Brumby does...

...little baby teeth

2009-08-04T13:25:00.002Z

Jessica got her first tooth today and I wanted you all to know how excited I am. She didn't appear to suffer too much with them so I'm hoping this continues with the remaining teeth :)

I'm so proud of my little girl and her ickle teeth :)

... new website to check out!

2009-06-02T12:45:00.009Z

I was fortunate to know Peter Brumby for just over 5 years before he sadly left us to return home. I won't go into all the details as you can read all about him on the new website, but for those of you who don't know him he was a great preacher/pastor and Phil's Dad. He spent most of his ministerial days at Whitby Evangelical Church.

For many years now we have talked about getting some of Peter's sermons from tape and online. Andy (Phil's Bro) has finally begun this huge task. The website is in it's early days so please do check back regularly but already there are many sermons available for download.

Happy listening and may it be fruitful.

http://www.peterbrumby.co.uk/

p.s. apparently the links aren't working, I've tried to fixed them and failed. But if you click on the link and then press F5 the correct page should appear!! Sorry for the hassle, will try and fix soon.

...the best use of 55mins in quite a while

2009-05-14T12:19:00.002Z

You can always find 55mins to watch a favourite TV programme or read a favourite book or listen to a favourite album, but I must compel you to watch or download to your MP3 player this 55min talk by a remarkable mother.

http://deathisnotdying.com/eventvideo/

...sleeping all night

2009-04-07T09:57:00.003Z

Since my last post my travelling has not stopped. I feel as if the last few months have been spent packing, unpacking ans washing clothes! I can't complain however as we've had a few fun weekends away. Phil hadn't had any time off since Christmas so he took a week off in March and we headed over to Whitby for a few days. What a glorious few days visiting Whitby museum, walking along the beech and having coffee and cake at Sandsend in the sun. Jessica loved spending time with Granny Jean and loved having some help during the day. It was a proper rest for us all.

A friend of mine came over from Belfast the following week and she was kind enough to babysit and let Phil and I have a night out :) When headed to bed that night Jessica (who was still sleeping in our room and waking when went to bed) was totally out for the count so I suggested that we leave her to sleep and see what time she wakes. Until this point I had been waking her for a feed when we went to bed. I was half expecting to see her at 3am but when she started crying and I looked at the clock it was 7.10am. I was thrilled and she has been sleeping through the night since. The very next night we moved her into her own room so that we wouldn't disturb her at night. She looks so cute in her big cot. :)

Last week I had a few days in Belfast for a friends 30th. I love going home because my mum is more than happy to do everything she can to help me out so I get a good rest and evenings out to catch up with friends. It's always sad to leave but I'm glad to be home and Jessica is happy to see her Daddy again.

Weaning is going well, we are up to 2 meals a day and I'm hoping to introduce lunch this week. So far she has tried carrot, parsnip, potato, broccoli, leek, mushroom, banana, pear, apple and baby cereal. Some things are preferred to others but I'm keen to let her try as many flavours as possible. Dairy products can be introduced soon so cheese and yogurt are ready and waiting. My earlier fears and anxieties about weaning have all gone and I'm enjoying cooking for and feeding Jessica. Watching her really enjoy something you have made is wonderful and if she really doesn't like something then I get to have a little pre-dinner appetiser!!

With Easter just around the corner we are looking forward to a few days with the extended Brumby family.

...some time away from home

2009-03-12T13:05:00.002Z

Okay, so it's been far too long since my last post and I'll try and use Jessica as my excuse but I don't think it's a very good one. Lots has happened since my last post. Phil has been away with work twice in the last three weeks and both times I have gone and spent time with family. The first week he was away in Spain and I flew home with Jessica for a week of parent pampering. It was lovely to have some help with the little lady :). I then had a week at home to unpack, wash clothes and repack before Phil went off to Germany for a week. This time I went to London and spent a week at my sister-in-laws. Jessica and I had a lovely week with the Pattersons but it was hard work with 4 little ones under the age of 4 to look after. Poor Ali has a tough time.

So we've been busy and Jessica is well and truely out of any daytime sleeping routine that I managed to get her into before we went away :( She is still sleeping well at night so I'm not really complaining. This week Jessica has started eating solids, yipeeeee!!! Baby rice is so far the only thing she will eat. I tried apple and she screwed her face up. I then tried potato and she wouldn't open her mouth after the first mouthful. I have bought some pears, carrots and parsnips so they are on the menu for the rest of the week and next week. Lets hope she likes one of them. I'm not massively fussed if she doesn't take to it immediately. She is only 5 months old so for now any feeding she does is just to try the new flavours and get used to eating off a spoon. Weaning will start in earnest when she reaches the 6 month mark. I'm not really looking forward to it if I'm honest because at the moment everything is so easy. Her food is in ready supply anywhere we go and I don't have to be organised or worry about sterilising. However. I'm sure the change will be a good thing and we'll both enjoy the new experience.

Got to go now and look after Jessica who's attention span has dropped to about 10mins before she is looking to be lifted up or played with!

...some home made steak pie and cookies

2009-01-23T16:35:00.003Z

This week I told Phil that I would make a concerted effort to clear the spare room so that he can build the new computer table and move the computer out of Jessica's room and into the spare room. All of this is to be done so that little Jessica can move into her own room and out of ours so that we can sleep better. She's a great little sleeper but all her scuffling and finger munching can keep us awake!!

Sadly, my efforts to clear the spare room have been thwarted by with antics in the kitchen. I have been working our way through the freezer since Christmas, eating the random meat I buy on offer. So this week I took out stewing steak and decided to make a steak and mushroom pie, I even made the pastry. I thought it tasted pretty good for my first attempt, but it took me most of the afternoon and Jessica was in particularly grumpy form and whimpered the whole time I was cooking so I kept on having to stop and look after her.

Today however Jessica was more than happy to play in the kitchen whilst I baked some choc chip cookies, they taste great....not sure how many there will be left when Phil gets home from work.

Life as a homemaker is so far a lot of fun and really rewarding. I'm off now to clear the spare room before Phil gets home in 45mins...let's hope Jessica doesn't wake up. ;)

... Christmas and New Year

2009-01-06T20:10:00.003Z

Jessica with 'Father' Christmas

This was a very special Christmas for Phil and I, we had our lovely daughter to share it with. Phil was really busy at work in the build up to Christmas so we were please to finally be heading for the airport on the Sunday before Christmas. I was a little anxious about flying with Jessica because I know that the air pressure can be sore on little ones ears, but Jessica was an angel. She fed as we took off, slept and then fed during landing. On arrival in Belfast Jessica immediately became pass the parcel with family, friends and half of Mum and Dad's church! She loved it but I think she was secretly pleased to get to bed each evening. In the run up to Christmas day Phil and I travelled about with Jessica so that she could meet our friends. It was great to catch up with friends, especially those we hadn't seen for a long time and I even managed to catch up with some school friends (it was great to see you Nic).

On Christmas Eve we always head over to Church for the Christmas Eve Service. As there was no-one to babysit Jessica she was lifted out of bed and put in the buggy in her sleeping bag and rapped up in a snugly blanket.

Jessica ready for the Christmas Eve Service

Christmas morning was the usual 7am start with lots of present opening before a yummy scrambled egg and smoked salmon breakfast. Jessica was dressed as Santa for the occasion and sat quietly in her bouncy playing with the wrapping paper whilst we all opened our pressies. The rest of Christmas day was filled with Church, family, food, good chat and some napping!! It was a really lovely day but I'm not sure how much Jessica appreciated it.

'I'm ready to open my presents mummy!!'

After Christmas day we put our feet up and chilled out. We treasured the moments in our bedroom when Jessica was awake before we went down stairs for breakfast because we knew that would be the last time we would see her all day (except when she needed food!).

We had a couple of days at home before we packed up again and headed to London. It was a lot of fun in London eating great food and playing with our nieces and nephew. Oh and it was great to see Ali and Michael too. I just about managed to stay up for the bells at midnight and we watched the London fireworks from the attic window!! How cool.

Now we are back home and back to porridge. I have to admit I'm actually quite happy to be home and getting back into our old routine. I'm drowning in a sea of dirty laundry, but i have conquered the Christmas decorations. Taking them down always makes me slightly sad because it means that Christmas is over for another year.

All in all it was a great holiday and we're already looking forward to next year!!

...smiley faces, Granny Jean and a trip to London

2008-12-05T21:50:00.002Z

A lot has happened since I last wrote, although it has only been a month it feels much longer. Jessica and I are both doing well and are getting to know each others little quirks. I can't say that the first 6 weeks were tough cause I think Jessica is a pretty good baby but the first smile is so wonderful. Her little face lights up when she smiles and you know it's not just wind!! We are finding our routine and managing to get out of the house most days to visit friends, go to mum's and tots, go to postnatal group and have walks into town when it's not raining! At the moment my days seem so filled with getting out and about, feeding, changing and burping that I find little time for anything else. Housework is a slow process with clothes washing and cooking taking priority.

Granny Jean (Phil's mum) came for a visit a few weeks ago to meet Jessica. As we had predicted she had Jessica smiling within 30secs! It was lovely to have Jean in our home again and to watch her interact with her 4th grandchild.

My brother made a surprise visit (U.Michael I) to see Jessica for a few days. It was lovely to have some company during the day.

Last weekend we finally made it to London to introduce Jessica to her cousins (and A.Ali and U.Michael II). Lottie was so excited to meet Jessica. She had recently told a teacher that she had two sisters, Hannah and Jessica but Jessica lived with A.Helen and U.Phil because they couldn't look after her. Lottie spent most of the weekend saying how cute Jessica was and how much she loved her. This was interspersed with conversations about 'when Jessica is a big girl tomorrow she will be able to sleep in my room'!! We had a lovely relaxed weekend away from home.

