A Year of Tyger

December in Review

2011-01-06T14:12:00.000-08:00

Week 52.5 - Hoops

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week... um 52 and a half? 30th & 31st December 2010

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Well either I messed up my dates somewhere along the way or its cos i did midweek starts but I have 2 spare days not accounted for!!! :)

On 30th December Christopher went into Kelvin Hall for a training session with

The Glasgow Rocks wearing his snazzy new basketball boots (thanks Granny K!) He had a blast, but did an oopsie.. He smacked Scott Russell (#10) right between the eyes with a ball!! However, to be fair in the game later that night it did seem to cure the natural squint he has when shooting .. but on the other hand he got fouled out so maybe not!

The game was awesome.. alot of iffy decisions from the referee, and boy did the crow let them know it! But Rocks won 100-84 over Wolves!

Week 52 - Christmas

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Week 52 - 23rd to 29th December 2010

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Wow Christmas came fast!!!!

It was a little odd, since Robert's dad was very ill but the main thing is that Christopher had a blast! rogue also loved his first Christmas!!!

Week 51 - O Christmas Tree!

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Week 51 - 16th to 22nd December

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Well thanks to the snow, I fell way behind with Christmas stuff!

I couldn't get OUT to shop, I couldn't order online as no deliveries! Added to the fact that I had Christopher home from school and He definately doesn't deal well without school.. we did some home school. I did finally get around to putting up my tree....

In fact... there are a free set of commercial use papers (Tagger Size) available over on my scrapping blog HERE

I also made some Christmas cards (only managed 7) and then epic fail.. didn't send them!

My Christmas spirit was hiding in a dark little corner.. but I tried...

Week 50 - SNOWBOUND

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Week 49 - First Snow

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Week 49 & Week 50 - 2nd to 15th December

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Since the theme of the next few weeks involves the same thing, I'm doubling up and combining them. There will be a few layouts.. I have photographs galore!!!

And the theme of the fortnight is ....

SNOW!!!! ICE!!! SNOW!!!! CHAOS!!! SNOW!!!

I love snow, honestly i do.. I think its petty as heck, but after 3 or 4 days it gets old fast!!! The snow was knee deep, the temperatures were regularly -19 celsius and EVERYTHING stopped!

School closed, Buses and Trains were off, shops closed, Robert got sent home from work most days! It sucked.. big time!!!

The worst day was the Monday. Robert left work at 11am after 2 solid hours of heavy snow and ended up getting home at 3pm. He had to walk from the next town. Some of his work friends ended up sleeping in the office! When the school closed at 12 I went to collect Christopher and we saw the funniest thing ever! The council sent out a snow crew with shovels and grit in a flatbed to dig out stuck cars.... They got stuck.. had to try and dig themselves out.. BUT.. it was snowing so heavy that the holes were filling up as fast as they dug them... So a snow plough drove up the wrong side of the road to shunt them out as they were blocking the main road... Snow plough.... GOT STUCK!!!!! My Sis-in-law works in the city left work at 1pm.. got home at 11.30pm walking a great deal of the way! The motorway was closed, people slept in cars, there were emergency shelters in offices and supermarkets! The army had to dig out some roads!!

Rogue of course ADORED his first snow!!

Here is a selection of photos from our SnowDays

Those icicles were HUGE! I had visions of one snapping off and stabbing someone!!!

November in Review

2011-01-06T05:40:00.000-08:00

Week 48 - Fire & Ice

2011-01-06T05:38:00.000-08:00

Used a hasitly created bag of fire n ice goodies, i did save a quickpage version so I will update with a link once its packaged!

Week 48 - 25th November to 1st December

2011-01-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

Well there were two main focuses of my week!!! From opposite ends of the scale.. This was the week of both FIRE & ICE

First of all on 25th November 2010.. I officially became a FIREWALKER!!!!

Yep! I did it!!! I walked across 20ft of burning hot coals and raised £203 for Yorkhill Children's Hospital. It is honestly the absolute BEST experience of my life! I am so going to be front of the line next year!!!

Unfortunately.. due to camera malfunctions and it being so damn dare.. to make the fire look better! lol I have no photos of me crossing! And the video blows... But check out my bestie Fi screaming me on!

But I loved it.. It did not feel hot, pleasantly warm.. I got the tiniest blister or "Fire Kiss"

It was the incredibly empowering feeling I had after the motovational therapy that amazed me! I felt like a giant.. Robert & Christopher and my best friend and her boyfriend like mobbed me afterwards saying how proud they were and I was like "huh? why it was nothing!"

highly recommended!!

But the BIG shock came shortly after the firewalk.... We finished at around 10.30pm, and it was cold ... REALLY COLD!! Especially when you are standing barefoot on the concrete... but as we walked down to the bus stop......

It started to snow!!!!!

This was outside our house by the time we got home about midnight

By the following day we had this...

And as my next few posts will show... then came "SnowMageddon"

Week 47 - I Love My Dog

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Week 47 - 18th to 24th November

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OMG! I so would not do well in a hostage situation!!!

