Tales of Tickety Boo

if found please return to.......

2012-01-24T02:18:00.002Z

and not all those who return feel found. i though it was time to revisit blogging, dispite my laptop caps button not working and several keys now missing because as yet i still haven't gotten our kitten a sctatch post.... i have felt so lost in the past few years, pathetic as that may sound. following my mother's day postin i just couldn't find the soul in it anymore. i felt so many things were missing in my life, that i wasn't functioning well as a single mummy and my every parenting decision was being questioned or mocked as poor judgement and more selfishly, that i needed to find someone to share life with, i had so little adult conversation, so little anything that i felt i was disappearing......lost

i used to love venturing and being lost as a child but as an adult loosing focus is not such a happy place. it is all too easy to wish for more, or worse to envy, and i have done. it's that very state of mind that looses you in the first place. the most blessed years of my life have no doubt also been the most difficult also but you wise yourself up.....eventually, and smell the flowers and get on with. i only pray i keep finding my way and seth grows with a strengthenrd sense of his own direction. we'll get their, as for love, time waits for no man.....and perhaps neither should i..... time to get lost in little ventures of daily living, and all else will follow or pail into insignificance.... either way, i am ready for it.

Mothering Sunday

2010-03-13T00:45:00.006Z

To my lovely mother

who has had to watch on while I have tripped through relationships and refused her good advice. Who has much too often been on the reciving end of my pain. Who I am sure many times has felt why, oh why has this daughter been sent to try me! There may be many things we haven't agreed on, but you have always been there, with me for the dark days, making me feel worthy of the brighter days. Only now do I see your strength, your wise words, your loving ways. I think you are wonderful. Thank you mummy, I love you xxx

To my beautiful children
DAISY

my beautiful flower, you were taken from me before we ever had the chance to share all those moments I had dreamt of. Daisy died in labour at full term following a very healthy pregnancy. There was no explination, no medical findings, just love, loss, pain and bittersweet joy. I had 24 hours to hold, kiss and love you. Read to you, pray with you, cry, see your eyes, stroke your soft pink skin. I have a lifetime of knowing you have made my life better. A lifetime of knowing you allowed me to become your mother. You are my little compass giving direction in new and difficult terrain, you are my embers of hope, my belief that love exceeds all, even the veil of death. I have longed many moments, your first smile, the light in your eyes, plaiting your hair, making daisy chains. I can have that all in my dreams. I will hold you once more one day my beautiful girl. Be free little spirit. Thank you. I love and miss you so much. xxx

Where Daisy rests x

The little hand that guides me!

SETH

my gorgeous, bubbly, sweet natured boy. You have brought much joy to my life, with your curiosity and energy, with new learning and having to be on the ball :) You arrived by c-section, following a failed induction when they realised you had gone breech! It truely was a blessing. You arrived safely and they discoved your cord had prolapsed and had a true knot! Perhaps a little angel was watching over us ;) Each new day is filled with wonder, fun, little adventures. We've had a complicated journey, moved back to Norn Iorn, where mummy grew up, became a single parenting family. We are still here, still smiling and the journey is only really beginning! I have much to be thankful for, and I thank you. I love you my beautiful boy xxx

Into the world/earthside.

Hello little fella

Truely a knot!

the thing with Spring...

2010-03-02T01:19:00.004Z

JOY JOY JOY It is to wake to a day of sunshine! I'm not pretending to believe that from here to the end of October will be weatherly biss (but wouldn't it be wonderful) but I am deeply excited about the beginning of spring and how it has unsettled my melencholy mood.

I took pictures of the chicken's at mum's finally in there new ark, and the first lambs born this year, so sweet and curious. Comet definately senses spring as he is becoming a little frisky in his stable.

I have been pondering alot lately on my life. About relationships. Off which I have little common sense or luck. I really do miss the comfort a relationship brings, expecting someone home for tea, sofa evenings, doing things together, laughing with someone. I have now been single over a year, and part of me feels is it much to early for me to want to move on, I have a son now, a young son, is it possible to move on. Seth is indeed my world.
I have spent winter in the deepest of moods at times and as I lay in bed last night I realised this, I have got through the first Jan/Feb in 4 years that has not been laced with some relationship turmoil. That hasn't ment I have been yet again felt rejected within my relationship, or that I haven't foolishly decided it will work, just one more try. This year I couldn't be hurt, I was single, I got through Jan/Feb unscaved. I made it to the Spring without feeling my heart might be pulled out. All that feeling down through the beginning of the new year and then I realise why.
In the same light, as much as I do crave to be in a loving relationship, it can't be forced and I now see the time isn't right. To feel such relief at not having the same tragic pattern repeat itself says alot. It certianly says I really couldn't deal with any hiccups a new relationship may bring. Not yet. So I step into spring a single woman still, and all the better for it. I have had a lot to get my little head around these past few years. Perhaps this is my time to grow, and flower. To have fun being me, being Seth's mama, being Daisy's mama and to hope in my heart when the healing is done, when I can laugh a little more with myself, that I may possibly find love, one where I don't need to ever feel, just one more try.