Lottie and Jessica

All the cousins

Christmas seems to have crept up on us and finding time to think about presents let alone buy them was proving difficult. However in the last few days I have managed to make my Christmas cards, put most of my present in my Amazon basket and write the Christmas newsletter. I'm now looking forward to a relaxing Christmas and plan to put the tree up this weekend :)

...sleepless nights and endless feeds

2008-11-04T10:30:00.005Z

I know it's been far too long since I last posted but lets be honest I've just had a baby, I have an excuse. Also my laptop has died so I'm having to use Phil's comp and I don't really like it! But I did promise Ione that I would post some more pictures since she's not on facebook. So here are a few that my Brother-in-law took after I got out of hospital.

... baby Jessica Eve Brumby

2008-10-22T17:18:00.003Z

I know it's been a while since I last posted, but I've been off having a baby. This is just a very short post to let those of you who haven't heard that Phil and I are now the proud parents of Jessica Eve Brumby. Born on Monday 13th October at 5.37am, weighting 7lbs 15oz. Although the labour didn't quite go as planned both mum and baby are recovering well.

... the last few weeks of the bump

2008-10-08T16:01:00.003Z

I thought a few photos of the bump before it goes were in order. Not the best photos but it certainly gives you an idea of the size of the bump!!

The last of the tomatoes come off the plant at 38 weeks

My stomach takes on some strange shapes now there is so little room inside!

Me looking huge!!

... the waiting game

2008-10-03T14:13:00.003Z

So I'm now only 4 days away from my due date and I really can't wait to meet our little baby. Everyone says that the last few weeks are the worst and I would tend to agree. Not because I'm not enjoying pregnancy but because everything is that bit more difficult now than it was before. Little things like putting socks on, washing dishes, picking up things that I have dropped have become mammoth tasks that where possible I am avoiding. Also most of my clothes are now too small even though they are maternity clothes. I wish I'd bought a big smock dress!! Speaking of clothes a very good friend sent me a lovely parcel this week containing 2 feeding tops and a feeding night dress, all are lovely and I was really touched by the pressie. She also bought me my favourite crisps that can't be bought in England. TAYTO cheese and onion. She bought me a whole box and even bought Phil a box of bikers!!

I also took delivery of a gorgeous feeding chair that my Auntie kindly bought for me, sadly it's in bits and needs to be built by Phil when he gets home form work tonight. I've already tried but I've decided it's best to wait.

I'm trying to stay busy so that the days don't drag, I'm catching up with friends when I can and still trying to sort out the house. Let's hope we don't have to wait too much longer and that the next post contains some baby pictures :)

... a private cinema visit

2008-09-22T14:34:00.002Z

On Saturday Phil and I decided to go to Cheshire Oaks to meet his brother and do some shopping. Shopping and me don't agree at the best of times so with only 2 weeks to go until this little ones makes an appearance I was definitely not looking froward to it. Wonderfully 'The boy in the Stripped Pyjamas' was being shown at the cinema and they had an early morning showing, so all problems were resolved by me going to the cinema whilst the boys shopped :) The film was brilliant, but as always not as good as the book and the Germans having English accents was particularly strange. I had the cinema pretty much to myself, there was me and 2 other people so it just felt like I was curled up in my living room watching the film.

The cinema trip was made complete by a visit to my favourite restaurant, 'Nandos' and then a trip to one of my favourite shops, 'The Paper Mill Shop'. It was a fun Saturday :)

Sunday was a little sadder, the tomato plant that has been dominating our living window all summer was finally cut into little pieces and given a new home in the compost bin. We have had a bumper crop of tomatoes and loved watching the crazy plant grow, but next year Phil will have to buy me a green house before I consider buying any more tomato plants...it was just too big.

I'm now sat waiting for my good friend Sarah from home to arrive. She is hopefully going to look after me this week whilst Phil's away with work. Lets hope the baby doesn't decide to make an appearance whilst Phil's in London!!

... maternity leave

2008-09-11T12:49:00.002Z

I'm now fully embracing maternity leave. I went to Mums and Tots on Monday, met a friend for coffee on Tuesday, saw the midwife on Wednesday, went to Funsters today and tomorrow I plan to get my hair cut and meet a friend for lunch. I'm now starting to think that I don't really have time for a baby. How will I ever fit them into my busy schedule.

I love being at home, getting the house ready for it's new arrival, cooking for my hard working and wonderful husband and generally meeting up with friends for a chat (one of my favourite activities). I still feel pretty unprepared for the babies arrival. I need to pack my hospital bag, sort out the nursery and unpack all the stuff we have bought or been given. I'm sure it'll all come together in time. Only 4 weeks to go, not that I'm counting!!

....Funsters

2008-09-05T15:45:00.002Z

A few ladies in the church regularly meet up with their children at a local soft play area called Funsters. You don;t have to have children to come along, but you do need to not be at work on a Thursday. This Thursday was my first visit to Funsters, maternity leave is lovely. It was great to finally get along and chat to a great group of ladies from the church and their friends. I'm looking forward to many more lazy mornings drinking coffee, eating chocolate and chatting with friends. :)

... appreciate the award

2008-09-03T15:38:00.003Z

It's always lovely to be appreciated, not sure why Ione nominated me for this award since my blogging is not very frequent, but thanks anyway.

The rules of the award are:

1. The winner can put the logo on his/her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least seven other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs that you’ve nominated.

So here's my seven.... (in no particular order)

Dancing Nic (old school friend who I randomly found in the blogging world, it's been great to be back in touch)
Wittering (a fun church friend who makes me smile when I read about her beautiful family and their action packed days)
Olga's Blog (one of the best bloggers out there who records all events with photos and blogs)
Liz Griffen (a friend who lives in France and is preparing to do great things)
Girl Talk (an amazing blog by a mum and three daughters, I have learnt so much here about being a Godly women...I'm hoping to put it into practice some day soon)
Grizzy's world (a fab friend who makes me smile, laugh and always welcome)

Sorry could only find 6 that were important enough to make the cut. Thanks to all of you who brighten up my day, there are a few more that I check now and again but these are the 6 most regular bloggers.

... a few more busy weeks before maternity leave starts

2008-08-30T05:43:00.006Z

Since my last post Phil and i have been pretty busy. We have had family and friends staying with us mid week and we have been up in Scotland for a wedding. Phil's cousin got married a few weeks ago just outside Edinburgh so we travelled north for the weekend. Our good friends Cheryl and James looked after us and totally pampered me (I wasn't complaining). We headed over to Edinburgh for the day on Sat for the wedding and to catch up with the rest of the family who had managed to make it. It was a really fabulous day and everyone really enjoyed it...I even managed to find something to wear over the ever growing bump!

Phil and I before the wedding

The lovely bride and groom with Phil's Aunt and Uncle in the background

Johnny and Angelina with their cute little son Lois

Our final visitors of the summer before I put a ban on all future visitors before the baby comes were Phil's sister and her family. We absolutely love it when the Patersons come to visit, cause we have lots of fun, good food and great chats. Also they brought their 3 adorable children who really brought the house to life. The Patersons were here for a week and we had so many great times that I can't mention them all but here's a few photos from the week.

The local park!!!

Cute Sam trying to crawl

Lottie and Hannah discover the joys of Wheelock Farm

We enjoy the delights of the cafe!

I am man, I make fire!

Ali, Phil and I enjoy the late summer evenings with the help of the chiminea and a big bowl of crisps

It's been a busy but wonderful few weeks, I am now officially on maternity leave. This has come a few weeks earlier than I'd hoped, but I'm happy to listen to the doctor and I'd only be working for the money...who needs that anyway. So depending on when this little baby comes the next 4/5 weeks are for me to get the house, my head and Phil ready for the arrival....I can't wait :)

...a busy few weeks

2008-08-04T14:17:00.002Z

Over the last few weeks we have had the pleasure of having lots of visitors. I love when people come to visit us, mostly cause I don;t have to pack or miss Church. A few weeks ago my parents stopped off in Sandbach on their return from Paris. It was a really lovely relaxing weekend and we even managed to squeeze in some baby shopping. New grandparents to be are very generous :) We spent most of the weekend catching up, chillin' out and drinking tea.

After they left I have a few days to get the house ready for my annual girlie weekend. Every year 4 of us from Uni get together to chat, chat and chat. We also eat and drink and chat. We all love these weekends and normally head to London and take in a show. However this year the girls took pity on me and my current circumstances and came to Sandbach instead. It was a fab weekend and we enjoyed a day in Knustford followed by a yummy meal out. In fact we all loved it so much that we have decided to ditch London and just meet in someones house each year. Next year we're off the Belfast :)

The Girlies left on Sunday afternoon and Phil's Mum and Aunties arrived that evening for a stop over before their flight from Manchester (at a silly time in the morning, I'm glad it was Phil's mum) to Turkey. It was great to see Mo and Jean again and join in with their madness!!

Thursday night we had some more visitors. Friends from Uni who stopped off on their way to a wedding in Cheltenham. It was really great to see them and their adorable little boy.

Jean and Mo return tonight before heading back to Whitby on Tuesday so no doubt tonight will be a very funny night filled with all their mad holiday stories. I can't wait.

We have only one mad weekend and one mad week of visitors left before I put my foot down and say NO MORE PEOPLE until the baby is born. I'm feeling the need to now get semi-prepared for the new arrival and need a few weekends at home with Phil to do this. Let's hope the baby doesn't arrive early!