There I am merrily trying to do some laundry .. although WHY I did it at 8am I'll never know..

I fold the stuff, go to open the kitchen door to take it out and place it on table...

The door will NOT move!!!! It's locked from the outside!

I call out "ok not funny.. lemme out!"

Only to realise everyone has gone to work/school

OMG!

Long Story Short... I freak out.. spend about 90mins with a hacksaw, hammer, screw driver and steak knife.... resulting in this...

To clarify HOW distraught I was... Have you seen the movie Anchorman? Well when Ron Burgandy calls the news station after Baxter is punted off the bridge...

You know what's coming...

It was the "Glass Case of Emotion" Phonecall..

Robert could NOT understand what i was saying when I finally got out.

Week 46 - Lest We Forget

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Week 46 - 11th to 17th November

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Warning! Proud Mama Alert. Just look at my baby boy!

Me and Gran J went to watch the Rememberance Day Parade and could not have been prouder. It was so cold, but so lovely to watch. There were representatives from Scouts, Guides, Boys Brigade, NAvy Cadets, Army, Veterans, St Andrews Ambulance and more.

Week 45 - Smackdown

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Week 45 - 4th - 10th November 2010

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EXCITED!!!!!! Well this week it was Bonfire Night. We didn't go out to the display as its little Rogues first year, but he didn't even bat an eyelid at the fireworks!!!

On 6th it was time for us to go watch WWE Smackdown World Tour at Braehead! We love our wrestling!!!!! :)

Check out a little video if hometown hero Drew McIntyre.

Of course I went Camera Happy!!!

October in Review

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Week 44 - Happy Hallowe'en

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Week 43 - Rogue's Operation

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Week 42 - Camping

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Week 41 - My Sister & Me

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Week 40 - Chon Ji

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Yellow signifies the first beam of sunlight which shines upon the seed giving it new strength with the beginning of new life. A yellow belt student is given his/her first ray of knowledge, opening his mind, from an instructor.

Weeks 40 - 44 - October

2010-12-09T03:47:00.000-08:00

I always seem to be playing catch up!! I think I have stretched myself too thin!!! Net year I MUST focus and keep up to date!!!

October has been a busy month for us, so lets round up a little

Week 40 - 30th September to 6th October

I'm super proud of Christopher! He did his Yellow belt grading and ACED it! He wasn't corrected even once by Master Rooney, even though many of the higher ranked students were! I was very proud of him!!

Week 41 - 7th to 13th October 2010

I went to visit my sister Heather in Dundee, what an epic trek. First off my train broke down! I missed my bus and had to buy another ticket! Then there was a huge accident on the road and I was diverted!! The journey took around 7 hours instead of 2 hours!!! On the plus side i got a lot of studying done!! I spent the night with her and we had a great time. We don't see each other much. She's the next oldest out of the four of us.. by 5 years, and its took some time before we became friends. We watched a movie, hit the pub and went out for lunch.

It was Robert's birthday, so we went for a meal and to the pub quiz to celebrate.

Week 42 - 14th - 20th October

It was camp time again!!! Christopher went on a "back to basics" camp at Avondyke. The boys slept in tents, cooked on the fire, washed in the stream and made what they needed to use! They also hiked back to Larkhall to go swimming. They came home Cold, dirty and tired.. but had a blast!!!

Week 43 - 21st - 27th October

Our main activities this week just revolved around preparing for Hallowe'en and hanging out with Rogue who is getting so big its almost scary!! His favourite thing is to snuggle with someone's clothes.. Here he is stealing my Hoodie! He went to the vets to be Castrated and the poor little guy just slept so much on coming home. We had to feed him scrambled egg and chicken as he couldn't eat regular dog food. Then we snuggled in bed later and he shared some chicken with me!

Week 44 - 28th October to 3rd November

It's Hallowe'en week! That means Costumes, pumpkins, baking and more!! Christopher dressed as a Ninja and took 1st prize at the Scouts party! I ended up baking cupcakes galore and making toffee apples! Eeeeeep! My whole kitchen was coated in toffee! Even Rogue!!!

September in Review

2010-11-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

Week 39 - Scout

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Journalling Reads - "It used to be that I could look at you and see traces of the Baby you once were. Now I look at you and catch glimpses of the Man you will become"

I created this page using a Template by Jen C Designs which I tweaked a little and a new Scout themed kit "On My Honour" by Tyger's Tidbits which I will release on 5th November as a fundraiser for Christopher's scouts.

Week 38 - School Portrait

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Week37 - Go Rocks!

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Week 36 - RIP Princess

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Wk 36-39 September!

2010-10-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

I don't know how I fell so far behind in this blog!!! September and October seem to have passed me by in a complete blur! I wish I could tell you I was busy busy busy, but NOPE! I was totally not!!! We have had alot on but not enough to warrant not blogging/scrapping. Heck I'm even struggling for photographs! So I'm going to round up all the things that happened in September in this one post, then do my layouts, then we can get caught up on October!!!