Spring forward

2010-02-24T00:14:00.004Z

Oh how bored am I of murky wintery days. Yes the cosy fire is lovely and all the extra book reading. Perhaps I am feeling a little sorry for myself because I spent 5 nights at my parents and returned to very little oil and a cold house and have the ugly task of paying out yet more money to heat my home in the most unearthkindly of ways. But hey, spring is creaping in. Soon my toes will feel a little warmer, walks will be more appealing, and we can spend a little more time outdoors without the fear of frostbite! Peering out the window now I can see the frostbite potential is definately still there!
This month I packed up my tv. Not only do I take offence to paying a fortune for a telly licence but at the minute it is another 20 squid a month that I'd much rather put towards yummy dinners and I can't really afford both luxuries. So heres to more book reading, creative play, story telling and crafting! I have also managed a month without a mobile phone! Shocking! How will my fingers and thumb recover from lack of text!
What else....heavens my life seems so quiet lately. Not to be sniffed at but I long for more sunshine and activity. I'm going to busy myself with lists and prepairations, ordering veg garden seeds, getting my season swap done and adding to my on bare looking table, sorting the spare room, writing to lovely friends, searching for someone Amilee style who I want to thank!
I subscribed to The Mother, I must confess I childishly blushed that my handsome postman may have seen the envelope and though me strange! I wondered if I had bought into a raving, influencing magazine of deep witchery....I can definately be very silly at times. I read, and then there were no more questions. What a wonderful, eye opening publication. No it isn't all my cup of tea but it is enlightening, thought provoking and joyus... I am so glad I have subscribed.
I'm reading Unconditional Parenting at the moment. Food for thought in this book, I never dreamt I would be reconsidering the effects of praise or that I would be delving into child psychologies in the hope of creating family security. This is a challenging modern world though. I'm a bit of a slow reader, needed to make notes as I can be forgetful, so the book is all slowly unfolding.
It's nearing 1am, and even thought I am very happy to see my computer after 5 nights without my trusty keybord companion, my toes are cold and my eyes weiry, time for a hot water bottle and bed!
I'm a bit rubbish at maintaining my at least once a weekly blogging resolution! Perhaps it will improve...and with photos. Ok off to bed.........zzzzzzzz

Chucks and glenns

2010-02-04T22:48:00.006Z

Still it has been a quiet start to the new year. For most part we have been taking in the simplicities of day to day life with the odd hiccup. Though we have had a little too many in this past week. Our boiler went, then our toilet blocked and has been a complete pain in the arse, for want of a better word! Then the washing machine. We got two lovely new golden Silkie chicks who are great, but unfortunately one died on Monday. Poor Kulu is all alone until we can find her a friend again.

I have been outdoors more though, which is also a wonderful thing. And yesterday when doing the dishes I had the awesome view of a Buzzard hunting. I never knew such birds exsisted in Northern Ireland when I was growing up, as my first sight of a bird of prey was a Kestral on a Scottish island. I'm not sure why I didn't see them as a child. My brother also has a nesting pair near his home. LOL, don't laugh at me, these things excite me! Also it seems, and I say this without having any evidence yet, but my sisters saw them, that we may have a pair of Barn Owls near my parents!!! I seen one about 4 years back and was so excited, so I am delighted they have been spotted again! Lots of birdy things happening over the past few weeks!

Some pics to share our moments....

walking in the glenn

old and new

cute chicks
our lovely Silkies in their arrival box, Yai (closest to the camera, sadly died this week :( )

and crazy chicks, Seth's aunties, who would kill me if they knew I posted this!

one snuggly boy with his Aunte Irene

and a picture of Dad, who I had a bit of a tift with today. I couldn't resist posting this, the country man in Rome! Love you Dad, your awkward daughter. :)

A new year

2010-01-20T00:06:00.006Z

Happy New Year all! Hoping it is a wonderful one!

I'm a bit unfestively late with the greetings. Christmas and New Year have kept me busy with organising and illness, both of which are not my friends! Seth barely ate for over a week on the run up to Christmas, then began to slowly improve from the most nasty stomach bug. Then swine flu came to visit the family home and is still lingering. I don't feel fluey but I have had the most unusual feeling on my chest, like it's being pressed, like the air isn't quite reaching the depth of my lungs when I breath, sometimes it is worse than others. It's how mum's flu began, so I am being careful, plenty of elderberry syrup, elderflower tincture, manuka honey, lemon, ginger....any little cold/flu/sort throat warding thing. Seth's throat seems to have improved, so fingers cross we have skimmed the nasty bug.

Ok I'm blethering, isn't that what blogs are for though! Talking of blethering, Betty I stole your link to the blog background. I love gorguss, I bought one of her pieces off Etsy last spring. It still hasn't made the wall yet so that can be a thing to do this week!

I hesitated when typing hope it's a wonderful one, I have came into 2010 with such high hopes, it is the first new year I have been single in 11 years. So I felt I needed to reflect alot on making the most of my status, finding my feet and growing. Big changes in themselves. In reality the year has began differently, that snow, beautiful and doing a good job of making the days slow and easy, but how it got me down. I spent too long without someone to chatter to face to face...in an adult way. Plenty of chatter with Seth though, which is always lovely. On a more emotional and personal note two of my dear friends have had losses. The lost of a little baby growing in 1st tremester and of a grandfather who suffered a severe stroke. The heartbreak of Haiti is so unimaginable. So many helpless images, how do we manage to cut ourselves off from that reality and go about our business.
http://crafthope.com/ are selling some gorgeously crafted donations to raise funds for Haiti. I have spotted a few potential buys!

