Inspired by GoGo

Come On Over

2011-06-17T04:20:00.000-07:00

Do you wish you had a place to drop in for some quick crafty tips or advice?

Would you like the opportunity to download FREE classes and inspiration each and every month?

Do you like to chat about your love of paper crafting?

How about simply wishing to find out when the next kit is shipping or Day Event is?

If you have answered yes to any of the questions above do come and visit us over at the ScrapaGoGo Clubhouse!

Come and start a thread and say 'hello' in the General ChatThread and you will be entered into a draw to win BOTH of July's Add On Kits!!!!!

Do You Want To Be Part Of The Team?

2011-06-15T05:39:00.000-07:00

GoGo Needs You!

ScrapaGoGo and GoGo Getaway Ltd are looking for a new designer to join Team GoGo and are welcoming submissions from enthusiastic paper artists worldwide NOW. So if you love scrapbooking and feel you can work to deadlines, briefs and within a team then we would love to hear from you.

Submissions are due BY 10th July 2011. This call is open worldwide.

How to apply:

Please send the following information to mail@scrapagogo.co.uk by 10th July 2011 12 noon.

1) Name and Address
2) A short bio, including any other Design Team positions past or current.
3) Published work details if any.
4) Links to online galleries/blogs.
5) What you feel you can bring to Team GoGo? Do you have experience in creating sketches, running challenges, writing instructions etc

Please also attach as jpgs the following:

1) Three scrapbook layouts that showcase your personal style.
2) One 500x500 (px) sketch from one of the three designs submitted.
3) One set of instructions to complete one of the designs submitted, including six 500x500 (px) step by step images detailing six main features/techniques of the design.

ScrapaGoGo and GoGo Getaway Team members are required to sign a contract, if you wish to receive further details about the main points in this contract please do email and we will be more than happy to help.

Kindest regards,

Lorraine & Janice

Patterns From The Past

2010-09-22T04:16:00.000-07:00

Today in amongst all the multi tasking I would like to share another of my Getaway Classes 'Patterns From The Past'...

'Get hooked on creating your mark in a class that will tear you away from any distractions, but do keep an eye on the wheel as we take you to the realms of the dressmaker. No garment making here we promise and non sewing folk won't need to be pinned down to enjoy and complete this technique!'

There is a cool little tool included in this class which we will be using in many different ways, I am really looking forward to this one:D
Lx

Getaway!

2010-09-20T01:07:00.000-07:00

Our feet have not touched the ground getting ready for the Getaway the last couple of months but as of today the Kits are all packed and classes all designed and the Forum on the Clubhouse is live and buzzing! Although hard work and long hours I really do love the end result and the time spent with delegates chatting, teaching and getting to know each and every GoGo Getaway girlie:D

I am really looking forward to teaching my three classes and am especially excited about this one:

Step Into My Garden

'Wander through our garden gate and let us welcome you to a dimensional delight captured within the confines of 12x12 Layout. Take a moment to mould your story and set the stage to celebrate the stepping stones of life.'

This class has some little surprises along the way and I really enjoyed putting this one together:D
Lx

Foggy Bottom

2010-09-15T05:12:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed creating this LO, the photos reminded me so much of the fun we had that day!

Create & Hybrids

I was in my element when cutting out the Hybrids for the LO, they are such fun and a perfect partner to the Enchanted Woods Kit and ideal to compliment the photos of Harry and Simon on a day out at Bressingham Gardens.

Cutting and trimming patterned paper to create a grass effect brings fun and texture to a LO, by simple snipping of 'v' shapes a really quirky feel can be achieved.

Hybrid heaven should have been the name of this LO I think:lol:

Enchanted Woods

2010-09-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

This is what I have been playing with this afternoon, and have had so much fun - it has been good for the scrapping soul!

October Create Kit Contains:

Patterned Paper

Cosmo Cricket Pixie Licious Bloomin Babies

Cosmo Cricket Pixie Licious Flower Fields

Cosmo Cricket Pixie Licious Brownie Bands

Sassafras Indie Girl Affection

Sassafras Indie Girl Mellow

Ta Da Bountiful Blooms Ivy League

Ta Da Bountiful Blooms Kaleidoscope

Fancy Pants Lilac House Flocked Transparency

My Little Shoe Box Greentree House

Cardstock

Bazzill Cardstock Jubilee

Bazzill Cardstock Frosted Kiwi

Bazzill Cardstock Butter Cream

Bazzill Cardstock Rain

Embellishments

Cosmo Cricket Lavender Bling Alphabet

Cosmo Cricket Pixie Licious Buttons x10

Maya Road Lilac and Rose Medallion Flowers x1

Maya Road Kraft Collection Window Envelopes x5

Maya Road Turquoise Blue Glitter

Maya Road Cream Resin Blossoms x3

Prima Glitter Spray Branch

Canvas Corp Mini Kraft Bag

May Arts Ribbon Lilac Open Weave (18")

May Arts Ribbon Lime Sheer Sparkly (18")

May Arts Ribbon Purple Satin Pleated (18")

Just £24.99

Last Day of the Summer Holidays...

2010-09-06T05:09:00.000-07:00

was spent at Bressingham Steam Museum and we had lots of fun:D

Sometimes...

2010-09-01T06:31:00.000-07:00

just sometimes something I bake turns out OK:lol:

Most of you that know me will have heard the tale of the soup that had to be buried in the back garden and so this moment of baking was set upon with a little nervous energy but spurred on by Master Ablett who 'needed' to make the cakes that Nicola did at the weekend:D

Better than the hair turned out but hey, that would be another story...

Lx

Obsessed!

2010-08-31T04:46:00.000-07:00

Yes my little guy it totally obsessed with fire engines, in fact if there are also old fire engines that he bursts:lol: So yesterday's treat with Nanny & Grandad was simply the best...

I may also have some funny photos to share tomorrow, although I hope not!, as I am dying Zoe and Kirsty's hair - one wants red one wants blonde.... could be interesting don't you think!

Lx

Still Playing With Paper

2010-08-30T04:29:00.001-07:00

I can truly say I have loved designing with September Kit, normally if pressed for time it is harder to sit and enjoy doing something that has to be done by a certain time or to a deadline isn't it but for some strange reason that just wasn't the case this month!

I have used September GoGo Create, G2P, Hybrids & Bespoke Cards

This is one of those 'take a picture of yourself at arms length' shots and boy did we have a laugh taking it! After a long working day around the show coming outside in the sun light was really welcome!

I decided to go with a quirky covered chipboard tree featuring lots of different elements from the kit including paper, fabric from the flowers, corrugated letters for one branch and the Maya Road Pins for some leaves; using the Hybrid tree behind the chipboard lifted it away from the page and helping it to 'pop'.

Some of the packaging from the Prima Gems was used above the photo and a litle strip below - the colour goes so well with September Kit so do get using the packaging to make the kit go even further!

Crazy August!

2010-08-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

The 8th month of the year has been truly nuts and a whirlwind of just about everything:lol: However in that whirl of activity we have found time to have fun too and that included celebrating Harry's 9th birthday!

More 'Paperwork'

2010-08-18T11:54:00.000-07:00

Yes more working with paper today:D

Using September Create, G2P, Hybrids & Bespoke Design Cards

We are lucky enough to live fairly close to the coast and Summer would not be complete without at least one visit to Walberswick to have a play in the sand.

September Kit may be ideal for coming into the Autumn months but don't let that fool you as beach photos are the perfect blend too!

For this LO I decided to make some layers down the page to give the feeling of the dunes that overlap the sand that then meets the sea and a little section cut from the Crate Paper 'Branch' paper was ideal - plus adding some pearls from the Prima element to the dots really does make it feel just a little bit like pebbles on the sand.

The shiney leaf and stamped image along with some cut out section from a Bespoke Design Card add to the beach comber feel of my photos a treat.

Bits and Pieces

2010-08-17T07:53:00.000-07:00

Summer holidays are just a tad challenging I feel:lol: So much work to get done but so much less time to devote and the 'nightshift' doesn't seem so appealing on rainy days but hey ho I am truly lucky to be able to swap my days around so that I can be with Harry and the girls I should not moan at all!

We have had so, so many hospital appointments this month with three last week including two with 4 hour round trips which doesn't make for much holiday fun for Harry and he is a little cross they are not in school time so he misses maths:lol: Oh the flip side all his results are back and all is well so we can start the term with clear heads I guess - well you have to be a cup half full kinda person don't you:D

We went for a trip away at the weekend to give Harry a little treat (and for the girls to have some calm time at home without Cbeebies etc!) and visited Cadbury World. We enjoyed reading the history behind the town and the factory but Harry being a 'busy' 8 year old just wanted to run to the next thing so we were done in under 2 hours bless him!

On the way we stopped off and had a lovely afternoon with Sheena, Paul and Harriet and Harry got to hold a chicken which he was prety chuffed about and of course as it went so well with September Kit I had to get a LO done ...

I do wish we had time to get away just for three or four days somewhere where we could just all chill together and kick back and just enjoy each others company but alas that is not going to be happening as kits just won't pack themselves, and pets can't look after themselves:lol:

Lx

Back Home

2010-08-02T04:50:00.000-07:00

After a whirlwind trip filled with long days of work and play I am home and getting back into the 'normal' routine that is the chaos and mayhem of having a busy business and children on school holidays, those of you that also have a similar combination will know what I mean:D

It seems such a long time since sports day...

This photo was taken whilst I was away and sent to me on my phone, I can't believe how much Harry's hair has grown since two week ago!

We found some great new products for upcoming GoGo Kits and if you have yet to see them check out our Blog posts from when we were at CHA!

Lots of exciting things happening in the world of GoGo at present including a new member incentive scheme, if you are a member or thinking of becoming one then you will not want to miss this!

Lx

Hot In The City!

2010-07-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

This time next week we shall be in Chicago and viewing these fantastic sights.. well if it cools down we will be as at the moment it is 100 deg!!!!!!

Chicago is a breath taking city and this time round we are even more adventurous as we fly into Amsterdam then back out to Chicago - should be a laugh! We are also planning on using the Loop and subway system a lot more rather than expensive taxi's so we have a little more to spend in those lovely shops:lol: Each time we get a little braver - who knows next time we may even drive!