Week 36 2nd-8th September 2010

It was a sad week for us. On Tuesday I got a call from Robbie telling me that he'd come home and found our Siberian Hamster Princess dead in her cage! I was sitting in the sport centre while Christopher did Tae Kwon Do and I had to go in the bathroom and cry. Some people have told me I'm too emotional over pets but I say unless you are an animal lover, you just can't get it. Everyone knows Rogue is my baby boy and Princess was very much a part of my family too. We had her since she was around 5 weeks old and she was about 4 and a half when she died. That's really old for a hamster. They only usually live for 2 years or so. She was ok when I left at 4.30pm, but by 5.15pm she was lying dead.. I think she tried to wait for Robbie to come home but couldn't hold on. She was his baby, She actually got jealous when I sat by him and cried if he didn't share toast with her at bedtime. We were all heart broken as we had a little funeral for her in the yard. She went to Hamster Heaven wrapped in Christopher's sock so she'd have part of him there with her. Even Rogue was out of sorts - despite the fact that Princess bullied him and bit his nose at every opportunity. R.I.P. my darling girl. We all love and miss you!

Week 37 - 9th -11th September 2010

This was a busy weekend! Christopher had Scouts Jamboree at David Livingston Centre in the morning, even got his face in the paper!!

Then we headed into Glasgow for Basketball!!! As a fundraiser for 9/11 Glasgow Rocks took on a USA select team. Christopher also went to a coaching clinic with the USA guys before the game! It was his first live basketball game!

Robbie made it into the Semi final of the fan shooting challenge too..

Christopher also nabbed himself some autographs!

Week 38 - 16-22 September 2010

It's school picture time! It came out fantastic, this is a photo of the photo.. I need to hook up the scanner, but he just looks so adorable! And Grown Up!!!

Week 39 -23rd to 29th September 2010

A full grown Scout at last... and a Wolf no less! I may have over estimated the size of his shirt but hey ho.. he'll grown into it (maybe!)

August in Review

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Week 35 - Dropping A Dress Size!

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Week 35 - 26th August - 1st September

2010-09-22T05:31:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to loose weight this year (again), but with the wedding looming, It's do or die. I WILL NOT be a fat bride! I've been messing around lately, and I'm an emotional/comfort eater so since January I've only lost about 11lbs, I have however been excercising way more, doing Zumba 1 or 2 times a week, out walking with Rogue and swimming too!

In Asda the other day I spotted a cute skirt. I've always wanted a tartan miniskirt, like a school girl style one. I've never been able to fit into one that didn't look like a tent! This skirt was lovely, Browns and Oranges with brown leather buckles.. I wanted it so bad, but they didn't have my size.. I walked away browsed some more and found myself back looking at it.. On examining it I saw the buckles actually functioned so could be loosened up to 3 notches...

I duffed up my brave, and went to the hanging room grabbing a bright orange tank top too!

i tried it on... It Fit! I have now officially lost a dress size! WOOOOOO HOOOOO!!!

In fact.. since I'm writing this a few weeks after the actual event.. The skirt is now a little loose on me and i had to fasten the buckles tighter...

wanna see?

The difference isn't really apparent.. but honest.. it's there.. I feel curvy instead of blobby and You can actually see a waist and boobs! I'm getting there. This picture is from February, much the same pose and definately more lumps and bumps

Week 34 - I'm Getting Married!

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Week 34 - 19th to 25th August

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Guess What???

We final did it!!!!

Me & Robbie are getting Married!

We actually are going through with it!

We Booked the venue and reception and have sent out save the date cards....

Our colours are Red, Black , Silver & White!
this is where we are getting married

In this building

I am officially turning into BRIDEZILLA!!! So I make no apologies for lots of wedding stuff creeping into the blog!

Week 33 - Back 2 School

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Week 33 - 12th to 18th August

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Uh-oh! Summer's over! It was back to school this week and after a crazy dash to pick up a uniform cos I forgot! We were all set for a return to school. I can't believe Christopher is in Primary 6! WOW. He seems to really like his new teachers Mr Murray and Ms Henshaw (who for the first few days he insisted was Mrs Hedgehog!!!)

Rogue had to get in on the act to.. He wasn't there when I took the picture, but when I looked back, he'd ran in and posed at the last minute!!!

Week 32 - Rocks Star!

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Week 32 - 5th - 11th August 2010

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This week was all about Basketball again!!

Christopher took part in a training camp with Pro Basketball Team "Glasgow Rocks"

He had a fantastic time and got to meet a few of the players from both the Rocks and the LadyRocks. He picked up some great tips and tricks from the guys and came home with a certificate and a goodie bag!

We also went out in town on Saturday night for Vicky's birthday. It was a bit of an odd night, but fun!

July in Review

2010-09-19T14:19:00.001-07:00

Week 31 - Layout "I'll Protect You"

2010-09-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

THis page was created using my Walking on Air kit available HERE

The quickpage of this layout is also available at that link FREE

Week 31 - 29th July to 4th Aug

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Christopher and Michael travelled down to Bolton with Gran K to stay at Michael's house!

My poor sister had a full house! There was her and her hubby, her 3 children Becca, Jenn and Mikey, my mum, Christopher and Becca's friend Amy! They all look so like each other.. even Amy who isn't family!!!

He had a blast and his little cousin Jenn attached herself to him the whole time. He's her new hero. I'm gonna use my favourite pic from the week in this week's layout

Meanwhile, here are a selection of the 4 million pics he took!

Week 30 - Layout "Reaching For Stars"

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Week 29 - Layout - Basketball Camp Treasures!

2010-09-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

I used a fabulous free kit in this layout by Dreamsfulfilled check that out HERE

one of these days i'll get around to doing my own B-Ball kit!

Week 29 & 30 - 14th to 27th July 2010

2010-07-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

We started the fortnight in style! Christopher had a gift voucher for Hamley's toy store from his birthday and he also managed to con/earn/save an additional £30 giving him £50 to spend!!

So we headed into town after I got weighed and hit the toy store!!! He had a tough time choosing but ended up grabbing a table football game and a battleships game! We snapped a few pics around the store..

We then hit Disney store where Chris picked up a Perry mug from Phineas & Pherb and I got a Tigger one!! THen it was the fun part.. the geek shops! We went to A1 comics and Forbidden Planet and the boys scored some action figures from Resistance : Fall of Man!

Lastly we swung by Pizza Express for Dinner/Lunch

Everyone had a ball!

Then on Monday & Tuesday Christopher had his basketball camp with Reach For The Sky Academy some of the Scottish Rocks players came by to offer advice and Christopher got a few autographs. He is also made up that he was in the photo featured in an article on Basketball Scotland . His coach Graham posted some great photos on facebook of the camp..

HERE

To round off the week Gran K brought my nephew Michael to stay and we went swimming, then Christopher went back to stay in Bolton with his cousins.

Week 28 - Layout - "Walkies"

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Week 28 - 7th to 13th July 2010

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Rogue was able to go out his first walk this week, I still cannot believe how well he walked on the lead. He is such a smart little puppy. He can already Sit, Lie Down and Shake!

Since Robert was on holiday too this week, we went out for dinner at the chinese buffet.. any excuse to get dolled up!

Week 27 Layout "Bathtime!"

2010-07-24T12:45:00.000-07:00

Week 27 - 30th June to 6th of July

2010-07-24T07:58:00.000-07:00

Wow! what a busy week! Rogue still couldn't get out for walks until his next jag but he had fun exploring in the garden

He also had his first bath! He kinda liked it, but wasn't happy when the water went over him.. but I guess pouring a jug on him was a little bit mean!

He did get his 2nd jag on Friday so he will be out walking next week!

Christopher also had his very first session with the Psychologist, it was tough on all of us, Christopher Cried and so did I and that made Robert sad, but we got great advice and made some progress, we go back in 3 weeks.

Saturday Night was Barbara-Ann's Party we had a blast and ate loads of cake! lol

June in Review

2010-07-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

Week 26 Layout - "Fur Babies"

2010-07-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

Week 26 :- 23rd to 29th June

2010-06-24T02:19:00.000-07:00

Morning kisses anyone?

Tomorrow is the last day of school, so this morning Christopher took in a gift and a card for his teacher. I used some glittered decoupage on a tangerine card i had left from Halloween, used a little school theme backing paper and some textured ribbon for the card, I think it came out nice.

Week 25 - Video clip - Puppy @ Play

2010-06-23T09:58:00.001-07:00

OMG my carpet looks so bad on film!!! It's so old and worn and stained!

ah well... just me and Roguester playing.

Week 25 - Layout - Puppy Love

2010-06-23T09:55:00.001-07:00

Like this layout? I created a template as one of my challenges for Designer Survivor

You can get it HERE

Week 25 16th-to 22nd June 2010

2010-06-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

It's Rogue time again! Be prepared for alot of puppy posts/layout! He's so darn cute!

The puppy has settled in so fantastically. He loves everyone to pieces - except maybe Princess who bit him this week! (Well he would stick his nose in her cage) She stays in bed alot when he's around! He adores Christopher and tries to stop him going to school in the mornings! He sleeps almost all night now, becasue we got him early, we had no bed for him, so I made one from pillows cushions and a baby quilt of Christopher's. He happily sleeps in that at the bottom of Christopher's bed. He tends to wake up around 6/7am, and starts to cry, so we tend to bring him through to our room and he comes in bed for an hour till its getting up time.. After 15 mins of frenzied licking of Robbie's face and biting my hair he'll go back to sleep! Then it's breakfast time! I love to see him eat.. he's so fast.. loves his food!!! He likes to nap where we nap.. Robbie and Him often take an afternoon snooze after Robert gets in from work!

