Lukasmummy

Try

2012-01-25T05:44:00.001Z

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

2012-01-25T01:01:00.001Z

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

2012-01-24T20:14:00.001Z

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

2012-01-23T06:19:00.001Z

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

2012-01-22T06:43:00.001Z

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

2012-01-21T20:40:00.001Z

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

2012-01-21T00:02:00.001Z

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

2012-01-16T02:12:00.001Z

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

2012-01-15T01:19:00.001Z

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

2012-01-08T15:52:00.001Z

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

2011-12-31T19:13:00.001Z

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

2011-12-17T16:44:00.001Z

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

2011-12-16T14:59:00.001Z

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

2011-12-12T07:30:00.001Z

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

2011-12-11T08:04:00.001Z

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

2011-12-10T06:44:00.001Z

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

2011-12-06T13:52:00.001Z

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

2011-12-03T02:33:00.001Z

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.

First Bottle

2011-11-28T00:21:00.001Z

First Bottle, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (November Template Challenge) by Sas Designs and Baby Mine Girl and Baby Mine Milestones both by Jen C Designs. Font is DJB Cursive by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: When your baby is in special care, everything is a milestone. But there aren’t very many, that are quite as exciting as when you are allowed to feed them their first bottle. That first bottle is the first tiny step away from being a premature baby who needs to be fed with a tube, and starting the long road to coming home. Most babies born as early as Leia don’t have a very good sucking reflex, We were very lucky that she didn’t have that issue. We were mostly just waiting around for the amount of milk per feed to be enough to put into a bottle. She had been changed onto 2 hourly feeds 2 days earlier, and with her weight gain she finally reached a high enough volume of milk. When the nurse asked if we would like to try the feed during our visit with a bottle, we were thrilled. The goal was simply to try and see if she was able to take the bottle. We had a 15 minute time limit, whatever was in the bottle after that was to be put down her tube so she didn’t get too tired from the effort. The nurse made a real fuss over Leia’s 2oz bottle, she hadn’t seen one so small before. We used the same size ones with all of our boys in the hospital. It was an amazing feeling for me. Leia not only managed to drink the whole bottle, but she did it in just over 5 minutes. We were so proud of her. What made it an even more special experience was that Nan got to be there.

Icing Gingerbread Men

2011-11-26T08:51:00.001Z

Icing Gingerbread Men, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 21, slightly altered) and In The Kitchen both by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Font is Euphorigenic.
Journalling reads: When it’s cold and wet outside, we have to find ways to have fun indoors. There is only so much television you can watch, so many block towers you can build and so many cars you can race before it gets boring or the rain finally stops. To pass the time we got a little bit creative and decided to decorate some gingerbread men. You loved squirting all the different coloured icing on, but had no interest in eating them. 30th July 2008.

Happy Meal

2011-11-26T03:39:00.001Z

Happy Meal, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 18) by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs) and Mister by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs) and Amanda Krueger (nibbles skribbles). Fonts are Sketch This and KR Fast Food.
Journalling reads: In your opinion, no trip to the city centre is complete, without a trip to Macdonalds for lunch. You always choose the same thing, a happy meal with a plain cheeseburger and fries. The only thing that ever changes, is your drink. You either pick a fruit shoot or a diet coke!

Logan's First Christmas Day

2011-11-22T04:18:00.001Z

Logan's First Christmas Day, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (November Made In The Shade Template) by Giggly Polka Dots and Counting Down To Christmas by Jen C Designs.

Logan Playing In The Leaves

2011-11-21T17:51:00.001Z

Logan Playing In The Leaves, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (November Template Challenge) by Moon Designs and Thankful by Jen C Designs. Font is DJB Hazelnut by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: This photograph really doesn’t capture your first time playing in the leaves. You look like you don’t like it one tiny little bit, when truthfully you had a lovely time. You were fascinated by all of the different colours and shapes of the leaves. You kept picking them up one by one and turning them over in your hands so you could look at them. You seemed intrigued by all of the rustling sounds and different textures when you rolled around in them. The only parts you weren’t really keen on, were when Lukas decided it would be funny to dump a handful of leaves over your head and when I said it was time to go home! 13th October 2010

Birthday Cake

2011-11-20T06:31:00.001Z

Birthday Cake, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (November Template Challenge) by Sharon Dale and Celebrate This by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Font is DJB Angie Bold by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: I know that your 8th birthday was not the most fun you have ever had. But one thing that you did really enjoy was blowing out the candles on your birthday cake. We let you choose what you wanted, and you picked a double chocolate tray bake that was decorated with chocolate curls and stars. We added a huge 8 candle, some regular blue candles and some sparklers. You really loved the flower candle that played happy birthday. I just wonder what it was that you wished for!