... emotional overload

2008-07-17T08:31:00.002Z

I'm normally a quite rational person, which is good since Phil can't stand irrational women. My emotions are usually in check and don't fluctuate wildly once a month like some women's do. However, the last few weeks have been a completely different story. I've had days at work were I've swung between wanting to crawl under my desk and cry and wanting to kill the next person who speaks to me. But I've stayed calm for the sake of my co-workers (I don't want them to think I'm totally mental). Sadly Phil hasn't escaped so lightly. I have taken to crying for no reason, for example, last night when he mentioned that he was going to go on his computer I broke down into a fit of tears and cried for a good 10 mins....he didn't go on his computer after that!! I'm hoping it's just the crazy pregnancy hormones and that they don't last for the next three months, cause crying is hard work and tiring! Apart from that I'm completely fine and loving being pregnant :)

... a 40th and a triple baptism

2008-07-11T15:42:00.003Z

Last weekend Phil and I went to London to help Ali get ready for her 40th birthday bash. It was really just an excuse for me to play with the kids all day so I was happy. Phil, Ali and Michael did all the party prep work. It was a really great day getting ready and the party was a lot of fun, Happy Birthday Ali!!

Lottie giving big baby cousin a kiss

The weekend was a double celebration. Ali and Michael took the opportuniy of having all the Aunts and Uncle's in the one place to get thier three children baptised on Sunday morning. It was a priviledge to be asked to be Godmother to Hannah and to take part in the service. We love each of the children very much and pray for them and Ali and Michael as they are raised in a loving Christian home.

Lottie, Hannah and Sam

The Paterson Family

Phil and I with our niece/Godchild

... some birthday photos

2008-07-03T12:40:00.002Z

Two very special people lighting the candles

My cake

Some of my friends chillin' out after a wild

night with a cup of tea and a piece of cake!!

....a birthday party in Belfast

2008-07-02T09:59:00.002Z

Last weekend Phil and I flew home for some much needed family time. I hadn't seen my parents and big bro since January and my little sis and bro since this time last year so it was fab to catch up with everyone. They had all gathered in Belfast to celebrate my 30th birthday and some of my friends who live in N. Ireland also came to the party. It was so lovely to see everyone and show off my big baby bump. It was the last weekend that I could fly before this little baby arrives so I made the most of it and saw as many people as possible.

The party was alot of fun, sadly I have no photos yet, I'm waiting for friends to send me some. My lovely family thought it would be fun to put hideous pictures of me all through the house and even my birthday cake had a picture of me on the top!!

I don't feel 30 so that's cool and I'm looking forward to my next trip home at Christmas time when God willing we will have our little baby with us :)

... a babymoon, bala and a birthday

2008-06-23T19:08:00.003Z

I've had a few comments about the lack of posts recently but Phil and I were on a well deserved holiday abroad. Possibly our last for a few years, definitely our last when I can lie all day and read. We jetted off to Lanzarote and spent a relaxing week by the pool reading and sleeping. Phil got involved with the crazy pool side activities and when he discovered that you won medals he became very interested/competitive. The week away was really relaxing and just what the doctor ordered. I was worried about the heat but had absolutely no probs, even managed to get a bit of tan in the shade :)

After our long week away we then had a week at home. We had thought about going away for a few days but in the end we were thrilled to be able to help out some friends and look after their cute little boy whilst they had another baby!! Very well planned on their part I thought.

I finished the week off with a fabulous weekend away with some of the ladies from Church. I'd missed the weekend last year much to my disappointment, but I made up for it this year and had a really great time chatting to people I already know and getting to know new people. Can't wait for next year :)

Oh nearly forgot to mention that in the middle of all our holiday madness I turned 30. Big party this weekend for family and a few friends. Still feel 25, let's hope that lasts.

... a baby scan

2008-05-29T10:02:00.002Z

Yesterday Phil and I went for our second scan of the baby at the hospital. We were fairly relaxed about the whole thing and very excited about seeing the little baby again. Apart from the 30mins wait the scan was brilliant. Seeing our little baby wriggling about, sucking and what looked like scratching her head was amazing. The sonographer was also pleased cause it was a very well behaved baby, lets hope that continues after birth!! All the measurements were in the correct zone and the heart was beating away. We are so thankful and continue to pray for the safety of this precious little person. I've attached a photo (Phil thinks the baby has its mummy's big fat tummy!!)

... LOTR risk

2008-05-28T08:26:00.003Z

Bank holidays are meant to be lazy days spent doing stuff that you want to do, not stuff you have to do. So Phil and I started the day off lounging on the sofa in our PJ's, that was until the door bell rang and Phil's friend Kentin was at the door. Since it was already 12.00 we thought we should get dressed and spend the day entertaining Kentin. After lunch the boys went off to the driving range and I went back to lounging about....but then the worst imaginable thing happened. The electricity went OFF!! So our evening of Wii playing and DVD watching was out, couldn't go on the Internet, couldn't watch TV!! There was nothing left but to search through our large stash of board games and Lord of the Rings Risk won the day. We sat down at 4.00pm to begin had 30min break for tea (electricity was back by this point) then returned to the game only for Phil to take victory at 10.00pm. A slight consolation was that I didn't come last!! It was a fun bank holiday and a rematch is being planned as I write. :)

...10 thoughts I had yesterday

2008-05-22T07:57:00.003Z

Ione has tagged me but since I only got out of bed 30mins ago and my only thought so far today has been 'do I really have to get up?' I'll list my 10 thoughts from yesterday. Thanks Ione!!

1. I wonder what the traffic will be like this morning through Birmingham
2. Why doesn't the client listen to me, am I not scary enough on site?
3. Can I get away without stopping to get a sarnie for lunch and just have crisps and an apple instead.
4. This wriggling baby can be quite distracting whilst I'm driving.
5. Why does H take soooo long to reply to text messages.
6. Have I told everyone that I've changed the date of my Birthday Party?
7. Why do boys feel the need to watch football even if they don't like either of the teams.
8. When is Phil going to book me a holiday, I need a week away reading my books.
9. Can I get through all of Thursday without finding out who was fired from the Apprentice before I watch it tonight...I'm thinking no!!
10. Why is it so important to sleep on your left hand side when your pregnant...it just feels wrong.

... a visit from her favourite mum-in-law

2008-05-21T15:39:00.002Z

Last weekend, we had a fab time with Phil's mum. We always love it when she comes to visit cause she does the dishes, and shes great fun to spend time with. On Saturday we had a full day of shopping. Firstly we went to look at cars for Jean and then we headed over to Cheshire Oaks for a bit of a mooch in the shops. Didn't buy much but it was nice to window shop. Sunday was a lovely day, introducing Jean to our many friends and she had a chance to catch up with some old friends also. We're looking forward to her next visit in July.

... a little bit bigger

2008-05-16T07:45:00.002Z

This photo was taken just a week ago. It's not the best photo in the world, but for those of you who haven't seen me for a while it gives you and idea of how crazily large my bump is getting. I'm feeling thoroughly massive at the moment so who knows what I'll feel like in 20 weeks. I've had two big pregnancy excitements this week. Firstly, I've reached the half way mark. I have my second scan in 2 weeks which is really exciting and Phil and I have started looking at baby stuff (although all hand me downs are greatly appreciated)!! Secondly, I have had an exciting week of feeling the baby move. It feels a bit like bubbles popping in my tummy, really weird but strangely nice. Sadly Phil can't feel it yet so he's feeling a bit left out, but I'm sure it won't be long until baby Brumby is performing some kung-fu moves that Phil can feel! All is well with Mummy and Baby, please pray that this will continue.

... Malvern Spring Garden Show

2008-05-11T15:19:00.002Z

I'm not really a gardener although I do fancy growing some veg. I have started but Phil says they are all dead, I'm holding out hope for a revival!! This week I had a opportunity to see the professionals at work. The school where I'm working had entered a garden in the Malvern Spring Garden Show and our company had sponsored them. So I was asked to attend as a rep from our office. After my site visits on Thursday I popped down to the show to see the Show Garden that we had sponsored...it had won Gold (whatever that means). It was still pretty cool, it featured plants and boring stuff but at it's focus was the schools miniature steam train. It was a fun afternoon in the sun.

... London with family

2008-05-11T14:58:00.004Z

Last weekend Phil and I headed down to Lonodn for the May Bank Holiday weekend. We expected awful traffic on the Friday but I was ok :) We had a fab weekend with the Paterson family, it's great to see the kids growing and the girls are now hilarious, chatting away. Little Sam is also cute especially when he laughs and blows bubbles. Phil sadly wasn't feeling great, he's been poorly now for about 2 weeks. I think he is now starting to come out the other side. I don't really mind him being sick (since he is quite often) but this time it's been super annoying cause he's half deaf and I have to remember to shout at him or else repeat myself!! But we still managed to have a fab weekend.

The Paterson Clan

Phil and Lottie

Lottie and Hannah snoozing after playing hard

Me and ickle Sam

Pirate Lottie and Pirate Sam

Hannah chasing bubbles in the garden

...some rapid heart beating

2008-04-29T08:15:00.002Z

Last Thursday I had my 16 week midwife check up. It was nice to finally meet my midwife and chat over any concerns. My biggest concern was that I hadn't put on any weight despite the fact that I already have a rather large bump. The midwife laughed and said don't worry you will!! Apart from the midwife taking far too much blood for my liking the best bit about the visit was getting to hear the heartbeat for the first time. It's nice to be re-assured that Baby Brumby is growing inside. I'm looking forward to the next scan in about 4 weeks. So far the pregnancy has been good and I've not had too many of those awful pregnancy symptoms. Lets hope it continues!! :)

... a weekend with friends from Uni

2008-04-27T21:36:00.003Z

This weekend we had some lovely friends come to visit who we have known since Dundee days. Ruth came over from Nottingham on the Saturday with her new husband Giles and Nicola came up from London with her not so new husband Ian. It was great to meet Giles for the first time and get to know Ian a little bit better.