I took him to the Vet for the first time and he was so good.. Actually wagged his tail through the injection. He weighed 3.3lbs.. so we'll see how he grows when he goes back for more. He was hamming it up for all the girls in the surgery.. lying on the desk when I paid getting petted and tickled!

He was so tired that afternoon. I think the jags had an affect on him, although it is really hot too!

Look how sleepy he is.. he is totally saying.. "Maaaaam.. put the camera away, I'm tired!!"

Week 24 - Layout - Puppy Power

2010-06-23T08:24:00.001-07:00

I made this layout using a freebie kit I found at Scrapbook Flair

I've uploaded it in Quick Page Format for you too If you would like HERE

Week 24 - 9th to 15th June 2010

2010-06-23T07:41:00.000-07:00

We have a new addition to the family....

He's a gorgeous baby boy...

Nope I've not secretly been pregnant...

Allow me to introduce to you our new 9 week old Staffy/German Shepard cross puppy..

Rogue

He actually arrived a week early, we weren't expecting him till 16th.. but he was ready to come home, so his momma's humnas dropped him off. He came from 2 litters totalling 16 pups! THe same german shepard got at both of the staffy bitches in the house and the result was a big bundle of rag tag puppies. Rogue's vet is keen to see him grow as she's never seen these breeds crossed before. He will be an odd one!

He is barrell chested/bowlegged in front like a staffy and has the permanent smile of a staffy. But his markings, huge paws and back legs are pure alsatian! He's got strange wiry hair, baby blue eyes and BIG claws!!! But he's the most adorable little pup EVER!

Week 23 - Layout - "Hospital!"

2010-06-23T07:35:00.001-07:00

Kit Used "Ouch" by Tyger's Tidbits - available in any of my store listed on the right

Week 23 - 3rd to 8th June 2010

2010-06-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

When I woke up on Sunday morning with a terrible headache, I'd never have believed what came next. After over an hour of me alternately vomiting and screaming/crying Robert called our NHS 24 service who sent an ambulance to take me to Casualty. I was poked, prodded, injected and pumped full of Pain meds, anti-sickness drugs and fluids and finally admitted overnight. Two days later after CT scans and a very scary lumbar puncture I was diagnosed as having Viral Meningitis. I was finally allowed home but was weak and tired, Even getting dressed made me need a nap. I had abnormally high pressure in my CSF's (spinal fluids) which explains why I am prone to migraines, I hope that has been resolved now! When they drained the fluid the pain left immeadiately!! I've no pictures from Hospital.. I looked awful, pale, dark circles , covered in bruises.. and apparently according to my friends I still look very pale!.. so I guess instead, you guys just get a pic of the hospital I was in! I scared everyone big time!!!

May in Review

2010-06-23T06:05:00.001-07:00

Week 22 - Layout - "Birthday Boy"

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Week 21 - Layout - "Camping for Cake"

2010-06-23T05:37:00.001-07:00

Week 20 - Layout - "Birthday Blooms"

2010-06-23T05:35:00.001-07:00

This is a layout I created from a gorgeous kit called THe Orchid from Yarrow

Aren't the flowers I got from the north wing beautiful

Week 19 - Layout "We Are the Champions"

2010-06-23T05:29:00.000-07:00

Weeks 19 to 22 : May Catch Up!

2010-06-23T04:51:00.000-07:00

Wow what a few weeks it's been! It was both my son's and my own birthday's this month, Christopher was sick.. we got a puppy, christopher went to camp then I ended up in Hospital with Viral Meningitis! So I'm doing a cheat! lol I snagged a few quickpages for may so let me give you a round-up!

I took up Zumba with my old Salsa teacher Lynn Duncan at the start of May which is a total blast!! If you haven't been I totally recommend it! It's a fun and funky dance class that gets you really fit! I've been totally lax in the diet department of late, but I really want to get it together so fitness seems like a great start.

Christopher was made up to win the monthly Cub Scout trophy. His troop won the cup for gaining most points for behaviour, discipline, attendance etc.. He was so proud!

It was my birthday on May 18th and I got a new haircut.. I'm purple now! And short!!!

Christopher also went to Scout camp. It was such a big deal for him because he has never been away without us or granny K. He did super and as it was his birthday he took a cake with him and had a little party. I baked a choc cake and iced it with the scouts logo.

When he came home we took him for dinner at Frankie & Bennies and he got a lego cake!

April in Review

2010-05-13T02:26:00.000-07:00

Week 18 - Layout - "Legoland"

2010-05-13T02:21:00.001-07:00

This week's double page spread features a kit of my own called "Bricking It" and best of all? you can pick it up FREE over here

Week 18 - 29th April to 5th May 2010

2010-05-07T06:37:00.000-07:00

Last week we went on a holiday for the first time in about 5 years! We took a 4 day break to Windsor and spent 2 days at Legoland! We had a blast! We also managed to take a tour of Windsor and Eton and a Tour of the City of London. Here are just a selection of our photographs

Some of the lego models were just amazing...

and we really enjoyed the rides!