Welcome Home

2011-11-20T03:05:00.001Z

Welcome Home, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (November Template Challenge) by Little Green Frog Designs and Look Hoo's Having A Birthday by Jen C Designs. Fonts are Pea Nicki and Bookman Old Style.
Journalling reads: It’s amazing just how long 3 weeks can feel when you are waiting to bring your baby home from special care, but today is the day when we finally get to bring you home with us where you belong Leia.

February Calendar Page

2011-11-12T00:27:00.001Z

February Calendar Page, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Calendar Templates, Set 1, Template 3) and Best Of Britain by Jen C Designs and February Wordart by Bethany Harty (Elegant Wordart by Bethany).

October Calendar Page

2011-11-12T00:25:00.001Z

October Calendar Page, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Calendar Templates, Set 3, Template 10) and Happy Boo Bundle (slightly recoloured) by Jen C Designs and October Wordart by Bethany Harty (Elegant Wordart by Bethany).

Calendar Page 1

2011-11-12T00:24:00.001Z

Calendar Page 1, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Calendar Templates, Set 1, Template 4) and Forever Mine by Jen C Designs.

Precious Leia

2011-11-07T18:06:00.001Z

Precious Leia, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Big Shot, Template 1) and Forever Mine both by Jen C Designs.

First Birthday

2011-11-05T22:53:00.001Z

First Birthday, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 17), Celebrate This Bundle and P365 Basics Simple Borders Weekdays Wordart all by Mad Genius Designs. Font is DJB Hazelnut by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads:I had lots of ideas to celebrate your first birthday. But Things did not go anything like I had planned. No-one could have known we would end up homeless and sleeping at Grampy Andrew’s. But we were still able to go to see Nana on Lukas’s birthday. We let both of you open all of your cards and presents. We tried to make the day special even though we were all sad. You really liked sitting on my lap to look at your cards. Your favourite one seemed to be the huge card with number one and the red bus on the front, which was nearly the same size as you were. We had you all dressed to going swimming, but we ended up running too late to make the swim time. I’m sorry Logan!

First Christmas

2011-11-05T22:52:00.001Z

First Christmas, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Creative Juice No 10) by Molly Weight (Biograffiti) and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Thirty Eight Mini by Vicki Stegall and Sue Cummings and 52 Inspirations 2011 The Basics (slightly recoloured) by Sue Cummings and Vicki Stegall. Font is DJB Hazelnut by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: You will never know just how hard your first Christmas was for me. On one hand, I was sad that Leo wasn’t here but on the other I was so glad that you were here with me and nothing had gone wrong this time. I can’t begin to describe just how grateful I was for the fact that I actually got to celebrate a first Christmas with you. After buying presents for Leo and then not having him to give them to. Part of me was terrified of buying you any gifts in case the same thing happened again. But the desire to buy stuff for you and make your first Christmas special was just impossible to resist. Seeing the look on your face and how excited you were by it all made me vaguely remember what it felt like to feel happy. I had been dreading Christmas Day so much but you almost made it bearable. I love you Logan.

Lukas and Leia 1st Hugs

2011-11-01T21:07:00.001Z

Lukas and Leia 1st Hugs, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (23rd October 2011, Sunday Brunch Chat Template) by Colie's Corner and July Blog Hop and Metal Alpha both by Jen C Designs. Font is Pea Muggy's Girl by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas).
Journalling reads: The first time you got to meet your baby sister, she was 2 days old and was in the high dependancy unit. They have very strict rules regarding sibling visiting, you and Logan were only allowed in between 4-5pm and you weren’t allowed to touch her. You were a bit upset but at least this was better then when Logan was born and you weren’t allowed to visit at all. Leia did so well she was moved to low dependancy when she was just 4 days old. The rules in there are different not only can you visit whenever you like, but they don’t mind you having cuddles once you wash your hands. Leia looked so tiny in your arms, but you were really gentle and sweet with her. It’s nice to see that you remember how to be a great big brother. 19th October 2011.