Fancy Fans

2010-07-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

After a little lie in (thanks Simon!) I was in my element this morning playing with August Kit for my second LO for the Gallery, sitting in PJ's with tea and toast helped too:D
I had in my mind to make an oriental fan which was going to be a size of about 6x12" but whilst making a smaller prototype I decided that I would use that instead as it was so cute:D A happy accident happened whilst doing this LO and the fan fell onto the branch on the Hybrid print out I had enlarged - and WOW it suddenly looked like a tree!!:lol:

I used August Create, G2P & Hybrids for the design above.

This photo holds sweet memories of a cuddle Harry and I share as we waited to leave on our last day of Harry's Make A Wish trip. Harry was sad to be going home so a hug was the best way to spend those last few minutes before we left, we sat in the shade surrounded by the pretty garden at the front of GKTW so a little 'scenery' design was perfect!

The Hambly transparency was ideal to cut into segments to create the 'fan' that makes the tree top, it added that extra feel to the quirkiness of the LO that represents the village with all its little cartoon touches. Adding alternative fan sections really does make it stand out, a larger one to cover a whole 12x12 LO could easily be made too - how great would that look on a LO!

The KI Lace Cardstock was trimmed down so that is covered just a small section which made a great base to start building up the Hybrid elements and title. I couldn't resist adding the final touches to the scene with some free hand drawn and cut out clouds!

Lx

Love Those Lanterns!

2010-07-15T07:20:00.000-07:00

I have found a moment to sit and create and have totally loved using the stamp this month to make these little lanterns...

I have used August Create, Hybrids, Stamp & G2P for this LO.

I love this photo of Harry sucking his thumb it is such a peaceful and tranquil shot of him. Turning the photo from colour to sephia really looks stunning with the elements and tones of August Kit, really warm and inviting.

I wanted to create a large branch element so printed out the hybrid sizing it to fit on a whole A4 sheet, cutting off the lanterns that were printed and replacing them with stamped lanterns really did lift the page creating dimension and texture too.

To make these lanterns is simple. Stamp lantern image onto patterned paper, cut out and fold back and forth. Snip small slits into the 'peaks' and re mould to suit.

Orange paper was placed under the lace trim for added colour and the hybrid vine was raised with 3D foam pads.

Just goes to show that what may at first seem like a 'girlie' kit can be used to great effect for boy/male LO's too:D

Lx

Poorly Little Chap & Tokyo Gardens

2010-07-14T00:41:00.001-07:00

Some weeks are just not meant to turn out as planned are they and this one sure has been a topsy turvy one!

Harry was due to have his MRI on Monday so up we get at 5am, bundle a sleepy chap in the car and head for Addenbrooks. Harry mentioned he didn't feel well but that is normal as he gets nervous for his canula being put in and of course he hadn't had anything to eat for 8 hours or so ready for the anaesthetic so we didn't think anything more of it... well we should have!
We turned up at the unit and Harry had his checks only to find that his temperature was near on 39 so we had to come away without the MRI being done:(

Harry's temperature has contined to rise and he is quite a poorly little chap bless him, the biggest clue is not eating as normally he eats us out of house and home:lol: So lots of resting and cbeebies for him the rest of the week I think:D

Whilst Harry rests in between cuddles I hope to play with Tokyo Gardens today, I have a lovely picture of Harry sucking this thumb that I have turned to sepia that I plan to use first - wow sepia goes so well with this kit!

Lx

Paper Proposals Week 2

2010-07-09T04:04:00.000-07:00

My fellow Paper Proposal girls have been busy this week designing with card blanks, do pop on over and use their inspiration to create something yourself and dont forget to share! These designs below are by Nicola, Emma and Beki, so cool:D

GoGo 6th Birthday Challenge

2010-07-04T01:01:00.000-07:00

As part of our birthday challenges over at ScrapaGoGo we have a cool sketch to use as a kick start to creating a LO using six photos and yesterday I had a play along myself...

These photos were taken at GKTW on the playground they recently had built, it is called 'Matthews Boundless Playground' and was opposite our villa which was nice and close - infact Harry kept letting himself out in the morning and wandering over there by himself and on one occassion he had a doughnut and Fruitloops from the cookie cart delivered to him whilst playing:lol:

Happy times etched forever!

Lx

Paper Proposals

2010-07-02T06:08:00.000-07:00

There is something new in town.....

Hi and welcome to the 'Paper Proposals' Challenge Blog! We'll be posting new challenges every Friday and would love to see your interpretations! We'll be joined by regular contributing designers and guest designers, a.k.a. winners of the weekly challenges. We all hope you'll join in the fun!

Do come and join in and get using up all that stash before the next CHA releases hit the shore, that way you want feel bad about new purchases:lol:

Here is my interpretation below...

Lx

Make A Wish Album

2010-06-30T04:28:00.000-07:00

I am on a mission to get some more pages completed for Harry's Make A Wish album so decided to challenge myself to use a couple of different sketch blogs to get some extra pages completed quickly. Yesterday I had a go at this weeks Pencil Lines Sketch...

I also used up some older supplies, this LO I used some of November 2009 GoGo Create Kit and I am really chuffed with the result. It was lovely to sit and chill whilst using the sketch as I didn't have to 'think' - which meant watching Lost (thank you Janice) was so much more pleasing:D

Life has been a bit weird lately but this week we seemed to have turned a corner on so many levels, work and home are running smoother than ever (mind you that may be down to Zoe and Kirsty being home and helping:lol:) and the work we have input into sorting things for Harry to help understand why he does things and why he 'blows' has really started to show!

Right, now off to find more sketches to get this album filled....

Lx

Monster Sulk!

2010-06-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

Just sharing the LO I made using Create & Co July Sketch ( yes I know it is not July quite yet :lol:)...

Harry's face did make me chuckle that day, it really was a monster sulk!

Lx

Busy Bees

2010-06-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

WOW so where did this weekend go? What with our 12 hour crop yesterday and the beach today it has just flown past!

This week is mega busy too starting off with a hospital appointment for Harry at Addenbrooks which will take up basically the whole day tomorrow - hopefully it won't be quite as hot as that would not be so good being stuck indoors all day for Harry:(

But I have found time to scrap of course...

We had a short but fun filled day visiting Epcot in Orlando and having never been before we didn't really know what to expect, we were certainly not disappointed! One of my favourite things about Epcot was the many different floral displays and these Mickey and Minnie topiaries were such fun as they were created with their own gardens full of pumpkins and other vegetables.

Our very own Angie Woolfall took part in the Pencil Lines Sketch Challenge Blog and created a sketch and LO, and to celebrate and support Angie I created my 5th Lo this month following the sketch.

I trimmed the Canvas Corp Bunting slightly so that this could fit just underneath the photos and serve as a mat for the title.

We had a lovely time at the crop yesterday, I am so pleased we decided to move back to a more central location and one that was close to shops etc - mind you the bakers is a bit too nice and far too near:lol:

The ladies all received Crop Kits featuring Elle's Studio products and there were some great creations going on! My take on the kit was to make a 6x12 Document Summer 2010 book ready to just slip in some pictures and journalling over the holidays.

So back to the beach...

We had a lovely day at Walberswick and Harry loves the fact that Grandpa In My Pocket is filmed in this location:lol:

Lx

Sign Your Name Belle

2010-06-23T11:01:00.000-07:00

Yay, LO number four completed today - love the way the blue and red work so well with these photos from Harry's visit to Disneyworld back in April of this year.

There is something a little 'fairytale' about some of the elements from July's Kit, team some of the smaller print papers with the delicate Jenni Bowlin Crepe Paper Ribbon and add just a couple of the gorgeous Cameo Roses and the mode of the kit can really change.

The striking contrast of blues and reds along with the stark white was a perfect combination to document Harry meeting Belle and to add just that little feminine touch I punched three butterflies from patterned paper and added to the LO at three focal points.

If the Sassafras Journal stickers are not quite the right size or shape why not take a jumbo punch to the centre of them and create your own sticker as I have done here for the 'belle' title. Using July Create & G2P

I so have a LO number five started to, well when I say started it has been started in my head:lol:

Lx

D, D, D, D, Dora!

2010-06-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

Today has been a mixed bag of hectic to-do's but I think I am nearly there now and have cleared the decks for tomorrow's Help! meeting, the session is all about education and what Harry should be receiving - those of you that have a child with special needs will know where I am coming from saying 'should':D

I had an hour out today scrapping with July Kit once more and the third LO is now complete.

So who said pink can't be used for boys! Harry loves Dora The Explorer so what better way to showcase such a colourful character than using the bright pinks, cherry reds and oranges from the kit to match her outfit!

I wanted to create a real visual array of patterns and colours so used five different papers all layered and overlapping, along with elements of punched scalloped circles of papers and Sassafras Journal Stickers to ensure that the flow of the LO carries your eye around the page but focusing on the photo.

The addition of the cut out blossoms and cherries to the Jenni Bowlin Banner Stickers makes for that fun and quirky touch that matches Dora's cartoon feel a treat.

Creative Release...

2010-06-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

Life can be a little 'odd' at times, stretched and pulled from all angles and chasing your own tail and in those kinda times I find it really helpful to get totally absorbed in something I love doing; well as it has been one of 'those' months so far I prescribed myself an afternoon of scrapping with July Kit...

This Summer we have decided to have a go at growing our own vegatables and although the veg patch of the garden was made for Harry he had lost interest a little bit but thankfully Simon has taken over the hobby!

I loved the green of the shaped Jenni Bowlin paper but the pink dotted centre really was not 'man enough' for the design I had in mind so I cut the centre piece away leaving a bright green frame and added this to the red cardstock - perfect colours for tomato plant LO's!

The Hybrids were ideal to add a little bit of fun to the design and I soon turned the apple to a tomato by cutting off the leaves and stalk and adding one of the blossom leaves from the Cameo Roses!

The border that runs across the bottom of the LO has been cut from the Cosmo Cricket paper leaving the peas as a shaped feature.

Taking just a couple of hours out from life, tasks and routine is good for the soul especially when creating with photos from a really happy time...

Harry adores his Disney princesses so having a dining experience with so many attending and paying lots of attention to him was a real treat!

I wanted to create a LO which added that regal touch so set about making some special frames for the three photos I selected, these were made using Nestabilites but cutting a simple wavy line will produce the same effect.

The Royal Banquet Hall at Epcot was very much like a tudor castle setting inside so adding some bunting and a scroll from ribbon really added those little extra touches to bring this LO to life.

I already have LO number three in my head and products on my desk but alas tomorrow is filled with more of the 'Help!' program I have been going to twice a week and the area we are learning strategies in tomorrow is behaviour and I must admit after the weekend we have with a few 'challenging' moments I am really looking forward to finding more ways to deal with these times even if it is just to share stories with the others parents and realise it isn't down to my parenting skills!:D

Lx

Now That Is What I call A Cake!