It certianly give me more to think about than what I want for 2010. This should be eveybody's year, a year of community spirit, I get the feeling we may need it and benefit greatly from it. So wishing you all a wonderful new year of community spirit.

xxx

gorgeous giveaway

2009-11-30T22:35:00.006Z

Just wanted to share this giveaway of beautiful handmade felted folk and naturally dyed crayons. Pop your comment down for a chance!

http://gardenmama.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/11/imagine-childhood---two-part-giveaway.html

The Kingdom of Mourne - Book Sharing

2009-11-30T21:22:00.003Z

Keira the faerie is different from her friends because her wings shine so brightly. They tease her and so she ventures where they won't to be alone, close to the town, where the humans are!
When she discovers some smugglers making their way into the Kingdom of Mourne, faerie teritory Keira's bright wings save the day!
I love that the art is local and recognisable, the Mourne Wall, Silent Valley and Newcastle Bay.

Christmas crafting countdown

2009-11-22T00:06:00.003Z

It's the 22nd November....already! How does that happen. I planned to be the Mrs Beeton type and have Christmas gifts all sealed up in their kilner jars by now but I still haven't so much as managed to get the sloes in the gin! I added a little festive scene to my blog because , well it makes me smile and maybe it will make me think, stop typing, go to the kitchen and make! In all fareness it has been an eventful Autumn and I'm still slowly unpacking. But I'll leave the rest until after Christmas now and being ticking off my list of gifts (much more satisfying and fun) So here is the list to keep me going:

Yummy things:
sloe gin
snowflake biscuits
brownies
fudge
marshmallow
15's

Smelly things:
bath bombs
scented candles
goats milk soap
salt/sugar scrub

Crafty things:
finger puppets
juggling toys
door stop
knitted mobile cover
baby socks
cross-stitch horse pic - almost finished!
cards

Decorations:
popcorn garland
dried fruit
felted tree decorations
felted reindeer
tree top angel
birdseed pinecones

And there is the season swap to add! Phew, that should mean every night is a crafting night! Am I being realistic. it's my first attempt at a homemade Christmas of this scale! Usually it's a few peppermint creams and a lot of shop bought panic! Wish me luck....

33 crafting evenings to go!

and our new home

2009-11-19T23:59:00.004Z

Just sharing pic of my new home before we decended upon it, the were take back in July but I couldn't upload them until I got my new card reader. It is looking alot more lived in these days and thats with only about a third ot the boxes unpacked! Thank goodness for sheds and garages!

space!

lots of space for fun in the garden and potted veg!

lovely country views beyond the hedge, not the best pic to give it juctice

starlings decending

and quickly off again.

time in England

2009-11-19T21:54:00.007Z

Lovely moments between the packing of boxes and stressing!

boo!

anyone for pumkin soup!

Kingsdown church

visiting Daisy (and having a good old look....mmmm whattoy can I pinch!)

birthday bits and pieces for Daisy

too the dungeons, naughty boys!!!

giving it a go at Dover Castle

fun with cousin Millie and Aunty Emma

with Grandma oat her 60th dinner

on Deal beach

the view from my old living room window...blissful

and the view from the horse lorry as we drove off....my home for 4 years, goodbye Penrose :(
my love too all we left behind, but not for long, see you in the Spring xxx

rainbows through the rain.......and wee Harry

2009-11-13T22:16:00.004Z

Once again it's felt like too long since I last blogged. These past few weeks have been hectic. A few days after Seth's birthday we travelled back to Kent to pack up all my belongings and say goodbye to the place that has been my home for almost 11 years. This also fell on Daisy's 2nd anniversary, which I definately wanted to be in Kent for, it was so meaningful just to be closer to her resting place. This will be my pilgrim journey for the years to come, it's one of the few ways I can truely mother amy beloved daughter, visiting, remembering and loving her.

I seemed to have moved alot in the past few years, like it's a hobby, but I loath it! The unsettlement, change, flustering, packing, borrowing of boxes, sorting, labelling. All with a very bemused Seth to busy me through the day....and night. I can't help wonder how confused he must feel....or more that his one consistant figure is so confused lately. We got there though. We got to spend time with a handful of special people that have been part of my past 11 years, we managed to squeeze most of what I collected over the years, into the big horse lorry, including Comet, my Welsh Mountian Pony!!!

It's a hell of a journey by road when you can only peek 45mph. We had a welcome stop with my dearest of friends in Blighty, Lucy, Ben and Ted, but I didn't get to see lovely Lucy who was working away. Thank you 3 B,L,T! At 3am 35 hours after we set out we pulled up at mum and dad's, camped there for 3 days before even attempting to offload at home, only a mile up the road.

I can't believe it's behind me, the biggest leap. For the longest time I have felt stuck in limbo. Too many emotions and reasons to add here but I will perhaps in another post. This past 3 years has been the most memorable and difficult journey, I'm just praying for new energy in my mothering, my life, my home. A little hint of rainbow through the rain....hell, a great big wopping rainbow really!!!