Lego

2011-11-01T21:06:00.003Z

Lego, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Creative Juice No 9) by Molly Weight (Biograffiti) and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Thirty Two Mini by Vicki Stegall and Sue Cummings and 52 Inspirations 2011 The Basics by Sue Cummings and Vicki Stegall. Font is DJB Hazelnut by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: When you first started asking me for Lego, I was very reluctant to actually buy it. I thought once you made it once you would lose interest and it would just sit in the bottom of the toybox. But I guess I underestimated the level of your imagination and creativity. Sure you have fun sitting with Daddy and building the sets, but much to Daddy’s horror, you have more fun taking it all apart and rebuilding it into something you imagined. After you are done you always bring them to show me and beg me to photograph them for you, so you can remember what you built this time. Photos taken 13th March 2010.

Mum And Leo

2011-11-01T21:06:00.001Z

Mum And Leo, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Creative Juice No 7) by Molly Weight (Biograffiti) and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Thirty Seven Mini by Sue Cummings and 52 Inspirations 2011 The Basics by Sue Cummings and Vicki Stegall.

Together

2011-10-31T14:04:00.001Z

Together, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Creative Juice No 6) by Molly Weight (Biograffiti) and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Twenty Six Mini by Vicki Stegall and Sue Cummings and 52 Inspirations 2011 The Basics by Sue Cummings and Vicki Stegall.

Rainbow Lorikeets

2011-10-30T18:06:00.003Z

Rainbow Lorikeets, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Creative Juice No 5) by Molly Weight (Biograffiti) and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Thirty by Vicki Stegall and Sue Cummings.

Climbing The Shelves

2011-10-30T18:06:00.001Z

Climbing The Shelves, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Creative Juice No 4) by Molly Weight (Biograffiti) and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Twenty Four by Vicki Stegall and Sue Cummings. Font is DJB Hazelnut by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: I am not sure what it is about you, but no-one can be unhappy when you are around. It doesn’t matter how naughty you are being, people can’t help smiling when they see you. It’s a very special talent to be able to get away with climbing up the shelving units, emptying off the contents off the shelves and then holding on to the bare shelves so you can use Mummy’s bed like a trampoline. I suppose part of it may have been to do with the fact that we were all in awe of how much destruction and chaos you could cause at such a young age! 11/05/2010.

Build A Bear

2011-10-30T18:05:00.003Z

Build A Bear, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Creative Juice No 3) by Molly Weight (Biograffiti) and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Thirty One Mini by Sue Cummings and 52 Inspirations 2011 The Basics by Sue Cummings and Vicki Stegall.

My Family

2011-10-30T18:05:00.001Z

My Family, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Creative Juice No 2) by Molly Weight (Biograffiti) and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Twenty Five by Sue Cummings. Font is DJB Hazelnut by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: When I first got my phone, I spent a lot of time just randomly clicking photos and hoping to get one that was worth scrapping. I managed to get a lot of useless shots, thanks to using the wrong settings or photos that were just blurry or out of focus. You all got so used to me taking random photos of everything from the texture on the carpet to the junk on my desk, that you just stopped paying attention to me. You all assumed I was just taking random photos, which meant I got to capture some truly amazing moments like this one of you three. Mark was playing on the X-box when Lukas wondered in and asked to watch. It quickly went from him sitting on the bed next to his Daddy to him laying on his chest for a cuddle. Logan was only 5 months old but he was already pretty determined not to miss out on any chance for cuddles. It made me smile that even though he wanted to cuddle with you two he had to keep watching me to make sure I wasn’t going anywhere. It was so sweet to see you all laying there like that, the love you have for each other so obvious. It made me realise how lucky I am to have you all in my life. I would be lost without this little family of mine, my two amazing boys and my wonderful husband. Photo taken 10-01-2010.

