan read a prayer at this morning's nativity service - he read so well, slowly and clearly. We're very proud of him!

2) We took the kids on a drive to see some of the Christmas lights this evening - this time their happy exclamations were over some of the incredible displays we saw!

3) She phones to tell me that I've won the prize :-) .

Lunch, beautiful world, and making...

2011-12-18T22:29:00.000Z

From Saturday:

1) Megan and Keith make potato pancakes for lunch - they were simple, yet delicious.

2) We did a fair amount of driving around yesterday - just running errands - and the journey's were punctuated by one or other of the children exclaiming how beautiful the world around us was. I agreed - snow-capped hills, sunshine, shadows, blue skies - gorgeous.

3) We spend the evening making goodies for Christmas presents - caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, a double-quantity batch of tablet, oh and a cheesecake. Yum!

Flying trip, parcels, almost there (AKA Finished Object Friday).

2011-12-16T14:12:00.000Z

1) It doesn't snow, so I'm able to make a necessary flying visit to Edinburgh this morning, and make it back again in plenty of time to bring the kids home for lunch :-) .

2) I bring down the parcels from New Zealand and put them under the Christmas tree.

3) I'm a third of the way through the Christmas scarf knitting... Three scarves - varying lengths and thicknesses. These are all knitted with Wendy Chic - a delicious eyelash yarn, complete with sparkle throughout!

Check out Tami's blog for more of Friday's Finished Objects...

Gym, catch-up, and better.

2011-12-16T00:11:00.000Z

1) I make it to the gym for the first time in several weeks - it felt great to be back there again.

2) The girls are at a party. The boys are playing in the next room. We sit at the table and have a proper catch-up over a pot of tea.

3) The news is better than we anticipated :-) .

Almost there, warm again, and WIP Wednesday

2011-12-15T21:48:00.000Z

From Wednesday...

1) The Christmas cards are nearly written :-) .

2) A hot shower brings warmth and feeling back to my numb feet.

3) I'm approaching the homestretch of my Christmas knitting! First up, the beginning of another scarf (I have several little girls to knit for this year), and a Kindle cover...

Looked after, hot tea, and cheery

2011-12-13T20:10:00.000Z

1) I succumbed to a virus last night, and couldn't get out of bed this morning. Thankfully the cavalry, in the form of my husband and my Mum, picked up the slack, looked after me and brought the kids to and from school. Thank you both!

2) By the end of the day, I was feeling well enough to be able to enjoy a cup of hot tea once again.

3) From my sofa, I listen to the wind howl and bluster, and gusts of sleety rain hit the window. But inside I am warm and dry, and through the blind, I can see the flicker of bright, cheery Christmas lights.

Rainbow, cake, and easier.

2011-12-13T19:26:00.001Z

From Monday:

1) Up ahead, the sky is relatively blue with only a few clouds. So I was a little surprised to see a delicate wisp of a rainbow tracing its way across the sky.

2) The house is filled with the warm spicy aroma of Christmas cake baking in the oven.

3) M is invited to join A's Enjoyaball class, as it's a games session. This not only makes life easier today (I'd endured an afternoon of continual arguing), but makes life easier tomorrow too, as she needn't go to her own class.

Brunch, tree, and decorations

2011-12-13T18:46:00.000Z

From Sunday:

1) We'd stayed overnight with one of K's colleagues after the party last night. His wife makes us brunch of crepes, freshly sliced bananas and maple syrup - yum!

2) Our plan for the afternoon included buying our Christmas tree - we discover that they are giving away the trees (for a donation) that were used at the church Christmas Tree festival. There was one which was just perfect for us, so we take it home :-) .

3) Putting up our Christmas decorations (never quite as unstressful as we imagine, but good fun nevertheless):

Music, the other way, and not too loud.

2011-12-13T18:28:00.000Z

From Saturday:

1) We join some friends to take our children to the Children's Classic Concert Christmas performance at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow. It was such fun!

2) To stand at the top of the hill, looking down Buchanan Street, a heaving sea of people from one end to the other - and then to get on the train to go in the opposite direction!

3) K's work Christmas ceilidh - we had such a lovely evening. The music during dinner was just the right volume to allow conversation across the whole table - I haven't laughed so much in ages.