We had a super day on Saturday catching up on old times and seeing what everyone is up to know. We took them all for a walk along the canal and finished with a large coke in Lock 57. Nicola and Ian stayed for the whole weekend and we chilled out on sat night with some great food and chat. Sadly they have all left now but we're hoping to see each other a bit more often than we have up to now.

This morning at Church was also a Baptism service for 6 people, it was such a moving and wonderful service and I felt privileged to be there and to share it with them all.

...book club

2008-04-25T08:02:00.002Z

I was at book club again last night. We meet every month to discuss a different book. Last night we were looking at 'Stepping Heavenwards' by Elizabeth Prentiss. It wasn't my favourite book but there was so much to take from it that I couldn't dislike it. I enjoy book club mostly cause I get to meet up every month with a great group of ladies and chat about books, God and anything else we think of. Sadly I have to lead a month next year which means choosing a book. I'm a bit stumped as to what to choose, so if anyone has any ideas please let me know. Most of my time these days is taken up with reading Book Club books, and the books I like may not appeal to the wider audience. I have a few ideas up my sleeve so we'll see what falls out!! I've started the next book for next month already, lets hope it's a good one :)

....wish that other bloggers would add an RSS feed to their blogs

2008-04-24T15:45:00.003Z

I do wish that all my blogging friends, not to mention anyone in particular - Ione, Olga, Liz, Nic, would add an RSS feed to their blogs so that I don't have to continually check if they have been updated. RSS Feeds are great, they link to your email account and everytime you check your emails it gives you all the blog updates.

...some building work

2008-04-23T15:59:00.005Z

Ok so the title seems to imply that I have building, which isn't technically correct, but Phil has been building on my behalf. Last summer we tried to buy some garden furniture in the summer sales but couldn't find anything we liked. So this year we just grabbed the bull by the horns and bought some garden furniture. It's not exactly what we were looking for last year, but times have changed, priorities have changed and bank balances are going to be alot smaller in the future. Below is a picture of me working at the table this afternoon when I came home from my site visit. It was great to be out in the garden and the wireless Internet seems to work even if it is a little slower.

The other thing Phil has been building is the gas BBQ that we bought last year for a great price on the Internet. However Phil has now discovered why it was such a good price...it's ridiculously difficult to built. The instructions are very complicated and the diagram is not much help. But he's great at stuff like this so hopefully it'll be finished by the weekend when we have friends coming to visit and we can have our first BBQ of the year.

....a few things for the first time!

2008-03-31T17:11:00.009Z

This weekend Phil and I had the pleasure of going to Barcelona for my very good friend Cheryl's 30th Birthday. Barcelona is an amazing city with loads to see and do. We arrived on Friday morning after a stupidly early start!! This meant we had the rest of the day to explore. We dumped our bags at the hotel and headed off to the Olympic village area, about 5 mins from the hotel. We both had different reasons for going here, Phil wanted to see what it was like without 5million computer geeks (this was where his conference was at the end of Feb) and I wanted to visit the German Expo pavilion designed by the legendary Mies van de Rohe. I LOVED it, Phil wasn't quite so excited.

Friday night we met up with Cheryl and James for dinner. Cheryl was very shocked to see us in Barcelona but thrilled, we haven't seen each other in ages so it was great to catch up.

The Birthday Girl is the attractive one in the middle!

Saturday was a full day of Architectural sight seeing, Phil wasn't sure about this but by the end of the day was well impressed. Gaudi is a famous Architect in Barcelona so we went to see a variety of his masterpieces. One of the most spectacular was Sagrada Familia (the unfinished cathedral), and I think I'm now in the camp that says it should never have been finished. We got a lift to the top of the towers and had great views over the city, then had to walk back down a really narrow stairwell. Very scary!!

Next I took Phil off to Parc Gruell which if I'm honest I wanted to see because S Club 7 come here in their movie (I know I'm sad but S Club are fab) :) Apart from the monster climb up to the park it was a super afternoon, the sun was shining and we had a picnic on the curvy seats. Then Sat night was the big get together for all of cheryls family, 17 of us piled into a very busy restaurant and picked random things to eat (the menu was in Spanish and all waiters spoke Spanish). It was really lovely to kick back and chat to loads of lovely people that I haven't seen since there wedding day.

Sunday had a slow start to the day due the previous late night. I thought I should really let Phil see something he is actually interested in so we went to Camp Nou for a tour of the stadium and the museum. I have to admit that it was quite spectacular, especially sitting in the directors chair and pretending to be a footy commentator!!

We spent the reat of the day wandering around La Rambla area before we flew home. We will definately go back to Barcelona, but who knows when.

In the midst of all that excitement I have decided to take up knitting. The reasons for this will become clear as you read, but inspired by an old friend from school I bought a book, needles and some yarn. I'm currently a quarter of the way through a Debbie Bliss Buggy Blanket. It is lots of squares of different colours with a lovely blue external trim.

I'm enjoying knitting at night whilst I'm relaxing, but sadly my reading is suffering at the moment. I never was very good at balancing things.

Really the biggest news is that Phil and I are, God willing, having a baby in October. I am now 13 weeks pregnant and we are both very excited. So far I have been very lucky and haven't really had morning sickness. I have been a little sleepier than normal but nothing too drastic. But now that I'm moving into the second trimester I am hoping all signs of nausea and tiredness will be a thing of the past. Although we are absolutely thrilled with our liitle bump it was a bit of a surprise so finacially we aren't as prepared as we had hoped, but good friends and family are already coming out of the wood work and offering clothes, baby things, etc so this should help alot. I'll keep you posted as time progesses but for now here is the first scan images of the baby.

... a fab 70th Birthday

2008-03-13T08:54:00.002Z

A few weekends ago Phil and I had the pleasure of spending the weekend with Mrs Brumby Senior (aka Jean). It was Phil's Mums 70th and although Jean didn't want any fuss, we did :) So much to her delight (we think) we arranged for Andy (her other son) and a few of her Whitby friend to come round for afternoon tea. It was a great surprise and a lovely afternoon was had by all. Even the cake was amazing, but that's probably because I didn't make it or decorate it!! In the even Jean, Andy, Phil and I all headed out to a really posh restaurant in Whitby for some top nosh. It was a super evening full of laughter, we were only sad that Ali, Michael and their little ones couldn't make it. But they sent a specially recorded Happy Birthday message which made everyone smile.

I still can't quite believe that Jean is actually 70 since she's still teaching virtually full time, has bags more energy than me and acts like a 20 year old most of the time. But we hope there are many more happy birthdays to come over the years.

... a free meal and a mad weekend in London

2008-02-27T09:50:00.004Z

It's hard to believe that on the 19th Feb 1998 Phil and I went on our first date. What a wonderful 10 years we've had, we've experienced so much together and grown in our love for each other every day. To celebrate we went out for dinner at a local restaurant. We had a lovely night reminiscing and then to our delight we were informed by the manager that on a wed night they have a raffle and one table wins a free meal. WE WON!!! It's totally irrelevant that we were the only people in the restaurant!!

We then headed down to London on Thursday night to spend the weekend with Ali and Michael and our nieces and nephew. This was the first time that we had met little Sam so we were very excited. He's an absolutely adorable little boy. We also had lots of fun playing with the girls. Hannah is now walking and just potters around the house minding her own business. Lottie is full of chat and likes to give you a running commentary on everything she is doing.

It was also lovely in the evenings when all the little ones were sleeping to chill out with Ali and Michael, eat nice food and put the world to rights. It was a really special weekend for many reasons and we want to thank Ali and Michael for everything :)

Lottie, Hannah and Sam with their favourite Auntie (ok, so I'm their only Auntie but that's not the point)

... a week at home alone, and survived!

2008-02-16T16:42:00.005Z

This past week Phil has been in Barcelona with work, he tells me that it was hard work and long days, but he was in Barcelona eating nice food and not in the office. Some people have all the fun. I one the other hand was at home, working!! I did however disprove some of Phil's theories.

Theory 1: That I steal the duvet....the duvet has remained in the same place all week and hardly needed me to make the bed when I got up in the morning. I conclude that Phil gives me the duvet during the night :)

Theory 2: That I trash the house....the house was tidied on Monday night and stayed tidy all week. I conclude that Phil finds my stuff and throws it round the house to make it look like I trashed the house.

Theory 3: That I'm allergic to the bin...I had to put the bin out whilst he was away AND put the recycling out. I conclude that I don't like this job and would rather Phil did it, which he does graciously.

Phil did however miss that all important commercial event that we never even celebrate..Valentines Day. So to make up for it he brought me home some lovely presents from Barcelona. I was expecting perfume from the airport but he excelled himself and brough this home for me instead....

If you have good eyesight you can read that the heart shaped cookie says 'Mobile World Congress 2008' and the bottle of champers was about the be thrown out!! It's the thought that counts :)

Phil is now home and although he's tired its been great to catch up properly and spend some time together.

I noticed that my video of Stricty Come Dancing Live didn't work, so here are a few photos. Sorry they are so far away.

... Strictly Come Dancing Live!

2008-02-07T17:45:00.000Z

On Saturday night Phil took me to see my favourite TV show live. He bought me tickets for Christmas and I have been very excited waiting to go. The show was absolutely fab, just like to the TV show. There were nine celebraties and pro dancers, each competing for the glitter ball trophy. Each dancer did a latin and a ballroom dance, scored by the judges and then the audience got to phone in and vote. As much as I love Darren Gough, on the night I wanted Louisa Litton to win. Goughy won so I wasn't too disappointed. We had a brill night and even though it felt like we were on a Saga holiday, I still want to go next year!

... a weekend with Julie, Sarah and John

2008-01-28T13:05:00.000Z

Three of my friends came over this weekend from Belfast to visit Phil and I. Sarah and Julie are friends that I have know since I was 15 and are very loved and valued. It was wonderful to have them over to our house for a whole weekend, instead of our usual evening visits to their houses when we're in Belfast seeing my parents. We had a wonderful weekend walking, chatting, playing cards and generally having a good laugh. Thanks guys for making it a special weekend for me.

