What a Scrappy Life

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Wednesday 31 December 2014

Happy 17th Birthday, James

Today is my lovely son, James 17th Birthday








he is growing into a truly handsome young man, full of cheek, teenage moodiness but most of all, he his full of love and happiness.

I want to wish him the happiest of birthdays today, and hope he has a fab day.

Happy Birthday Son, we love you more than words can say.


Mum & Dad x

Saturday 27 December 2014

Surprise 50th Birthday Weekend - 6 December 2014

At the beginning of December, my lovely friend Julie organised a fantastic birthday weekend for my 50th.



The only things I was told was to have an overnight case, and pack a few crafting things - as if I was going to a crop and that was all.




So the day arrived, and Julie picked me up at 9.30



and gave me an itinerary, on route I tried to get out of Julie where we were going, what was planned,  etc, but all she keep saying was 'wait and see' - I didn't even know who was going to be there.





So I just had to sit back and enjoy the 'mystery tour'.  



Our first stop was at the Heart of Country outlet shops, this is when meet the girls - yeah !!!  They had kept to so quiet - I'm amazed.  We started off with coffee and then some shopping, before going for lunch at The Barn.



Then it was onto my 2nd destination, again I didn't know where we where going but just sat back and and looked forward to what Julie had planned.  We ended up at Barbara's - OMG !!! I was stunned, they had worked really hard to in preparation of this weekend.


We each had a place setting - we lovely goodies


Extra at my with my lovely wine glass.


But we each had a box full of stash - OMG!! Julie had organised us to have a scrapbooking kit that she put together for each of us, and it was crammed full of loveliness, paper, stickers,paperclips, stamps, card stock, project life cards, embellishments - it was all in there - totally fab.





One of the presents I received over the weekend was this absolutely fantastic quilt, handmade by Sue and Barbara - I was chocked - I would never in a million years thought that I would get an handmade quilt from anyone for a present - the time and effort that has gone into making this is without doubt much appreciated - I truly love it, the colours; the design; but what I love most about it is, the thoughtfulness and kindness that my lovely friends made this just for me.  Words cannot express how it has made me feel.  Love it so much.  Thank you again girls - much appreciated.



The beautiful quilt.



and on the Saturday evening whilst watching some TV, Julie and Barbara brought out this lovely cake, and they all sang Happy Birthday to me, I was stunned - Barbara's sister had make it for me.





A close up of the cake - can you guest the theme of the weekend - yes New York City - to say I'm slightly looking forward to my planned trip there next year is an understatement and yes ! I'm slightly obsessed with it and I'm not ashamed to admit it.



Morag - had got these paperclips for us all to add to our kits.



and this was Morag's card to me - fab !!!



I hope these written word can express how much I appreciated every single second of this weekend, and I thank each and everyone of of my lovely friends for this surprise and the effort of organising it. 

My biggest thanks goes to  Julie from the bottom of my heart for getting it just right  - and yes it was worth your sleepless nights - you certainly did my proud and I love you so much.  Thanks for being my friend.

Big thanks to Barbara for putting me up for the night and opening your home to us all, thanks also to Andy (Sue's husband) for our Sunday breakfast - yummy !





Let the celebrations continue ….

Wednesday 24 December 2014

Jackie is 50 …..

Yeah!! today I'm the grand young age of 50, yes 50 - I truly don't know where the time has gone.






I'm not going to or no! time is flying by too quickly - I'm embracing each and every day that I have, and looking forward to my next chapter in my life.

I've truly celebrated my 50th birthday with my family and friends and I don't intend to stop next year, so it will be a case of celebrating well into my 50th year, and beyond.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all my family, friends and online friends for your kind word and best wishes each one is very much appreciated.  All the lovely and thoughtful gifts I've received have left me truly speechless and so gratefully received.

Thank you

Have a good one ! I know I will





Friday 12 December 2014

Christmas Markets in Brussels - 28 November 2014

What started off has a thrown away comment about visiting a Christmas Market in europe with my cousin, ended up with 5 of us planning and going over to Brussels for the weekend, and what a weekend we had.


So our adventure started at London Heathrow - Terminal 5


James with his cousins


me and Jame on the plane



Our hotel - which was lovely




and round the corner from the European Parliament



Having brunch a local cafe




On the Saturday, we took a train to Brugge (yes it is spelt like this) and the crowd were just what we expected, which just added to the enjoyment of being there.


Brugge


Stopping for lunch - I just had to have a large beer !!!




Now which is the right way - lol x


Do any of the UK readers remember C&A back in the day !!! couldn't believe it still going strong in Belgium.



Love the look of the roof tops around the square (Brugge)




James enjoying a wraffle !




Back in Brussels - on the hour from 5pm to 11pm they have a fantastic light and music show at the Grand Palace, it was truly magical and one I want to see again !




On the Sunday morning, we got a taxi back into Brussels and the taxi driver was good enough to stop so that I could take a photo of the Palace.




James at the famous Manniquin Pis statue in Brussels.  It only a small statue but the whole area was crowded and worth seeing a local attraction.

We had a fab time and wanted to spend longer.  The Christmas market is very similar to the large one that is here in Birmingham, UK, there are a few different stalls but they seems to have exactly the same products in both.  It was a lovely experience and Brussels is definitely a place I want to visit again.

I trying to get my blog posts unto date before the end of the year, so expect a few over the coming week.

Thanks for stopping by.