Taking our time, moon, and staying in.

2011-12-10T09:35:00.000Z

From Friday:

1) A fun shopping day with K - lovely to have a relaxed, kid-free, day together. We take our time and enjoy the atmosphere.

2) As we leave Glasgow, the moon is just peeking out through the clouds - silver-bright, and huge in the fading light.

3) A friend brings A home from Boy's Brigade - it was lovely not to have to go out again.

Home safe, practise makes perfect, no dishes.

2011-12-08T19:40:00.000Z

1) We're all home safe, snug and cosy. The house is still standing, and as far as we can tell, unscathed. I'm counting my blessings, but thinking of those without power, warmth and light on this cold and stormy evening.

2) M is frustrated that she's not very good at some of the games on the Wii Fit. We try to explain that she needs to practise to get better, but she refuses to do so. Then it's A's turn to play - he tries and fails, but says in cheerfully determined tones "I'll just need to try again...".

3) Not having to do the dishes after dinner.

My choice, horizontal, and sparkle

2011-12-07T21:10:00.000Z

1) "You can watch what you want now, Mummy!" says Megan, as her programme ends and she heads off to do something else.

2) In silent illustration of tomorrow's weather forecast, the smoke pouring out of the huge chimneys of Grangemouth refinery flows horizontally, rather than vertically.

3) I love the sparkle in this Wendy Chic in Caravagio.

I've moved on from knitting hats to knitting scarves for some of the lovely little girls I know. So here's my Wednesday Work-in-Progress:

To see some other Works-in-Progress, here's Tami's blog...

Just the two of us, Christmas Elf, and On Approach

2011-12-06T19:41:00.000Z

1) Lunch with my Mum :-) .

2) Megan made a wonderful elf in her school concert this afternoon. Very proud of my wee girl.

3) To sit down, having got two kids (both of whom have been sick multiple times today) to bed, knowing that the cavalry (in the form of K) would arrive shortly.

Shopping, sunshine, happy.

2011-12-05T15:58:00.001Z

1) Today was my annual shopping day with my dad. Always a pleasure :-) .

2) After grey skies and snowfall this morning, by 0930 the sky is clear, and the sun is shining.

3) A and M meet me at the school gate, relaxed and happy. Clearly both have had a good day at school.

Silence, relaxed, and measuring

2011-12-04T21:50:00.000Z

1) They sit in total silence as I read them the story - a chapter from Stephen Croft's The Advent Calendar.

2) We realise that we could just go over to my parent's place and relax on their sofa. So we do. And it is good.

3) We wake to the first snowfall of the season this morning. A goes out to measure its depth with a ruler.

Happy, painted, and outside.

2011-12-03T20:46:00.000Z

1) The kids shout "hooray" when K tells them we plan to make crepes for breakfast.

2) The kids go to two Christmas parties today. At the first, they receive intricate face-paints...

3) While the kids party, K and I go out and deliver Christmas cards. In the rain. It's strangely refreshing.

The sky is..., new boots, FO Friday

2011-12-02T13:25:00.000Z

1) The sky was "blue and purple and pink" this morning, according to my daughter - Scottish sunrise at the moment is at 0840.

2) I finally find the perfect pair of boots (only a month after my birthday) - I hadn't expected finding a pair of long black boots would require quite so much effort!

3) It's a cold and frosty morning, and Aidan was thrilled that his new hat was ready for him to wear... here he is on the way to school:

I also finished the other hat I've been working on:

For more of today's Finished Objects, check out Tami's blog...
For more of today's Three Beautiful Things, check out Clare's blog...

Haircut, discussions, and doorbell.

2011-12-01T22:00:00.000Z

1) A long-overdue haircut - my hair feels so soft and smooth this evening :-) .

2) The long and involved technical discussions between the naturally dark-haired, but bleached blonde, girl and the two hairdressers - how to return to a more natural colour? At times I was, somewhat unwittingly, involved in the discussions. I love being in a small local hairdressers, rather than the more "professional" salons up in town.

3) The doorbell rang twice this evening, and neither time was someone requesting money. The first, a friend returning something I'd lent to her. The second, a rather exciting looking parcel.

Sunny, relaxing, and the Aidan Hat.

