Shabby Chic Chairs

We had 4 of these

and now I have done this to one of them

with a close up here

1 down 3 more to go

I was quite pleased when I found this fabric as the colours go fab with the sofa

Hope I havent bored anyone - am just so excited as its the first time I have done anything like this - hubby bless him not sure if he is humouring or trying to stop me running out and buying new but he says they look like they are from Laura Ashley - except you would pay a lot more for them than the amount you have spent on paint and fabric - bless him!

learning to dance in the rain

I remembering receiving this and it wasnt until I was browsing through this blog today that I refound it and wanted to share it with you

The REAL Meaning of Words....

It's amazing how a photograph can express the meaning of a word.... feel free to share this ...

Respect

Sorrow

Rescue

Patience

Pain

Love

Divine

Innocence

Friendship

Departure

Compassion

Best Friends

"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...

it's about learning how to dance in the rain."

found this gorgeous website today

full of scrumptiousness
http://daisypinkcupcake.blogspot.com/

A day at Edinburgh Zoo

We had a few days away in Edinburgh and whilst there decided to go to the Zoo although as Emily kept reminding us - there were no elephants or snakes there a fact that Aunty Eloise had told her - think she was a bit disgruntled she wouldn't see either but what we did see more than made up for it - we saw zebras, lions and tigers monkeys, rhinos and penguins amongst lots lots more but for me one of the nicest parts of the day was witnessing the close relationship you have as brother and sister - sometimes!!!!

We saw you holding hands and walking along together chattering away

playing together

I love being part of this family - even when you are arguing and being little monkeys - you still give me this wobbly feeling in my tummy - being a Mom and a wife is just the best thing EVER!!!

relaxing in the beautiful sun cuddled up together - precious moments

and then - oh my goodness.........

both children had wanted to go up in the trees and before I knew what was happening I had said yes not realising it would be me going up with Emily as she was too short to go on her own - Lee usually does that sort of thing - but he asked and I couldn't say NO - what do you mean couldn't say No - had you forgotten Elaine - YOU DON'T LIKE HEIGHTS!!! Anyway up we went -

Daniel first....Then Emily...and then MoiI don't think I really knew what I was letting myself in for - when you got really high up - it was like a 50p piece only a lot lot bigger and around each outside piece there was a different rope or plank to walk across and then after that each part was split into segments and they all had different challenges - OH MY GOODNESS - I got across the first and then froze - I looked at Lee who was busy underneath snapping away with the camera (including pictures of my bottom as I discovered later - Needless to say those photos didn't make it onto here!!) I looked and mouthed I don't think I can do this - I then looked at our beautiful children - Daniel was having a blast and he was gaining speed and Emily was quite happily starting to catch him up - how could I let them down - if they could do it - I could do it for them - although I have to say the fight or flight sensation was almost eating me up but my love for them pulled me through it and Emily and I completed a full circle around it - every step for me was an almighty challenge - I have never been so pleased to get to the other side of something - Emily and I then came down - even helped a little girl en routebut our young man Daniel stayed on there for another 45 minutes - so, so proud of our children and my word did they teach me something up there - they silently gave me the courage to face a real fear head on!!!A fabulous day - totally exhilarating - one that will stay with me for many years to come - I just had to snap a shot of this huge sign that I saw - very, very beautiful and rather poignant!

MMMMMM!!!!

Yesterday we used these
and with the help of two eager little angels

we made

for this wonderful man




my hero - such a kind and wonderful man - who has just completed a marathon and the reason he did it - support a mate and to raise money for a little lad with cancer. I was so worried about him - he hasnt done anything like this for years and the mad fool he hadnt done any training other than switching from lager to cider!!! lol (his words) He got to 23 miles and started to really struggle - his knees went but as he said he was so close to the end he was NOT going to give up and he calls me determined - HE DID IT - well done baby - so proud of you my love XXXX

He wouldnt let us come to the finish line - he is shy bless him so we decorated the front door - made a cake and put candles on - the kids drew lots of pictures and we awaited his return - hot bubble bath and bacon, sausage, egg and mushrooms and a cuppa tea at the ready

Morning all!!

Can't believe I woke up - ping - wide wide awake at 0415 - oh my goodness - that is too early and could I get back to sleep - not on your nelly could I. It was the school fete last night - beautiful sunny evening surprisingly - the kids were full of it - bumped into various friends - very nice - on a more sad note though - was told of a lady that I quite often pass the time of day with at hometime whilst waiting for the little ones to come out - she had gone for a minor op on Monday - Sinuses I believe - whilst there had a heart attack and she has gone - just like that - leaving a hubby and two young children - youngest being only 18 months old - how terribly sad - everyone was stunned at school - you just dont expect it do you - really makes you realise how precious our time here is - yet we continue to take it for granted - think I may well be taking a bit more time to stop and smell the roses now - give the kids even more cuddles and appreciate all that is around me - we spend so much time worrying about work things and other stuff - when really we should be living it to the full

Well what are we up to this weekend - DD has a birthday party to attend this morning I still have to mae a card yet - maybe thats why I have woken so early - best I go and get a wriggle on in a mo - then tomorrow two things are happening - dh is taking part in a marathon (cross country) has he done anything like this before - OH YEs - but I am really worried as it was before we met and we have known each other for 18 years - he is taking part to support a work colleague who is doing it to support his Dad - very nice of them both but crikey I hope he is ok but he will not listen - says he is only walking it and not in a rush to get around - what can I say - he is determined to do it....my son has a church parade during it in the village here where we live - he is in the Cubs and its Cubs on Parade - bless him he is so proud - oops that reminds me had better make sure the uniform is washed and pressed - wel with that said and done had better go - it may be early but there is always stacks to do - have a great weekend all!!!

Afore I go - will just share with you a couple of beautiful blogs I have recently found

http://cherryhillcottage.typepad.com/cherryhill_cottage/

http://thepaintedhive.blogspot.com/

these talented ladies have beautiful homes and love love love what they can do with stuff - drools!!!

EDITED TO SAY

Phew I have done it - card made and pressie wrapped - should I go back to bed for an hour or paint the bathroom - ceiling is done in there and one coat on the walls - hmmmm - will I be grouch pants if I dont get some more shut eye - will tidy up my cuttings and glue etc and then ponder about that one

here is the card - hope she will like it - she is a self confessed tomboy no hope its not too girly - what do you think?

Helllo in Blog Land!!!

Helllooooo if there is anyone out there reading this - firstly let me say THANK YOU - and also I am sorry its been such a long time since I have written anything on here - how are you - no seriously - how are you??????

Hope you dont mind and I do hope the lady in question doesnt mind -http://dianaevans.blogspot.com/
but I have just stopped by this lovely lady's blog and found this which she had got from a friend of hers - it was just so gorgeous and so empowering I wanted to share it too with you







Isnt it just brilliant?

As I say It has been a while - what have you been up to?

I have gotten quite into Shabby Chic - have fallen in love with all things Cath Kidston and have started sanding and painting and playing and loving it - have this week altered a really large picture frame that I had stuffed away - sanded it down - painted it with Gesso and then stuck various torn strips or CK wallpaper all over it adding splodges of apple green paint to it as I went - its currently had a couple of coats of varnish and is drying - will remember to take a piccie and upload it - its my first attempt and I must say I am rather pleased with it!

Have tonight found this blog and think its fab - what do you think
http://www.wherewomencreate.typepad.com/

and here is another - its a lady who does fab fab fab work - esp her art journals
http://joleneeborn.blogspot.com/