And wee Harry. I wanted to share a moment for our dear family friend Harry who died today aged 83. A true gem, full of character and wit with a gentle soul. Harry was, as dad puts it, 'wild as a crow!' he took life by the horns, travelled Europe by motorbike in his 70's, ventured alone to Australia an NZ last year. Loving thoughts to his family, and to my dad, who I know loved his dear friend.

Birthday Boy

2009-10-18T19:56:00.005Z

Phew, what a lovely weekend! My friends Lucy, Ben and Ted came the long haul from Luton, as did Paul, Seth's daddy. Seth turned one and we had a little party, I think I misunderestimated how hectic parties can be...am still tidying up but it was all good fun. So many pressies that I feel I will go down the simplicity route for Christmas, I can't stop playing playing with them myself though! My lovely Ostheimer animals have been waiting around the fireplace for their time in play while the bright noisy plastic toys are in favour...(tut tut Lucy Lou if your reading this! He does love his bus though.) Seth had the most beautiful birthday crown made by a very talented gp mama and we had a general apple theme as the was also Apple Day!

My not very healthy party spread! There was a crunchy caterpillar there though.

We have had a lazy Sunday, lazing, reading, dancing, singing and eating phhh and our healthy effort, a walk to the park. I love autumn, the colours, the freshness of the air and the glow of nature. And I love the restfulness of the darkening evenings, giving Seth a warm bath, warm drink, a story before bedtime and a cuddle and feed to sleep. What a lovely day we have had....such a shame everyone returns to England tomorrow....the house will feel so quiet!

Being grown up!

Being one!

return to blogging and birthdays

2009-10-16T23:38:00.004Z

It's been 3 months since I last blogged and I've missed the fun of my little online dairy but squeezed alot of hectic days into those three months. I turned 33 last week. I have relocated to Northern Ireland and live in a lovely little bungalow. Leaving behind sunny Kent and my broken relationship. But more on that another time, this is the Eve of my son's first birthday and I'm very excited!
The kitchen smells of cooking, his preasants are spread around the kitchen for breakfast and I can't stop peeking in on him, yet am too excited to go to bed myself! It feels like Christmas! As always at these wonderful times there is a large part of me dearly wishing Daisy was physically here to share the day to come but I know she will very much be with us in her own way. She should be 2 next week, exactly 51 weeks older than her little brother. It's just hard, I will forever be thinking I didn't get to share that with my beautiful girl. But what a blessing and a privilage it is to share it with her little brother.

Ok enough of my heartfelt ramblings, some photos and then I will take my emotional soul to bed and lap up the wonders of the new day to come. Will no doubt pop on and blog a little more when the day has settled and all the little visitors have gone home.

Happy Birthday my sweet beautiful boy. My little Pip!!!

A time to reflect

2009-07-17T00:21:00.003Z

Today my beautiful boy turned 9 months old, 9 months in utero, 9 months in arms. I feel like the most blessed mama, to have watch him him grow and change each passing day, nourished with my milk. To have shared his joys and smiles, felt exausted by his antics and energy, to have simply felt able to giive as a mother.

The very deep realisation that with Daisy these 9 months I didn't get to share. We lost her just as it seemed she was prepairing to arrive. Daisy died during labour, folowing a completed, healthy pregnancy, unexpectedly, unexplained. Our first born, a heartbreaking introduction to parenthood. She was beautiful, perfect, each little fold of skin, lock of hair, cherry red lips. Seth arrived almost a year after with a statement, he went breech during labour, come out the sun roof and let us know just what a great blessing modern science can be at times (yes I hate to confess), having a prolapsed cord with a true knot, Prayers work! 9 months in so many ways seems such a significant arrival, it has been an emotional journey of unsteadying faith but we are getting there! And I thank God to be here, thank you Seth for arriving, growing and allowing my love, and to Daisy, purest of all souls for watching over us.

xxx

July

2009-07-17T00:19:00.001Z

Wee trip to Wales

2009-07-16T23:37:00.015Z

On the way back to Northern Ireland we were accompanied by Paul who joined us for a few days in lovely Wales. As all journeys begin, we visited Daisy's place and whilst there were greated by Sylvia's (the church gardener's) donkeys graving in the church yard. I love how they have fly fringes to match their environment.

And so we arrived in Wales, to Llandudno where I last visited when I was 11!

discovering the edges of Llandudno, the mad hatters tea party carving

and the caves!

Riding the train to Conwy to visit the castle, discove the smallest house in Great Britian (very cute)

and walk the town walls

Found a lovely handmade shop there and off course I got a felted daisy bag! So much more I could have bought!

Sunset at Llandudno

on the train in Anglesea

Paradise in Folkestone!!!

2009-07-16T23:26:00.004Z

Adventures of the past weeks

2009-07-16T22:38:00.007Z

the discovesy of climbing quickly follows crawling

Mr fox in he garden

and a gull on the beach

We went to the steam fair, were mesmerised by vintage rides and got a lovely handmade wooden lorry.

Season swap

2009-06-29T23:13:00.002Z

Seems a lifetime ago I was up late sewing this little boat and yet it realy was little more than a week ago. So here are my little boat, ladybird peeble + shell before being wizzed off to the postoffce to make their way to adorn the season table of my GP season swap mama + little person.

Solstice flames

2009-06-21T21:08:00.006Z

The longest day!