Week 17 - Layout - "Seven Take Edinburgh"

2010-05-07T05:46:00.000-07:00

A double page layout this week using one of my own kit's "Bad Romance" available from North Wing Scraps

Week 17 - 22nd to 28th April 2010

2010-05-07T05:12:00.000-07:00

It was daytripping time again!!! It was my friend Pauline's birthday so the gang all headed over to Edinburgh for a day out! We did the whole sightseeing thing! We got an Edinburgh Pass which was a great deal we paid for it and then the attractions were all free! We started out at Edinburgh Zoo, then after realising Pauline had lost her purse we had to make a detour to the Bus Depot at Portobello! Once we got back we went to the Awesome Edinburgh Dungeons and had the bejesus scared out of us! Next up we took an Auld Reekie tour of the Underground vaults but failed to spot any ghosts.. It's meant to be one of the most haunted places and the poltergiest there picks on women. I did feel really cold, and had a few minor unexplained scratches.. but nothing of major wow factor.. bit of an epic fail! Afterwards we grabbed dinner at a local pub and headed for home totally exhausted!

Week 16 - Layout - "picnic in the park"

2010-05-07T04:44:00.000-07:00

This week my layout features an absolutely beautiful little scrapkit by Chelly Oliveira called "Little Frogs" Isn't it adorable! And you know what's even better? You can go ahead and pick that up totally Free from The Little Scrap Garden

I also want to give a shout out to Irene O'neill for the template I used for this layout!

Week 16 - 15th to 21st April 2010

2010-05-07T04:36:00.000-07:00

The weather finally took a turn for the better and Christopher and I decided to go for a picnic in the park! We went to Cadzow Glen Scuplture Park which is a gorgeous park right in the town centre. It's so strange.. You go down a set of stairs right in the town centre and suddenly you are there in a lovely park! You'd never guess you were in the town!

One half of the park has been landscaped and has lovely grass and flower beds, there is a river winding through as well. Then as you pass under the road bridge you get to the unlandscaped part where there are fallen trees and over grown pathways. I guess the plan is to eventually fix it too, but I actually kind of like it that way! All wild and free as nature intended.. although the vandalisim and trash make me sad.

THe park has sculptures dotted around even in the wild part! The range from stone installations, the ornate gates and inlaid pathways to carvings right in the trees! We explored them all before settling down in the grass to eat!

Week 15 - 8th to 14th April - Layout

2010-04-17T09:52:00.001-07:00

We went to visit Gran K in Sanquhar for the day. It's always nice to go down there where it's so quiet and all the country air. I love being on the train too! We saw lots of little baby lambs too! Being a city boy Christopher was really excited!

Of course a visit to see Gran K needs to include the infamous Monkey Puzzle Tree!!! I don't know how the game started but all the grandkids play it! When they see the tree the must shout "Monkey Puzzle Tree" and the first to do so wins!

Week 14 - 1st to 7th April - LAyout

2010-04-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

We got a table and chairs a while back and the plan was always to eventually get the livingroom sorted out with a smaller desk and move the big one into Christopher's room to make space for the dining table here. So this week we got it moved through and hooked him up with a PC of his own (my old one!) He's a geek in training that one!

March in review Layout

2010-04-16T14:51:00.001-07:00

Week 13 Layout - "Out to Lunch!"

2010-04-16T14:50:00.001-07:00

Week 13 - 25th to 31st March 2010

2010-04-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

I've gotten kind of behind with my scrapping over the Easter break. So I'm going to catch up in a kinda double April post tomorrow!! This week we finally found out what benefits we are eligilbe for becasue of Christopher's disability. I'm now at a stage where we HAVE money. We even booked a holiday! Just a long weekend t Legoland but a holiday none the less! To thank robert's family for all the support and financial assistance over the years we took them all to Christopher's favourite chinese buffet for lunch! So that's my layout this week! We also took him to see Clash of the Titans at the movies!

Week 12 - Layout - "Grading Day"

2010-03-23T06:01:00.001-07:00

Week 12 - 18th to 24th March 2010

2010-03-23T05:49:00.000-07:00

What a week!!!

We were surprised last Friday with a lump sum deposited in our bank account. After investigation it became clear that we had at last been awarded Disability Allowance for Christopher which will make things so much easier on all of us financially. Then, just a few days later 2 more payments appeared! I have been awarded carers allowance and we also got tax credits on his behalf. It seems so strange that finally everything is working out for us. I'm not used to that. We are now going to claim a grant for replacing his bed and the washing machine.

Although we are glad of the money and it means there is less pressure on me to find a job, It still hurts that he actually needs the benefits, I just wish I had my little boy healthy.

Christopher took part in Sports Relief this week doing a sponsored mile with the Scouts, they went hiking in Cadzow Glen. Then again on Friday at school by doing laps of the playground.

Me and Fi went to see Alice in Wonderland on Friday in 3D and it was AWESOME!

Robert went out on Friday night and then had a funeral at 10am Saturday morning. Babs was also there and fainted Again. she always passes out in church, i joke that she is possessed!

