Sorry its been so long......

But its been with good reason. Sadly in the first week of May, my lovely Gran passed away suddenly. It was (and still is) a great shock to us all as she was so full of life and active for her 92 years - she was due to go on holiday just a couple of days after she passed away.
I will miss her so much, although we lived 100 miles apart, I was lucky enough to see her just a couple of weeks before she died, I will cherish the memories of that day, she was so happy, sitting in my Mum and Dads conservatory watching two of her Great-Grandchildren play. I am thinking of all the happy times and that is what has seen me through and bought a smile to my face even though I am sad. Unfortuntely this all happened very close to Georgia's 3rd Birthday, so the 'Pirates and Princess's' party we had planned had to be postponed, but we are planning to have another party later on in the summer.

Moving on, I needed something to focus on, and I am ready for a challenge so on September 20th 2009 I shall be taking part in the Great North Run in aid of 'Beating Bowel Cancer' This is a half marathon (13.1 miles!) in which over 50,000 people take part. If you would like to sponsor me, I would be very grateful - please send me an e mail and I will contact you with my details.
So off I was this morning in the drizzle running along the sea-front against the wind wondering if maybe I had bitten off more than I can chew?- Hmm - I'll let you know on that one!
I have kept up to date with all your blogs and even though I haven't been leaving comments, you have continued to put a smile on my face. My mojo is now on its way back, so I will post again soon
Natalie x
Added 1/6/09 - You can now sponsor me by clicking on the link in my sidebar - thanks so much!

Happy Birthday Callum!

Tomorrow is my lovely Callum's 11th Birthday - wow! where have the last 11 years gone? it seems like only yesterday that I was cradling my firstborn and now I am getting ready to pack him off to 'big school' later this year. Wouldn't it be nice to step back in time just for a day to re-live those days?
Callum - you are growing into such a special young man, who never fails to make us proud - we always know that when we go to your parent evenings that the teachers will have nothing but praise for you, we are sure you will go far and we thank you for being no trouble to us (yet!) - long may that continue! I love how you always have a kiss for me when I leave for work and again when I get home, and although your now too old to hold hands with me in public (embarrassing) I know you would do anything to make us happy. Thank you for being a wonderful son and for always doing your best
Love you lots - Mum and Dad x x x x x

Mothers Day

I had a lovely weekend and in particular a lovely Sunday, which was Mothering Sunday here in the UK. Some lovely choccies (which were gone before lunchtime) - and later a trip into York, where I was treat to a pair of lovely Cath Kidston pillowcases. I had got my eye on the CK 'pins' & 'buttons' tins and the boys raced into the shop clutching their saved up pocket money, but they had sold out! - Oh well, it will just be another excuse to return!
Later on in the afternoon we went to Frankie & Bennys which is one of our favourite places to eat out as a family - & I even treat myself to the chocolate orange profriteroles for afters! - Yes it was a lovely weekend and I was spoilt rotten. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend whether you are a mummy, or an Aunty or a Grandma.
I have been busy making things to sell in my shop and of course busy doing more crochet - but more about that later in the week
Take care everyone!
P.S - As you can see, the children had a good time too, although none of them would co-operate for the photo - probably because they knew it would end up on here!!

Happy Birthday Nuggs

My little boy turned 9 today. How time flies! It seems like only last year, let alone 9 years ago that I spent my christmas on the edge of my seat with a baby who was too laid back to arrive on time and entered the world 10 days late and 9lb 2oz.
Nathaniel Joseph was named so, because the meaning of Nathaniel translates to 'Gods Gift' and Joseph means 'Second Son' so it seemed a perfectly fitting choice, his nickname of Nuggs came around the age of 3, due to his love of chicken Nuggets and boy has it stuck, even his teachers and school mates know him as Nuggs!
Nathaniel was the perfect baby, so laid back, he made no fuss and always had a cheeky smile on his face. I can't believe that the boy sitting on my sofa right now, looking so grown up and playing with his new ipod shuffle is that same little boy who sucked his fingers and never let pooh bear out of his sight.
Nathaniel, you are an absolute joy to your dad and me, so loving and so generous - and clever too (well done for coming top of the class in your recent maths test!) The dedication you show when you are doing something that interests you like the 5 hours you spent building Indiana Jones aeroplane out of lego is amazing - Don't ever change - we love you just how you are - Happy Birthday x x x x x x

Happy Birthday Callum!

Couldn't resist! - My little boy Callum (pictured next to me in the photo) is ten today. The boys often have a sneaky read of my 'website' (as they call it) so thought this would be a lovely opportunity to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAL! - I cannot believe you are ten already, but we just want to you to know that you are growing into a lovely young man, so kind and considerate (although not too generous when it comes to sharing your chocolate!) and we are so proud of you - love Mum and Dad x x 

The fact that I have a ten year old, did set me on a path of reminiscing though, thinking back over the last ten years, starting when I was just a girl of 24! Thinking about all the places I have visited, all the houses I have lived in, all the jobs I have had, and all the changes there have been in general - and it made me wonder what the next ten years will have in store for me - it seems like a long way away, but then I remember how quickly the last ten years has passed.

Anyway, Thats enough for now and if you are wondering why my hair looks a bit plastered to my head in the photo, it is because we have been to Waterworld in York today swimming, which was mad - it being half term, the pool was packed! - We then went onto Frankie and Bennys for lunch, which is where the photo was taken. 

I will pop by later in the week to do another post, as I have some photos to show you of lovely things I have received in the post, as well as news on the 'Pay it Forward' giveaway I will be doing. I have also been tagged, so I need a couple of days to think of 7 interesting things about myself! - Georgia's carpet has been ordered and is being fitted early next week, so there will also be photos of that to post - Bye for Now x 

Sunday in Scarborough

Well, it seems like I have been away from the computer for days, although in reality it has only been 24 hours. the reason - well, number one is the ironing - I have just finished a 3 foot pile of ironing (no, really)! - I love ironing so much that I try to do it at least once a month, it is my second favourite activity to banging my head against a brick wall. Reason 2 is that Hubby's Dad and stepmum visited us on Saturday, although it was only a one night visit, we had a lovely day today, we went into Scarborough. It was lovely and bright, but still very cold and breezy - We walked all the way around the harbour and then went for fish and chips, finished off with a 99 on the beach. Can you believe there were actually people in the sea? - I can only assume they don't get to the coast much, as I was wrapped up in my winter coat and scarf and was still freezing! Here is a little piccie of my darling enjoying her icecream