2011-11-30T14:41:00.003Z

1) To feel the return of sunshine, after several dull, grey, rainy-soaked days.

2) We three sit, mid-week, enjoying the relaxed time to work on our individual projects - Megan colouring, Aidan writing a letter, and me knitting.

3) The expression on Aidan's face when he realised I was knitting a hat for him.

I realised that I had just enough extra yarn to make a smaller, Aidan-sized hat - I started it last night. The other Boyfriend Hat is progressing too - I've begun doing the decreases now, so hopefully I'll have a couple of FO's come Friday.

Check out Clare's blog for more of today's Three Beautiful Things and Tami's blog, for more of Wednesday's Works-In-Progress.

Wind, just us girls, and ready.

2011-11-29T22:44:00.000Z

1) The feel of the wind blowing through my hair, cooling me down.

2) M came home from school for lunch today (A stayed at school for chess club). We had a nice girlie lunch together.

3) The meeting finished later than I expected, but dinner was in the oven awaiting my return.

Not as much, much more, and all together.

2011-11-28T23:40:00.000Z

1) The car went in for its annual MOT and service today - it was a relatively inexpensive day :-) .

2) I heard, unofficially, the approximate profit from the school Christmas Fayre... :-) .

3) We had our choir reunion this evening - wonderful to be back together singing once again :-) .

Sleep, Sunday lunch, and Christingle

2011-11-27T21:52:00.000Z

1) Sleeping through the whole night - after a week of disturbed nights (thanks to both A & M), this was bliss.

2) Sunday lunch - homemade pizza, followed by homemade ice-ceam, shared with friends.

3) We went to the Christingle Service, organised by the Girl's Brigade this evening. It was a lovely start to this season of Advent. I especially enjoyed singing "Silent Night", in the darkened church, lit only by candles.

Feeling better, Christmas Fayre, the evening after.

2011-11-27T21:19:00.001Z

From Saturday:

1) I woke at 5am on Friday feeling awful - exactly like a tummy bug, but (very thankfully) without the sickness. But I ached, and couldn't drink or eat, and I felt utterly exhausted and dizzy. On Saturday afternoon, almost as quickly as it started, I suddenly started to feel better.

2) The school Christmas Fayre was a hit - hundreds of people, crazy few hours, lots of fun and all my baking (and everyone else's for that matter) disappeared.

3) My Dad cooked one of my all-time favourite meals for dinner last night. It tasted delicious. Then we watched The Choir together - extremely moving series about a choir comprised of military wives. Well worth watching.

Changeable, Christmas Fayre, and Finished Object Friday

2011-11-25T21:22:00.001Z

1) The weather has shown us many faces today - we've had strong winds, skies so dark it seemed like night, freezing rain, sleet, hail, rainbows, calm blue skies, sunshine, and a beautiful sunset.

2) We stood, drinking coffee, and admired the school hall - transformed by an army of volunteers in readiness for the Christmas Fayre.

3) Everything I planned to make is finally complete in readiness for tomorrow's Fayre, and for Megan's school concert!

I don't have any knitted Finished Objects for you today (although the hat is progressing), but I've made six mini-Christmas cakes, five Christmas Fruit Loaves, two batches of brownies (all for the school Christmas Fayre) and an elf outfit (Megan is to be an elf for her class concert). Do they count?

Six mini-Christmas cakes

Five Christmas Fruit Loaves

and

One very cute Christmas Elf

For more of Friday's Finished Objects, check out Tami's Blog...

Lost and found, lunch, lists, and Work-in-Progress Wednesday

2011-11-23T21:05:00.001Z

1) She comes downstairs crying "Mummy, I've lost my tooth..." (the one under the pillow awaiting the tooth fairy). We search for it together and eventually she finds it again :-) .

2) A flour tortilla, filled with German salami and cream cheese, makes a simple yet delicious lunch.

3) Last week I was frustrated, this week I'm feel as if I am beginning to make some headway into the list of Things-To-Do...

I've got a few Work-in-Progress for you today. I've got started on the last of the Christmas hats, this time it's Stephanie's Boyfriend Hat...

I tried out knitting an i-cord to use as a handle for this bag. I think I like it - just need to get the lining done, and the handle sewn on now.