... Christmas Part II

2008-01-28T13:01:00.000Z

A few weekends ago Phil and I went over to Belfast to have Christmas with my parents. You might be wondering why we would have Christmas in the middle of January, but this year my parents were in Uganda visiting Jill (my sister) over new year so we didn't get a chance to see them. It was lovely to go 'home' and catch up with Mum and Dad and hear about their travels. We also had a chance to catch up with a few friends which was great.

.... some sorting and tidying

2008-01-05T17:14:00.001Z

Apart from feeling miserable with the cold, it has been lovely to have a whole week at home. Phil and I have worked fairly hard this week trying to unpack boxes that haven't been opened since we packed them 2.5 years ago in Dundee and generally sorting things out in the house. It has been lovely to be at home whilst on holiday (we're normally off seeing family or friends). Today we went to look for a new mattress in the sales and came home with a new KING SIZE bed and mattress. This is very exciting since the bed we have had for the last 4.5 years of our married life has been third hand. We can now finally get rid of the spare room double bed that I dislike, alot.

We also had some wonderful news this week when my sister-in-law gave birth to her third child. Samuel Brumby Paterson, arrived safely on the 3rd January weighting 10lbs. After two little nieces it is nice to now have a little nephew to spoil rotten!!

... Christmas and New Year

2008-01-02T22:50:00.000Z

They both seem to have passed in such a blur. The delight at having finished work on the last Friday was amazing and the knowledge that I had 2 whole weeks off work was wonderful. Phil and I headed off to London for Christmas and had a really great time with the whole Brumby/Paterson family. It was lovely just to chat, chill out, and relax with family. Normally we alternate Christmas and New Year with our families, but this year my parents were heading to Uganda to see my sister Jill for New Year so we came home and crashed. We had wonderful plans to go to Glasgow or Whitby but I was stuck down by this wonderful throat infection/flu/cold/constant headache that left me sleeping on the sofa for days. I dragged myself out on New Years eve, having convinced myself I was better and went to the Church Party and then a party with some friends from Church, but the next day I was wiped out again. All I can say is I'm glad I'm not back at work this week!!!

Hope you all had a good Christmas and a Happy New Year.

... Christmas at the office

2007-12-22T21:54:00.000Z

Christmas is always an exciting time of the year in our office as everyone competes to get the best present from the contractor/QS/engineer, so you can imagine my disappointment/excitement when instead of the usual bottle of champagne or expensive bottle of wine I received this...

The disappointment at receiving a Ram Rocket soon disappeared when I realised it could be a powerful weapon when used against Phil.

So it's Christmas time and the pressies are wrapped and we're ready for a fun filled family Christmas. I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and New Year

... a visit from the in-laws

2007-11-29T20:08:00.000Z

A few weekends ago we had a wonderful visit from Ali, Michael, Lottie and Hannah. After their last visit we new what to expect so all child unfriendly objects were moved out of reach and sleep was off the agenda. We had a great weekend with Lottie entertaining us from the very start. It's great to have her running round our house and chatting non-stop. We had endless hours of interesting conversations. It's always so much fin to have the Patersons to visit and we are all excited about the arrival of baby 3 in January.

Last weekend Phil and I had our first weekend alone for about 6 weeks. We were so excited that we decided to go to IKEA, I know we're mad. It wasn't as bad as we expected and we got the bookcase for the kitchen that we had hoped for. We crashed out on Saturday night and watched a movie snuggled up under a blanket on the sofa.

We are now getting excited about Christmas and starting to think about what pressies to buy and formulating plans for New Year.

... a wedding and a wee trip up north

2007-11-21T18:55:00.000Z

Phil and I went to a wonderful wedding a few weekends ago of Phil's old Dundee flat mate, Stuart and his fiance Sharon. Since the wedding was in November we were worried about the weather, but it was a wonderful day. Loads of our friends from Uni were there so it was great catching up with them and some folk who we haven't seen since uni days. I wore, for the first time ever, killer heels and managed to walk on them for most of the day. I'm afraid that by the time of the evening doo I was barefoot.

We spent the rest of the weekend with family and visiting my nanny who is very poorly in hospital. Then on Sunday night we headed up to Portstewart (North Coast of Norn Iron). It was so lovely to get away from digital TV, computers and all the hustle and bustle of life. We had a long walk on the Strand followed by dinner out in my favourite place to eat, The Ramore Wine Bar. My friend Sarah joined us for a few days and we had a great time catching up, shopping and playing Uno far too late at night.

A wonderful time in Northern Ireland was had by all.

... a visit from the parents and an MBE party!

2007-11-02T08:42:00.000Z

It's not very often that I can say that my parents are coming for dinner. But last week they were on route to Lanzarote with 2 friends and had a stop over in Manchester. It was really lovely to see them and Dad really liked seeing the new house. We had a few hours of fun teaching the oldies how to play on the Wii!! Sadly they had to leave at 6.00 the next morning to get their flight but it was worth the early morning to see them.

Last weekend we headed down to London for Phil's Uncle Johnny's MBE party. He was awarded an MBE for services to Sri Lanka, were he works as a Church of Scotland minister. Johnny and his wife Patrica where involved in relief work after the tsunami, which by Gods grace they narrowly escaped getting caught in. The party was great, it was so lovely to catch up with family away from the usual weddings.

The rest of the weekend we just spent time with the Brumby/Paterson family at Ali and Michael's. We had lots of fun with Lottie and Hannah who are now getting so big. Lottie is chatting away and is very cute when she's calls me Auntie Hewen :)

Although we weren't there for Halloween I had to add these photos of them before they went to the Church Pumpkin party.

Lottie as a scary Lion

Lottie and Hannah (Hannah is a pumpkin!)

... a weekend with a good friend

2007-10-23T16:28:00.000Z

What a wonderful surprise when my very good friend Sarah phoned me on Wednesday morning to say that her husband John was coming over to Manchester for a conference and could she come to see us for the weekend. The answer was YES!! We love having friends to visit but sadly our friends from Belfast don't often get a chance to come over and since we try to see them when we are home, they feel less of a rush to come.

I picked Sarah up on Friday night from the airport and we just crashed out in the house and chatted into the wee hours of the morning. Sat was a very lazy day for Sarah. Phil and I went to the Ordination of Gary Aston (our new Assistant Pastor) in the afternoon.

Saturday night was of course wet aside for the rugby. Phil had arranged last week for his brother and friend to come round so Sarah and I just slotted into their plans. Whilst we were waiting for them to arrive Sarah produced a wonderful gift for each of us. I think I loved it more than Phil, but he was still very happy with the pressie. 2 IRELAND RUGBY TOPS!! Phil then felt he had to wear it to watch England and subsequently feels he was the sole reason that England lost, I don't think he'll be doing that again!

Sadly Sarah had to leave again on Sunday but it was a really special weekend and I'm hoping her and John will come to visit again soon.

...need some more sleep

2007-10-11T22:08:00.000Z

I only seem to write this when I've done something interesting at the weekend (since I apparently don't do anything interesting during the week) but today I thought I'd step outside the norm. I didn't do anything 'interesting' this weekend but I did have a great weekend. We had a wonderfully busy weekend at Church, handing out the notices, meeting more new people, looking after lovely kids in creche and after the evening service having the YP round to our house. We had the opportunity to share our testimony with the YP which although this was scary it was actually really helpful (well for us anyway).

Work as usual has been mad busy this week and it seems to be getting busier as the weeks continue. Lets hope we organize ourselves soon and book some time off work. I feel tired all the time. Although I'm loving work at the moment some times I have to remind myself that I'm an Architect cause what I do each day is more in line with a counsellor/people manager, but it's fun so I shouldn't complain (not that I was)

I'm looking forward to this weekend because I'm going to the Northern Women's Convention in Manchester with a group of ladies from the Church.

...like to visit friends

2007-10-05T20:11:00.000Z

Last Saturday we finally got round to catching up with our friends Dave and Sarah Woollin and their two boys. We had a wonderful day our in Baildon (the other side of Bradford). It's always great to Dave and Sarah, I really value Sarah's friendship and our chats about life, church and everything else.

We spent the morning playing with the boys in the house and then in the afternoon they took us Howath to see their Church. I didn't realise that this was where the Bronte sisters grew up and based many of their books. The main street in the village is full of quaint little shops where Phil bought some smelly cheese.

...whitby fish and chips

2007-09-24T19:58:00.000Z

Phil and I have just returned from a long overdue trip to Whitby. We had a really wonderful weekend with Jean. Whitby is just one of those really special places for so many reasons. I love going for long walks on the beach listening to all the stories of Phil's childhood and wandering through the cobbled streets picking up quirky bargains. But best of all is when we get the chance to go out for tea to Trenchers (Whitby's famous fish and chip restaurant) followed by a walk along the peer.

Sunday at Whitby Evangelical Church was followed by a lovely lunch at the McGowan's. Thank you for a great afternoon, we always love spending time with your family.

Now we're home and back to the real world and work. Lets hope its a stress free week!

... gardening

2007-09-21T08:08:00.000Z

Just a quick message to say I'm still here, I'm just too lazy to write and too tired. Anyway, we have had a great few weekends in the garden cutting the hedge and power hosing the decking.

Last weekend we were in Belfast for the weekend, Phil had a stag weekend and I had a girlie weekend. I had so much fun catching up with my mum and dad and friends. I don't think I've had a weekend on my own in N.Iron since I got married so it was really special (I missed Phil a little!).