2010-06-13T13:24:00.001-07:00

This weekend has been super manic, so many jobs to get done, tasks to complete and errands to run too but we made sure we managed to get together a cake for Simon's birthday still:D

Harry planned the most fantastic construction site idea bless him and so off we had to rush to get some coloured fondant icing, although the shopping trip was THE most stressful as yet I am glad we did go as Harry really did enjoy modelling all the little details by hand. The scene was set off with Playmobil figures - the perfect touch:D

You will note no photos of Daddy at all, that is because he left for work super early and didn't finish until after dinner this evening... infact that was pretty much the pattern of the weekend really which was a shame.

Lx

Such A LONG List!

2010-06-10T13:05:00.000-07:00

OK so the class begins tomorrow and I have so NOT done my homework in getting prepared:lol:

Well that was always going to be like that with such a busy week at the same time!

So here is what I need to gather inbetween school runs, work, my Help! course and well life in general really - wish me luck!

cutter - check
scissors - check
double sided tape - um, nope used as police tape by Harry!
black journaling pen - nope, eaten by dog (yes really!)
cardstock - check
papers - check, check and double check (enough for the entire group I think!)
overlays - kind of:D
gesso - nope
glimmer mist - check
alphas - check
embellishments - check (coming out of ears actually!)
versamark ink - check
clear embossing powder - nope
black indian ink - ummm, NO idea what that is!
white pen - check
a needle - check
cardboard - check
watercolor - check (as long as children's art supply ones count:lol:)
brushes - nope
white cardstock - nope all run out anyone know a scrapbook store I can get some from?:D
sand paper - check
acrylic paint - check
a 8,5x11" piece of white FABRIC - nope
masks - nope (unless that means a cow or pig one then yes!)
acetone - nope
stamps - why of course:D

OK so maybe the list is not as bad as it first looked...

Lx

Preparation

2010-06-07T10:33:00.001-07:00

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE being organised, so when an email dropped into my inbox with what I need to gather photoI was really happy (yes, that is a little sad :lol:).

So tonight I am hoping that there is no thunder and lighting as otherwise I will be joined to Harry's side!

PHOTOS FOR THE LAYOUTS

ELEVEN 4x6" photo (color, black & white, up to you)

ONE5x12" photo (can be replaced by paper if you don't have a printer)

SIX 2x3" photos (free theme)

ONE 3x3" photo (you can definitely cut a 4x6" into a 3x3" one))

PHOTOS FOR THE MINI ALBUM

EIGHT to TEN 2x3" photos, color or b&w

I wonder how many times I will change my mind which photos to use!

Lx

World Cup Widow?

2010-06-05T01:41:00.000-07:00

Today I signed up for what looks to be a super fab class with Céline Navarro, which was actually Nicola's fault (again!) although after I clicked said button I realised that Simon doesn't actually watch football so I will not be a 'world cup widow' in need of some distraction:lol: However I am looking forward to having some 'me time' scrapping inspiration to look forward to in the evenings:D

It will be interesting if I can keep up with four weeks of classes and ideas - but it may just make me take that time out just for me....

Take A Moment To Vote

2010-06-01T07:13:00.001-07:00

Simply click and vote to see if we can get GKTW to the number 1 spot!

Thank you,

Lx

Grab It Day

2010-06-01T02:40:00.000-07:00

Well half term is here and thankfully Harry doesn't lie in which meant Grab Its went up nice and early:D

I am really pleased with all the response regarding us bringing back the cardstock packs, but with a twist of course as things never stand still in GoGo Land, so 'Get More Card' has four sheets of coordinating cardstock rather than duplicates of those that are already within the Create Kit and members are loving it!

One of my favourite elements of June's collection was the Stamp, it was ideal for using as a cute frame along with the Zing but I also loved the way Lisa used it as a border for her photos - what a super cool idea! and how Angie used it within the Hybrid Frame to create a decorative mat. Funky ideas and such a unique stamp which features a section of the London area map:D

I have other plans for this little stamp with other products, it seems to go so well with some of the 7 gypsies lines and the new Octbober Afternoon Thift Shop line to name a couple, so more LO's coming soon I feel!

It is really chilly here today and a little dull so we are still thinking of an activity for Harry to do this afternoon that doesn't involve going to look at Playmobil in Diss - which is what he said he would like to do today, if only it just was looking but Harry's 'looking' is more than that:D

Lx

Edible - phew!

2010-05-31T10:14:00.000-07:00

The baking I mentioned in the previous post was edible....

Although that was not surprising as I didn't set foot in the kitchen, for I am no domestic goddess:lol:

Harry and Kirsty were a little undecided who was in charge in the kitchen but these Sausage Stars turned out

Lx

Create & Co

2010-05-31T02:48:00.000-07:00

Our first Create & Co Crop was held on Saturday and we had a lovely day, and although I was fighting a nasty virus and suffered the next day for staying late into the evening it was worth it to spend 12 hours with such a lovely group of ladies.

I was first up with my Make & Take which was a simple LO embellished with a mulberry paper frill effect...

Five of us run the crop which means with so many helping hands we all get to sit and scrap ourselves, this really did make for a chilled out day and dispite not really feeling up to lots of scrapping I started on my 7 Gypsies ATC frame that Mum got me for my birthday.

We took along the remaining shop selection that we have and everyone loved the 25% discount we were offering for the day...

It was lovely to see Sheena again too, she looks very busy here:lol:

Unfortunately Simon is working again today so we are staying close to home, later today we are going to be baking - wish me luck:lol:

Lx

A Good Day For Turning Forty!

2010-05-24T05:05:00.000-07:00

If there ever was a good day for turning forty then it was yesterday:D The sun was shining, Harry was content, Simon wasn't working, Kirsty had curly hair and Zoe had come home from Uni for the weekend - so all was well in the Ablett household:lol:

We did a little of this...

Then onto a bit of this...

I was spoilt through out the day, starting with pass the parcel that Harry had 'organised' at 7am bless him and ending in a birthday tea party with a surprise cake:D

I received some fab gifts and one very special present from my Mum - a little gold charm that had been made from Mum's wedding ring that my Dad gave her on their wedding day many years ago, for those of you that don't know my Dad passed away when I was just 13 so this was extra special! Mum also made me a mini keepsake album containing lots of photos from years past which is totally cool!

Harry and Simon gave me a beautiful necklace that you can make out in the photos above and the girls found my fav eyeshadow that I had given up trying to source ever again!

Also got some other special gifts...

and Harry LOVED the box!

So today I am 40 and 1 day, doesn't feel so bad after all:lol:

Lx

Seuss Landing

2010-05-17T02:17:00.001-07:00

Managed to finish another LO yesterday whilst Harry was busy with Grandad!

For this LO I have used the June Create & G2P.

Seuss Landing at Islands Of Adventure in Orlando was a wacky mix of colour and quirky shapes buildings and patterns and Harry had so much fun in this part of the park that I really wanted to recreate this sense when scrapping this cute photo of him.

I already knew that I wanted to use the rest of the Puffy Shapes that I had cut in half for another design as clouds, the reverse of these were perfect as they are white!

Remnants of the pattern papers were ideal for 'hills' and 'roads' and the pennants in the 'sky' were made from the petrol pump strip on the Cosmo Cricket Elements sheet, and a simple string effect made from knotting the orange Notting Hill Seam Binding in several places prior to attaching above the pennants.

The Smooch was a great medium to use on this design as it really helped show the chaos and unpredictability that is Dr Seuss! I lightly scrunched the American Tag Kraft Tag before spraying at random.

Finally to finish my little scene I sprayed the Maya Road Chipboard Car until it was well covered (this will take a while to dry so beware!) and then attached it to the 'road'.

Lx

Pilot @ LGW and Ivor The Engine

2010-05-16T03:14:00.001-07:00

I am really enjoying the first of Harry's trip LO's, it brings back such fab memories!
I think I may make a start on my fourth LO this afternoon as Harry has gone off with Grandad for a boys day out to Bressingham Steam Museum for an Ivor The Engine day - wow do you remember Ivor? Harry had never heard of him so I had to show some pictures on the www :lol:

I used the June Create & Exclusive Stamp for the LO below...

Harry was really excited to be invited to meet the pilot of our outbound plane from LGW and loved asking lots of questions about all the controls, buttons and instruments in the cockpit of this Boeing 747. The pilot and co pilot had lots of time for Harry and patiently answered all of his questions, even the ones about the ash cloud!

June's Stamp is ideal for creating frames to house smaller photos and teamed with the American Craft Purple Zing makes for vibrant and interesting focal points that frame photos a treat.

Each frame is created by stamping with Versamark (a clear embossing pad) and then covering the area with the Zing before applying heat to set the powder. Once the stamping and embossing is complete simply cut the oval 'journal' centre away and discard and trim around the outter edge to create a rectangle.

Mounting each frame on 3D foam pads onto the photo and then again onto the mount of pattern paper really does make each frame a strong focal point of the page.

Lx

Enjoy The Journey

2010-05-15T01:52:00.000-07:00

I have been busy cutting and sticking again, the first of my photos from Harry's trip came yesterday and I was itching to use them straight away, luckily the colours of the photos that came all work so well with June Kit that I will be making another later today but not until after we have completed the jobs we have decided to get done first... cleaning the patio and tidying up outside - joy!:lol:

Smiling faces and captured sitting still is one place was a great mix for these photos, Harry and Simon are actually sitting on a horse and cart which is why Harry is not running in the opposite direction to his next activity:lol: We all had a wonderful time on this evening in Kissimmee, Florida at the Give Kids The World Village as it was 'Christmas' with lots of special things going on which Harry loved so much!

The American Crafts Puffy Shapes are great fun to use and you can do many things with them so don't be afraid to cut them up, punch them and thread ribbon through them. There are so many in the pack that if you don't cut quite right you will have plenty left so do experiment and see what you can create with them.

For my design I wanted to create a border so simply selected some of the Puffy Shapes and cut them in half, punched one hole in the smaller ones and two in the larger ones. Threading ribbon through the larger ones to embellish and tying a single knot through the smaller ones really sets them off a treat!

How about making a 'button' from a larger Puffy Shape, adding a punch out of one of the elements from the Cosmo Cricket Border sheet makes for a fab centre to the 'button'.

Lx

A Cutting & Sticking Afternoon

2010-05-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

We have been really busy today at work pulling together another GoGo Day Event (keep your eyes peeled for info real soon!) so upon coming home I was all inspired to complete my first LO using June Kit.