Lukas Bowling

2011-10-30T18:04:00.001Z

Lukas Bowling, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Creative Juice No 1) by Molly Weight (Biograffiti) and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Twenty Mini by Vicki Stegall. Font is Bosshole.
Journalling reads: When we took you bowling for the first time, you really struggled to get the ball down the lane. But you refused to give up. You never once stopped smiling and you just kept on trying to be better. That is such a great lesson for you to always remember - never give up and always keep smiling. 25/02/07.

Logan's First Solo Hugs With Leia

2011-10-29T16:59:00.001+01:00

Logan's First Solo Hugs With Leia, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (11th September 2011, Sunday Brunch Chat Template) by Colie's Corner and My Story by Jen C Designs. Font is Pea Teran by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas).
Journalling reads: You adore your baby sister Leia, but it’s very frustrating for you when we go to visit her. You don’t want to stay in the room with her or stay and play in the day room. You always choose to be a naughty little monkey and run out of the room, usually getting yourself told off by the nurses in the process. I suppose we shouldn’t really be surprised after all you are only 2 years old. When we first took you to visit Leia you were not allowed to touch her, because she was in high dependancy care. BUt once she was moved to low dependancy and had her own side room it was much easier to entertain you, because you will pretty much do anything to be able to touch your baby sister. We started with letting you hold her hand while Mummy or Daddy was holding her, then we moved onto letting you sit on Mummy’s lap while she was holding Leia and “helping” to give her a cuddle. This time though we decided to trust you and let you hold her all by yourself. Mummy crouched down next to you just in case you moved suddenly and dropped Leia. You held her like you had been doing it forever, without me even showing you how. You supported her head and kept her safe and secure in your arms. It was adorable to see you gazing down at her with so much love in your eyes. We were so proud of you for being such a sweet big brother. 25th October 2011.

Logan Cuddling Leia

2011-10-27T00:21:00.001+01:00

Logan Cuddling Leia, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (October Template Challenge) by Giggly Polka Dots and Tranquility by Jen C Designs. Font is Pea Annie by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas).
Journalling reads: One of the things I was worried about when I was pregnant with Leia, was how possessive Logan is. I was really worried he would feel jealous and hate it when he saw me cuddling her. Turns out I had no reason to be worried, he is still extremely possessive but just not of me anymore. He’s more concerned that he gets to have just as many cuddles with her as we do, he wants to touch her all the time. She’s only just 12 days old and he is already utterly in love with his baby sister. Every morning the first thing he asks when he wakes up is “we go see Leia bear now”. 26th October 2011.

I Love You Precious Girl

2011-10-27T00:20:00.001+01:00

I Love You Precious Girl, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (2nd October 2011, Sunday Brunch Chat Template) by Colie's Corner and Divalicious by Jen C Designs. Fonts are Susie's Hand and Too Many Secrets by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas).
Journalling reads: The first time I saw you it was like being punched in the chest, you looked so much like Leo it hurt. Yet I felt the same pull towards you that I did to him, it scared me so much and made part of me want to run away from you rather than risk getting hurt so badly again. But you are now only 10 days old and already I know that no matter what happens I won’t be running anywhere.. I have fallen completely and utterly in love with you and I hate having to walk out of that hospital and not have you with me. 23rd October 2011.

Jack O Lantern

2011-10-20T09:56:00.001+01:00

Jack O Lantern, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Multi Photo Volume 3, Template 1) and Happy Boo both by Jen C Designs.