2009-06-21T20:55:00.004Z

Today is Father's Day, Summer Solstace and also the day little Aiden (sil's new nefuew) was born!
I opened my lovely GP season swap, thank you devonmama for the lovely chicken and butterfly that has caused much fluttering ammusement and a look of wonder to a certian little boy!

We all took a walk to make the most of this beautiful weather, Up to the church to visit Daisy, which was buzzing with wildlife and abundant with ox-eye daisies...

and this was one of them.

and some wild forget-me-not, because we never will....

Then we took a wonder up through the village.

Through the old bluebell wood into the fields and looked back over the sea (where we seen the rescue chopper, hope everyone is ok)

Down to the sea where Seth took his first dip...

and discovered rock pools.

We strolled along the beach home,

and spied a buzy bee on a her journey.

What a lovely day of much sun and joyous adventures.

Little red rooster

2009-06-14T19:04:00.004Z

Introducing is my little rooster project, taken from the idea in the Children's Year book and muddled with a little colour and hopefully he will be stuffed, packaged and on his way to his new home by mid week....that seems to be my biggest draw back, completing projects, (my lovely friends Lucy and Ben got their engagement cross-stitch when they where in there 1st year of marriage!) so I'm starting little with the means to go on and hoping much more crafty inspiration comes along!

The Pines Calyx

2009-06-12T21:52:00.005Z

We took a walk along the cliffs of St. Margarets and down to The Pines Gardens and Calyx, it's such a beautiful place and the building if a fantastic structure of lime stone fitting into the white cliff landscape, with crumpled shell pathways. Such a peaceful, special place. The graden has really taken shape with corgettes, strawberries, beans and herbs successfully creaping up. I'd love a look inside the calyx, it always seems to be shut when we go, we did find a frog though, always an exciting discovery! And the roses were so beautiful, a stream of turkish delight sented the air.

We'll fight them on the beaches!

http://www.pinescalyx.co.uk/

A visit to Daisy

2009-06-12T21:38:00.005Z

The beach is out in full bloom of ox-eye daisies, red hot pokers, fennel galore amongst other strange and native plants, it's galorious! We made our way to visit Daisy's resting place where she had her very own ox-eye daisies! And ants! But we are getting on top of that one, little blighters. We had decided to let her little place go to nature for the end of spring, but not quite that much to nature. Time to tidy up a little. Maybe we can transport some of those beautiful beach flowers to grow around her tree.

Galorious food

2009-06-12T21:35:00.004Z

The second birth of our baby led weaning, we had a bit of a hold up whilst in N.Ireland but the health visitor was a real avdocate here and so we are off again, avacado and cheese on toast here! Many messy days to come I feel, and much fun!

Back in Blighty

2009-06-12T21:19:00.005Z

After a whole eight weeks away from our little corner of Kent, Seth and I took the long hot train journey across the length of England to be reunited with daddy. In the days that followed there has been much walking, celebrating daddy's birthday and visiting Daisy. We missed her! And daddy too......

The little character under the trampoline is our very friendly fox, he has began visiting the garden, will pop some more photos of him soon. He made an appearance on Paul's birthday here, as did Seth's first tooth!

Out wondering one evening

2009-05-29T14:24:00.004Z

down our lane to enjoy the sound of bird song and bumblings of bees on their pollenating journey. It is a rare beautiful evening in this rainy Northern Irish May and mum, Seth and I thought we'd make the most of it and pop to our neighbours.

The new veg plot

2009-05-29T01:38:00.004Z

I love it. My sister did the hard graft and so the watering, nurturing and harvesting will be down to mum and I. Am going to encourage an organic approach to slugs, bugs and rabbits. So excited we have beans, sprouts, beetroot, leek, onion, potatoes, parsley, celery, lettuce, blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes + rubarb on the go...now for the waiting, watering + watching!

Still want to add some butternut squash, peas and broccoli....gettng ambitious. The ground should be fertile as it was n old orchard before we moved here as a family. Also want to plant mum some blackthorn/sloes, my October tree, which takes me back to a warm Sunday afternoon of sloe picking and gin prepairation while pregnant with Daisy, we almost called her Ginny :)

At play

2009-05-28T20:35:00.004Z

Discovering books and bikes with much interest and joy!

Enjoying the company of little J on her trike. The sad reality hit me that this would have been everyday life for Seth had his big sister Daisy been with us still. J was born only 10 days after. Had a little cry to myself as I tucked him into bed this night. I'm sure I'd have been run ragged with 2 under 2's, there is dilerious moments simplly dealing with one, but how dearly I wish I had the oppertunity to nurture them both in this life.

Books with Auntie Irene, how his boy loves books.....much to my delight!

Food galorious food!

2009-05-28T20:33:00.005Z

About to tuck into a managere of pasta in tomato sauce and slice of mango for after. And whatever else he can get his hands on!

YUM!

Faire folk we are!

2009-05-22T00:11:00.002Z

Your fairy is called Gossamer Willowtree

She is a caster of weird dreams.

She lives in spiderwebbed wonderlands and insect grottos.

She is only seen when the first leaves fall from the trees.

She wears tiny black spiders on her dresses. She has delicate green coloured wings like a cicada.

SETH'S fairy is called Feather Elfweb

He is a cheerful sprite.

He lives in high places where the clouds meet the earth.

