Time to get creative...

In an attempt to bring a bit of sparkle back into Lauren's eyes following her episode of sickness over the week-end I suggested getting out her painting easel, (desperate times call for desperate measures). The pleasure displayed on her face accompanied by the jumping up and down on one spot said it all!!

So, out came the easel, paint pots, brushes, paint and overalls and the chance to let the creative juices flow. Amy had a go at finger painting and general "rub your hand over the page" type painting and even managed to paint her lips and ear!!

The activity definitely had the desired effect and I now have another lovely masterpiece, complete with sun, sky and grass to display on my kitchen cupboards. What more could a mummy ask for?
And now for Auntie Jenni, as promised, some pictures of the said event. Enjoy!

Out of Action....again!!

Today would have been the start of quite a busy week-end. It is of course Jen's 30th birthday and I can now reveal the extra special card I made for her. The card contains(behind the transparency on the front) a mini cd with a video of "happy birthday" sung by Lauren and Amy.



This afternon we would have been going to a 5th birthday party at Whacky Whizards, a local soft play place but Amy has kindly shared her tummy bug and subsequently lauren and I are out of action for today. Normal service will hopefully resume tomorrow. On saturday night we are going to Duggie Dug Dug's (aka Doug Horley) Praise Party at Church - Lauren absolutely loved this last year so I am hoping for a similar reaction this year.

Congratulations to my friend Pamela who gave birth to a baby girl (Beth) yesterday, I am especially thrilled for her as she has 2 lovely boys already.

Off now to lie on the sofa with Lauren.

Birthday Bonanza!

February has always been a very busy month for our family with Mum, Dad and Jen all having a birthday within a week of each other. Friday 15th saw Dad turn the big 60, which we celebrated in style by 10 pin bowling and having lots of party food (all at Lauren's request).
Toady sees Mum's birthday and on Friday Jen turns 30!! I had to be ultra organised with Jenni being away this year and I made something extra special for her to enjoy(more about that on Friday).
Happy Birthday to Dad, Mum and Jen, whether you are near or far I love you all lots xoxox

Here are a few shots of us bowling

Love is in the Air

Today is Valentine's Day and Roy sent me a beautiful bunch of flowers, what wasn't so beautiful was the sight of me, in my dressing gown, hair standing on end opening the front door to the delivery man!! I also got a box of Thorntons chocs which I adore, my favourites are Turkish Delight and any kind of Praline and so the thoughtful people at Thorntons have designed a lovely box of 1, 2 or even 3 pull out drawers with your own favourite selection inside......guess which ones I got?

I'll leave you now to enjoy my flowers

Sneaky Peak!

I made my first trip out today in almost a week (spots and all) and headed over to The Scrap House in Newtownards to get a couple of card making supplies. I decided that this year I would make my first ever, since the paper doyley type in primary school, Valentines Day card. I was quite pleased with the results....lets hope the recipient is too!!
Here's a sneaky peak :

What a difference.....

......a couple of days can make. I started a course of antibiotics on Friday evening and am now feeling much better, my sore throat has disappeared and although the rash has gone my skin is far from improved and the rash has now been replaced with hundreds of spots - Lauren is contemplating "human dot to dot"

Today, we have been blessed with glorious sunshine and Lauren siezed the opportunity to again cycle to school. I have promised her that everyday, when it is not raining we can take her bike to school and goodness knows - I need the exercise!!
She is gaining confidence everyday and seems to be mastering the ability to brake at the right time. Although she has had her bike for some time she hasn't really had much chance to practise, due to the poor summer of 2007 and my to be honest, lack of effort. (bad mummy !!)

Must go and make the tea, here is picture of Lauren on her bike:

Feeling poorly :(

I seem to have been struck down with a rather nasty throat infection, I feel like I have been swallowing razor blades for the last 2 days and have been confined to bed. Today has brought a new symptom in the form of a rash!!
Here's hoping that tomorrow I start to feel and sound more human again.

Happy Pancake Day....

......Shrove Tuesday or Jif Lemon Day!! Lauren helped me make pancakes this evening which brought back fond memories of my Mum making pancakes on a Sunday evening as we all setttled down together, as a family to watch the latest episode of the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Here's a photo of the pancakes