I used the Are We Nearly There Yet June Create Kit & Hybrids for this 12x12 LO.

I love these cherished photos that capture Harry's first 'normal' bike, for years he has had to have a special bike as his mobility is not that great and accidents were going to happen if we didn't have the right equipment to hold him in place! This is Harry's first bike straight out of Halfords, and although we needed to send for special stabilsers he was as proud as punch to go and select a bike of his choice for his 8th birthday.

What I find great about the hybrids we offer free of charge is that they really can make the kit contents stretch so much further. I have added many elements from the hybrid sheets including the 'stop' sign as a journal spot for part of the title, used two clouds with one on 3D foam pads for dimension, cut the frame into a banner to help get over the feel of the celebrations of the day, used tiny strips of the frame for embellishing and the title was made using the 'travels' element along with the Cosmo Cricket Ready, Steady, Chip letters.

The Hybrids were such an integral part of being able to make this design the 'cartoon book' feel that I wanted it to be and with a little imagination and creative cutting some of the elements turned into different elements altogether!

Harry thought he would like to join in so I found him some supplies other than my June Kit:lol: He even took the camera away and took his own picture. He made this totally by himself and I think it is great!

I also found these photos on my camera, cheeky little monster that Harry is and they really made me laugh when they popped up:lol:

Lx

Are We Nearly There Yet!

2010-05-12T07:59:00.000-07:00

OK so June Kit is now with us at the office and I promise that I did not put this kit together so that it worked so well with my travel photos:lol: but it does and that is great news! The mini chipboard plane already is flying to land on a LO on my desk:D

Are We Nearly There Yet’ (June Kit) featuring Cosmo Cricket 'Joy Ride'; Jillibean ' New England Chowder'; Crate Paper 'Brook'; GCD 'Lydia'; Basic Grey 'Max & Whiskers'. Take a Joy Ride and follow our directions for non stop crafting fun. Make time to travel with us on a road trip of roundabouts, smooth surfaces and sharp corners. With bumper to bumper non stop colours in shades of Mud Track Brown, Indicator Orange, Go-Go Yellow, Spray Paint Purple and Car Wash Aqua. So get your horn honking and make way for designs with no pot holes!

Don't you just love the Stamp this month - yes you are correct it is a map of the area around London, so much better than the Route 66 and Highway stamps you get in the US for creating LO's about your time in the UK :D I love the Americn Craft Puffy Shapes, they look great as muddy puddles! I am also looking forward to using the Smooch spray mist and the American Craft Zing - I think this is going to be a messy play tonight:lol:

Lx

Cool News Today

2010-05-10T01:39:00.000-07:00

Harry's photo with the dolphins and quotes from our feedback and thanks to Make A Wish have been selected to be part of the programme that will be handed out at the Make A Wish Summer Ball!

Even though we can't stretch to purchasing a couple of tickets to the Summer Ball it is lovely to know that we done our part by being part of the programme material.

Lx

Yeah, I will Get Us Through The Ash Cloud Mum!

2010-05-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

The first thing that Harry said to the pilot on board the Virgin flight home was 'I think I can fly us around the ash cloud'! This of course made the pilot laugh:lol:

Make A Wish let the staff of our flight home know that they had a special little guy called Harry on board and Harry was invited to the cockpit - totally cool I think is what he said!

What a cool way to sign off from our trip I am sure you will agree:D

Lx

Last Day

2010-05-09T03:24:00.000-07:00

I am near to the end of telling you all about Harry's Make A Wish trip, the last day came round far too quick but we shall cherish all the memories we have forever!

It may have been the morning of our last day but there were more surprises in store for Harry as GKTW arranged for him to visit the local fire station - how super cool was that for a fireman obsessed little guy!

Sshh... And yes the fireman was really cute :D

Lx

The Ice Cream!

2010-05-09T00:17:00.000-07:00

A child's paradise wouldn't be complete without ice cream so Give Kids The World built an ice cream palace!

The banana splits were ace and Harry loved that he was offered whipped cream, toppings and sauces on top of his ice cream!

Lx

Time To Sit Still

2010-05-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

Not often Harry sits still, so Simon took the opportunity to capture Harry and me...

Lx

Christmas!

2010-05-08T02:01:00.000-07:00

Every Thursday at GKTW it is Christmas, the Village is all decorated and Christmas dinner is served. Santa comes along to see the children and all the 'normal' things you would expect to see our evident - what isn't normal in any sense of the word is the atmosphere. For some children it is the last 'Christmas' they will see and that was extremely difficult to witness but something truly magical happened for those familes that evening and you could see and feel it, I have no other way of describing watching those familes but the experience has changed so much in me.

There were children critically ill, some that were recovering and many that live with the threat of what their illness can do day in day out - but none of those children or families were sad, everyone there had that one thing in common and everyone truly cherised this very fragile thing we call life and that meant we had such a great 'Christmas'!

Lx

More Around The Village

2010-05-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

We felt at 'home' most at the GKTW Village and were always drawn to leaving the parks early so that Harry could take part in all the activities back there. So here are some random photos from around the Village during the week...

We do so miss our 'home':(

Lx

The Bunny Tuck In

2010-05-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

One of the things Harry could choose to have at GKTW was a 'bunny tuck in', this meant that at a set time Miss Mary would come and tuck Harry up for night time - and he jumped at the chance, only thing is as he slept in our bed with Simon and I we too had to be tucked up:lol:

Problem is Harry's tuck in was for 8:30pm and this was Harry at 8pm :lol:

We of course had to wake Harry up as soon as we heard the little car coming to the Villa! Miss Mary came along in her own car and met Harry at the door, well that was the plan but Harry ran to meet her!

Harry then led Miss Mary to 'his' room...

Harry loved it and it really is going to be a moment to remember forever!

Simon liked it a little too much too:D

Last Wednesday

2010-05-06T05:56:00.000-07:00

Harry was playing basketball with Belle and Goofy at GKTW - how random is that:lol:

Belle and Goofy were also signing autograph books and hanging about with all the children, it is lovely that Disney send some characters along to the village as it was so much better for the children to be able to meet them with left pushing and shoving!
It was hilarious how Belle especially stayed in character whilst Goofy taught her how to play - I think this is one of the moments that Harry would say is his favourite from the week. He kept saying 'this place is so magcial'!

We headed off to Animal Kingdom around 10am and headed straigth for the Safari as advised, it was totally cool!

We thought Animal Kingdom was pretty cool and although we were only there from 10.30am until around 2pm we had a fab time!

Lx

Breakfast At GKTW and A Day At Epcot

2010-05-05T09:36:00.000-07:00

The Gingerbread House at GKTW was amazing, the food is all donated and cooked by Perkins on site and is served by 'angels' (volunteers) and really set us all up for the day!

We weren't really sure if Harry would enjoy a full day at Epcot and wondered if the lack of 'rides' would mean that he wanted to leave early but in the end Harry loved it and the smaller amount of rides meant that Harry had a bit more of a chilling out day whilst we walked around the large lake and visited the 'countries'.

He loved the Viking ride in Norway and the boat ride in Mexico as well as the Fast Track car ride at the start of Epcot - he went on that three times:lol: There was lots to see around Epcot and I really enjoyed it and nothing was funnier than when I came round the corner from using the restroom to find Simon and Harry taking part in a street show in the 'UK'!

They must have thought with Simon's mane of hair that he was a brave 'lion heart':lol: Harry thought it was all very funny:D

We decided to have an extra treat with some spending money that was given to us from our parents and spend it on one memorable thing rather than buy drinks and ice creams here and there so that we could say exactly what we used it for, this treat was a Princess Lunch in a 'Castle' in Norway:D Harry does love his princesses!

Harry got a real camera just before we left the UK and loved to take photos in the day, it is really funny and interesting to see the trip through his eyes too...

We have yet to download all the photos from his camera but when we do I think it will be really sweet.

We all really enjoyed our day at Epcot...

Sadly the end of the day came round really quick...

Lx

The Rides And The Characters

2010-05-05T01:33:00.000-07:00

Harry loves his fast rides, log flumes where you get wet are his favourite by far so one of the first places he wanted to head for was Splash Mountain so that is what we did!

If you click on the photo below to enlarge it you can see Harry's face bless him!

I don't think we actually missed any rides out in the Magic Kingdom, 'It's A Small World' went down well as we got to sit in the shade for 10 minutes:lol: 'The Haunted Mansion' was fab too but Harry's also thought 'Big Thunder Mountain' was great as he got me on a roller coaster - umm someone could have warned me it had faster and higher drops than California :lol:

With so much visual stimulation and busy fun Harry really did need a total break in the afternoon and although we had toyed with the idea of going back to GKTW we really wanted to stay for a late night and watch the fireworks and parade so we decided to check out the 'Wish Lounge' we had been told about on our welcome talk the first night and boy was it a great facility!

We spent two hours in the Wish Lounge with DVD's, board games, ice cold water and a room totally chilled with AC and many floor cushions and comfy chairs. It was ideal for Harry to be able to kick off his splint and give his leg a break too and we soon felt ready for an afternoon of more fun.

Harry was now ready and more relaxed to meet some characters!

Disney turns really magical at night and we enjoyed going on more rides throughout the evening whilst waiting for the parade at 9pm followed by the fireworks at 10pm...

We left the park at around 10.30pm and finally got into bed at around midnight and although tired we all had a wonderful day and glad we had stayed for that magical ending to the day.

Lx

Magic Kingdom Here We Come!

2010-05-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday we set out for the Magic Kingdom, we have read in our guide book that you could take the ferry or monorail to the park and Harry decided that the ferry sounded the way to travel!

I couldn't believe the size of the lake TBH, it was HUGE! On the horizon we spotted the castle - gotta love the castle:D

The short trip over was very exciting, we were all bright and breezy and ready for a full day of fun!

The line for tickets wasn't too bad and within 5 minutes we were holding our tickets for 3 days of Disney fun. Disney is a huge supporter of GKTW and these tickets are donated to each and every family thats stays at the village, not only that but a photopass card with a free redemption code for a CD with all the pictures too... Disney we thank you so very much:D

Harry wanted to be in charge of the map and where we were going which was funny at times and of course we 'helped persuade' him of the best way to go at times too:lol:

I will fill you in on all the places he lead us tomorrow...

