Giant Rainbow Slide

Giant Rainbow Slide, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (March Template Thursday Freebie) by Elizabeth Albers (Scrapping With Liz) and Rainbow Daydream by Jen C Designs. Font is The Great Escape by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: We always try to do something special for your birthday, we usually let you decide what we do within reason. You decided this year you wanted to go to a local indoor play area, which at the time was called Jamboray. Somehow you managed to convince me to climb up through the obstacle course and then slide down the giant plastic rainbow slide, with you on my lap. To this day I am still not entirely sure how you convinced me to do it. I am scared of heights for a start, add in the fear of being too fat to fit through the obstacles or getting stuck on the slide, I can only assume it was a moment of madness on my part, or maybe just wanting to make you happy on your birthday. We slightly underestimated just how fast my trousers would skid on the surface of the slide, so we ended up flying off the end and landing in a heap of giggles at the bottom. We didn’t manage to catch any of it on camera because we were going far too fast. But Daddy did manage to get this one fairly decent one, of us sat at the bottom. Seeing the look of pure happiness and joy on your face made me forget any discomfort or embarassment I had felt. I guess that is why at the end of the day I ended up completely exhausted and had lost count of how many more times you made me do this. Happy 5th Birthday.

So Tiny

So Tiny, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Singular Focus, Template 3), Made In Heaven Boy Elements, Made in Heaven Boy Papers and Made In Heaven Polka Dot Papers all by Jen C Designs. Font is The Serifs Sister by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: It was only when Mandy came to visit with her new grandson, that we first realised just how tiny Leo was. In special care there had been comments about how small he was, but surrounded by all the other premature babies we couldn’t really see what they were making such a fuss about. In our arms he didn’t really seem to be that much smaller than Lukas had been when he was little, but next to this baby, who if I remember rightly was a bit younger than him, he looked like some kind of little doll. He must have been at least 2 months old when this was taken, and I remember he wasn’t even wearing 7.5lb clothes. Michelle texted me this photograph a couple of weeks after Leo died.

Always In My Heart

Always In My Heart, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Blends Volume 1, Template 4), Made In Heaven Boy Elements (slightly recoloured), Made In Heaven Boy Papers, Made In Heaven Polka Dot Papers and CU Stained Paper Overlays (retired) all by Jen C Designs and All Stacked Up Clusters Volume 1 Template 4 by Rachel Jefferies (Captivated Visions).

New Pandas

New Pandas, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (April Template Challenge) by Stephanie Ulrich (Scrappy Cocoa), CU panda Stamps by Ellie Lash (That Girl Designs) and Best Of Britain and Love's Young Dream (slightly recoloured) both by Jen C Designs.

Scared

Scared, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (April 2012 Template Challenge) by Ryan Caselton (Roseytoes Designs), Quality Time and Quality Time Addon both by Jen C Designs. Font is Travel Diary.
Journalling reads: When I was going through photographs on my phone, I came across this one of Lukas holding Leia. I had never really noticed that look of apprehension on his face when I looked at them before. It hurt me so much to see that his obvious joy at finally having a baby sister was overshadowed by the fear that he might lose her like her lost Leo. 19/10/11

Conversation With Logan

Conversation With Logan, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (April Template Challenge 2) by Tashdown and Best Of Britain by Jen C Designs. Font is The Typewriter by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: Mummy: Logan, what have you got there? Logan: Nothing, it’s gone now. It’s hiding! Mummy: What’s gone? What’s hiding? Logan: Dis, now it’s going to hide ‘gain. Mummy: Where are you going to hide it? Logan: I fink I eat it, I hide it in my mouth!

I Love My Cube

I Love My Cube, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (April template Challenge 1) by Sharon Bertolino and Celebrate Girl by Jen C Designs. Font is DJB Mirjam by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: You are now 6 months old and it’s amazing to see all of the little changes in you every day. You used to have no interest in any of the toys, except the dolls which you hated with a passion. But lately you have started to grasp the concept of holding things and passing them from hand to hand. The rabbit blanket was the first thing we found that you loved, that was closely followed by the duck rattle. There were other odd things that held your attention for a few moments at a time, but it wasn’t until we pulled out the cube (an old toy of Logan’s) that we found a firm favourite. You sat in your carseat and stared at yourself in the mirror under the flap, played with the ribbons, stroked the different textures, chewed the teething rings and just cuddled it for 2.5 hours! 9th April 2012.