Last of all... the big one!

Christopher had his first Tae Kwon Do grading and is now 9th Kup. He got yellow tags to add to his belt and i could not be prouder!

Week 11 - Layout - "Mother's Day"

2010-03-23T05:47:00.000-07:00

Week 11 - 11th to 17th March 2010

2010-03-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

Saturday Night was party time again! It was my best friend's boyfriend's birthday last Monday and Saturday we had an American Theme party. We all made american food and i even painted my nails and my eyes in american flags!

It was Mother's Day here in the UK this Sunday. I've been coveting this gorgeous red/black snakeskin bag - Yes I admit it.. My name is Alyson and I am a bag ho! We went to Papum & Granny J's (robert's dad and mum) and Christopher was out playing with his buddy Mark. Robert made breakfast and then we sat and chilled out. then Christopher came in and gave me my present telling me to hurry up because Mark was waiting!

He made me a lovely card at school and bought me the bag and a teddy and a box of my favourite sweets. Once i opened them he ran back out to play!

robert made dinner for everyone to save him Mum cooking.

Week 10 - Layout - "Granny!"

2010-03-23T05:37:00.001-07:00

Week 10 - 4th to 10th March 2010

2010-03-23T05:35:00.000-07:00

Another pretty standard week! No ups No downs. Granny K (my mum) came to visit and brought Christopher a fabulous Robot that walks, talks, dances and shoots rubber discs! Awesome!

We played the Eragon board game and generally just hung out enjoying some family time!

February in Review Layout

2010-03-15T03:59:00.001-07:00

February was just a regular lazy month! We had a little Snow, went on some trips and had family time. The highlight was my baby boy being a Standard Bearer for Scouts. He made me so proud!

Week 9 - Layout -"So Lucky"

2010-03-14T19:05:00.001-07:00

It occurred to me that I very rarely scrap about Robert! Probably because a) we never get pics taken together and b) I tend to be snap happy in day time when he's at work! So this week I took a snapshot from the party we were at. The light was terrible and it was real dark, but I edited it a bit and it became usable. So here is a layout of me and Robert having a cuddle! I really am lucky to have such a cutie in my life :)

Week 9 - 25th February - 3rd March 2010

2010-03-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

February seems to have flown by, we had a real lazy week.. nothing exciting. We did spend a few hours partying with friends. We ended up playing "Dance Fever" on Wii.. fun times!!! Not much to report, so it's layout time!

Oh... but we did have some SNOW again!

Week 8 - Layout - "Standard Bearer"

2010-03-14T18:48:00.000-07:00

Because I'm a little far behind I'm cheating and using this great Scout themed Quick Page I found!

Week 8 - 18th to 24th February 2010

2010-03-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

I had one of those tearful, proud Mamma moments this past weekend!! The Scouts were having thier Annual Founder's Day service in honor of Lord Baden Powell's birthday (22nd February), so me and Gran J trooped off to church with Christopher all dressed smartly in his uniform. His leader Ruth sent us to sit indside the Chapel as it was cold, keeping Christopher inside. I turned around after a few minutes and through the rear window into the entry hall I caught sight of my little man, huge grin plastered on his face, getting strapped into the harness to carry the royal standard.

He'd tried to do it for Rememberance Day and was just an inch too short, but this time he made it and he was so proud. For the non-scout mammas (and pappas) At the beginning of every parade or service they always perform "trooping of the Colours" each pack in attendance has one scot or cub carry the troop flag and one carry the royal standard. He looked so wonderful in his uniform and his little white gloves.. The pole was twice his height but he managed to make it all the way to present the Chief Scout and the Father with the colours. He then had to repeat it for the salute to the colours at the close!

Of course you aren't strictly meant to take photographs in chapel.. but I'm a mamma.. I need a record of this.. so I hide behind the pews with my camera! The photos are fairly blurry!

I'll get a lay out done with them ASAP!

Week 7 Layout - "Day Tripping"

2010-03-14T18:01:00.001-07:00

I did a double layout this week Using a cute little kit called Road Trip by EveryDay Mom Ideas

Week 7 - 12th to 17th February

2010-03-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

I've fallen behind a little the last few weeks! I should be thinking about Week 11.. but ahh well!

During week 7 I took Christopher out for the day with my friend Fiona! We had a total blast visiting several of the museums in town. We hopped on a bus into town, then travelled up to Kelvingrove Art Gallery where we looked around the natural history , local history and Egyptian areas.. we skipped the paintings etc.. that's not Christopher's thing! Then we crossed over the road to The Transport Museum which I have loved since I was a young child! It's so good to see all the old cars and trains and buses etc.. We got to sit on one of the new trains which will be released this September and I fell in love with a gorgeous old Jaguar in Racing Green.
Can I have it?

We stopped off to grab lunch from Greggs then hopped on the bus down to People's Palace. WE sat and ate our lunch by the Doulton Fountain.

Then we headed home.. Tired but happy. It was a wonderful day! I also got my current favourite picture that day....