I'm Sorry

2011-09-25T13:39:00.001+01:00

I'm Sorry, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Journal Lovers, Template 1) by Amy Lanham (3 Lil' Monsters Designs) and Change by Jen C Designs. Font is DJB C Lyle Run by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: When I found out that I was pregnant with you, I was more than a little overwhelmed by the emotions that I felt. It was all just so complicated, I wasn’t prepared for even the possibility of having another baby. It’s not so much that you weren’t wanted it’s just that you definitely weren’t in any of my plans. I was already finding it so hard to cope with Lukas and Logan while feeling so ill all the time. I don’t believe in lying to any of you, so I will tell you the whole truth and just hope you don’t hate me for it. For the briefest moment I admit it, I considered asking the doctor about arranging an abortion, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. You need to know how much I hate even the idea of abortions, I can’t help myself from feeling like it’s a form of murder. But I am pro-choice, I feel like it’s a personal decision but just not one I could ever make myself. I guess you are wondering why it matters. Wondering why I am even bothering to tell you any of this, it’s not like it was ever a real consideration. But it matters because you need to know the whole story, including all the bits it pains me to share with you. Right from the start I have been a mess. I just can’t seem to form any sort of bond with you and it is tearing me up inside. Part of the reason is dealing with all of the depression and health problems. The headaches and vision problems started right at the beginning of the pregnancy this time. Walking around is difficult because of the issue with my hips and I am just so very tired I just can’t seem to focus properly on anything. My moods have been really scary and unpredictable perfectly fine one minute, flying off the handle the next. Everything seems so much more intense this time. But mostly I am just so terrified, you are everything I have always thought that I wanted. But now that I have you, I am more scared than I can find words to describe. At first it was panic about how I would cope with three kids instead of two when things are so hard. I feel so poorly all the time, and I feel so guilty about how many things I can’t manage to do as a mother. But mostly the problem has to do with the simple fact that I feel like you might just be too good to be true. The last time I got something I really wanted was with Leo. I loved Leo so much it hurt, my pregnancy was so hard and then came special care. When he came home from the hospital I thought it was finally over. But it was only just getting started, he broke my heart into a million pieces when he died. I couldn’t cope with the intensity of all the emotions that I felt. I tried to push everyone away, because I just couldn’t cope with the idea of anyone ever hurting me that much again. I just can’t seem to allow myself to pull down the walls I have built and allow myself to love properly again. I’m so sorry baby you deserve so much more than me feeling sad.

Pumpkin Sippy Cups

2011-09-21T20:41:00.001+01:00

Pumpkin Sippy Cups, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 19), Urban Irish Cardstocks (slightly recoloured), Adventure 365 Occasion Flairs, P365 Basics Little Date Tags Extended and Edge Genius Volume 3 all by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Fonts are Old Newspaper Types and Pea Squeaker by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas).
Journalling reads: One of your favourite things we bought for Halloween, was these orange plastic pumpkin sippy cups.They were 3 for £1 so we bought one each for you, Lukas and Josh. You had a great time climbing onto the chair and trying to drink out of the straw like a big boy!

Halloween Decorations

2011-09-21T20:40:00.003+01:00

Halloween Decorations, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 8), Trick Or Treat, Trick Or Treat Cardstocks and Trick Or Treat Glitters all by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Font is DJB Writes A Lot by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: Since it was our first Halloween, we went a little bit overboard when it came to buying decorations for our little Halloween party. Plastic banners, paper chains and inflatable items for the walls. Tinsel to wrap around the light stand and cardboard chandeliers and paper lanterns for the doorway. We decorated the tv unit with flashing lights and Logan drove us nuts by constantly swiping them to play with. We bought a plastic tablecloth and paper napkins for the table as well as a tinsel fountain centre piece. We even went as far as buying lots of Halloween themed plastic plates and bowls. It took us nearly the whole afternoon to decorate the living room and when we were finished it looked more than a little tacky, but it was so worth the expense and the effort to see how thrilled and excited both of the boys were about the party when it was finally all finished.

Pumpkin Carving 3

2011-09-21T20:40:00.001+01:00

Pumpkin Carving 3, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 7), Trick Or Treat and Trick Or Treat Cardstocks all by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs) and More Than Words Celebrations Wordart by Darcy Baldwin and Jenny Hutson. Font is DJB Rita Script by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: When the pumpkins were finally empty it was time to start on the fun part of carving the design onto the front. We placed the pumpkin into a large plastic bowl to keep it steady. Then we printed out a pile of carving templates I had found online. After a quick search we were able to find the masking tape to attach the stencils. The next part was quite time consuming, we had to pierce holes through the pumpkin skin around the outline of the stencil. We were surprised at how tough the skin was to get through. Both of the boys were fascinated by the process. Once all of the holes were punched we removed the paper and got Mark to finish it off. He used the knives provided in the kit to cut between the holes and remove the pieces of the design one at a time. By the time he was finished it looked nothing like the original stencil, because the boys had begged him to cut, “One more hole”. Conor decided not to use a stencil on his and carved his design freehand. I think for our first attempt at pumpkin carving they turned out great. We wanted to leave them to dry out for a while before putting the candles inside, but Conor insisted on taking his home still wet. It’s just a shame we forgot to take any photographs of it when we lit it!