He is only seen in the mist of an early morning.

He wears pale blue like the sky. She has delicate green wings like a cicada.

Comets capers

2009-05-19T20:06:00.001Z

Hey may be little but he knows how to tease the big boys. Comet up to some morning mischief! And looking greyer with each new spring.

Aga can...

2009-05-17T23:41:00.002Z

When it's wet outside and there is no tumble dryer for the cloth bums, aga comes to the rescue!

First cuddle

2009-05-17T23:39:00.002Z

I've waited almost a week for my first cuddle with Charlie! I've either been carrying Seth or Charlie has been asleep but today I caught him awake and me hands free, Seth in the background insisting on standing!

Charlie and his big cousin!

2009-05-17T23:37:00.002Z

Seth though still so little looks otherwise while having a cuddle beside his tiny cousin Charlie! Seth turned 7 months and Charlie only just 6 days old.

S is for Sethie smiles

2009-05-11T22:32:00.003Z

Seth in his flat cap! Aren't those little arms and legs getting chubby!

S is for sitting and stretching

2009-05-11T22:29:00.003Z

Another lazy garden day, though we did pratice learning to sit up!

Fun with Granda

2009-05-11T22:15:00.011Z

Some sofa fun with Granda and daisypip rattle! Very chewable according to Seth.

...an earlier delivery!

2009-05-11T22:10:00.002Z

And an earlier deliver, which my brother, Charlie's daddy assisted with! A little liver chestnut colt born 17 hours before his own son! Get the impression this one is Charlie's!

24 hour deliveries!

2009-05-11T21:55:00.003Z

Little Charlie William arrived safely into the world at 11:13 on the 11th May. My darling little nephew! Love this photo my sister took of him with his grandads!

Seth's hair!

2009-05-05T09:06:00.003Z

I felt the need to take this photo this morning, was admiring my lovely boys growth of hair. Returning slowly but surely! I wanted to make note of this little growthful stage. Dark like Daddy's hair and when I share the picture with him, he cheekily exclaimed has our boy got a comb over.....hmmmm

horses, horses, horses

2009-05-02T18:55:00.006Z

Seth and I went for a walk around the barn and yard today and I thought I'd take some pictures of the horses and so this is what I came up with. Seth was very bemused by all the large teeth, long faces and jolting head motions! The horses were very bemused by the strange woman carrying a facinated baby and an annoying camera phone.

Ladies in waiting

2009-05-02T18:52:00.003Z

The little filly is comming on so well and very cheeky and inquizitive as all babies are. Mumma horse has done well with her first foal. These two are ladies in waiting, getting larger day by day and drawing close to there own foaling day. My brother has put the belt on the one he expects to foal first. It sets an alarm when here body reaches a tepmperature that indicates she is foaling. It doesn't always work so smoothly but it has for many a little foal at the yard.

The barn

2009-05-02T18:51:00.004Z

Mum and Dad have a barn at home made beautifully of stone. It has sat there for so long filled with building materials, a ferral cat, swifts and an old vintage sewing machine! Hoping one day in the future this lovely building has a new life, I love it.

First proper laugh!

2009-05-02T18:50:00.006Z

We have been wawaiting, blowing raspberries, pulling ridiculious faces, tickling and singing in the hope of and today it took one cute little baby and he was off!

It has taken me 2 days from publishing to the posting of this video from my phone to blog! Am getting there with this whole phone blogging thingy!

My gorgeous sister

2009-05-02T18:50:00.005Z

There are days when part of me remenises and thinks ooooo to be full of fun and youthful once more. Not in the non-mother sense for that brings with it it's own sense of fun and youthful but the concept of getting excited before a night out or not caring what hour and knowing it's going to be a long lazy Sunday has left....but it has left happy memorises too!

This is my lovely younger sister on her way out to a glitzy resturant in Belfast for the evening, it's yummy soup on the Aga for me, mummy milk for Seth, a short walk and a little tacky tv to top off my Saturday evening! Am sure the house will get a little livelier this evening as the rest of family dwindle in for the big motorbike race I've been hearing humming around the countryside all day. At which point I will happily creep into my comfy bed.

2009-04-26T11:07:00.003Z

Lazy Sunny Days

2009-04-26T10:57:00.006Z

Just sharing some photos of Seth's lazy days on the lawn at at Granny and Granda's and climbing alony Mummy too!

Daisy

2009-04-26T09:59:00.010Z

I wanted something special to have at home for Daisy so I ordered these customised waldorf wool dolls from a very talented lady in Germany I found on http://www.etsy.com/. I think it was the GP season swap that inspired the thought.

The completed photo where posted this week, they are so beautiful, I can't wait for them to arrive.

Blogging an album!

2009-04-25T23:23:00.003Z

My blog have been a series of photos lately for 2 reasons, I have such a small memory card in my phone and need toblogg the pics because I cant bare to just deleat and loose them, nor can I bear not to take new photos! Think it is time for a bigger memory card. And also because Seth and I are in N.Ireland and sending Daddy home pics so he doesn't miss out on ALL the fun and growing while we are away :( we miss you Daddy x

Ready for bed

2009-04-20T19:22:00.002Z

A little hot air!

2009-04-19T15:20:00.002Z

Seth descovered Mum's Mothers Day balloon and fell in love lol. The wonder of balloons!