Nana Bradley

Nana Bradley, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Simply Scallops, Template 1) by 3 Lil' Monsters Designs and Looking Forward by Jen C Designs. Fonts are Homemade Apple and Academy Engraved LET.
Journalling reads: If someone was to ask me to sum up my memories of Nana Bradley, I am not really sure where I would start. There are so many little things, that seemed unimportant when you she was alive, so insignificant but so undeniably her. Things like how whenever I visited her with Nan she would always pour me a glass of lemonade from the glass lemonade bottle, while we sat at the kitchen table in front of the window. The yellow cupboard doors and the unique smell, a mixture of tea and gingerbread biscuits mixed with something I could never quite put my finger on., but I would have known I was stood in her kitchen even if I was blindfolded. Or how when she was sitting talking to Nan in the living room I would sit and stare at all the ornaments and always count the ducks on the wall to make sure there was still 3 there, I remember always thinking that one day tone was bound to fly away. But more than anything else I remember the weekly visits to our house. Dad would go and pick her up from her flat and we would all eagerly await her arrival. Once she got there she would settle herself in the armchair in front of the television and watch WWF wrestling videos and drink cups of tea. When she got ill, none of us really had any idea of how serious it was, we had no experience of anyone being ill enough to die. Sure we had been to hospitals before but only for things like when Nan had her eye operations, or when she had that nasty infection in her leg. It was fathers day when she died and it was a shock to everyone. It was Father’s Day and Nan had been at the hospital all day with her. We had all stopped at the chip shop on the way home from the hospital. I will never forget how gutted Dad was, he had always had a real soft spot for her. I remember how we all had to go shopping for
funeral clothes, how nervous we all were because we had no idea what to expect since we had never been to a funeral before. I remember feeling sad that everyone was so eager to claim her things as there own. It just didn’t feel like her home without her in it and we were all eager to leave and go home. It makes me sad that she never got to meet so many of her grandchildren. I would have loved to have seen what she thought of becoming a great great great grandmother.

Sitting Pretty

Sitting Pretty, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Big Picture 2, Template 4), Celebrate Collection and Date Its Volume 1 all by Jen C Designs and Happy To My Toes Border Clusters Templates (Template 4) by Connie Prince. Font is DJB CT Laura by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: We always knew that having a little girl would be different to having boys. But honestly I can say we never really had any idea, in what sort of ways it would be different. We kind of figured on the house slowly filling up with pink and sparkly stuff, but didn’t think much more about it. So we were surprised when the first change was a developmental one. Both Lukas and Logan were sitting up unsupported by 4 months, but you are nearly 6 months and have no desire to sit up at all. If I try to sit you up, the result is always the same, you promptly look cross, dig your heels in and throw yourself backwards. I have tried quite a few different pillows and cushions to prop you up but none of them make a bit of difference, you still end up on your back grinning at me and looking pleased with yourself. But I think i have finally found a way to get you to sit up. I put your playmat into one of my washing backets and then sat you in it. There isn’t quite enough width for you to throw yourself backward, but once you stopped trying to do that, you did seem to enjoy sitting in there.

1st Disco

1st Disco, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Just Journaling 2, Template 3) and Celebrate Boy both by Jen C Designs. Fonts are DJB Emphatically Dirty and DJB Geeks Who Wear Glasses both by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: When the PTA decided to organise a disco as a fundraiser, we had no idea how much work would be involved, but seeing all of the kids reactions and how much fun they had made it worth it! 28/03/12.

Little Coupe

Little Coupe, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (One Hit Wonder, Template 2) and Celebrate Girl, Celebrate Boy, Celebrate Cardstocks and Celebrate Alpha Addon.

April Timeline Cover

April Timeline Cover, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Facebook Covers, Template 4 altered) by 3 Lil' Monsters Designs and Celebrate Boy, Celebrate Girl and Celebrate Alpha Addon all by Jen C Designs.