I had some mum and daughter time on sat morning which was fab, although I was a little tired after chatting to Sarah into the wee hours of the morning (but it was worth it). Then in the afternoon Jenny picked me up and we went to see our friend Carole and her very precious little twin boys. It was so wonderful to meet Andrew and Stephen who are very cute and small, they actually made me sad to not live closer!!

Me and Stephen

Carole and Andrew

Family Grattan (Simon, Carole, Andrew and Stephen)

Sat night I spent some time with Stephen and Kate, it was great to see their house finally and to eat all their sorbet! Sarah and John were also there, just like the old times, sort of!! :)

So as you can see I had a fab weekend without Phil, although I wouldn't like to do it too often, it was lovely to be able to see all my girlie's without worrying if Phil was bored.

Work is just mad busy at the moment which is part of the reason for lack of blogs as I'm so tired I can't face looking at the computer again, but I'm really enjoying work which is great and project is fab!

Of to Whitby this weekend for some fish and chips at Trenches, can't wait :)

... a few days of unpacking a visit from the in laws

2007-08-30T20:38:00.000Z

When we got back from our hols we thought that whole week at home unpacking and sorting out the house was just what we needed. However that didn't happen and Phil's sister asked if she could stop at ours for the weekend on her way to Whitby. Of course we were delighted at the thought of Ali, Michael, Lottie and Hannah coming to visit but the house was in no fit state for visitors let alone two little people who like to explore. So three days of mad wardrobe, shelves, chest of drawers building ensued, closely followed by huge amounts of boxes getting unpacked and finally a top to bottom tidy and clean. We were still cleaning as they pulled into the driveway but I don't think they noticed.

We had a wonderful long weekend with them all and I think they loved the house and where we are now living. Lottie and Hannah provided hours of entertainment with a visit to Funsters, a trip to the farm in the rain, playing hide and seek, making drinks with Party Penguin (a variation on Mr Frosty) and watching Peppa Pig lots.

Ali left with the girls on Monday morning to drive to Whitby and when Phil and I got home to the house it felt so empty and quiet. Thanks guys for coming to visit it was really great to have you in our house and thanks again for the amazing flowers.

Now we are back to work. I can't believe its nearly two weeks. Work is hectic but good and I'm loving the project I'm working but sadly it means that blogging has taken a back seat cause I'm usually so tired by the time I get home. But I will try my best to keep posting at least once a week.

Before I go, a big thank you to Lorraine and Pete for having us round on Sunday night, it's really great getting to know people better in the Church and we really feel at home in Sandbach and WHBC. I'll have to dust off my recipe books and have all the people round for lunch/dinner who have been kind enough to invite us.

... cruising the Med

2007-08-30T20:23:00.000Z

Sorry for the delay in blogging, no real reason why I haven't caught up on it this week but here we go!

We had a wonderful week on holiday cruising the Med. We booked a last minute cheepy and hoped that this holiday would be much better than last years disastrous trip to Egypt. We flew from Manchester to Majorca, then boarded the Cruise ship in Palma. I'll not bore you with the details of the ship but it was huge and had everything on it that you would expect in any hotel. After a day at sea we stopped at Corsica. Next was Rome, which was the most amazing city I have ever been too and can't wait to go back. We only had a day in each port so that meant we did Rome in a day. We filled that day and went to the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Square. After all that we even had time for a quick coffee and an ice cream. Next stop was Portofino, North Italy. This is a lovely little harbour for the rich and famous as we discovered after having two cappuccino's which came to a grand total of £8!! Phil says when we are rich (like that'll ever happen :) he'll buy me a yacht and we can sail here! Next stop was Nice and we decided to take the train to Monte Carlo. More rich people and more yachts!! But we saw the Grand Casino (although only from the back cause we are both so daft that we didn't realise we were on the wrong side of the building until later that night when someone else was taking about all the cool cars out the front...there were no cars on the side of the building we were looking at). We also saw the Hotel de Paris (again from the back) and then we climbed all the way up to the Palace and the Cathedral where Princess Grace got married. Next stop was Menorca, not a huge amount to see here but this was by far the most stunning natural harbour we had ever seen. It was an amazing site sailing out of this small harbour on a ridiculously large cruise ship. Then Back to Palma the next day to fly home.

That was a bit of a whistle stop tour of our hols but it was one of the best ones we've ever had. I'll try and post photos soon.

...Alton Towers

2007-07-31T09:59:00.000Z

I had a wonderful weekend with my siblings. Neil and Michael arrived on Friday night and we all crashed out after a long week and had a catch up. We got up early on Saturday morning and headed off to Alton Towers. It was a wonderfully sunny day and we all had a brilliant time. It was sad on Sunday to say goodbye to my sister Jill who leaves next Sunday for a year in Kiwoko, Uganda. I wish her all the best for her year and hope it is a wonderful learning experience for her.

Phil and I are now recovering and getting ready for our two weeks off work. We have book a cruise round the Med and can't wait to get away to some sunny climates and catch up on some sleep and I'm looking forward to getting stuck in to some serious reading. We haven't decided what to do with our second week off yet. We may spend it unpacking the last few remaining boxes and building the last few bits of furniture. But who knows we might get bored at home and take off for a few days. I'll keep you posted.

...enjoy having family to stay

2007-07-27T08:16:00.000Z

I had a wonderful weekend in Glasgow with Cheryl and we even managed to fit in a quick visit to Dundee where we met up with my old boss and his family for coffee. It was really great to see them all and to catch up on there news. We also tried to meet up with Michael (my baby bro) but he was working and didn't answer his phone :( Never mind he's coming to visit me this weekend.

Jill (my ickle sis) has been staying with us this week and it's been really great to see her and spend time with her before she heads off to Africa in a few weeks. Michael and Neil and Neils girlfriend Maria all arrive tonight and we are planning to have a fun weekend with a visit to Alton Towers, lots of playing on the Wii and a compulsory game of Cranium. It'll be fab to see them all and have them all in my house for the first time, lets hope the weather is favourable!!

...too much

2007-07-20T08:06:00.000Z

Our mad few months have continued. My mum came to visit a few weekends ago and we had a lovely time enjoying the one day of sunshine we have had all summer and watching the Wimbledon Finals. Thanks mum for coming over, we were just sad dad couldn't make it too.

During the week I went to Ikea and finally ordered our wardrobes. They arrived last Friday and have now taken over the kitchen waiting for Phil to build them. But Phil has not built and installed the new bathroom cabinet, which looks fab :)

Last weekend we had a lovely weekend in London for Esther Norris's wedding and Ali's birthday. London trips are always good fun and we had a great time playing with the girls and catching up with family. Thanks Ali and Michael for putting us all up.

This week has been fairly normal, just very busy at work, but I'm really enjoying it so that helps. I went to the final book club for the year last night. We had lots of food and some really great chat. It was wonderfully insightful to hear what everyones idea of Adventure is after reading 'Up the Yukon without a paddle'. Thanks Ione, I can't wait for next year.

This weekend I'm off to see my good friend Cheryl in Glasgow. I can't wait to take her dogs for long walks so that we can natter away and catch up on each others mad lives.

Only a few more weeks of madness to go and then we are off on holiday. Hopefully by the end of Sept life will have slowed down a little. But who knows!!

....IKEA again!!

2007-07-01T15:33:00.000Z

We thought that since yesterday was our first free Saturday in weeks we should really get on with furnishing the house. Having failed to get the wardrobes we wanted on our last trip to IKEA we thought that we would try again. So having checked that they had them in stock we headed off to Manchester IKEA. It was a bit of a struggle to find but we did eventually and as we walked round we picked up some other bits and pieces that we needed. When we finally got the wardrobe section we double checked what we wanted and went over to order it.....only to be told the last of them had been sold that morning!! AAAAGGGGHHHHH!!!!! How frustrating.

Never mind we had a fun day out, had a bite to eat in Chiquita and went to look at garden furniture. Not sure why since we don't really have the weather to use it. Needless to say we didn't buy any and went home rather disappointed with our lack of purchases.

But we had a nice Saturday night crashing out with a fish supper and can of diet coke. Church this morning was excellent with a super message that I'm sure was written with me in mind! We feel really at home in the Church and all the people are so welcoming and constantly inviting us out for lunch and tea. We are looking forward to getting our new dining table and chairs so that we can return the favour. Now I'm just relaxing on this first quiet Sunday in weeks preparing myself for another busy week ahead. The good news is my Mum's coming on Thursday to stay for the weekend so I'm looking forward to showing her round our new pad and the local area.

...not like the flooding

2007-06-28T16:53:00.001Z

The flooding throughout the country has been horrendous. I got my first taste of it yesterday on my way to a meeting in Worcestershire. The fields either side of the road were completely hidden under water and eventually I came across a road that was closed. This led to me being an hour late for my meeting. Although me being late for my meeting is nothing compared to the devastation the flooding has caused to so many people. Lets hope this weekends predicted rain doesn't cause the same problems.

...a 30th birthday, a family weekend and a trip to the Peak District

2007-06-27T19:31:00.000Z

A lot has happened since I last posted. I've been so busy I haven't had time or energy to write anything. I suppose I should start at the beginning, which was about 1.5 weeks ago. Phil turned 30 this year and to celebrate I organized a surprise boys weekend for him. It really was a surprise when 7 of his friends from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland descended on Sandbach for the weekend. The boys had a fun weekend playing on the Wii, paintballing and generally catching up. Phil was thrilled with his surprise and I think all the guys loved having a weekend away.

I thought it was best to escape for the weekend and as it was also my birthday my good friend Cheryl came down from Scotland and we went off the Cheltenham for the weekend for some R&R. It was great to get away from it all and catch up with Cheryl.

Me and Cheryl

After we had recovered from the weekend we had an over night visit from our Uni friends Steve and Becky and their little girl Abigail. They stopped over on the Wednesday night on their way up from London to Scotland. It was great to see them and to meet Abigail.