Pumpkin Carving 2

2011-09-21T20:39:00.003+01:00

Pumpkin Carving 2, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 6, slightly altered), Trick Or Treat, Trick Or Treat Glitters, P365 Basics Date Strips White and Edge Genius Volume 1 all by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs) and Worth Repeating Brushes and Stamps Fall by Katie Pertiet. Fonts are Kiddy Halloween by House Of Lime and DJB Rita Script by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: Conor has never had the same concerns as our boys when it comes to getting messy. He couldn’t wait to stick his hands into the gooey, slimy, gross contents of the pumpkins. Mark and Conor sat themselves on the kitchen floor and started by cutting a circle in the top of the pumpkins. Then using the scoops provided in the kits, they scooped out all of the seeds and pumpkin flesh into the little plastic bin we have for vegetable peelings for recycling.

Pumpkin Carving 1

2011-09-21T20:39:00.001+01:00

Pumpkin Carving 1, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 5), Trick Or Treat, Trick Or Treat Glitters and Edge Genius Volume 1 all by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs) and Worth Repeating Brushes and Stamps Fall by Katie Pertiet. Fonts are Kiddy Halloween by House Of Lime and DJB Rita Script by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: I am always slightly jealous when I see other people’s Halloween photos. While we were living with Nan there were lots of things that it just wasn’t possible to do with the kids. So for our first Halloween in our own house we decided to indulge in trying some of them. We bought two pumpkins and a couple of sets of tools, then we invited Conor around to carve them. The boys had no interest at all in any part that involved touching the “pumpkin guts”.

Just You

2011-09-18T01:13:00.001+01:00

Just You, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 15) and Monkey-ing Around both by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Font is Pea Angedawn by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas).
Journalling reads: I am not sure why it is, but I seem to get the cutest and most natural photos of you when I just stand and play with the various settings on the camera and take photos without you knowing. For as long as I can remember you have driven me insane by chewing everything, it almost seems like you don't even realise you are doing it. I have told you off so many times for doing it yet you still keep doing it. You were sitting watching television and chewing on one of your action figures. You had your feet on the sofa and your sweatshirt had ridden up to show part of your belly. I stood and just watched as you were completely engrossed in what you were watching, until you just couldn't sit still anymore so you slid down on the floor and started playing, it made me smile.

Fire And Stone

2011-09-17T16:53:00.001+01:00

Fire And Stone, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 14), Adventure 365 February, Adventure 365 February Glitters and P365 Basics Little Date Tags Extended all by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Logo found on Google. Font is Pea Alisha by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas).
Journalling reads: When we go shopping in the city centre, we usually end up grabbing takeaway for dinner. Quite often we opt for Mcdonalds just because it’s cheap and quick. On this trip we were intending on going to Pizza Hut, to take advantage of a special offer but since the closer one was busy we decided to give somewhere different a try. Fire and Stone hasn’t been open long and it looked really interesting. We were met at the door by super friendly staff, even though they were busy they pushed two small tables together for us so we had room to park the pushchair. They were running a special promotion where all pizzas were £4. Lukas was going to order from the kids menu but we were advised to order him an adult one as it would be cheaper. So he got one from the menu called the American Hot, (Fire & Stone’s tomato sauce, sliced Italian pepperoni, green chillies and grated mozzarella), and they took off the Chilli for him. I went with the Sydney (Crisp oven-roasted smoked bacon, free range egg, shaved smoked ham, mozzarella, Fire & Stone’s tomato sauce, basil & chives) and Mark went for the Maui (Double smoked shaved ham, Fire & Stone’s tomato sauce, diced sweet pineapple, mozzarella, basil, red onion & tomato salsa). The boys got cokes to drink and I went for Pineapple Juice. The pizzas were all gorgeous and yummy I was so mad I forgot to take a photo of the pizzas because we were too busy devouring them. Hopefully we can go back again soon, it was a lot of fun to try somewhere new to eat!

Quad Bike

2011-09-17T01:49:00.001+01:00

Quad Bike, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 16), Boyish Mini, P365 Basics Beaten Up Alpha and P365 Basics Little Date Tags Extended all by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs).