Lx

The Funny Things He Says

2010-05-04T09:24:00.000-07:00

Harry is one fo those children that comes out with the most funny things at times, sometimes totally inappropriate which can be a cause of embarrassment - and of course we had to have at least one of those moments in Florida didn't we:D

Within Discovery Cove are many different sections and aside from the dolphin experience our favourite part was the Lazy River. It really was so amazing and very warm, lush and beautiful winding through waterfalls and caves and as we bobbed along relaxing and enjoying the view Harry decided it reminded him of something back home....

Harry - This is SO cool Mum.

Me - It is lovely sweetheart and the sun is making the water sparkle.

Harry - Yes, it is just like... the River Thames!

The River Thames? not sure what made him think the the River Thames was like the Lazy River at Discovery Cove but it did make us and many others laugh our sides off!

Being in the water with creatures other than dolphins made me feel a bit odd but I stuck with it so not to scare Harry:lol:

You will note that I have a green floatation vest on, although I can swim I wouldn't consider myself over confident in deep water so incase Harry wanted to grab onto me I decided to wear the vest so from then on I was know as the turtle as it was kind of hard bodied and kept riding up and hiding my neck:lol:

The pools, staff, trainers, beach and refreshments at Discovery Cove were top notch - the pasta and salad I could have ate all week and the snow drinks were pretty divine too! Harry loved digging in the white sand and then running back into the warm water to clean his little wet suit, he did look so cute:D

Lx

Harry's Dolphin Swim

2010-05-04T06:50:00.000-07:00

When Harry was referred to Make A Wish they sent him along a special pack where he could draw pictures of things he likes, people he may want to meet, experiences he would like to take part in and what he may want to be when he is older - Harry's piece of A4 paper was a real mixed bag of fire engines, firemen, Mickey Mouse, Sharks (yes, sharks!) and other random sketches of what ever came into his head that afternoon:lol:

He then had to get three main 'wishes' down for his wish list, the first was to swim with sharks... luckily Make A Wish sent him to swim with dolphins as that was the safer option:lol:

On Monday 26th April at 11am Harry got to experience his first choice from his list and did indeed swim with dolphins and what an experience that was! Discovery Cove was like no other place on earth, I wouldn't know of any other word to explain it other than 'paradise'.

After around 15 minutes getting to know our dolphin, Cindy who is 40 yeas old, Harry got to swim along back to shore on his own with Cindy. He simply needed to hold on as shown although Harry did try to sit on her back as if she were a pushbike:lol:

I love his face in these photos!

He totally LOVED this experience but also went on to enjoy a fantastic afternoon in Discovery Cove which I will share later on...

Lx

Off To Islands Of Adventure

2010-05-04T00:31:00.000-07:00

After a good nights sleep we set off for Universal's Islands Of Adventure, Harry was excited about going to the Seuss Landing area of the park so that is where we headed for first of all!

It was kind of an odd place just like I had expected, odd in a good way of course:D The Cat In The Hat ride was sweet as we as the Fish ride that squirted water at us - good for cooling down in the 88 deg heat at 10am in the morning!

Walking around Seuss Landing was a great opportunity for fun shots...

We moved through the park pretty quick as it wasn't too busy which was lovely, we spotted Hogwarts Castle which is the center piece of the Harry Potter Park opening in June as well as lots of other fun stuff - almost too much to take in:lol:

Harry loved meeting Popeye and Olive (well he did once he knew who they were:lol:)...

Fast rides are Harry's favourite, I am sure it is his non existent sense of danger that is to blame :D Zoe and Kirsty were happy to oblige and take him on this log flume...

Simon and I were more than happy to stand and wave:lol:

Lx

First Full Day - Universal Studios

2010-05-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

Up at 5.30am and Harry wanted to spend his first day at Universal Studios as he wanted to go on the Simpsons ride... I so wish I hadn't gone along with his plan and went on it too! Not one for fast rides I asked the lady at the exit if the ride was a roller coaster to be told 'no mam' and it wasn't a roller coaster but may have well have been as it was a simulation of a roller coaster:lol: All four of us with the exception of Harry came off feeling sick, which of course he found really funny:D

We went on just about all the rides in the park and ended the day with the Animal Show, Harry loves animals so was really excited to be invited to stay behind and meet the pig - sorry pig but we can't remember your name:D

We drove back to the Village and headed for the pool which is lovingly know as the Park Of Dreams...

Every night before going to bed Harry loved nothing better than rocking on the chairs outside in our porch...

Lx

Harry's Star

2010-05-03T00:45:00.000-07:00

One of the first things Harry did at the Village was to make his special star, this star would be magically transported from the star fairy's box to it's special place on the ceiling of the Castle Of Miracles. To say we were overwhelmed by the number of gold stars all with hand written names on would be an understatement, each one of these stars written by every wish child that has ever stayed at the GKTW Village and it was more emotional than we could have ever imagined TBH.

Harry in his usual style completed his task at break neck speed:lol: any different and it would not have been our Harry :D

Harry received a wonderful 'passport' which documents where his star is located, this passport means he can visit the Village if he is ever in Orlando which he is very excited about!

Lx

The Village Park

2010-05-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

We collected our hire car which Harry loved as it was a van with sliding doors, (thank you Avis and Make A Wish) and after a short drive of just 25 minutes we were at the GKTW Village... a truly remarkable place that was more like a theme park!

Being in Orlando was overwhelming in itself after the week prior to Harry's trip when we wondered if we would get to go, but the welcome at the Villlage just about tipped us over the edge (in a good way!) with all the warm welcomes, personal touches and generosity of local volunteers, corporate donations of theme park tickets and the most magical little extras that money can't buy.

We were taken to our 'home' for the week, a totally cool villa that looks as if it had fallen out of a magical story book...

Not only was this the cutest house ever but the fridge was full of goodies for Harry and a welcome bag full of toys, DVD's and little gifts including a couple of home made cards made by local children for each wish child - and yes those did bring a lump to my throat!

The view from our window was totally crazy too!

Lx

No Idea Where To Start!

2010-05-02T04:05:00.001-07:00

We are back and after sleeping right through from 4pm yesterday to 10am this morning we have caught up on lost sleep:D

Harry's trip truly was a once in a lifetime experience, all the money in the world could not have bought the memories we have etched in our minds forever. GKTW was the most unbelievable place on earth, the staff and volunteers were the best and had thought of everything that could make Harry's experience magical and unique. It was an amazing experience, although somewhat emotional at times, we have come home exhausted, elated, humbled, inspired and filled with so much postive energy from our visit to the place 'Where Happiness Inspires Hope'!

I guess starting at the beginning is going to be the easiest thing to do and Make A Wish and Virgin made sure that from the very moment we stepped on the plane that Harry felt extra special...

You will note that we are still safe on the ground at this point:lol:

Lx

Rewind

2010-04-21T22:33:00.001-07:00

Today I am going to rewind my head back to this day and remember this very excited little face...

And try to forget this...

We plan to leave at 4pm today to head for Twlight Check In and then our hotel at Gatwick Airport - for once I hope the sound of planes keeps me awake!

I am also looking forward to stopping having to check these sites every two minutes!

radarvirtuel.com Great if you like watching planes though:D
nats.co.uk I am their number one groupy now!
virgin-atlantic.com Richard Branson must think he has a stalker:lol:

But most of all I am not going to miss trying to analyse these pictures every 4 hours!

Pilot forums are now being swapped back for scrapping forums - I think Simon began to think I was a little over keen on pilots for a while there! and piles of clothes are now being swapped for packed cases.... but fingers and toes are still crossed until we are on Orlando soil:D

I have learnt a lot about myself these past few days and have deduced that a) I don't always have the strength to cope as well as I thought when something is thrown at me b) I need 8 hours sleep a day to function - I think I have had that in total over the past five night c) true friends are worth their weight in gold and throw themselves at the challenge to support you through things even when you are a pain to be around! and last but not least I realise that Harry's trip means so much to us as a family and how much we are looking forward to seeing his reaction to swimming with dolphins and making lots of happy memories:D

Lx

A Bit Lost...

2010-04-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

that is how I have been since Sunday TBH!

We had to finally break the news of the ash cloud to Harry yesterday as he went back to school and we didn't want to risk everyone talking about it and him not be aware. It was hard to break that magic bubble he has been in for weeks but I know it was the right thing to do so he was better armed for missing out on the flight on Friday.

However today we received an email from Make A Wish...

Hi Lorraine
At this moment it all seems ok, please just go ahead with your
itinerary starting tomorrow with your flight on Friday.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries and I will
of course contact you should anything change.
Kind regards
Val

So fingers crossed with the airports being open (for now anyhow!) that we do indeed get to fly out on Friday.

Thank you to everyone for your posts, emails and messages - they have really kept us going and Harry also says thank you to all of you for sending him lovely messages too:D

Lx

Trying...

2010-04-18T01:18:00.000-07:00

to keep a sense of normal routine going on whilst we wait for news over on the NATS website. We are hoping for a weather change on Thursday that they predict!!!

So in the attempt to create some 'balance' to life yesterday we decided to take Harry to Aldeburgh and have a fish and chip supper followed by a somewhat chilly play on the beach. It done us all a world of good to get out and grab some perspective back rather than the all consuming and emotionally draining constent checking on the Met Office and NATS sites!

So today we plan to do the same, jobs and a bit of packing as planned followed by getting out in the fresh air :D

Lx

Unsure and Somewhat Apprehensive

2010-04-17T02:34:00.000-07:00

For the past 48 hours I have kept changing my mind whether to make this blog entry or not, I fully know that there are much, much worse and sad problems in the world but to us on a personal level this has been (and probably will contunue to be until Friday) the most stressful and worrying few days... why - the flippen' ash cloud!!!

In the end I have decided to write down my fears, thoughts and even some totally irrational things I am sure, in the hope it will ease the churning feeling I have inside about what happens if we can't fly on Friday and how we will deliver that news to Harry if the worst comes to the worst:( For us this is now part of the run up to Harry's Make A Wish trip whether we like it or not so I guess deserves a place in the 'story' to read back on one day.

I am normally a great sleeper, infact I can even sleep in a hospital chair with all the noise, lights and mayhem going on and not batter an eyelid:lol: so for me to only have 2 hours broken sleep last night is a huge thing and has really made me release quite how much this trip means to us as a family and the 'lift' we really need to see Harry get from it all.

