Well managed to survive Christmas, how about you? It was fine really, i was just a bit stressed before hand about family politics and who was going where, but honestly, that shouldn't be what it is all about should it? Have to say (or I will be in trouble) best pressie was Robyn's dressing gown and Les Mis DVD, (it does still give me thrill that she buys me proper pressies now, it gives me that lovely fuzzy feeling) but joint first had to be my mega pizza box stuffed with goodies from Lesley, scrapbook goodies too numerous to mention, a crazy scrapbook doll and a hand knitted scarf WOW. I was also very lucky to get a couple of other craft related pressies from family members, my sister got me a martha stewart punch and my nephew and his wife got me a voucher for an online shop so i can do a bit of craft sale shopping. Speaking of sale shopping, Craig and i did the dastardly deal yesterday and actually, it wasn't that bad, but by the time we were leaving, it was crazy. So ...

One week and Santa will be on his way ..... are we excited? I'm happy to say i am ready, mainly due to the fact that we are not having anyone around over Christmas so i don't have to worry about shopping for any food. After my amaz shopping day with Robyn and a few Internet orders, all the pressies are done and what i don't have now, I will do without. I've had a busy few weeks and have been ill again! I rarely get ill, I have my migraines and there's not a lot I can do about those but live with it, but last week I had the ear infection from hell. It was agony and i have spent a week with what has felt like a golf ball in my ear and last weekend in absolute agony. Ah well, lovely hubby to the rescue, he has looked after me, and i haven't done a thing. Last Friday (although I had started with the ear infection) we had our colleague Bert's retirement "do", it was a really good night and the best part was that with help from his wife, we managed to to...

was much better, I had a great shopping day with Robyn on Monday and did the largest part of the Christmas shopping. On Wednesday, Lesley came over and although we had all good intentions of crafting, we ended up doing the schedule for the retreat, and talking classes. So many projects and not enough time :( Then on Thursday evening I went to see Sister Act with Robyn and my mum. I had bought her ticket for her birthday pressie in May and she has had to wait all this time to go to the theatre, we had a really nice evening though and the performance was great (slightly disappointed that there were no songs from the movie, I love that soundtrack, it takes me back a few years though!) Then on Friday evening, Craig and I went to the German Market in Leeds. It was really nice, there is a great atmosphere and the food is yummy (no sausages for me, but Craig loves them, I go for the sweet stuff of course).

I don't know what I have been messing about at this last week, I just haven't gotten around to blogging. The week following my holiday (forgot to say i was away for a week during November) I had an awful migraine for most of the week. It cleared a bit on the Wednesday but after spending a day helping my friend move, it was back with avengance. Wednesday night I thought I would never get to sleep and was near to tears and even threatening to visit the quacks (Doctors, I hate the doctors). Anyway, after the awful night, I slept in until 10.45 on the Thursday, and finally it seemed to have gone, so instead of catching up on housework, I just coddled myself, and kept it at bay. Thank goodness it went.

Well following on from the previous post where I was lucky enough to complete Emma's class from the retreat, i have made it into a double layout. I  had so many photo's from one place on our trip in July. Here is my second side. Like my friend Lesley, I have managed to make 3 pages from the western romance kit, it is so versatile, my 3rd layout is of Robyn and her boyfriend Chris, perhaps I'll post that later on. It actually opens 3 ways but I didn't want to bore you with too many photo's!

Well the next retreat is booked and has been announced on facebook. Emma Trout and Lida deWitte are confirmed as two of the teachers, and Emma has ideas already! Very exiting. The website has been updates with most of the details although I or the I.T.Department are working on adding a new page with a gallery and testimonials section. I finally finished my Western Romance layout from the kit that Emma replaced for me (her layout is called "one wish") here is my version and I'm also looking forward to making a second page from the leftovers of the kit, there was so much stash in it. Enjoy. x

Visiting hotels for the next retreat and comparing quotes seems to be taking up all of my time at the moment, i am determined to make a decision this weekend as i can't wait any longer to get a date out there (even though i have mentioned the last two weekends in April). The only other thing i have had time for in between work and Scrapstars, is (with a little determination) an attempt to bring my Document 2011 up to date, i was really worried as i thought i was as far behind as May and wondered weather i would bother to catch up at all, but when i opened the album up, i wasn't as far behind as I had thought, and had a lot of bits and pieces in place. I knew i wanted to scrap Henry for my October 12 x 12 page as a little tribute to loosing him, so here is my effort. Miss him so much, still find myself having a little cry.