Will I ever learn...?!?

Well, it's happened again. I've left WAY too long between posts and before I know it, it's been 2 weeks, I have a camera full of photos and I don't know where to start...you'd think I'd learn by now?!? Get yourselves comfy, there's a lot to get through...

Granda's Girl...

The first piece of news is that Molly is scheduled to have a wee operation. We saw the ENT Consultant a couple of weeks ago and he has recommended that she has grommets fitted to drain off the fluid in her ears and hopefully improve her hearing and, in turn, her speech. At the moment Molly hears at around the same level that Harry does without his hearing aids in and we were actually more prepared for her to be fitted for her own set of 'ears' rather than be told that she would be undergoing surgery! I know it's only a minor op and, as the consultant told us, it's the most common procedure they do at the children's hospital, but she's my baby and the first of our kids to ever have an operation so it doesn't feel very minor to us right now!! Harry had fluid in his ears up to Molly's age too and when it was gone (of it's own accord) he was still left with a hearing loss so it's not guaranteed that it will make any difference long term but it's definitely worth a shot.

Ellie went on her very first Guide camp. It was to celebrate the Centenary Year and was held at Haddo House in Aberdeenshire (around 20 minutes away from us). It was for 3 nights...although looking at the size of the rucksack you'd think she was off for a month! Scarily, I went to a camp at Haddo when I was Ellie's age...but it was to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Guiding!! Took me right back when I got her all signed in - the smell of the canvas and seeing how excited and nervous they were...

Erin and Ellie...

...starting the long walk to camp.

It was strange leaving her - she's stayed away before but never for 3 nights of sleeping outside and no contact with home!! I knew she'd have a fantastic time but I found myself worrying, wondering and thinking about her all weekend... Molly had the tummy bug that James and I had by the Monday so I wasn't able to go and collect her. Erin's Mum and Dad dropped her off and the two of us burst into tears when we saw each other! It was such a relief to see her and have her back home...

She told me all about her adventures over a cup of tea and some cake...

...and took herself off for a very long shower, while I...

...tackled the washing!!!

Can't believe we're now into May and that's another month of the 365 Challenge over. Here's how April turned out.

The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed that there are only 29 brollies there...found one on the floor of the study halfway through the month and realised what had happened - oops!! Did a bit of a summary of the last few days of April to (kind of) fix it! May is underway - a bit labour intensive this one but hopefully will be worth it...will post photos when there's something a bit more substantial to show!

Had to make a Get Well card for one of the Mum's in James's class who had been in hospital so used the spare umbrella and adapted the design. We arranged a collection too and got her a nice little bundle of crafty bits as she's into scrapbooking and card making. Thanks Elaine for your help in getting the products organised!

Did a bit of a clear out of the dresser in the dining area - it needed a good ol' tidy and I uncovered some treasures I had forgotten about! (And refilled the Jelly Bean Jar!)

I was given these sweet little cups and saucers from one of my Great Aunties a few months back. She was given them as a wedding present along with...

...these gorgeous little coffee bean teaspoons - how cute?!? They were still in the original packaging (the green box you can just see behind them) and have never been used. The teacups are making me nervous on the dresser - terrified something behind them slips and breaks them - so I'm trying to find a shelf to put on the wall to house them. Thank-you Auntie Ann, I love them!

James started Beaver Scouts last Wednesday. There hasn't been a Beaver group here for years and Paul and I are both helping out as Colony Assistants. The first night went well and the boys seemed to enjoy it.

Paul arranged to get a load of stock from the Guiding shop in Aberdeen and set up a stall with uniforms, badges, books, pencils and this little fella. Here's James in action...

After years of helping out at Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, it was lovely to be involved with one of James's activities!

On Friday night I had some friends and family over for a crafty night. Elaine from Stampin' Up got us sticking, cutting, stamping, folding and punching our way through 4 little projects and everyone was thrilled to bits with what they'd made...especially since some of them were convinced that all they would make was a mess!!

Elaine in action...with Louise concentrating hard!

My 2 lovely sister-in-laws getting stuck in.

So busy that the brownies remain untouched...for now!

Michelle got really into it - she only had 3 G&T's the entire night (and no Singstar!?!)

The most sceptical of them all...my gorgeous friend Lesley. She was keeping me right by the end of the first hour!!

3 out of the 4 things we made.

Paul was pretty much redundant as barman for most of the evening but we worked him hard once the work was over! It was a great night - well done girlies!!

I've just looked at the rest of the photos I was going to post and there's still loads to go! Will call it a night right now - I'll be back soon with the following...garden updates, a cute baby shoebox, strawberry trifle and a European trip!! Now if that doesn't getcha checkin' back in...!?!