Gift Bow Horns

Gift Bow Horns, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Freebie Template 030510) by Kim Brodelet, Wordart by Nini Goes Digi and So Lucky by Jen C Designs. Font is DJB Becca by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: When you were little, my greatest form of amusement came from dressing you up in cute little outfits and accessories. There were the bunny ears for Easter and the Halloween and Christmas outfits. But I think this was one of the craziest things I photographed you wearing - 2 little foil gift bows that I stuck on your head like horns. I guess we managed to find the only advantages to you having no hair until you were 9 months old, the bows stuck great and didn’t hurt you when we took them off. I think you looked so adorable, I only wish that you had not been crawling around so fast, maybe then I could have gotten one decent non blurry photo of you.

Brothers

Brothers, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Blends 3 Templates, Template 2) and Baby Mine Boy both by Jen C Designs with And I Quote Brothers Wordart by Amanda Slagle (Mandabean).

So Not A Recliner

So Not A Recliner, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Big Picture 2 Templates, Template 1), Bump In The Night and Date It's Volume 1 all by Jen C Designs. Font is DJB Almost Perfect by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: While we were waiting for Daddy to return all of the bowling shoes and collect the score printout, I let you and Logan play in the arcade area. You decided that once of the driving simulation games would be a great place to sit back and get comfortable!

No Hands

No Hands, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (March 2012 Template Challenge) by Moon Designs, The Only Date Stamps You'll Ever Need by Amber LaBau (Stolen Moments) and Butterflies and Blossoms Solids, Butterflies and Blossoms Elements, Butterflies and Blossoms Gingham and Butterflies and Blossoms Patterns all by Jen C Designs. Font is Euphemia.
Journalling reads: You never quite know what to expect in this house, things can change completely from one minute to the next. Take these photos for example, Logan was sitting on the bed with me, and he had Leia on his lap. He was looking at her like she was the most interesting thing in the world, she was just gazing back at him and it was one of the cutest and most precious moments that I had seen between them both, so I reached over and grabbed the camera. When he saw what I was doing, he turned her around to “look for the picture” which seemed innocent and fairly sweet. Then he grinned that special Logan grin, the one that always makes me feel slightly sick, because I know it means he has thought of doing something that will almost certainly be very naughty or just plain cheeky. Then he just looked me straight in the eye as he let her go, laughed and said “look mummy, no hands”.

My 1st Swing

My 1st Swing, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Queen Of Scrap 2010) by cnscrap and Butterflies and Blossoms Alphas, Butterflies and Blossoms Elements and Butterflies and Blossoms Solids all by Jen C Designs. Font is DJB Cursive by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: On Sunday, we had planned a quick shopping trip followed by a visit to the Ashmoleum museum. We ended up running late and decided to leave thr museum until next weekend. Since the weather was nice we went over to the park. I thought that you might enjoy sitting in the swing. You dom’t really fit in the swing yet but your outdoor suit at least stops you falling straight through it. You didn’t seem quite sure what to make of it, and alternated between a half smile, a scowl and a look of utter confusion. It was so funny to see you trying to decide whether you liked it or not.

Westfield Grotto

Westfield Grotto, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (P365 February Freebie Template) by Heather Nay (Haynay Designs) and Winter Sparkles and Winter Sparkles Mini both by Jen C Designs. B&W Splendour Photo Action by Coffeeshop Photography. Font is The Architect by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: For Logan’s first Christmas, we took a trip to London. We were determined to visit as many of the Christmas grottos as we could while we were there. After sitting down and working out the most effective way to visit them all and working out our tube and bus routes, we started with the Westfield Shopping Centre. Sadly when we arrived, there were no available spaces to see Santa, but the 3D experience and grotto looked interesting enough to warrant a return trip later in the day, so we booked the latest time slot they had and set off for the next one on our list. It seemed like a lot of hassle, but it ended up being our favourite one of the day. Lukas loved the 3D Experience and his snowman toy from Santa.19th December 2009.

Snow Much Fun 2

Snow Much Fun 2, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Double The Love, Template 1, Page 2) by Tanya Hickman (Crossbone Cuts Designs) and Cocoa and Candy Canes by Jen C Designs. Font is DJB CT Nikki by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: When we woke up to a garden full of snow, you were super excited to go and play in it. The fun started with hunting through the house for your mittens, hat and scarf. You really enjoyed leaving boot prints in the snow on the doormat and throwing snowballs at Daddy. I think your favourite parts were jumping on the snow covered trampoline and building the snowbaby with Daddy. This was only the beginning of our snow day though, we still had a trip to play in the snow at the park!

