Recuperation and crafting to while away the time

While I have been recovering from my operation, I decided to get scrapping again, something I've not done in quite a long time at home, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself! It was great to get back to scrapping, and now I have rediscovered my mojo, I will be doing more of it for sure.

The first layout I made using the Scrapagogo February kit, absolutely gorgeous to use as always. The photographs on the LO are moo cards, using that size and format is a nice change after always going for standard photographs. The subject matter is Sophie and her best friend Jennifer, who moved down to Buckinghamshire last summer. Whenever the girls meet up, they continue where they left off, great friends and always happy to see each other. These photos were taken at Legoland, and I love the expressions on their faces!

A little close up of the detail on the clock face I used on one corner of the journalling. The kit came with these adorable cupcake brads, so I had to use one to anchor the clock hands.

The second LO is made using a kit I picked up from Sarah's Cards. I had seen this kit at a crop, and so decided to order one for myself. Once again the photos are moo cards, and it was fun to see just how many photos I could get on one LO!

The pictures tell the story of our day at Bekonscot Model Village, which is very close to where Jen and her family live now. We had been before back in February 2007, and loved it, so were very happy to have a return visit. Hopefully we will be going again when we visit Jen and co. Close up shot of one of the little badges from American Crafts which came in the kit, just gorgeous!

My final LO is just a very simple one using more moo cards of Bekonscot. I didn't want them to go to waste, so decided on the less is more approach! Very quick and easy to do, and a nice addition to my album without taking a long time to complete.

All in all a good day's scrapping! It certainly stopped me from thinking too much about my discomfort, so Thursday last week was a good day! I am still sore now, but much less so, and the trapped wind from the keyhole procedure has just about gone now. I get tired very easily, which is really frustrating, but that will pass soon I am sure. Onto the next drama in the household- Sophie has a sore lump on her gum which looks like it could be a dental abscess, so off to the dentist we go tomorrow!

A strange week this week

Monday and Tuesday were spent in hospital after surgery on Monday afternoon. I'm on the mend now but it has been a rough week. Just got to be careful not to overdo it, today was a bit much as I am now feeling very tired.

So I will sign off for now, see you soon!

New stamps

I decided to treat myself to some new stamps last week, and chose this lovely Magnolia Ladybug stamp. Sophie was due to go to a party after school today, so last night I inked this little beauty up to make a card for her friend Bonnie. I coloured the image using my Copic Ciao markers, and am pleased with the end result. I've recently done an online course in colouring with the copics, and learned a lot about blending. I'm intruiged to know if the copic sketch markers are better to use, but for now I am more than happy with my ciaos.

The image is matted on red cardstock, then onto a black mat which has been embossed using my Big Shot and a cuttlebug embossing folder of hearts. Bonnie's name is stamped with the Stampin Up schoolbook serif set, and then the card is finished off with a red ribbon tied in a knot. I bought another Magnolia stamp at the same time as I bought this one, so I may well ink that up tonight.

That's about it for now. Usual stuff is ticking along nicely. Next big job to tackle is the garden. I need to pressure wash the paving slabs as they are looking very grimy after the winter, and get rid of some broken garden furniture. We are keen to grow some veg this summer, so I need the space which this furniture is taking up to put some pots and troughs in place ready to plant some seeds. I know nothing about growing veg, but the girls are keen to help, so we will give it a go! All hints and tips will be gratefully received!

A letter from Alex

Alex is 5 years and 11 months old now, she wrote this last week. When Nigel died, she was only 2 years 4 months, so she has spent more of her life without him than she has with him now. A few weeks ago she went through a very unsettled patch, crying at bedtime on several occasions because she was sad that she had had 2 years less with Daddy than Sophie had. To comfort a child who feels like this is so hard, as it is a painful experience for me too, but Alex only has one parent, and I have to deal with it.

I talked to several friends about what to do about this, and I have decided I will write a letter back to Alex, saying:

Dear Alex

I love you too.

Every single day I wish daddy was alive still. I know he was so very proud of you, and he would be even more proud of you now.

Love from Mummy.

What else can I possibly say?