Week 6 Layout "Rockin' A new 'do!"

2010-02-13T11:41:00.001-08:00

This week's layout uses my Mini Kit "The Great Divide" which I made for the brownie scraps Design challenge, it's free for a limited time HERE and features a few snaps of Christopher after i cut his hair... oh.. and you wanna see how my hair eventually turned out?

Week 6 - 4th to 11th February 2010

2010-02-13T05:27:00.000-08:00

We had a busy busy week here.. just random every day things!

My mother in law turned 70 last friday.. She doesn't do photos so I'll just share the photos of the cards I made for her.

I had fun using paper again after so much digi scrapping!

Christopher also got another badge at scouts.. His Environment patch which he actually earned last august, but the county had run out of patches!

I also got the hairdressing bug - I got the clippers out and cut Robert and Christopher's hair at the weekend. Then decided to try and sort mine out.. big mistake! lol My hair is/was black with ed under colour.. So I had bought bleach to dye out the red and start over cos the roots were showing.. then i thought hey.. why not just do all my hair bonde, then add red later.. well it didn't work and 2 packets of bleach later and now i have 3 tone hair! lol blonde on top, brown in the middle and red underneath - not a good look for me!

Lastly.. We got to talking about Prom at The North Wing and We were sharing Prom pictures, my mum has mine, but I dug out my dress and took a few pictures...

January - In Review - Layout

2010-02-08T15:24:00.000-08:00

So the first month of 2010 is over and I've managed to complete the month! Okay, so there were some delays here and there. but all in all I think I've done well so far.. I'm never on time!!!

I think I'm going to enjoy looking back on this project as the year progresses

Week 5 - Layout : Proudly wearing the Dobock

2010-02-08T13:44:00.000-08:00

I've used a wonderful kit by Sunflower Studio Designs to scrap a few pictures of Christopher getting ready for Tae Kwon Do. His uniform - the Dobok - is so important to him. I love to watch him put it on. It's still really big for him, and he rolls up the sleeves and legs. He's only been doing Tae Kwon Do for a few months, so is still a white belt, but I'm sure he will soon move on.

He also had his presentation at school for his rainforest project. He did really well. He looked so confident up there speaking. he is really turning into a little man - not my baby boy anymore.

Week 5 - 29th Jan to 4th February

2010-02-03T23:02:00.000-08:00

Wow! Week 5 Is already over!!! 2010 is going really fast! What can I say about this week!!! How about I start with a little freebie for anyone who is out there reading! I decided to take part in the Design challenge at Brownie Scraps . The idea is to create a mini kit each week using the given theme and colors provided. This week the theme was "Love is in the air" and there were 2 choices of colors to pick from, both were not the "usual" valentine colours. I love working with nontraditional things, so I went for a purple and lime green set and came up with this mini kit.

You can download it HERE

I did a quick layout with it (not my weekly layout)

It's been a pretty humdrum week here, Christopher had Tae Kwon Do on Tuesday as usual although we couldn't make it to scouts last night, It started snowing AGAIN yesterday and I waited like 45 mins for a bus, called a taxi and it never showed so we gave up and walked back home.. by the time we got there It would have been half over!

I have a few photos of Christopher ready for Tae Kwon do to Share

Today Christopher has a presentation at school for his rainforest topics, not sure if they will allow me to take photos sometimes they are a bit funny about that, but if not I'll make my layout a Tae Kwon Do one! I'll also have my January Cover to do now that we've come into February.

Week 4 - Layout "Total NonStop Action"

2010-01-31T14:31:00.000-08:00

I'm running a little late this week/last week.. whatever!! But as promised, my layout is based around our trip to TNA live! This was our second time seeing TNA live and It confirmed my thoughts that while WWE is good and I prefer the TV shows they put out.. TNA can blow them away live. They do so much fan interaction, they have better stage equipment (I've never seen WWE bring the screens or anything unless its a TV taping) and its all around value for money. My sister in law Gill had a blast.. I think we fully converted her now. It was a shame Christopher didn't ahve a ticket.. but maybe next time! The only bad thing was that my dang camera went dead after the first match, but I've sent out a plea to the TNAtion to share pics since for some reason TNAwrestling.com didn't share the Glasgow pics! What's that about!!

The matches we were treated to were :

The Amazing Red def. Chris Sabin
Global Champion Eric Young def. Suicide
Hernandez def. Rhino
Kurt Angle def. Daniels & Desmond Wolfe
Hamada def. Sarita
Tables Match: Team 3D def. Beer Money, Inc. & The British Invasion
TNA World Champion AJ Styles def. Samoa Joe

This layout uses a combination of my Movie Glamour and Ring Rat kits.

Week 4 - 22nd to 28th January 2010

2010-01-22T10:25:00.000-08:00

The main focus of this week will be tomorrow! I super excited.. becasue Santa bought us tickets to go see TNA Tomorrow :) Can't wait!!

Week 3 - Layout "Loafing Around"

2010-01-22T06:47:00.000-08:00