Angelina Ballerina

2011-09-16T19:25:00.001+01:00

Angelina Ballerina, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 13), Festival Of Colour Papers, Festival Of Colours Glitters, Adventure 365 Occasion Flair, Star Genius Volume 1, Brush Genius Volume Two and P365 Basics Date Strip White all by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Font is Trajan Pro.
Journalling reads: The school organised a trip to see angelina ballerina performed by the royal ballet at the theatre, you were so disappointed when you didn’t get a spot on the trip, so I decided to buy tickets for me and you to go and buy 2 tickets for us both to watch it. We had a great time and you got some flashing mouse ears and the dvd from the souvenir stand.

Eating At The First Floor

2011-09-15T19:02:00.001+01:00

Eating At The First Floor, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Summer 11 Templates, Template 2) and All About Me Volume 2 both by Laura White (C.W Picket & Company). Fonts are sf Fill Me In and sf Haven both by Sugar Frog Fonts.
Journalling reads: When we were trying to think of how to celebrate your birthdays, we thought that going out for a meal would be a nice thing to do. Since Nana was in hospital we ended up changing our plans, for Lukas’s birthday dinner was a sort of picnic of chips and egg fried rice at the park. For Logan’s I ended up going to a hospital appointment with Nan, we just ended up going swimming and then getting Mcdonalds since that is what Logan wanted. It was a shame really since I had picked out a new to us restaurant on the cowley road, called The First Floor. It’s an eat as much as you like buffet that serves a micture of chinese, thai, indian and continental food. We decided that it would be really nice to go there for Daddy’s birthday instead. We got all dressed up and caught the bus to the restaurant. They seated us in the window which you two thought was super cool, you had a great time watching all of the buses and people on the road below. We were really lucky since there was no charge for Logan since he was under 3 and they were running an offer where kids under 10 eat for just £1. The waiters came over and asked what you would like to drink, we ordered a diet coke for Lukas, a pineapple juice for Mummy and a pint of beer for Daddy. We didn’t think Logan could be trusted with a glass so we gave him his bottle instead.. Lukas was feeling really hungry and he was really excited to start eating. Lukas decided to try the fish goujons, and ended up liking them so much he had 3 massive plates full, along with some chips and a few other bits and pieces, Mummy selected some bits for Logan including noodles, chips and 1 piece of fish. Mummy and Daddy enjoyed trying a bit of everything. Me and Lukas tried the freshly made buttered Naan breads and enjoyed them so much we ended up sharing 2 plates full. We were just a little bit disappointed that there only seemed to be a very small selection of food available and they didn’t seem to be offering any kind of continental food, even though the website said they did pizza made to order. Then we moved onto the desert, Lukas had some ice cream and chocolate mousse while Mummy chose fruit salad and banana mousse. Logan and Daddy didn’t want any. It was so nice for us to be able to enjoy a meal out together as a family, that was not a Mcdonalds and we were so very proud of how you both behaved even if Logan did make a mess!

Ride The Slide

2011-09-15T18:58:00.001+01:00

Ride The Slide, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Summer 11 Templates, Template 1), All About Me Volume 1 and All About Me Tab Alpha all by Laura White (C.W Picket & Company).

Birthday Card

2011-09-10T17:16:00.001+01:00

Birthday Card, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Made In The Shade, September 2011) and Head {Cl}over Heels (slightly recoloured) both by Jen C Designs and Birthday Sweets Vectors by Miss Tiina. Font is Janda Curlygirl Serif by Kimberly Geswein.

Bury Knowle Park 1

2011-09-02T15:15:00.001+01:00

Bury Knowle Park 1, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Cluster Funk Volume 4, Template 4) and In The Woods (slightly recoloured) both by Jen C Designs. Font is Pea Karynsig by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas)
Journalling reads: After visiting Nan at the hospital and having your party, we decided to go and take a look at the recently renovated Bury Knowle Park. It looks amazing, all of the equipment is brand new and there is a great mixture of stuff for both little and big kids. Since I wasn’t feeling very well I sat down and let you both explore and play. Unfortunately this meant that I didn’t manage to get many photographs. I love these ones of Logan playing on one of the pieces of equipment meant for older kids, it’s a really steep ramp covered with turf, the red ropes act like handrails to help you walk up and down. Although he used it more like a grass slide and slid down on his bum. It made me giggle how he squeezed himself through the gap between the wooden posts securing the handrail ropes.