Finally, icing the mini-Christmas cakes - first pass with royal icing (and my first attempt at royal icing too).

Check out Clare's blog for more of today's Three Beautiful Things and Tami's blog, for more of Wednesday's Works-In-Progress.

Contrasts, surprise and baking.

2011-11-23T00:25:00.000Z

1) The view across the Forth Valley was stunning today - on my way into town, the skies were clear blue, and the Ochils were bathed in sunlight. Coming home an hour later, it was pitch-black, and the valley was speckled with orange lights.

2) Her breath caught when she espied the surprise I made for her. Then she flung her arms around me and whispered "thank you very much, Mummy!".

3) Today I have baked. And baked. It's the school Christmas Fayre on Saturday, hence the baking. I was going to make Grandma Conway's Sultana cake as the basis for some mini-Christmas cakes, but today I wanted to make it a little more seasonal, so I added a mixture of sultanas, raisins, mixed peel and cranberries. I'm really happy with the result!

Rainbow, parent's day, and dinner.

2011-11-21T22:33:00.001Z

1) Half of the sky was cloudy dark-grey, the other half blue, speckled with white. A few drops of rain drifted down, and in front of me was an intensely-coloured rainbow.

(Sadly the photo doesn't do it justice, but I wanted to give you an impression...)

2) Parent's day today at school. Both teachers almost seemed to be saying "why are you here? Your child is doing brilliantly well!!" - we're very proud of Aidan and Megan tonight.

3) Tonight was a "raid-the-fridge" dinner. We ate delicious mushroom and marrow lasagne - yum.

A lovely weekend.

2011-11-21T22:27:00.002Z

A busy weekend, as ever, but here are some 3BT:

1) We had a lovely day out at the Scottish Deer Centre on Saturday, which included a fantastic falconry display, and a really informative "carnivore feeding session", during which we learned about lots about the impact of wolves and wildcats in Scotland.

Aidan, Megan, the setting sun, and a Scottish wildcat.

Making silly faces.

2) A girly night-out on Saturday - eighteen ladies - great food, great conversation, a great way to pass a few hours :-) .

3) Aidan was away participating in a Boy's Brigade competition on Sunday afternoon, so we took Megan to the park - it was lovely to have some "just the three-of-us" time.

Cute kids, patches of blue, and Finished Object Friday

2011-11-18T17:22:00.000Z

1) Walking to school this morning, I noticed that Aidan and Megan were walking together holding hands.

2) As the sun began to set, I realised that the sky wasn't entirely filled with grey clouds any longer, there were large patches of pale blue.

3) Woo hoo - I'm quite chuffed to have finished my "Hat for James"...

Muffins, taking responsibility, and blog.

2011-11-17T22:53:00.001Z

1) Warm raspberry muffins, taken with tea, while visiting a friend.

2) A remembers that he needs to do his homework, and then goes and does it.

3) I discover a blog written by a wonderful lady who has spent the last six years living and working in the closest town to the village I lived in while I was in Kenya. Her photos and descriptions bring back many memories, and a tear to my eye.

Flowering in November, perfect morning, and WIP Wednesday.

2011-11-16T12:45:00.001Z

1) Walking home from school I turn a corner and am greeted by a hedge covered in pink flowers. On my left, tiny blue blooms adorn a tree.

2) There's sunshine, friends, gingerbread cake, tea, and one small extremely cute boy to play with. A perfect morning.

3a) The yarn I ordered online arrived, and was completely wrong for the project I originally had in mind for it. Then I realised it would be ideal for a different project :-).

3b) So here is today's Work-in-Progress Wednesday - my Hat for James.

I'm still continuing to plug away at my lacy waistcoat, having finally managed to source the final ball of yarn. It's nearly done!

Go here for more of today's Three Beautiful Things and here, for more of Wednesday's Works-In-Progress.

Day out, lunch for four, and Look at that!

2011-11-15T20:11:00.001Z

1) A lovely day out with the kids - I took them to the National Museum of Scotland today, and we had a fab time.

2) K joined us for lunch at the museum.

3) M saying "Wow! Look at that " punctuated the whole train trip, there and back, where that object might be a building with a white roof, a field golden with sunlight, a control tower, the runway - lit up and stretching into the distance, a train-wash, a tunnel, or Edinburgh Castle.