This weekend was set aside for the pre holiday spring clean and ironing etc, Simon has the weekend off which is not the norm and Zoe and Kirsty are here all day too and we were really looking forward to a busy day of chores and sorting. At 3am this morning I was having in a conversation with myself (like you do!) on whether to still do all that and go about doing what we have planned right up until the moment we leave on Thursday afternoon. One part of me wants to go hide under the duvet until that time and pretend this isn't happening but the stronger side of me that tends to come from somewhere gave myself a good talking too and said to carrying on as normal and not let it spoil anything.

How can you NOT let it spoil it when it is at the back of your mind the entire time? I have in the realms of preservation made plans to phone Make A Wish on Monday and ask the big horrible question of 'what if' so we know what we will be telling Harry is the truth, I know that if one of us was too ill to fly then they just wave that magic wand and reschedule so I am guessing (hoping!) that the same things happens for cancellations.

I am trying not to let my slightly OCD side creep in which keeps wanting to check the NATS sight and Met Office sight like every 2 minutes - why I think there may be a personal message that says right across the screen 'Lorraine do not worry' I don't know but hey postive thinking is good isn't it?

So it is offical I HATE the volcano that lies under the Eyjafjallajokull glacier in Iceland - it sucks!!!

Lx

It's Here!

2010-04-15T02:59:00.000-07:00

Harry has been waiting on the doorstep this morning as he knew his Make A Wish pack would be here! The postman let him sign for the special delivery which was exciting enough in its self:lol:

The pack contained lots of written information and e tickets etc but also some little envelopes for Harry to get a special photo of his swim with the dolphins and also a sealed letter for the flight crew... I wonder if that is to warn them that there is one very excited and hyper boy on their flight or that his Dad doesn't like flying:lol: Also in the pack is some gold star badges, these are really special and we will treasure them forever I am sure!

We have had a quick read through altogether and will read in more detail later but I think for now we must get dressed as it is nearly lunch time and we don't have a crumb to eat until I have been shopping!

I will leave you with what I think is THE most precious photo we captured this morning, check out this excited face!

Lx

Emails and Post

2010-04-13T01:03:00.000-07:00

We received a further email from GKTW today which has really made Harry hyper today already! He loves the fact that it is addressed to him let alone what the contents say :lol: He loves it when he gets letters though the post too, we used to send him things like Cbeebies magazines through the post just to see his face light up so I can't wait for the next stage of his Wish pack to come through and see the reaction, I must remember to keep the camera really handy this week!

Dear Harry,

Just over one week before we welcome all of you to Give Kids The World Village - we are really excited and hope you are too! Your wish granting organization has partnered with Give Kids The World Vacation Planning Services team to make sure this is a most magical, memorable, and stress-free vacation of a lifetime. To ensure we are ready for your stay, we would like to confirm the following information:

Travel Information
Wish Child: Harry
Confirmation #: ******
Number in party: 5
Lodging: Give Kids The World
Arrival Date: 4/23/2010
Departing Date: 4/30/2010
Transportation: *****
Flight #: ***
Time: 15:25:00
Arriving: Orlando
Rental Car: Avis

We look forward to meeting all of you on your special wish vacation. Check out the following link to help you further plan your trip!

http://www.gktw.org/families

Have a safe trip and we'll see you soon!

Your friends at Give Kids The World

Think This Will Work?

2010-04-11T05:08:00.000-07:00

Sitting down and planning has been fun but have we got it right do you think?

THURSDAY

6:pm Leave for Gatwick hotel

FRIDAY

6:30am Leave hotel for airport check in
11:15am Virgin Atlantic VS27 Gatwick

15:25 Arrive Orlando
Meet & Greet Avis

6:30pm Dinner

Lorraine to orientation meeting 7:45pm

7:30pm GKTW - Pirates and Princesses Party with Shamu and friends on the Avenue of Angels

SATURDAY

8am - Breakfast

8:30 am GKTW - Horseback Riding Keaton’s Korral

*UNIVERSAL STUDIO*

6pm Dinner

7:45pm GKTW - Mayor Clayton’s Birthday Party on the Avenue of Angels

SUNDAY

8am - Breakfast

*ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE PARK*

6pm Dinner

7:30pm GKTW - The World’s Largest Candy Land game at Matthew’s Boundless Playground.

MONDAY

7:30 am - Breakfast

8:30AM *DISCOVERY COVE*

5:45pm GKTW - Kids’ Night Out/Grown-ups’ Night Off at Amberville Train Station

9pm Dinner at Villa

TUESDAY

8am - Breakfast
8:30am Nickelodeon Character Photos in the Castle of Miracles

8:30am - *DISNEYLAND - MAGIC KINGDOM + FIREWORKS*

10pm - Dinner in villa

WEDNESDAY

8am - Breakfast

8:30am *DISNEYLAND - EPCOT & HOLLYWOOD STUDIO*

7:45pm GKTW - Village Idol in Julie’s Safari Theatre.

THURSDAY

8am - Breakfast

8:30am *DISNEYLAND - ANIMAL KINGDOM*

6:30pm GKTW - Winter Wonderland on the Avenue of Angels and the Castle of Miracles +Carriage Rides from 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
7:45pm Winter Wonderland Parade on the Avenue of Angels +Santa Claus in Julie’s Safari Theatre from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

FRIDAY

7:30am Breakfast

8:30 am - Pack car

9am *SEAWORLD*

2pm Leave for airport

17:55pm Flight VS28 Virgin Atlantic

2010-04-07T01:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we found out the day of Harry's swimming with dolphins experience, Monday 26th April is the day!
Harry's actual wish was to 'swim with sharks' which luckily Make A Wish interpretated as swimming with dolphins... phew!

I have never really looked into the whole swimming with dolphins and Discovery Cove as TBH it never really seemed something that would in reality happen or be reachable with a family of 5, especially with one daughter in uni and one in college for the next 4 years! As a family we have been really lucky to be able to go to Disneyland in California and Disneyland Paris but never did we think we would get to go to Florida! I have been for a flying visit to Orlando for CHA last Summer and I must admit it was really hard to go there without the family but I preserved that feeling by staying well away from anything tourist, Disney or other things that would happen if you were in Orlando as a family on holiday - no mean feat in Orlando I can tell you :lol: It meant all that was to do after work was shop at the outlets and eat!

So this morning I have endulged Harry and I with some website visits to Discovery Cove, clicking all the links of what you get to do has made our hearts beat very fast today and Harry has been running round in circles screaming:lol: He is very excited he gets to keep his snorkle too! Although looking at the wetsuits I think the idea that I had back in October to lose 2 or 3 stone was a great idea.... opps forgot to do that, bit late now you think?

Lx

Castle of Miracles

2010-04-06T02:05:00.000-07:00

OMG 16 days now!!!!!

The excitement has been further induced by over endulgement of chocolate this weekend:lol:

We have been trying to talk to Harry about the meaning behind Give The Kids The World (GTKTW) complex and why it is there, I feel we not only need to make him aware of why it is there and the work all the volunteers do but also in some ways to prepare him for what I really think will be an emotional place. I am expecting it to be more of a roller coaster than Disney has to offer for raw emotions, there will be endless happy and positive memories made to last forever but also a humbling experience too. There will be children staying on site that may be in the middle of chemo or other treatments that make them feel quite unwell and although Harry has experienced many, many situations meeting and playing with children having chemo it will be the first time he has seen this in a 'holiday' setting as 9 times out of 10 he experiences treatments within a hospital setting.

You can't lie to children, can't hide the truth of how sad and unfair life can be can you, but how can you actually put into words that many of the children that are at GTKTW will not make it to their next birthday - on top of that how can you get that fact over without frightening your own children that has been granted a wish to the very same place because they too have a life threatening illness... see it is definately a journey I am taking on many different levels and TBH my head hasn't quite got round that part yet - not sure that it ever will really either. I am excited, I am really happy for Harry that he has this opportunity but amongst all those positives the one wish I would love granted is that he wasn't eligible for such a trip and that he didn't have to face the challenges he has before him.

A section of the information we have been sent about Harry's trip (The Castle of Miracles) is what started me off on these deep thoughts and feelings today but now I hope that by getting those sadder feelings and fears down on my blog that I can move on to all the fun and exciting things that will make the next 16 days fly by preparation wise!

Within our information we have been given it details a beautiful place called The Castle of Miracles, each wish child creates their own gold star on arrival with their name engraved on it - whilst the child is asleep that first night the 'fairies' come and place it in the ceiling with all the other stars to stay their forever and ever. There are hundreds, and hundreds of these stars each made by the little hands of every wish child - now you can see what got me started!

Lx

19 days... ready to pop already!

2010-04-03T01:58:00.000-07:00

With all the preparations for the Getaway last weekend I made myself put Harry's Make A Wish trip to the back of my mind so I could fully concentrate on the work in hand but now that we have arrived back, unpacked and sorted everything back into the warehouse and have a routine ready for staffing and packing over the Easter break I can now truly say that I am too so very, very excited!

We ordered a guidebook which came this morning, Harry has since been sat on the settee looking at all the pictures - fat chance of him getting dressed before noon I think:lol:

I have also started to think about how I will approach documenting Harry's Wish, yes of course I will be creating a scrapbook dedicated to the week but I just know that there is going to be so many, many things I want to put down, keep and record that I think I may need to think a bit more about how to go about it!

I want to make a scrapbook that can be picked up and looked at again and again, one that has lots of meaning not just fancy pages but also one that has thoughts, feelings and memories from the whole family about our trip. I think it is going to be a hard thing to capture from all those sides, maybe I need to rethink and perhaps get all the family to create their own travel/art journals... thoughts, ideas and suggestions always appreciated!

I plan to write a diary whilst there, a place where I can put some thoughts down as well as highlights of the day - I may use this to help record some memories in a scrapbook but I guess I will probably also keep it is a personal 'journey'. Can you tell my head is a little all over the place!

One thing I do know is that I want to somehow recreate the sketch logo of Give The Kids The World village onto a cover of an American Crafts album - the ones that have the colour binding but 'bare' front and back. I wonder if the image would print clear enough onto Bazzill... I think I may be experimenting this weekend.

Lx

21 Days!

2010-04-01T01:17:00.000-07:00

I still can not get my head around Harry's trip later this month, we were told back in November that Harry had been granted a wish by the Make A Wish Foundation to swim with dolphins and it felt so unreal then and it still does!

Harry received a welcome pack from Give The Kids The World yesterday which has made things seem a bit more real - yes we are excited for Harry and excited that we will experience lots of things that will make the best memories for life but also the flip side that I am still trying to sort in my head is that children like Harry only get these wishes granted because they face life long challenges facing life threatening illnesses - TBH a fact that I hide deep away in my head, a kind of self preservation skill that gets me through life at times!