Sunny Sunday

2009-04-19T12:51:00.003Z

Sprting his sunhat Seth and I ventured into the garden to enjoy the lovely afternoon and the bird song. Seth tried out some orange with a disagreeing yuck experesion I was delightfully regreated! Spent a little time on the swing and then packed up and went back indoors when the clouds came along.

Parklife!

2009-04-18T15:57:00.002Z

We visited Tandragee's new park today, Seth got to ride the seesaw, hobby horse and swings, we may have looked a little sily but we had lots of fun!

2009-04-18T14:21:00.005Z

Seth sharing a smile for Daddy x

Blw here we go!

2009-04-18T14:21:00.004Z

Seth's first venture in a high chair and I have to say he does prefer to sit on my knee but he did manage and ate some yoghurt off his own spoon. Slowly trying to be brave enough to attempt baby-led weaning. I know it will be difficult for me to begin with and moreso for family who don't trust this concept but the benefits are great, seeing Seth enjoy the textures and wonderment of food is great. Wish us luck...........

Today's arrival!

2009-04-15T17:56:00.002Z

Our mare indicated she may go into foal on Sunday and we eagerly awaited an Easter foal, Sunday passed, Monday and Tuesday, my brother spent 2 nights on the sofa watching the monitor and in the early hours of Wednesday morning when no-one was watching this little filly arrived! What a lovely surprise when we all got up!

Moses!

2009-04-15T17:55:00.002Z

Having left Seth's toys at home we made do with the laundry basket as a cart and he enjoyed a spin around the kitchen floor all padded in clean laundry! He he is sporting his bemused look!

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Good Friday

2009-04-10T09:08:00.004Z

We had a quiet day today, went into town and meet my Auntie and pottered around shops. I bought some flower and herb seeds for the garden at mum and dad's and looked at nursery textiles. Some lovely ideas, espically the owl and pea green boat. We got caught in the hail on the way back to the car, oh the beautiful Easter weather! The bells rang out at 3pm and mum and I had a soft spiritual thought, wasn't that the time Jesus died, I don't know, but he did today. Strange thoughts always surround this for me, Jesus was returning to his Father, who had lost him to this world at his birth.

No hot cross buns today...we forgot, this time last year the girls in Kent had there big hot bun sale to raise money for Sands. Bless them. For my little one lost to the Fathers world at birth.

My season table swap

2009-04-09T13:38:00.003Z

I made this little pompom chick and cherry blossom flower child for a lovely GP mama for the spring season swap, my first little craft projects in too long and I really enjoyed working on them, hope I get into the crafty habit again....so many ideas and I need to keep the spark ignited.

2009-04-09T13:36:00.001Z

Does this look like a First Class face!

2009-04-09T07:44:00.004Z

I treated us to First Class ickets to Holyhead and thought I might take an impressive picture of Seth lapping up the luxury! Bless him, he ma have been thinking, when do we get to move from this carriage and do something new mummy!

I enjoyed having tea poured and yummy cossants

2009-04-09T07:44:00.003Z

Phase one of our big journey!

2009-04-05T16:34:00.002Z

Seth and I enroute to Lucy's phase one of our journey back to Northern Ireland! I was worried it may be a disaster but it turned out to be a really pleasant journey, so lovely to see Lucy, Ben and Ted xxx

My cutesy season swap

2009-04-04T21:44:00.002Z

This little man arrived as part of the spring season craft swap from a lovely GP mummy, thank you Sarah! He is so sweet and Seth chewable! I also got a lovely bracelet, perfect for my travelling outfit! It's day's like this I could hug the postwoman :)

2009-04-01T09:44:00.002Z

At Kersney Abbey admiring the surroundings.

2009-03-31T16:09:00.002Z

Listening to Daddy's stories at Kersney Abbey

Dj seth

2009-03-30T11:48:00.002Z

Went to visit Lynne and Issac today and had lots of fun, we met so lovely breastfeeding mummies and went for a walk, had lunch and enjoyed playing with Issac's toys. Seth loved this baby entertainer, he got to show off his standing abilities and feel all tall and proud all while chewing on and playing with bright flashy objects! lol, what more could a boy ask for

Chasing rainbows

2009-03-26T23:40:00.002Z

Just sharing a moment of today

Special Mothering Sunday

2009-03-23T20:25:00.005Z

My lovely mumma day!

What a bitter sweet day yesterday and how blessed I felt to have little Sethie in my arms. I got a lovely angel card from Daisy off another OFB angel mummy! Also a funky Quenten Blake mug, almond fudge, a poem, a plant, a recycled notebook and yummy soap. Paul also got a lovely posie which we walked up into Kingsdown and placed on Daisy resting place. Is so lovely there right now, full of natural life and pretty flowers. Spoke to mummy and feeling guilty her card and little gift haven't arrived so planning on giving her a Mothering week! Send another little something in the post tofay, she'll be loving the postie by the end of the week!
Have added some piccys of my day!