Phil's birthday wasn't actually until this weekend past so I organized for his Mum to come and stay with us for the weekend. This was also a surprise for Phil and he was thrilled to see his Mum and show off the new house. We had a super weekend going to the Lowry and Imperial War Museum on Sat and then after Church on Sunday we drove over to the Peak District to meet up with Phil's sister Ali and her family. Andy (Phil's brother) also came over for the day. We had a lovely family lunch and a walk in the woods. Phil's mum and brother left and we stayed on for a few more days. Although the weather was awful on the Monday we still managed to have a wonderful time with Ali, Michael and the girls. Thank you Ali and Michael for letting us stay with you on your holiday.

Out for a walk in the woods

Jean and Lottie

Phil, Lottie and Hannah

Hannah on a bouncy castle for the first time

Now we are back to reality with a bump and work is hectic. Taking two days off doesn't really mean you get a holiday it just means you have to do a weeks work in 3 days. But it's nice to be back in our own house and we are looking forward to a few weeks without any weekends away. We might even manage to buy some furniture and get a bit more of the house unpacked. We'll see!!!

IKEA!!

2007-06-10T15:39:00.001Z

We've had a great week in the new house and we are slowly regaining some level of normality. There are a few less boxes now and we are now looking at what furniture we need to buy. After nearly 4 years of marriage we are looking forward to setting up a home that many people can come and visit us in and that we can use to glorify God in Sandbach.

The compulsory trip to Ikea was in order, and bearing in mind how horrible a trip to Ikea is on a Saturday we decided to go after work. We actually had a good time, choosing new wardrobes, bookcases and chest of drawers. Sadly when we got to the check out the wardrobe we wanted was out of stock, but hopefully it'll be back in soon. We picked up a few other bits and pieces on the way round, so the trip was not in vain!

Phil had fun playing on the trolley!!

I was tired and glad to be going home.

This weekend has been so glorious outside that I haven't wanted to do any unpacking, however whilst Phil was out playing football on Saturday I did sort out the dreaded spare room and also managed to find some time to relax in the garden with my book. It was so wonderful and peaceful. I'm loving our new house.

...take photos sometimes!!

2007-06-01T14:50:00.001Z

Below are a few badly taken photos showning the extent of our unpacking! We haven't done very much and we're off the Belfast for a wedding so we won't get anymore done til next week. Never mind, we're just thrilled to be in the house.

If you're passing or live nearby, drop in for a coffee (I can't guarentee there will be any were to sit, but I can guarentee a warm welcome)

Living room, not unpacked at all!!

Kitchen, looking down towards dining area.

I asked Phil to unpack important things and this appeared on top of one of the kitchen cupboards!!!

..the big house move

2007-05-30T12:03:00.000Z

Well, we're in and very happy. Everything went really well this weekend.

We picked up the keys on Friday night and had a quick look around our new house. It was just as we had remembered it which was a relief. Then we shot back home to finish off the packing. Saturday our two removal men were excellent and they had us moved by 3.30pm. It was great not having to lift any of the heavy boxes!! Just as we sat down with a cup of tea, Ben Griffen arrived with alot of shopping for us, which was wonderful and so kind...thanks Ben and Liz. We didn't do too much unpacking on Sat cause we were pretty tired, so we unpacked the kitchen and got fish and chips for tea.

Sunday was a lovely relaxing day, getting to go to Church twice was great and we had lunch with the McKenzies...thank you.

Monday we had great plans to unpack loads and sort the house out, but in reality we slept most of the morning (can't remember the last time we had that luxury) and spent the afternoon out and about checking out furniture stores and the local area.

Still no photos, sorry I'll try and take some tonight, and post tomorrow. We have no internet at home yet so I have to find 10mins at work to post (that's not always possible).

The main thing is we are loving Sandbach, the cows in the fields, the noisy birds and most of all our little house and the proximity to our Church.

...house moving

2007-05-24T10:49:00.000Z

Well tomorrow is hopefully the beginning of a mad but wonderful weekend. We are completing tomorrow and moving on Saturday. Pretty good timing really cause our lease runs out on our rental property on Saturday and it's a bank holiday so we have an extra day to unpack. Things have been a bit hectic so I don't have any photos of the chaos of packing but it thought I would give you a sneak peak of the house. These are the photos from the website and I'll post more once we get in.

The kitchen/dining area

The living room (thankfully not our furniture)

...a little bit of packing

2007-05-14T12:35:00.000Z

As the moving day draws ever closer we thought that this weekend past would be a good time to start packing. In reality all we did was repack the boxes that we have kinda unpacked over the last 18 months. So although it looks like we have done lots of packing we haven't really. However, we now have the removal men booked, boxes obtained and a extra boost of energy ready for a full weekend of packing this coming weekend. (Keeping Phil away from the FA Cup final long enough to help may be a struggle!!). Although at times dealing with solicitors, estate agents, etc has been difficult we are very excited about moving into our own home. We have great plans about what we want to do to the house once we get in, although these ideas are based entirely on the 15 minutes we spent in the house when we viewed it. I'm sure they will all change once we have spent some time in the house.

I'll keep you posted as things progress and if I get organized I might even manage to get some photos of the move uploaded.

...Belfast and London in the same week

2007-05-09T20:01:00.000Z

Last week was a bit mad, but definitely a fun week. I had a brief but wonderful visit to Belfast on Tuesday night. Dad was being installed as the Arch Deacon (Demon) for Down Cathedral and the whole family was descending on Belfast for the night. Also as an added bonus my Auntie had flown in from Canada for the event. We had a wonderful evening meeting up with old friends and the service went very well.

Sadly on my return I got a cold and spent the rest of the week feeling sorry for myself. But then we had a wonderful idea about heading down to London for the bank holiday weekend. Ali and Michael were happy to have so we drove down on Friday night. We had a super weekend with the whole family. The girls have got really big since we were last there so it was nice to see them. Lottie is a little lady now, pottering around the house in all sorts of fancy dress, making tea in her cottage and generally making us laugh. Hannah is now really animated and still as smiley as ever.

Now its back to work for another week, although thankfully a short one. House packing begins in earnest this weekend as it is hopefully only 2.5 weeks til we move. Exciting times ahead.

Brumby's not sure what to think..

2007-05-02T14:28:00.000Z

This is an interesting quiz and although I ran through it fairly quickly I'm still not sure what to think of the result. At least my mum will be proud and happy to know that I have a Methodist side!

Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan

86%

Reformed Evangelical

79%

Neo orthodox

54%

Fundamentalist

46%

Charismatic/Pentecostal

39%

Emergent/Postmodern

39%

Roman Catholic

32%

Classical Liberal

18%

Modern Liberal

14%

What's your theological worldview?
created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan. You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavly by John Wesley and the Methodists.

What's your theological worldview?
created with QuizFarm.com

Brumby questions the importance of blogging...

2007-04-29T15:03:00.000Z

I'm not really sure why I write this blog, nor am I sure why many other people write theirs. However there are many blogs out there that are primarily aimed at providing us with information that we find relevant to our lives. In particular I am talking about Christian blogs (of which there are many). There are a few that I read on almost a daily basis and find that what they have to say is often an encouragement or a challenge. I am finding more and more now that I am likely to pick up my laptop to browse the internet than pick up a book and curl up on the sofa. Of course there is nothing wrong with this but recently I have been questioning the use of my time. My way, in part, of addressing my use of time is to spend my time on the internet reading these blogs that at times are like mini sermons. I do however love checking the news headlines and reading friends blogs and going on bebo to see what friends have been up to.

So i still don't know why I write mine but I want to thank all the people who continue to write their blogs to help and encourage other people.

...the weekly weight in

2007-04-23T12:30:00.000Z

Yipee!!!....I've lost 2lbs, which I think is pretty great since I had a weekend of bad food that I couldn't avoid. And my BMI is now 23.4 :)

Had a great weekend even though I did slip up a little on the food. Pilco and I cleared the garage in preparation for the move, its amazing how much junk we have gathered in only 2 years! But it felt good to start the clearing and packing.

Saturday night we went out for dinner at the home of a lovely couple from Church, it was really lovely to get to know them a little better and learn more about the Church.

Sunday was a super day. Church was followed by a Church lunch and then a Q&A for our potential new Assistant Pastor. We are now desperately looking forward to moving down and getting more involved.

...rabbit food

2007-04-19T11:35:00.000Z

Lunch for the next 6 weeks :(

We're out for dinner on Sat night and we have a church lunch on Sunday and I'm worried about my dietry requirements. I'll just have to do my best and eat what I can without being rude or offending anyone.

The diet is not good when you wnat to have a social life, unless nice people like Jess come for tea (shes also on the Juice Diet).

...the Juice Detox/Diet

2007-04-18T12:16:00.000Z

Computer just crashed after a lengthy description of my juice diet, so sadly you are now getting the short short version.

-I have a wedding in 6 weeks
-need to look super sexy
-need to lose at least a stone!!
-juice diet works a treat
-juice for breakfast, salad for lunch, fish/chicken and veg for tea
-no carbs, no dairy, no alcohol

Sorry I've had to crop the text but gotta go work. I'll keep you posted on the weekly weight in's.

The green juice that my colleagues think looks like liquidized Kermit!

...Belfast

2007-04-15T18:02:00.000Z

I know it's been a while, but I'm a busy girl....most of the time. Easter is a special time for our family, especially when we remember the significance of Jesus dying for us and then being raised to life. How wonderful and humbling that he would do that for us. We had a lovely long weekend at home in Belfast with my family. It was also mums birthday so double celebrations. We didn't do our usual mad dash to see alot of friends and just had a relaxing time with family and a few friends, it was a really nice time and just the break we needed.

On Easter Monday Pilco's brother came over to visit us with his new girl friend, she's lovely!!! and we all had a great evening.