The village where we will be staying is amazing, a place I didn't even know existed, a place that they state is 'where happiness inspires hope' - kinda says it all really doesn't it. It looks such a happy, fun and bright place don't you think...

The list of things on in the Village itself has got Harry bouncing from the walls :lol: although I will hold my hands up and say 'ditto' to that too...

SUNDAY

The World’s Largest Candy Land game from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Matthew’s Boundless Playground.
Twinkle Hope’s Tea Party from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Castle of Miracles.
Village After Dark teen party from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in Julie’s Safari Theatre

MONDAY

Disney Character Photos at Julie’s Safari Theatre from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Kids’ Night Out/Grown-ups’ Night Off from 5:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Amberville Train Station
Discovery Cove Animal Exploration from 6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the Avenue of Angels
Safari Double Dare in Julie’s Safari Theatre from 8 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

TUESDAY
Nickelodeon Character Photos in the Castle of Miracles from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
Family Fun Night begins at 7:30 p.m. in front of Julie’s Safari Theatre

WEDNESDAY
Horseback Riding from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Keaton’s Korral
Kids’ Night Out/Grown-ups’ Night Off from 5:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Amberville Train Station
Village Idol in Julie’s Safari Theatre from 7:45 p.m. to 9 p.m.

THURSDAY

Disney Character Photos in Julie’s Safari Theatre from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Winter Wonderland from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the Avenue of Angels and the Castle of Miracles
Carriage Rides from 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Winter Wonderland Parade at 7:45 p.m. on the Avenue of Angels
Santa Claus in Julie’s Safari Theatre from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

FRIDAY

Universal Orlando Character Photos from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. in the Castle of Miracles
Pirates and Princesses Party with Shamu and friends from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the Avenue of Angels

SATURDAY

Horseback Riding from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Keaton’s Korral
The movie “The Big Surprise” at 7:30 p.m. in Julie’s Safari Theatre
Mayor Clayton’s Birthday Party from 7:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the Avenue of Angels

I think the next month my blog will be more like a diary of the run up to Harry's trip and the experience itself - and yes I am of course going to be documenting it somehow in the form of a scrapbook - it has really bought home to me WHY I scrapbook. I guess it will be a journey of many levels and one I feel I would like to share here.
Lx

Getaway Classes

2010-03-30T07:41:00.000-07:00

I loved getting back to teaching again at a larger event, it is so fulfilling to share a passion isn't it.

My first class was 'The Measure Of Love' and was all about using a non traditional scrapping item such as this cute tape measure.

Adorn your nearest and dearest within the realms of a 12x12 LO using a fun and unique techinque; this class will most certainly measure up to your expectations and Be:Loved for years to come!

Second up was 'Team Green' and was all about using eco friendly products and putting together hand made embellishments.

Lx

Fond Memories

2010-03-25T00:21:00.000-07:00

I have really enjoyed scrapping with some older photos and the fond memories that they have brought back have been a nice little tonic to the cold virus I seem to have been fighting the last couple of days.

I used the April Kit 'Fabrication' Create/G2P/Hybrid/Bespoke Cards to create this LO.

I adore this photo and it is one of only a handful I have of my Nan with Harry before she passed away a little over a year later. Harry loved my Nan and called her Gran-Gran along with the girls.

A quick and fairly simple design using the Donna Salazar paper as a decorative cut out border/corner. I carefully cut the detail out from the 12x12 sheet and adhered it to the Beeswax (yellow) cardstock using 3D foam pads. A ribbon bow was made and placed on top of the image of the bow on the paper along with a few other little elements from the Hybrids and Bespoke Cards added around the photo. The fasteners make a fab centre to cut out blossoms from the Cosmo Cricket pattern paper too!

Happy Memories

2010-03-24T01:37:00.000-07:00

Sharing another of my April designs...

These are my three most favourite photos from the first moment that Zoe and Kirsty met Harry, Simon had been with me all night but went home for a quick nap and then straight back to see us both with the girls - I love their smiling faces!

This Bazzill cardstock is my most favourite shade of blue at the moment, it doesn't really remind me of rain but that is what it is called:lol: However it was the perfect colour as a backdrop to my design as I wanted to feature blue, pink and yellow which seemed really fitting for a baby boy page meeting his two sisters.

The yellow frame was fun to make and easy to recreate even if you do not have a decorative border punch - simply use scallop sissors and a hole punch (and a little patience too!).

So Long Ago Was My Last Entry!

2010-03-22T10:39:00.001-07:00

OK - seriously bad blogger alert! Life has been far too manic with appointments, work and everything else in between that I really didn't think that you wanted to be reading all of my woo's :lol:

But now I do have some nice things to share as I have been playing with April Kit 'Fabrication' and have been contining to put together more baby photos from my standard album...

April Kit is perfect for baby photos, so much so that I have really got stuck in to emptying my old baby album for Harry and finalling making some LOs! This picture of Harry was in his first week of being born and I still remember this little green striped suit as if it were yesterday.

The Hybrids this month really have helped my Kit go far, infact all but two of the strips that feature within this design are from the Hybrid download. The three buttons from the Hybrids were a great base for three little pins - don't these just remind you of nappy pins!

Smiler

2010-03-03T09:29:00.001-08:00

I have been really busy this last week or so, it has been mad:lol:

Tomorrow I am running a little scrapbooking event for a local Brownie group so am really looking forward to seeing what they all make - we are just making a simple accordian book that the girls can fill in with photos at home but I am sure the hour will go past really quickly. I have a little helper too, Harry is excited about being a Brownie for the evening:lol:

Work has been busy, home life has been manic but I have still found that special moment in amongst the madness to sit and create a little something.

This LO below was made for an example for our Crop during March and features some cool frames that we are handing out amongst the ladies.

I am still trying to revisit some older pictures that have never been scrapped - and yes they are the originals, can't see the point in scrapping copies:lol:

Lorraine x

A Little Award

2010-03-02T13:34:00.000-08:00

So today Helen nominated me for a little award - a bit like a sticker chart without having to eat your green really:D

Rule 1: 'Thank the person who gave you the award' - thank you Helen my sweetie:D

Rule 2: 'Place the logo on your blog' - check!

Rule 3: 'Link to the person who nominated you' - ta da!

Rule 4: 'Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting' - all true too:lol:

1. Is married to a 'toy boy:lol:
2. Loves Most Haunted Live Shows - sad but true!
3. Never been able to do a forward role:(
4. I can wiggle my nose.
5. I have a soup graveyard in my garden:)
6. I have a terrible fear of 'down' escalators!
7. I am addicted to Dr Pepper

Rule 5: 'Nominate 7 bloggers for this award and post links to their blogs' -

1 Eileen
2 Nicola
3 Sheena
4 Claire
5 Vicki
6 Lisa
7 Angie

Sent To Coventry!

2010-02-28T08:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had a blast at GoGo Game Over, thank you to all the lovely ladies that travelled along for the day to join us it was great fun meeting you all and sharing the day creating:D

I loved teaching my Class and thank you all for joining in - some of those outfits for your 'people' were amazing!

For those of you that didn't get to come along here's what I designed and taught

Hang... Man!'

'No gallows in GoGo land just fun papers and products with a game strategy of quirky designs. 12x12 LO creation has never been such plane sailing!'

So after a fun and successful day we start to put together our Day Event diaries for 2011...

Lorraine x

New Look!

2010-02-23T09:18:00.000-08:00

Not only has my face had a little make over but we have been busy working away on our new look website over the last few days.

Like any major project it takes a team of people (with lots of GSOH) to complete the task from start to finish, so a bit like an award ceremony I am going to say some 'thank yous':lol:

Thank you to Vicki for working with us on the main template for the backdrop and header - we love it! Vicki has some pretty cool Blog To Go designs on her shop right now and some equally cool digi kits to boot!

A big thank you to Simon at x3 Internet Solutions for pulling it all together and listening to our ideas and making it happen (and work!).

And last but most certainly not least a HUGE thank you to all the lovely messages from customers and members - we try hard to keep things fresh and funky for you all and are constantly working on new ideas to inspire you.

Talking about inspiration you may have seen a new elemtent on the side bar of the website....

More details following soon!

Lorraine

My Philosophy

2010-02-22T06:37:00.000-08:00

No I haven't gone all 'deep' since my jungle juice :lol: but I have fallen in love with the Philosophy skin care range!

It all started in an LA mall when we entered a department store where Nicola needed to stock up on a certain cleanser from Philosophy and five minutes later I grabbed myself a Miracle Kit too. I did wonder if it may be one of those impulse buys that I would regret but for the last four weeks I have followed my new skin care regime and WOW the difference is great.

I have used Clinque since I was about 14 so to try something else was a big step - sounds silly but you know what I mean - but I can honestly say I am hooked BIG TIME!

The smell is divine, the feel luxurious and the results amazing. I no longer have crows feet that need filling and have a 'glow' that people have remarked on so it must be good:lol: 'Hope In A Jar' is such a cool name for a moisturise don't you think

So thank you Nicola for sharing your secret to youthful skin. I now have a list of other 'potions' I need from the range.

Lorraine x

Jungle Juice...

2010-02-21T02:11:00.000-08:00

well that is what the doctor called it and it was good what ever it was!

We have had a couple of days of medical procedures in the Ablett household but I guess it got it all done and dusted in one go. Kirsty has her tonsils out on Friday and all went really well and she was back home the same day:D Yesterday we put plans into action and Grandad came to sit with Kirsty from 6.30am whilst Simon took (dragged!) me along to the clinic to have three retained teeth roots out with IV sedation ( I am in LOVE IV sedation by the way!). I am proud to say that hysteria only set in once and that was in private which Simon is truly thankful for:lol:

The dentist was lovely and told me afterwards that one of the teeth had a root at a 45% angle - glad I was on another planet when they removed that then! Without going into too much detail one of the holes in my mouth looks like something came out sideways... yuck!!!

So today no pretty pictures to share, no creations but I am very happy everything is all over with now and Kirsty and I can enjoy getting back to normal in no time at all:D

Thank you to all those that left supportive texts and messages it really did help.

Lorraine x

4 of 4!

2010-02-18T04:20:00.000-08:00

Finished LO number four today and in good time to prepare for leaving for the hospital tomorrow morning. What is it with having to get ALL the housework and jobs done before holidays, appointments etc - it isn't as if the jobs won't be there when I return:lol:

I really did enjoy creating One Cute Boy, I have recently started to 'undo' some old photo albums ready to scrap my favourite photos and came across these of Harry back in 2002 - the colours go so well with this kit!

