Caught up, finally!

Hello again! Been off the radar a couple of days because of a horrible tummy bug. Ended up crawling to the phone yesterday and calling for back up which arrived a while later in the shape of Paul who put me to bed and took care of the kids. I slept for 4 hours straight! Still a bit shaky and tired today but feeling a whole lot better. James was sent home from school feeling sick this morning and Molly has been a bit out of sorts so it looks like it's going to do the rounds...

Anyway, since I'm not going anywhere today, thought I should get the final catch up done and then I'm up to date again!

A couple of Saturdays ago we took a hike up Pitfichie Forest to watch the first stage of the Granite City Rally. Now, I don't really do hiking (especially not at 8.30am!) and Paul hadn't given me the whole story about how far it would be (or how steep!) but off we went following lots of other people up the rough trail to the observation point. I carried Molly most of the way while Paul steered the boys and carried the bags and the buggy...it was a relief to reach the top for a seat! I did ask a guy making his way down if there was a coffee shop at the top and he just laughed...

After a very hairy experience crossing the road (i.e. the race track!) we got settled down and waited for the Race Marshall's whistle to sound before a car came racing round...(have to admit that the first photo I took was actually the Marshall's car doing about 20mph!) Here's the more exciting ones...

The boys were so into it - they love playing Scalectrix so to see real life race cars was really exciting for them.

It was dusty and very noisy so the boys retreated up the hill a bit...

...joined by Molly

Once the snacks and drinks had run out and I couldn't take any more dust in my hair, we made the long walk back down the hill. On the way home, one of the rally cars was behind us - this caused lots of excitement!!

And here's Bennachie on the way home...so pretty.

Will definitely go back next year, with better boots (knitted Uggs offer no protection against thorns) and a big ol' Thermos of tea!!

Speaking of tea...it really does calm the soul. Last Friday, by 4pm I was done. Busy week, worrying over all sorts and not feeling great took it's toll and a battle of wills with the boys caused a mini meltdown. This doesn't happen a lot and I always tend to keep it together in front of the kids but it all just spilled over. My lovely Ellie Pie, once she had organised the younger ones and put away all the shoes and coats, asked if I wanted a cup of tea. I said no but she made one anyway...and it really did help. Bless her, she's never made it herself before but she did such a good job and she even gave me biscuits. When Mum and Dad popped in later, she made them their coffee...she wasn't sure how much to put in but reckoned that 3 teaspoons seemed reasonable...I believe they were still wide awake at 3am!!

Paul was working with a guy from Yorkshire his last offshore trip and got a taste for this tea that the Yorkshireman was drinking (the only tea he said he ever drank!) He ordered some online and also got me this really cute teapot, cup and milk jug that all stack up. The tea is by Ringtons and is very tasty indeed.

Loving all the flowers around just now - these are in a pot in our back garden. Love mixing the little grape hyacinths with the normal size ones.

Got these beauties from Paul last week, the've lasted really well!

Bought some Peonies last weekend. Love how they start out so tightly closed and open up to become even more beautiful. I think they are my favourite flower.

I ordered a Grab Bag from Elle's Studio a while back. It's basically a goodie bag full of surprises. I love Elle's stuff so it was a great deal paying £35 for $70 worth of goodies. Some old lines, some current but all fabulous...here's what was in the bag!

Couldn't get it all in the photo but I was like a kid in a sweet shop, so many lovely things!

And finally, some crafty stuff!! Had this album for ages (given to me by Kirsti) and it was supposed to be a baby gift...that never happened so I made it up for his 1st Birthday instead!

Added a polka dot candle to the front cover...

Used a combination of Making Memories papers that I have had for ages... (and used SO many times!)

...and a pair of Harry's jeans that he'd outgrown (they were James's originally!)

Created lots of places to add photos and journalling about his party...

...and a good sprinkling of buttons with just enough ribbon (could have added more but had to remember it was for a wee boy!)

Was going to leave the back page blank as I thought a photo would get damaged over time being on the back cover but instead made an area for his party guests to sign...

Bailey's Mummy loved it and I've been asked to do another one for a new baby. Really enjoyed making this - it's the kind of project that evolves as you go and you can keep on adding to it. Looking forward to seeing it full of pictures and journalling!

We're in the midst of swapping rooms to get the new craft room done. It's all a bit of a mismatch of furniture at the moment and we're left with a (nearly) new Fama sofa and some really nice Ikea Stockholm pieces to sell/find a home for to make room for the new storage and desks that we'll be getting soon. Trying to keep my eye on the prize but in the meantime am having to turn a blind eye to the chaos. Here's my mantra this week..."It will be worth it in the end, it will be worth it in the end. it will be worth it in the end..." Makes a change from Keep Calm and Carry on!!

p.s. Would love to hear Virginia pronounce 'Pitfichie' and Bennachie'...still giggling over 'Craigalacky' aka 'Craigellachie'!!