Back to work on Tuesday, yuck, it was far to sunny outside to be at work. So on Saturday we took ourselves off to Arley Hall for a stroll in the grounds following buy a little tub of ice cream. We then decided to go out for tea and treat ourselves, after all you're only young once...super day.

Me at the Tea Cottage

Pilco in a tree!

That's about it, I'll try not to leave such a large gap between my entries in future.

Monday 2nd April

2007-04-02T19:17:00.000Z

I was in London at the weekend with 3 of my friends from Uni. We try to meet up once a year and have a girlie weekend, full of good chat, luxury hotels, good food and a show. Although we haven't done it for a while this weekend was as good as expected. We stayed in the Cumberland Hotel at Marble Arch, a very luxurious hotel with excellent service. All four of us were as exhausted as each other so we spent a relaxing weekend chatting and stolling along Oxford Street. On Saturday night we went to see 'Avenue Q' which is a puppet show for adults, it was hilarious. All in all it was a lovely weekend.

Thursday 29th March

2007-03-29T11:45:00.000Z

I thought this made for very good reading and was a welcome reminder of how I should be living.

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2007/2032_Things_I_Have_Learned/

On a completely different note I want to wish Smurph a very happy birthday!!!

Off to London tomorrow for a girlie weekend of chatting, chatting and more chatting, think we might try and fit in a show aswell. Had a mad week at work trying to get drawings finished and also outside of work sorting out house stuff, but everything seems to be moving in the right direction.

Sunday 25th March

2007-03-25T15:59:00.000Z

Yipee!! Our offer has been accepted and we finally have a house. Now I know that things aren't always that smooth and things in England aren't as easy as in Scotland but we continue to pray that if this is Gods will then everything will go as planned. Tomorrow we start to put things in motion and if all goes to plan we could be in our new house by the end of May :)

What a wonderful weekend

Saturday 24th March

2007-03-24T20:33:00.000Z

Well if I thought last week was a bad week, then it was nothing compared to this week. Firstly I went back to work and felt like I was treading water for a few days whilst I tried to catch up on the week I had missed. We had an important meeting this week at work and even though I knew my project leader was off I knew that the Director was coming to the meeting with me. That was until he told me on Wednesday that he wouldn't be going....meaning I would have to not only attend this meeting but chair it and explain all the projects by myself. I didn't sleep too well on Wednesday night and had a long nervous morning. But thankfully with a lot of people praying the meeting went well and I don't think I said anything too stupid.

As if that wasn't bad enough, we got the dreaded call from our landlord on Monday saying that they had accepted an offer on the house we are renting and we would have to be out in 2 months. Fear and panic set in as we have still not been able to find a house yet. Never one to give in we trawled the property website and found the last 9 houses with 2-3 of them being serious contenders. We had decided that this Saturday we were going to find a house and buy it. Failing that Plan B would have to kick in and neither of us wanted to have to rent again.

So after a worrying week we set off this morning nervous and excited :) About half way through the day we had only seen one house that we liked and sadly it was at the top end of our budget. One of the houses we thought was a possibility was awful, so we plodded on in the hope that the other 2 would be better. Then I received a call from an estate agent saying that a new house had been added and would we like to see it. Now, normally when we get these calls we say no thanks and have a look at it on the internet first (they usually are horrible), but since this was are last weekend of looking I thought 'Why not'. So it was arranged to be our last viewing of the day, but to be honest we thought nothing of it because we still had 2 other possible houses to see. Sadly one of them was in a not great location but we would have compromised and bought it if all else failed. Then we went to see our last possibility (which we had seen before and knew we liked). This one was to be a real winner as the owners weren't in a chain, however upon arrival they informed us that their chain had fallen through only 3 weeks ago. We left this house very low and thinking that Plan B was far too close for comfort.

So two little sad people entered the last property which looked nothing special from the front and maybe a little too small, but once we entered the house and saw the amazing view out the back to open fields and farm land we almost instantly fell in love with it. Everything about this house was perfect...the location, the views, the interior. I suppose the only downside was that it was smaller than some other properties we have seen. But as the reality of the situation set in we knew that we could make this into a lovely family home and although we wouldn't live here forever it would be a great little home for the next 4-5 years.

On the drive home we had a mixture of relief and excitement. We both loved it but worried that we were being pushed into it. However by the time we got home we knew it was the one and we have put in an offer...so watch this space.

It was an amazing answer to prayer and it's great to see God's hand in this whole process. Thank you to all of you who have been praying for us. Points for continuing prayer would be that the offer is accepted, the whole process goes smoothly and that the timing works out with us leaving our rented accommodation.

Thanks you

The View

Tuesday 20th March

2007-03-20T17:58:00.000Z

Below is a map showing all the countries I have ever visited. What a priviledge to have have been able to do this. Check it out for yourself.

create your own visited country map
or check our Venice travel guide

Sunday 4th March

2007-03-18T16:39:00.002Z

What a week it's been! I've been off all week sick and spend most of it in bed. Thankfully I am now feeling much more like myself and was able to entertain Cheryl and James last night. We had a great time watching the Rugby (until Ireland were stripped of the title) and playing the PlayStation. Both Cheryl and I have become a little obsessed with Bebo, its a great way to meet up with your friends and people you haven't been in touch with for a while. Check out my Bebo page (link below). It was great to see them again and we are looking forward to getting up to Glasgow to see their new house :)

Another unsuccessful weekend of house hunting has left Phil and I feeling rather deflaited but we are encouraged to know that lots of people are praying for us and we know that in Gods time we will find the right house were we can serve him. Sadly I may have to come down off my Architectural soapbox and buy a NEW BUILD, my most dreaded thought. But if it means we can get moved to Sandbach sooner and become more involved in our Church then maybe thats what we'll have to do.

Well work tomorrow, not really looking forward to it cause I have to do a weeks worth of work in a morning so that some drawings can be couriered over to the planners prior to our meeting later in the week. I think it'll be a few late nights this week until I catch up, not ideal when i'm still totally exhausted!

Tuesday 13th March

2007-03-13T21:52:00.000Z

Had a pretty rough day. Was sick during the night and took the day off work...still feeling poorly, poor me! We had a great weekend in London but I fear the coughing of my two little nieces has infected me with the Balham flu :( I'm hoping I'll be better by tomorrw as work is mad busy at the moment and I have too much to do to be sick.

Our lovely friends Cheryl and James are coming to visit us this weekend so I am very excited about that. It'll be nice to catch up although I seem to have seen alot of Cheryl recently.

Until I feel a little better, bye.

Friday 9th March

2007-03-09T14:38:00.000Z

Phil and I have been lucky enough to take a well earned day off work today and we decided to come down to London for the weekend to visit Ali (Phils big sis), Michael and their too adorable little girls. We arrived late last night after a busy, long day at work and had a nice lie in til 9 this morning. Ali has entrusted the care of her two little angels into our care whilst she goes and does all the adult things she never normally gets to do, like getting her hair cut. At the moment they are both sleeping peacefully but I'm not convinced it'll last. We love coming down here to visit as it's always so laid back and we just chill out and enjoy spending time with family.

oohhhh no.....the crying has started, must go!

Tuesday 6th March

2007-03-06T20:22:00.000Z

Thought I was having a nice quiet night in until Phil informed that Andy and Kentin were coming round for tea and to watch the FOOTBALL!! They seem to be enjoying it and keep shouting at the TV. I made a great impromptu tea of enchillada's, it was was good even if I do say so myself.

Sunday 4th March

2007-03-04T21:04:00.000Z

Just back from a lovely weekend in Whitby. We arrived late on Friday night and had fish and chips for tea...always my favourite past time in Whitby. Saturday was spent catching up with Phils Mum, hanging pictures in her new house and going for a walk on the pier. It was the most glorious day and we enjoyed walking with the sun beating down on our heads. We went out for a gorgeous meal at a local viallge pub in Egton on sat night. Excellent food, if you are ever over that direction I can highly recommend the 'Postgate'. http://www.iknow-yorkshire.co.uk/accommodation/1387-The_Postgate_Inn-Egton_Bridge.htm

Today is Phils Mums birthday so after Church we went to the manse for Lunch with Jean and Andy. Andy had come over as a welcome surprise for his Mum. In the afternoon we had the privaledge of attending the baptismal service of 3 members of the Whitby Church and 1 member of the Pickering Church. What a joyful occasion and it was especially nice to see Roy Kemp being baptised.

We are home now and hoping to get to bed early before another week at work. Thankfully only a 4 day week as we are off to London on Thursday night. Can't wait to see my little nieces.

Thursday 1st March

2007-03-01T16:48:00.001Z

After a little bit of thought, not much cause it hurts, I've decided to start my own blog. I'm sure with most things I do,, I'll get really into it for a while and then it'll fade into the background as more importnat things take over. But hey, we'll give it a try.

I got my new much loved car this weekend, although it doesn't have a CD player, but hopefully phil will buy me one as an early Birthday present. Cheryl (who came to see me this weekend), Phil and I went along to the Church quiz night and had a great time chatting to mostly new people. We then came home and whilst Phil watched Match of the Day, Cheryl and I chatted into the wee hours of the morning. I miss Cheryl and James now that we have moved so far away from them.

I am writing this blog on my newly aquired work laptop which has wireless internet connection, so no more cold nights working in the spare bedroom. I can now work from the comfort of my own living room, with my favourite TV shows on in the back ground. What more could a girl want.

This weekend we are off to Whitby to see Phils mum for her birthday. Really need to get her a card and a pressie tomorrow lunch time!! As always we are keeping ourselves busy and still looking for houses, even more so know as the house we liked has been taken off the market much to our dismay. We trust and pray our new house is out there somewhere so we can stop travelling to Church and get more involved in the mid week activites.