Walking, sunset, and birthday dinner.

2011-11-12T22:14:00.000Z

1) An afternoon walk in the sunshine.

2) A glorious sunset - even if it was at 4.30pm.

3) K and M make dinner: steak and baked potatoes, followed by delicious flourless chocolate cake filled with luscious chocolate mousse and whipped cream - the rich dark chocolate complimented beautifully by raspberries. Thank you both :-) .

Picnic, nice mail, and Finished Object Friday.

2011-11-11T12:55:00.000Z

1) The children come home from school for lunch, and promptly put picnic blankets down and have an impromptu indoor picnic.

2) Birthday cards, vouchers, and a cheque arrived in the post today - all good :-) .

3) Woo hoo - I have a Finished Object... Knitted in King Cole, aran-weight, Kingfisher, here's my basket-weave hat. I've knitted it on the big side, so that it will be a bit slouchy, something I think appeals to the intended recipient. Hope so anyway!

For more of Friday's finished objects, check out Tami's blog...

Before breakfast, wonderful friends, and loved.

2011-11-10T19:35:00.000Z

1) Cards, exciting parcels and lots of cuddles - all before breakfast :-) .

2) I go out for coffee with a couple of friends this morning, and they insist on treating me. This afternoon, a friend and her little boy pop in unexpectedly :-) .

3) So many texts and messages - lovely to know I'm loved :-) .

More time, not cold, and WIP Wednesday

2011-11-09T22:59:00.000Z

1) I found the item I was looking for at the local retail park, meaning I could cancel the thirty mile round trip to a different town that I would have had to make otherwise.

2) Despite the dull grey, I realise it's not as cold as I'd feared, after all.

3) I've started working on some of my Christmas projects - this one is destined to be a hat, knitted with a basket-weave pattern, and in the most gorgeous shade of kingfisher blue. I'm loving it already!

Tidy, not as long, and unopened.

2011-11-08T22:06:00.000Z

1) I tidy up the messy corner - the bottom shelf of the bookcase, which has accumulated vast quantities of kid-debris. It looks much better now.

2) The meeting didn't last as long, and went better, than we feared.

3) A card arrives by post. It's for me. I don't open it!

Growing quickly, hat, and transformation.

2011-11-07T21:24:00.000Z

1) Spending time with my littlest god-daughter today, and seeing how much she has developed even in the few short weeks since I last saw her.

2) She grabbed my little phone cosy and, thinking it was a hat, immediately attempted to put it on her head.

3) I left Edinburgh, beautiful, crystal clear and sunny. I glanced up during the twenty-minute train ride home to see a completely different world - mystical, foggy and grey.

Sunset, getting ready for Spring, and found.

2011-11-06T23:03:00.000Z

1) We drove across towards Stirling this afternoon, as daylight faded into sunset - clear skies, misty Ochils and stunning colours all around.

2) To clear the raised veggie beds, and add some lovely new (free) "soil improver", courtesy of Falkirk Council.

3) To discover a recent copy of a file I thought we'd lost when the hard drive crashed on my laptop.

Lie-in, freebie, and happy kids.

2011-11-05T23:51:00.001Z

1) We stay overnight with my parents, and I get a lie-in this morning :-).

2) A voucher arrives in the post for a free Higgidy pie :-) .

3) Fireworks and Chinese lanterns = happy children :-) .

Swimming, overheard, and finished.

2011-11-04T18:45:00.000Z

1) A was moved up a class in swimming today :-) . I realise that I'm posting rather a lot of these at the moment, but I'm just so proud of him, and happy that he's doing so well - set in stark contrast to the worry of the first two-thirds of the year.

2) Overhearing M say to Grandma: "My Daddy's the best!!".

3) Finishing something... here's my new HTC desire phone cosy :-)

To see some more Finished Objects, check out Tami's blog...

First place, quiet , and outdoor shower.

2011-11-03T20:35:00.000Z

1) A is working hard on his number work in school at the moment - he came home flushed with the success of being ahead of the rest of the class :-) .

2) I enjoy a quiet morning, in contrast to a busy afternoon.

3) I open the door to discover a world drenched, as if someone has turned on a power shower.