Lots of layering going on here (a bit like all the layers he his wearing:lol as well as some flowers to soften the edges and a mixture of fonts for the title using the Sassafras Disco Cards, Hybrids and Sassafras Letter Stickers.

It has been lovely to go back a little in time and document a time when Harry sat in one place for more than 5 minutes:D He was such a placid little chap, always full of smiles and wanting cuddles.

Lorraine x

Treat Day

2010-02-16T10:47:00.000-08:00

Today was treat day, which meant work has been put on hold until night time when Harry is asleep:lol:

It is hard to come up with different things to do for little day trips especially when it is cold and rainy so we settled for a safe option of a visit to Build A Bear in Norwich. Harry was a lucky boy as Mia came along too and they had so much fun selecting the bears (or wolf in Harry's case!) and then dressing them up... I managed to convince Harry that Wolf clothing was not pink and glittery:lol: Harry named is new purchase 'Max' and dressed him in combat gear:lol: complete with a tent for sleeping in at night - of course!

Boy was it hectic in the shop, you literally could not move and by the time we had finished we were fit to drop from hunger and thirst so quickly found our way to the food hall for an energy boost. So pocket money all spent I now have a happy little chap to put to bed along with a army wolf named Max :lol:

Lorraine x

Half Term Juggling

2010-02-15T07:21:00.000-08:00

On the subject (again!) of juggling many different things it is half term!
I do love having Kirsty and Harry at home (Zoe doesn't have a half term at Uni) but it is a hectic week ending in Kirsty having her tonsils out on Friday and me having three teeth out under sedation on Saturday; we are therefore in organising mode for clearing the decks for some chilling out in the days following both operations:D

My 'to do' list has been fairly long lately but is getting there now, I am nearly through LO number 4 with March Kit and have completed both my classes for the Getaway which I have really enjoyed doing I must say:D

This LO below is using Create/G2P plus Bespoke Design Cards:

I adore these cards that Sam designed to coordinate with March Kit - the colours and styles are so much fun. However I wanted to make them go a little further so to create my blocks beside the photo I have cut them in half and mixed them up a little before sticking down.

This photo was taken whilst bowling with the family - Harry doesn't stick to one task for very long but the sparkly bowling balls captured this attention for a couple of minutes! The large American Crafts brads really do look like the bowling balls:D

Tomorrow Harry is having a treat day out along with a certain young lady we are visiting Build A Bear in Norwich, normally he goes for the sparkly bears and adding Hannah Montana or similar sounds:lol: I however am going to try to get him to choose a more classic bear this time... I will share more tomorrow on how that panned out!

Lorrainex

My Heart Is In Their Hands

2010-02-14T10:23:00.000-08:00

I think Valentines Day is a rather sweet tradition TBH, even if it has been bitten by lots of commercial hype nowadays I still kinda love it! We are not a gushy couple by any means but we try to make sure not a day goes by without stopping for a moment to say 'I Love You' or for a supportive hug if needed (most days!) and I must say that it really comes quite naturally ... I guess that is a good thing:D I do however find it a little 'odd' that you can get Valentine cards for your dog/cat/teacher... weird:lol:

February's GoGo Kit had to contain a little Amour didn't it really, nothing too in your face and themed but it is there if you want to showcase your love of your life or indeed your love for a packet of sweets:lol: I do have to admit to buying a small Valentine gift for Simon... Werther's Orginals - well he does like them and so much more than heart adorned boxer shorts or an odd cuddly toy I am sure!

So to celebrate my love for four very important people in my life I created these two LO's with February Kit...

What did you do this Valentines?

Lorraine x

Is It Wrong To Be So Excited!

2010-02-13T02:29:00.000-08:00

You would think looking at scrapping supplies all day everyday would get a bit tiresome wouldn't you but there are moments in most days that my pulse races at the sight of new products:lol: This week has seen that moment more than once not only with March Kit but also the stock arriving for the shop at the Getaway in March.

Those of you that are coming along to the Getaway will simply LOVE what we have instore for you this year, as you know we like to make your GoGo shopping experience a little different to the norm and as we shop with ONLY the Getaway delegates in mind for the stock we can really spend that little extra time and care making it just that little bit more unique.

So the Getaway Forum is now live for the delegates and chat is already busy and buzzing - all 21 Classes have been announced too and have gone down a storm and as a little extra surprise we also shared a quick peek into a couple of sections of the shop stock:D

After all the oo's and ahh's from all of us at GoGo HQ we know that our delegates are going to LOVE what we have for them... well there may be some left after I have been shopping!

Lorraine x

Fun Times Were Had

2010-02-12T12:04:00.000-08:00

I have been spending a little time this evening sorting out the files and photos on my computer, trying to get in some kind of preparation for which ones I hope to scrap and those I just want to file away in a safe place 'for prosperity' but I didn't get very far as I kept homing back in on the ways that were taken in Disneyland, Anaheim a couple of weeks back.

We were fortunate to be able to spend a girlie day chilling and bounding in Disneyland (after CHA and the work was done of course!) and were blessed with a truly sunny day too, we did have such a laugh - so much so that my sides ached! Aside from being the one that got the wettest on Grizzly Bear River Run the highlight of the day was being asked to be in the parade.. I kid you not!

After we got over the initial excitement I admit to being a bit nervous - well we didn't actually know what we were doing in the parade and for all I knew we could have been asked to dress up as Pumba or Tigger's backside :lol:

But we shouldn't have worried as we got to ride in a cool car and learnt the 'princess wave' - but I can't tell you the secret to the wave as we were made to promise not to share:lol:

Other photos that made me smile were those from the Character Breakfast we shared with Goofy (well you are never too old!)
and this one below - for two reasons really:

1) Why have I got my arm around Nicola in such an affectionate way?

2) What is Eileen laughing about, she really is finding something hilarious? athough maybe the two are connected but for the life of me I can't remember:D

It's good for the soul not to take life (and yourself) too serious at times, this day in the park made me feel 5 years younger and we really did make some great memories between us all! Thanks girls for sharing the adventure:D

Lorraine x

A Funny Ol' Day So Far...

2010-02-11T01:34:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love the realms of the WWW, (well most of the time anyhow!) without even leaving my chair I done the weekly Tesco shop, ordered the make up I have had on my wish list since January, completed some work and checked up on the chat on the Clubhouse and UKS; all before 10am - shame Apple can't invent an imac that makes coffee too!

Today was one of those days when the juggling was at it's best as smack bang in the middle of the day (of course!) Harry had an appointment with his Community Paediatrician - when I say 'his' it could have actually been anyone as I don't think we have ever seen the same Doctor more than twice which is not helpful as you have to start the history and background all over again... a kind of medical groundhog day!!! However we sure did strike it lucky and had the same Doctor as last time.

One positive of this appointment was it is fairly close to home rather than the usual 3 hours round trip we have to make and we pass a fantastic bakery - bonus! So although it was not a frustrating appointment.. phew! (which those of you that have children with statements and extra medicals needs will fully understand and know where I am coming from!) we do have lots to think about so having some time out later and having a tea party with our cakes sounds good:D

Infact I think food treats must play a huge part in our hospital trips judging by the nick names Harry gives the various locations...

Addenbrooks - 'Burger King Hospital' (yes they have a Burger King!)
Ipswich - 'Smarty Cookie Hospital' (they have the best cookies around!)
St Thomas's -'Rainforest Cafe Hospital' (as it is a long train journey we normally have some city treats!)
GOSH - 'Thorntons Hospital' (as Liverpool St Station Harry has something from Thorntons:lol:)
Eye - 'Cake Hospital' (lovely Bakery!)

OK, now I can see why my diet always fails:lol: But it is nice to have Harry think of each of the places in a cute way rather than "the hospital that I have x,y,z at" isn't it.

Everyday I try to make sure I do something creative (even if it is just picking up a craft magazine!) and today I am planning on finishing my 4th LO with March Kit as well as working on a rather gorgeous class for the March GoGo Getaway and although I can't share that as yet I will share one other LO I have done for March...

The Fancy Pants Star Kraft paper is great fun but can be a little 'too much' as it is, but a simple trim off the right side and placed buffed up to the edge of Kraft Bazzill is just enough to make it work well with my photos. A simple border around my photo (cut from the Sassafras paper) and the addition of the photocorners (coloured black) really do help the picture leap from the LO.

I love this picture of Kirsty at the Hollywood Sign view point, the contrast of the bright blue sky and the skyline really goes cry 'Hollywood' - well those dark glasses help too!

Oh how I wish we were still standing in the Hollywood hills today - I could do with some sun, fun and laughter and distraction from real life:D

Lorraine x

Well About Time Too!

2010-02-10T06:50:00.000-08:00

Starting a personal blog is something that I have been planning for the last 18 months or so but was one of those things that I just never quite got round too... until today! Do you ever have days where you just zoom through all your domestic chores, whip through the 'to do' lists and have free time left to do as you please - well I don't normally so took that moment by the scruff of the neck and got down to it, so here is the result.

I must admit I struggled a little at first, more of a issue due to not wishing to read the instructions to the last sentence than anything else :lol: but hey, I got there - in my own way - which actually means I put out a cry for help! Thank you Vicki:D

Thinking of a title was easier said than done, first off I didn't want to include anything to do with ScrapaGoGo in the title - well this is a personal blog and not so much work related - but when something is such a HUGE part of your life how can you not include it! So 'Inspired by GoGo' it became. Because that really is what my life has become in so many ways, inspired by the relationships born from GoGo, inspired by the support network that is GoGo HQ, and inspired by all the members that support us month in month out - so yes, 'Inspired by GoGo' really does fit the bill!

As most working Mum's I juggle a lot of things each day, as a working Mum with a family that includes a child with a condition that requires lots of hospital appointments amongst numerous other things I admit I juggle manically :lol: but always with a smile on my face I am told (and usually a bar of chocolate in my pocket too!) so I guess all is well with how I manage the hectic life I lead. However manic it all gets at times there is nothing sweeter than cuddling my little guy, sharing jokes with my girls and getting that supportive hug from my husband at the end of the day.

After a year or so off designing with our GoGo Kits due to workload of administrational tasks I am really pleased to be back, this has been made easier now that Janice and I have dear Lisa as a partner:D After a little bumpy start to 2010 things are on the up home and work wise so I have decided that February 10th is the start of MY New Year:D To celebrate this fresh start I would like to share a simple but fun LO using March 'Turn It Up!' Kit

Lorraine x