Farting about the Edges!!

I always wish I had more hours in the day to get the things done that I want to but somehow I never get there. I swore I would have the bulk of my christmas stock done by now but not a bit of it in sight! HMMMMMM I am crap at trying to organise my time. I find when I have time I am so knackered that I can't move a muscle towards the workroom and then when I don't have the time I am brimming with ideas and visions in my head just itching to get going. This week has been spent playing catch up with washing, gardening and general niff naff after being away for a week. I started on two name plaque commissions and two new baby gifts of my own today. I hope to get them finished tomorrow morning but with Maddie home I don't know how much I will get done. Hilary's fabric arrived today which looks gorgeous but is now crowding me shouting to be made into curtains and cushions. I sometimes wish I could just disappear off the planet for a week or so and not have to worry about school runs, dinners, dog walks and just concentrate on what I need to do. Hey ho I wouldn't be without the little ones and I know this is just a demanding stage. In years to come I am sure I will be chasing them for a chat! Here are a few things I have been doing lately. Maybe one day I will stop farting around the edges and sit down to get on with some proper work and creating!

Little mice for new babies. I made one mouse to go with the pink booties (see picture below). I had only planned to make one but when I came to press the ears I managed to melt the fleece ******* well something like that came out of my mouth! So back to the sewing machine and this time I thought I would make one for Tara's new baby Carsen and for a commission that needed to get finished before I headed up to Scotland.
Another commission for a friend which had to be completed before I headed up the road.
Yet another commission for a friend at Preschool.
Sorry about the bad photo. This was a present that I made for my Nieces birthday. Emma has started a textile course at school so Mum and I decided that for her birthday present we would make her a felt sewing book. It has pages for needles, pins, safety pins and little pockets to store scissors, chalk et cetera.

A little something I rustled up for Corey's first birthday. A handmade bib, shoes and a little stuffed fish to fit the colour theme in his room. I love these little booties, I got the pattern from a fabulous Japanese craft book and will definitely be making some more. I am not sure how practical they are but god they look cute on a shelf in the nursery.

Little pink polka dot girlie booties.

Right well I had better pop off and feed and bath the children before I head out to book club tonight. Hope to post some more tomorrow of the felt workshop I did at school with Mum and some details of my latest adventure with her

A Very Happy 40th Birthday to a very special friendHilary darling we wish you all the best on this special day. Sorry we can't be there to share it with you but I think I would freak you out if I popped up anywhere else to surprise you!!

On Saturday night Euan, Hilary's husband surprised her by organising a birthday dinner at a local hotel. He hadn't told her that he was intending to invite 13 of her friends along as well. John and I had to fight the traffic on the Forth Road Bridge to make our way up to Cupar but it was well worth it. The Birthday girl was suitably surprised and very happy with her hubby! The meal was divine, I haven't tasted steak as good as that in a very long time. I also got to catch up with Laura, Biz and Aisling as well which was lovely.

So Hilary have a fantastic birthday you are a very special lady. We miss and love you loads from the Shields Madhouse.xxx

Fine Weather for a walk on the Beach

My Miss Ellie looking pretty in her new dress looking for white shells to put in our jar.
My Mad Euan doing star jumps after he has scored his name in the sand.
and finally my Miss Maddie enjoying the feeling of sand between her toes and somewhere else!

We had a lovely time just wondering up St Andrews beach looking for shells and making patterns in the sand. It always amazes me how something that is free can entertain the children and bring peace to the adults so easily.

While I remember, Sarah Stringer I hope that the trip out to the States wasn't to painful and that you are now enjoying yourself in all that sun. We are not green or bitter it is just the colour of the rain clouds we have here! We miss you and shall be in touch soon. Love to all.

Chris and Helen Ash a big thank you for putting up with our family during our time at Leuchars and looking after us so well. We hope that you are not to traumatised by the whole affair. Chris we hope that you are feeling better now and on the road to recovery. We will see you at the 90th Reunion at the end of the month.

Wendy Fraser congratulations on your graduation earlier in the month what a clever lassie.It was lovely to catch up over a cup of coffee last week. We hope that you enjoyed your time down in London and Legoland. Anyone who has not been and has little children I recommend you go. We went last month for Euan's birthday and it was fab.

Leslie, I have a few new books I shall try and send your way very soon, I have been reading like a maniac with all these car journeys we have been making.

Half Term Break in Scotland

Boy where did May go? I know I said I would be a better blogger but hey life happens!!

We have just got back from a visit to Scotland during half term week. We had loads of fun and got to catch up with some very special friends that we all miss terribly. J had to work but the kids and I made the most of the time, playing on the beach, shopping, eating out and gallons of tea at everybodies we visited! It was lovely to catch up with John and Margaret our old and very special neighbours at Eastfield Steading. We miss you and so do the kids.

Then up to the kids old school to catch up with their former class mates and to catch up with news. Ellie had her learning leopard from her new school and she took pictures to tell the story of her week to her class when she got home.
Then in the evening a girls night out at the DCA in Dundee with some very special friends. Thank you Eileen for organising the night it was lovely. I wish I hadn't have been driving though as it was half price cocktails and Shona the girl on the left of the picture tortured me by drinking my favourtie Pimms and Lemonade AHHHHHHHHH!!!!! I really miss these ladies they are very special people who are so genuine. Ladies I will be back and this time I shall not be driving!

I will share some more pictures in my next post but I shall leave it here as Blogger doesn't seem to like to many photos!