Snow Much Fun 1

Snow Much Fun 1, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Double The Love, Template 1, Page 1) by Tanya Hickman (Crossbone Cuts Designs) and Cocoa and Candy Canes by Jen C Designs.

Leia In The Sling

Leia In The Sling, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (One Love, Template 4) by Tanya Hickman (Crossbone Cuts Designs) and Baby Mine Girl by Jen C Designs. Font is The Continental by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: I have had slings in the past, but they didn't really get much use. But when I found the Baba Sling online I decided to buy one on Ebay to try it out. Leia loved being close to me and feeling secure and I loved having both hands free. Out of all the kids, Leia is the only one who has had any real interest in having a dummy. But for some reason when she is in the sling, she refuses to have it in her mouth, she spits it out and sucks on her thumb instead.

Looking Out The Window

Looking Out The Window, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (One Love, Template 3) by Tanya Hickman (Crossbone Cuts Designs) and Packing Up by Jen C Designs. Font is The Antique Typewriter by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: While Nan was in hospital, it was really hard to visit her. The boys got bored easily. But when Nan was moved into a side room because of her MRSA, it got a bit simpler. Since there was no-one else to disturb they were able to watch the television or play with their toys. But Logan's favourite thing to do was to pull over the chair and look out of the window at the cars.

Photos With Nan

Photos With Nan, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Freebie Template 1104) by Kim Brodelet and Spring Blooms by Jen C Designs. Font is Cinnamon Cake.
Journalling reads: The photographer who took our wedding photos really wasn't very good. He didn't get any group shots or ask us what sort of photos we would like. The one thing I am greatful to him for is these photographs of us with Nan. Since she hates having her photograph taken I have very few of her alone and certainly no more than a few of us both together. I know that I will always treasure these few photographs.

1st Dollshouse

1st Dollshouse, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Inspired By Juno, Template 1) by YB Designs and Spring Blooms by Jen C Designs. Font is Helve Cursive.
Journalling reads:One of the things I was really excited about, when we found out we were having a baby girl, was buying her first wooden dolls house. I had always wanted one of my own as a kid. Hopefully this will be the first one of many.

Come Fly With Me

Come Fly With Me, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Holiday Road Map 2) by Angie Iacobazzi (Down This Road Designs) and Spring Time and Cocoa and Candy Canes Glitter Styles both by Jen C Designs. Font is DeJa Vu Serif.

March Timeline Cover

March Timeline Cover, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Timeline, Template 4) and Slainte Bundle both by Jen C Designs.

My Techy Toddler

My Techy Toddler, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Stacks Of Fun, Template 1), Connected and Connected Addon all by Jen C Designs and Johnna's Tea Party Action by Coffeeshop Photography (blend mode soft light 50% fill). Font is Deja Vu Serif.
Journalling reads: It always amazes me just how clever you are. When you found Lukas’s Hot Wheels laptop in the bottom of the big toybox, it took you just a few seconds to work out how to open it up and then turn it on. It has lots of different functions but you were just really fascinated by the noises it made.

Carol Concert 2010

Carol Concert 2010, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (February 2012 Template Challenge) by Christi (Crafty Mommy Scraps) and Quality Time by Jen C Designs. Font is The Continental by Heather Hess.

Hide and Feet

Hide and Feet, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (February 2012, Made In The Shade Template) and Fresh Start both by Jen C Designs. Font is Old Press.

February Timeline Cover

February Timeline Cover, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Timeline, Template 2) and Love's Young Dream both by Jen C Designs.

You Are Beautiful

You Are Beautiful, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Chopped Paper, Template 4) by Elizabeth Albers (Scrapping With Liz) and Love's Young Dream by Jen C Designs.

Ride

Ride, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Big Picture, Template 2) and Fresh Start both by Jen C Designs.

