A New Niece

Today Lilly Scarlett Haigh arrived, all 8lb 8oz of deliciousness. I spent most of today cuddling her and nuzzling her velvety soft head. Heaven.

Tuesday's Smile Lines

- Snow.
- Meeting up with good friends.
- Smashburger.
- Beautiful sunsets.
- Olivia: 'Mummy, you and Auntie Naomi look the same!'

The Getaway

You know how sometimes you wish there were more hours in the day?  Well, I wouldn't recommend it, it's quite tiring to have a day last for 31 hours as ours did on Friday when we flew out to Utah.  I can't sleep on planes so I watched a few films, did some arrowords and stared at pretty places like Greenland:

I must confess I got a little teary as we were coming in to land, knowing Jay was waiting somewhere down there for us:

Saturday was spent mostly like this with my two nieces:

Sunday arrived bright and sunny so we took a little stroll to the park:

In the afternoon we visited Bridal Veil Falls:

James disappeared up the hill to get a better shot of the falls, he's such a mountain goat!

It's all smiles so far!

Half Term Projects

My parents old bureau was screaming out to be a place to keep all my stationery and crafty bits, but it looked a bit shabby:

It took six (SIX!) coats of paint for me to get it looking pretty:

I also burned a couple more pictures:

I still can't quite believe I'm being paid for things I make:

Dear Jay

Dear Jay,

I get to see you in exactly ONE WEEK!  To celebrate this I have unearthed some early '90's mug shots.  Aren't they fabulous?

 

See you soon,

Love Nae x

Valentine's Day Is...

...eating chocolate before getting out of bed in the morning:

...your husband excitedly phoning you during his lunch break to tell you he has purchased the latest series of Downton Abbey with a money off voucher (he tried not to but he loves the series!)

...discovering the girl who lives two doors down has a thing for Ethan:

Happy Valentine's!

The Weekend

It's been a long, busy weekend and I've finally found some time to sit and write some random thoughts.  We had a funeral to attend in west Wales on Friday so James finished up work on Thursday evening and we drove half way to Amy and Ian's to stay overnight.  We set off for Newcastle Emlyn first thing in the morning, the snow that was predicted thankfully stayed away and we were able to enjoy the Welsh valleys on our way to the chapel:

The funeral was for a long time family friend (also my sister-in-law's mother-in-law), Hilary, who had fought bravely with cancer:

It was the most beautiful funeral service I have ever attended; the chapel was bursting with family and friends, with overflow rooms full to the brim.  The talks were uplifting and inspiring, there are so many examples of Hilary's good works to talk about that the service could have lasted all day.  Hilary is the most loving and compassionate person I have ever met, when I think of her I see a beaming smile and hear her giggle.  She has a deep love and testimony of the Saviour and always shared that love with others.  The first time I met Hilary and her husband Keith was back in 1995, the weekend I went to Wales to meet James' family after we were engaged.  We visited with the Wilcox's in their farm kitchen with the warm Aga and a giant dog sleeping in front of it.  I felt instantly at home the moment Hilary hugged us and offered us some cake she had just whipped up!  Hilary is a wonderful woman and she will be greatly missed.

After returning home, I spent Saturday at my parents house helping to clear out and pack some more before they move.  James took the children for a 10 mile coastal walk so we could pack in peace!  I stumbled across a few more childhood treasures and memories in the process, but my favourite was this photo of Nana Rankine:

The children are home this week, it's half term, and I've spent the last two days sanding (by hand!) my parents old bureau and painting it.  It's still needing a few more coats but the end is nigh, I shall soon have a place to store all my crafts and stationery!  I'll pop some photos up when I've finished.

And finally, has a vein of yours ever burst of it's own accord?  Mine did, and it wasn't pretty:

Dear Jay

Dear Jay,

Look what I found in the attic at Mum's:

How sweet were we?  See you in EIGHTEEN DAYS!

Love your guts,
Nae xxx

P.S.  For some reason blogger hasn't published a few of my January posts, I've fixed it now but you'll get some out of date posts in your inbox!

Letters

Rosie is a letter writer, she leaves them around the house for anyone and everyone.  Her latest is for the Tooth Fairy tonight and it is just so sweet:

Dear Tooth fairy,
You look pretty!!!!!!
I like you!!
Thank you for all the kindness that you have done for me!!!
Love Rosie
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx