2012 - A year in Review.....

Hello lovelies,

I know that this post is probably a few days (or more) late as 2013 is already 12 days old! 

2012 was not a good year for me. I felt very disappointed and negative when I looked back on it.

I thought about losing my job.  A job that I loved. Turning 30 in that same week! Discovering a tumour on my thyroid and having endless hospital appointments with the possibility of another on my pituitary gland. Being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and yet another year with no positive results struggling with infertility.

I am blessed with an amazing husband though with such a great outlook on life and he reminded me of all the lovely things that happened during 2012.  I felt embarrassed at  the way I looked at things. He reminded me that 2012 was the year we brought home our little puppy who bring us lots of laughter (and sometime "tears" as he has chewed quite a few favourite heels and crafting supplies), but mostly laughter, wet kisses and warm fluffy cuddles. It was the year I received my British passport and we finally got to experience Rome and travel through Italy.  Something we have wanted to do for a very long time. My mum came to visit and I got to spent some quality time with her.

I am also blessed with precious parents who taught me the power of prayer and about an Almighty God with endless love for His children. Without their prayers (and I know there were others as well, thank you) I am not sure how things would have turned out, but the lump on my thyroid was benign and there was no tumour on my pituitary gland. 

Although anxiety and panic attacks are horrible things to suffer with I now at least know what I am dealing with and can start learning to not let it rule my life and dictate how I live.

I then went to my computer and looked through all my photos of last year and picked out a few that made me smile and wanted to share them with you! I hope you are also able to look back on your year and find some things to smile about and memories to treasure.

Started off the year in South Africa!

My big brother getting married and me gaining a little sister

 Snow in February...

 never too old for snow Angels... :)

Business meetings..

 bringing home our boy...

 spending time with these two (above and below)

Training for our Charity Challenge....

 

 Coffee dates with Matt in London....

 getting a few unexpected wet-nose-kisses from this cutie pie....

 Raising more money for Charity....

 Remember you never too old to be silly....

 Turned 30 and had a great time...

 Love this little bug....

 Spending a perfect day with my two boys...

 Getting spoilt on my Birthday....

 Remembered to lay on my back and look up at the sky (like when you were a kid)

 Had a great time on a craft retreat!

 More Training for the big Charity Challenge...

 The actual Charity Challenge!!

 There were lots of laughter during this gruelling challenge believe it or not...

I had long hair...

 Then I cut it and looked like this....

 The Queen had her Diamond Jubilee...

 just so in love with my pup....

 and of course this handsome fellow!

Enjoying the summer..

 

 Matt enjoying old cars and busses...

 still not content.. I cut my hair again...

 Oh!  Hello again!

 Louie got his first haircut..

 and again...I like this..for now ;)

 Meeting a new friend...

 catching up with an old friend...

 Enjoying a day out with mum...

 Ally Pally with mum!

 Ready for an adventure? Yes I am!

 Pompeii

 Mount Vesuvius

 Monte Cassino

 Assisi

 Rome

 Ice Cream in Florence

 Autumn....my favourite time of year!

 Christmas...another favourite

 oh, well what do you know this cutie pie just keeps popping up!

Here is to a fantastic 2013.  It will be what you make of it.  Take all the chances and opportunities that come your way.  Say yes to those things that scare or intimidate you.  Believe in miracles and take care of those around you.

 Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Have a great day!

Love, Cindy x

 

Merry Christmas!!

This month did not go as planned.  I had lots of ideas and hopes of many a crafty day, but unfortunately things did not quite go that way.

I have managed to keep up with JYC for about the first 6 days. I am still determined to finish this Album though. This is what I have done so far.

  (blank spaces are for photos not yet printed)

However things are back on track and it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas

and just in time too!

I have been leaving festive messages around the house. The smell of Sparkling Cinnamon is currently filling the air.  These candles are everywhere. :)

The presents are wrapped and the stockings are filled! Louie does not understand that he has to wait until tomorrow so he has been sitting under his stocking crying....poor pup.

I will be missing my family in South Africa a lot over the next few days.  It does make Christmas in the UK bittersweet being without them. Thank goodness for Skype and living in a digital age!

Merry Christmas and

Best wishes for a Happy New Year to you all!!

Love

Cindy xx

JYC - It is nearly here!

For the past two years I have been taking part in Shimelle Laine's Journal Your Christmas.  It is such a fun project to work on if you really love this time of year.  It starts on the 1st  December and I am a little late in getting prepared for one of my favourite projects of the year, but I am nearly done. So pleased that this year I am able to dedicate an area in my craft room solely for this project. It just makes it easier not to have to put everything away and just pick up where I have left off the previous day.

My Kit arrived from Shimelle last week and I just LOVE it!

I am determined to finish my 2012 Journal as we work our way through December, but if I don't then that is OK too. As long as I keep my journal and photos up to date (as I have done in the past) it should be fine.

 The American Crafts 8x8 album worked well both times before so I will be using one again this year.

These are a few pages form my 2012 Album.

I have been super organised this year and completely prepared for the Silly Season so I am hoping to keep you updated as my album progresses during the month of December and into January. 

I am looking forward to drinking lots of hot Chocolaty drinks, snuggling up with winter woollies and looong hot bubbly baths after a good work out!!

Thank you for stopping by!

Cindy x

...too early to talk Christmas?

Nooo!  I love Christmas.  My checklist started on the 1st September already! - True story..

Last year my lovely mum bought me a chipboard Holly Wreath from Kaisercraft for Christmas and it was top of my list to finish as part of our home decorations this year. It took me a while to get started though as I thought it was going to be hard work - cutting and sanding etc. (most chipboard projects scare me a bit)

After "breaking" the pieces apart I sanded the edges where they were joined smooth.

I chose the Darling Dear 6x6 Designer paper pad from My Minds Eye.  It is an older collection, but I had it in my stash for some time now and think it is so cute. I drew the shapes out on the paper and then cut them out.

I used Mod Podge to glue my paper pieces to the chipboard and inked the edges with "vintage photo" distress ink from Tim Holtz. 

I then painted the wooden ring and edges with Silver paint.  At this point it was late and with crossed eyed tiredness mixed in with bad lighting a lot of the paint ended up on the actual leaves!  That is OK though. It looks like I meant to do that.

I am so happy with the result. I love it and can not wait to decorate the house! 

 Even I have to wait to the 1st December though....

Are you currently working on any crafty Christmas projects?

Thank you for stopping by today!

Cindy x