Try

Try, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Tell The Story, Template 1) and Forever Mine both by Jen C Designs. Fonts are Nillie's Love Letters and The Wolff by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: For the last few years I have been reading about a very interesting concept, but one I have never really felt brave enough to attempt. One Little Word originated from celebrity scrapbooker Ali Edwards, the idea is simply to choose one word to sum up what you want from the year, there are a lot of different ways of approaching this project. Some people choose to focus on the word and what it means to them, using it as inspiration in various ways throughout the year. Some use it as the basis for their scrapbooking and memory keeping. I’m sure there are as many different approaches to this project as there are words to choose from. I started out this year in the strange position of knowing exactly what I wanted from 2012 but not really knowing how to go about getting it. I struggled to narrow it down to just one word change seemed too vague, happiness and health just seemed far to unobtainable and the few other suggestions like organize, tidy, clean and cook just seemed very much unlike me and much harder than I felt able to attempt at the moment. Eventually I decided that I could cover all of my bases by simply choosing the word TRY. I want to try new recipes. I want to try and lose weight. I want to try and be more active. I want to try and be more organized. I want to try hard to make lasting memories. I want to try to scrap more. I want to try and be more patient with the kids and Mark. I want to try new experiences like taking Logan and Leia to play groups. I want to try and keep the house tidy. I want to try and stay on top of the washing. I want to try and spend more time with the ones I love. I want to try and enjoy all of the firsts and lasts of my final baby. I want to try and be less sad and miserable. I want to try and complete projects when I start them. I want to try and read more books. I want to try and listen to more music. I want to eat healthier. I want to try and take more photographs. I want to try a lot of things, but I also know that there will be times when I will inevitably fail. If I achieve nothing else I simply want to try and accept that. Failure is always going to be an option, but you never really fail at all as long as you keep on trying again.

Never Grow Up

Never Grow Up, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Made In The Shade, January 2012 Template) by Jen C Designs, Stereo Heart by Laura White (C.W Picket and Company) and Children Wordart by Sue Jones. Lyrics are Never Grow Up by Taylor Swift. Fonts are DJB Heather G and DJB Hannah Script and DJB Jenna all by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: It seems like only yesterday that you were born, yet somehow you are already 3 months old. It felt like I waited forever for you, yet now you are here time is just flying by. I love nothing more then to stand beside you or hold you in my arms and watch you sleep. There is nothing quite like the look of pure contentment on your face. I just wish I could slow down time and make this time last longer.

Christmas Timeline

Christmas Timeline, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Timeline, Template 3) and Counting Down To Christmas both by Jen C Designs.

Never Forgotten

Never Forgotten, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (The Sketch 40) by Kitty Designs and 52 Inspirations 2012 Week One by Sue Cummings. Font is Century Gothic.
Journalling reads: They say that time is a healer, but after 7 years my heart still hurt just as much as it did the day he died. I thought it would never get any better, and then she came along. Somehow the fact that she looks so much like he did, helps me to feel closer to him and miss him less.

All Wet

All Wet, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (January Double Dutch Template) by Amber Shaw, Me Me Me by Jen C Designs and Shiny Silver Alpha by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Fonts are The Sketchy Serif and The Serifs Sister both by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: I wish I could remember exactly how we came to be visiting the park. I know we weren’t intending on it when we left the house. But somehow the plans got changed and we ended up stopping for snacks, drinks, bread for the ducks and mcdonalds picnic to eat there. I know the weather was warmer than we thought it was going to be, because I remember being hot and taking my shoes off on the grass, while we sat on the park bench eating our food. I remember us laughing as we were throwing the frisbee and fetching it and pretending to be a dog. But I have no idea whose bright idea it was to let you both run around in the sprinklers and wet play area, but it sounds like my kind of crazy. Although I have to admit, it sounds very much like something crazy enough for me to suggest. We didn’t have any swimwear or towels with us, so I stripped you both down to underwear and t-shirts. Lukas was straight off into the water jets shrieking with delight. But you were a bit cautious and it took a little while for you to get close and start enjoying it. You loved racing through the watersprays and jets after Lukas, especially after you armed yourself with a plastic cup to tip water on him and make him squeal. I was eventually able to convince you both that it was time to go. Even though it was warm out, you were shivering with the cold. Luckily I had spare clothes but I had to use a little improvisation in getting you dry - by using a clean nappy to mop up the water.

January Timeline Cover

January Timeline Cover, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Timeline, Template 1) and Refresh Mini both by Jen C Designs.

The Snowbaby

The Snowbaby, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (January 2012) by tashdown and Cocoa and Candy Canes Collection by Jen C Designs. Font is The Basic by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: Having kids means there are always going to be lots of firsts to remember. Some of them seem really important when they happen but then the memory kind of fades and gets forgotten - like your first word. But then there are the things that seem unimportant in the grand scheme of things, yet the memory sticks with you. This is a perfect example of that. It’s not very often that we get to see snow here. So when you woke up to see the garden filled with it, obviously you were excited. We raced around the house searching for gloves and hats and scarfs to stay warm. One of the many things that you wanted to do, was build a snowman but you don’t really have enough patience for that so we decided to build a tiny snowbaby instead. You and Daddy worked hard on it together, while I took photos. I will never forget the look of pride on your face as you finished it. But within a few seconds of him being done you baffled me by kicking his head off and laughing at the snowstorm you created. I was confused at first but after thinking about it I realised, sometimes just having the chance to do something and the actual process of doing it are much more important than the finished result, you just have to enjoy them while they last! 6th April 08.

Winning Review

Winning Review, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Spotlight, Template 1) and Quality Time Collection both by Jen C Designs. Font is A Song For Jennifer. Disney Pixar Shorts cover image found online.
Journalling reads: When we were living with Nana, it was very difficult for you to take part in after school clubs. Mummy was too sick to be able to collect you from school and Daddy often started work at 4pm, so had just enough time to collect you before he left for work. After we moved into our own house, your new school was much closer and Mummy was able to cope better. You asked if you could join the film club at school. For £1 a term you were able to stay after school on a Monday and watch a film. Each week after seeing the film you would write a review. They then picked a review each week to receive a small prize. You were thrilled when your review of Disney Pixar Shorts was chosen and you received a small Lego Skateboard set as your prize. You couldn’t wait to show me when I picked you up. Well done Lukas, I’m so proud of you!

Grumpy Zebra

Grumpy Zebra, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (December Template Challenge 1) by Christi (Crafty Mommy Scraps), Happy To My Toes Border Cluster Templates (Template 3) by Connie Prince and Cocoa and Candy Canes by Jen C Designs. Font is Bready.

Unexpected

Unexpected, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Just Journalling, Volume 2, Template 4) and The Journey Begins both by Jen C Designs. Font is DJB Lindse1 by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: Life is a constant learning experience, with every year that passes, there are always new lessons just waiting to be learnt. Some of them are positive and some not so much. 2011 was a year that was filled with surprises and lessons, but the most important one for me, was one that I seemed to be reminded of frequently throughout the year - Sometimes you just have to do something unexpected and wait to see what happens next. Whether that is how you react to a situation you are placed in or a choice you make it doesn’t matter. You just have to overcome the fear of people making nasty comments or judging you as crazy and go ahead and do it. Some of the most unexpected things in 2011 were, finding out I was pregnant again and that we were finally getting the little girl we had been dreaming off. Surprising the boys with 2 day trips to London to celebrate their half birthdays. We all had a great time riding on the London Eye, visiting Madame Tussauds and the London Aquarium. Nan being admitted to hospital for most of the summer gave us some great opportunities for unexpected things, like borrowing a wheelchair so I could take her for a walk around the hospital. Then there was the party we packed up and took to the hospital so she could celebrate their birthdays with them. Me being admitted to hospital 2 weeks before Leia was born via C-section. Leia being nearly 1lb heavier than anyone expected or being fine except for being tiny, she only ended up spending 3 weeks in hospital before we were able to take her home. Or even cooking and taking an entire Christmas Dinner and Buffet party for Boxing Day to Nan’s so she could celebrate Christmas with us. But I think the most special one for me, was the most simple. I sent my mum a Christmas card with a photo of the kids on it. It seemed like a nice thing to do, but I was worried how she would react. Our relationship has pretty much always been strained and difficult. She completely surprised me by sending me a thank you note via facebook. Then when we happened to run into her while shopping she made the effort to come and talk to us and look at Leia. We ended up visiting them on Christmas Day and she even had gifts for the kids. I can’t describe how amazing it was for her to be so nice. We had been really struggling to get into the holiday spirit but it ended up being one of the best we have ever had. Here’s to hoping 2012 will be just as full of unexpected surprises, crazy ideas and special memories.