list for living

2009-03-21T22:33:00.004Z

Pinched from mama4 http://abigsmile4.blogspot.com/2008_12_01_archive.html

Just for Fun
Things you've already done: boldThings you want to do: italicizeThings you haven't done and don't want to - leave in plain font
1.start your own blog
2. slept under the stars
3. played in a band
4. visited hawaii
5. watched a meteor shower
6. given more than you can afford to charity
7. been to disneyland/world
8. climbed a mountain
9. held a praying mantis
10. sang a solo
11. bungee jumped
12. visited paris
13. watched a lightning storm at sea
14. taught yourself an art from scratch
15. adopted a child
16. had food poisoning
17. walked to the top of the statue of liberty
18. grown your own vegetables
19. seen the mona lisa in france
20. slept on an overnight train
21. had a pillow fight
22. hitch hiked
23. taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. built a snow fort
25. held a lamb
26. gone skinny dipping
27. run a marathon
28. ridden a gondola in venice
29. seen a total eclipse
30. watched a sunrise or sunset
31. hit a home run
32. been on a cruise
33. seen niagara falls in person
34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. seen an amish community
36. taught yourself a new language
37. had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. seen the leaning tower of pisa in person
39. gone rock climbing
40. seen michelangelo's david in person
41. sung karaoke
42. seen old faithful geyser erupt
43. bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. visited africa
45. walked on a beach by moonlight
46. been transported in an ambulance
47. had your portrait painted
48. gone deep sea fishing
49. seen the sistene chapel in person
50. been to the top of the eiffel tower in paris
51. gone scuba diving or snorkelling
52. kissed in the rain
53. played in the mud
54. gone to a drive-in theatre
55. been in a movie
56. visited the great wall of china
57. started a business
58. taken a martial arts class
59. visited russia
60. served at a soup kitchen
61. sold girl scout cookies.
62. gone whale watching
63. gotten flowers for no reason
64. donated blood
65. gone sky diving
66. visited a nazi concentration camp
67. bounced a cheque
68. flown in a helicopter
69. saved a favorite childhood toy
70. visited the lincoln memorial
71. eaten caviar
72. pieced a quilt
73. stood in times square
74. toured the everglades
75. been fired from a job
76. seen the changing of the guard in london
77. broken a bone
78. been on a speeding motorcycle
79. seen the grand canyon in person
80. published a book
81. visited the vatican
82. bought a brand new car
83. walked in jerusalem
84. had your picture in the newspaper
85. read the entire bible
86. visited the white house
87. killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. had chickenpox
89. saved someone’s life
90. sat on a jury
91. met someone famous
92. joined a book club
93. lost a loved one
94. had a baby
95. seen the alamo in person.
96. swum in the great salt lake.
97. been involved in a law suit
98. owned a cell phone
99. been stung by a bee

Wearing the Shammrock

2009-03-17T22:57:00.002Z

Paul, Sethie and I made our way to the local today for our token half pint of Guinness....purely medicinal! Had a reasonably quiet day, walked up to visit Daisy's garden and popped a few things off in the post, spoke to Lucy and Charlotte. Oh these special Irish days make me miss home a little more than usual, be there again in a few weeks though! Slainte to all!

Seth on St.Patricks!

2009-03-17T13:37:00.002Z

Seth showed an unhealthy interest in the black stuff! Give us a giggle...I know we are naughty, frown, frown. He was thirsty but it was the white stuff he got!

Happy St Patricks Day

2009-03-17T12:38:00.003Z

A little extra iron for the day!
Slainte

Weekend well spend and first real blog!

2009-03-15T21:12:00.003Z

Well this is my first proper blog posting as I've been slow to work it all out! What a lovely weekend. A busy weekend is exactly typical of me, but this was a busy one. We had a long walk through the woods on Friday and Comet had his flu and tetnus jabs.

Saturday we met up with big Mark, Emma and Millie Mae Moo, Jim, Lou and wee Mark for a day out at Wingham animal park. Seth met a very friendly parrot and not so friendly geese. Spent alot of time taking it all in. Feels lovely to see those little eyes observing all the exciting and wonderful new things in the world!

Sunday was lovely, we went to Lukas's Christening at Folkestone Greek Orthadox Church, was a beautiful ceremony. Very traditional, little Lukas was stripped of his old clothes, dipped entirely in a large gobblet of water and reclothed in white! Bless him he was very brave!

Phew....I normally have such an easy, uneventful weekend!

Family day

2009-03-08T13:36:00.002Z

Visitsto Daisy is where we really feel like a family.

Daisy's garden x

2009-03-08T13:34:00.002Z

Paul and I took a stroll up to Kingsdown today and visited Daisy, we were thrilled to see her bulbs we planted with chilly fingers before Seth arrived had popped up in beautiful shades of yellow, purple and white. Some Spring flowers for you our sweet girl x

Happy birthday Uncle Roger!

2009-03-07T07:22:00.002Z

Uncle Roger turned....erm 21 again! Bit of a pants poster but we tried! Happy Birthday Uncle 'Rog'!
21 again! x

2009-03-06T11:29:00.001Z

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2009-02-15T15:41:00.001Z

Mummy yeti

2009-02-15T01:49:00.001Z

Carried Seth

2009-02-15T01:35:00.001Z

Save me Seth!

2009-02-15T01:33:00.001Z

Seth in the tree

2009-02-15T01:32:00.001Z

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2009-01-05T11:33:00.001Z

Seth + Daisy's Christmas trees x

2009-01-05T11:31:00.001Z

Bath time x

2009-01-05T11:29:00.001Z