Box Play

Box Play, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Log Your Memory, Template 2) and Packing Up both by Jen C Designs. Font is Clipper Script.
Journalling reads: I wish I could explain why whenever I have a parcel delivered, both you and Lukas are both always anxiously awaiting me opening it. Not because you are even interested in the contents, but because you can’t wait to fight with each other over who gets to play in the box. Even at Christmas time you are always more interested in the packaging than the present inside. The part that I find strange is that when Lukas was little he was always using his imagination to make the box into something else, rocket ships, cars, buses and play houses were usually popular choices for him, but you well you just prefer to sit inside them. You park them in front of the television and just sit down and watch tv, Climbing in and out to retrieve various toys and stuff until the box breaks. Strange boy!

Too Good To Be True

Too Good To Be True, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Multi Photo, Volume 3, Template 2) by Jen C Designs and Once In A Blue Moon by Jen C Designs and Christine Mortimer (Digilicious Designs). Font is The Stars At Night by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: You're just too good to be true, Can’t take my eyes off of you.

Sparklers

Sparklers, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (In Review, Template 3), Winter Sparkles and Advent Calendar Alpha all by Jen C Designs. Font is The Dot Connector by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: To celebrate our first Bonfire Night in our new house we decided to buy two boxes of fireworks. Logan wasn't keen on the noisy ones but he liked all of the colours and drawing patterns with sparklers.

Harrods Christmas Grotto

Harrods Christmas Grotto, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (December Template Challenge) by Trish B and Winter Sparkles and Winter Sparkles Mini kit both by Jen C Designs. Fonts are Santa's Sleigh and The Antique Typewriter by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: Every year I try hard to plan special trips and activities for Christmas. I am always looking for new ideas for things to do. It started out as just being a way to get some unique Christmas photos, but it has become one of the highlights of the year. I have always wanted to include a trip to the Christmas Grotto at Harrods. It is really difficult to get tickets as they sell out so fast. This year I was able to use my Harrods reward card for advance booking.

Visiting Santa

Visiting Santa, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Made In The Shade, December 2011 Template) by Giggly Polka Dots and It's Christmas by Jen C Designs.

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (DSF November Blog Train Template Freebie) and Counting Down Collection both by Jen C Designs and Adventure 365 Glitters by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Font is The Queen Bee by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: After our visit to Harrods we decided to take a quick look around the Winter Wonderland event at Hyde Park. We waited ages to use the cashpoint inside the gate and honestly, by the time we were finally able to draw out the cash, we had almost decided to just give up and go home. We were all cold, tired and starting to feel really miserable. We had been trying to avoid thinking about it being Leo’s anniversary and how much we were all missing him. We wondered around for a while looking at the Christmas Market stalls, but we just weren’t feeling very festive. Lukas was complaining because I wouldn’t buy tokens for him to go on the rides and we were too late for any of the circus performances. The only thing that managed to bring a smile to our faces were all of the silly photo boards,

Tuk Tuk Ride

Tuk Tuk Ride, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (December Template Challenge) by Scrap-a-holic Designs and Let's Fall In Bundle by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Font is The Continental by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: When they first got rid of Beanoland at Chessington, we were not sure what was going to replace it. Lukas was worried that they would get rid of the dodgems and the madhouse. Eventually they announced that thenew area would be a themed area called Wild Asia. The first time we visited after the refurbishment, the boys were really excited to see how it had turned out. The first thing that the boys spotted when we walked into the area were the Tuk Tuk’s. They had a great time just sitting in them and pretending to drive. Even though Logan couldn’t stand up and see over the top of the handlebars.

Rope Climbing

Rope Climbing, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 20), Let's Fall In and Texture Tuesday Week 30 all by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Fonts are Love Letter and DJB Nee Nee by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: You have always been really afraid of heights. But you would never admit that in front of Conor. When he headed off up the rope climbing frame you were quick to go right up behind him. You managed to climb all the way up to the first seating level and then you made yourself comfortable to watch Conor climb right to the top.