Ride The Carousel

2011-08-27T17:00:00.001+01:00

Ride The Carousel, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Facebook Fan Freebie 1) and Back To School (slightly recoloured) both by Jen C Designs. Font is Pea Bandit by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas).

Mmm Breakfast

2011-08-26T11:40:00.001+01:00

Mmm Breakfast, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Off Center, Template 1) and Back To School both by Jen C Designs. Font is Pea Angedawn by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas).
Journalling reads: You are a lot like me when it comes to eating breakfast before school, sleeping for a few more minutes seems a much better idea than eating properly each day. But on your last day at school you decided that you wanted some ham sandwiches on your monkey plate while you watched tv before school. Who cares that it’s not a “normal” breakfast at least you were eating without a fuss!

Leia Lucia Aurora May

2011-08-20T19:52:00.001+01:00

Leia Lucia Aurora May, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Cluster Funk, Volume 3, Template 1) and Loving You both by Jen C Designs.

Bubble Play

2011-08-15T15:19:00.001+01:00

Bubble Play, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (August Template Challenge) by Little Green Frog Designs and Stop Bugging Me by Jen C Designs. Font is Old Newspaper Types.
Journalling reads: Every time we visit Chessington World Of Adventures you are on the lookout to see if there is anything new to try. When you spotted this new attraction you begged to be allowed a turn. Since it was raining and it was something we had to pay for, we initiallly said no. You kept asking and eventually we gave in. It was a giant pool filled with water, the guys running it helped you to climb inside these inflatable balls and added more air once you were inside. Then you had to run around inside to get the ball to move around the pool. A bit like a hamster ball on water for kids, you had a great time but you were exhausted afterwards 30th March 2011.

Birthday Party With Nan 2

2011-08-15T15:16:00.001+01:00

Birthday Party With Nan 2, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Project Scrap 2011, January 2011, Single Template) by Shabby Princess and Kylie, Border Basics Squares and Border Basics Circles both by Libby Weifenbach/Pritchett and Be Happy by Jen C Designs.

Birthday Party With Nan 1

2011-08-15T15:13:00.001+01:00

Birthday Party With Nan 1, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Project Scrap 2011, January 2011, Multi Template) by Shabby Princess and Kylie, Border Basics Lines, Border Basics Squares and Border Basics Circles all by Libby Weifenbach/Pritchett and Be Happy by Jen C Designs. Font is Follow You Into The World by Kimberly Geswein.
Journalling reads: When it comes to your birthday there always seems to be something that prevents it from turning out the way I had hoped. After last year, when you told me it was the “worst birthday ever”, I was desperate to try and make it up to you. But then Nan was readmitted to hospital, and things got difficult. I couldn’t plan any kind of amazing day out for you because I had to be close to the hospital incase Nan needed me. So I changed my plans and decided to throw you a birthday party at the hospital with Nan. You thought that it sounded like a lot of fun, so we packed up some food into the cool bag, bought some Ben 10 cups and napkins and some disposable plates and headed up to the hospital for the day. Since it would have been very difficult to pack, transport and cut a birthday cake we decided that muffins with birthday candles might be easier. You chose some Cars candles and after lighting them we sung Happy Birthday and you got to blow them out. Nan felt so special that you included her in celebrating your day.

Walking Up The Slide (Right)

2011-08-15T15:09:00.003+01:00

Walking Up The Slide (Right), a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Double Take Template Volume 2, Template 1) and Be Happy both by Jen C Designs. Font is Old Newspaper Types.
Journalling reads: Every single time we go to the park, I tell you not to climb up the slide because it’s dangerous, but for some reason it just makes you more determined to prove to me that you can do it easily.

Walking Up The Slide (Left)

2011-08-15T15:09:00.001+01:00

Walking Up The Slide (Left), a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Birthday Muffin

2011-08-12T16:12:00.001+01:00

Birthday Muffin, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (August Template Challenge) by Christy Haig and Sweet On You by Jen C Designs. Font is Old Newspaper Types.
Journalling reads: Since we spent the afternoon with Nan at the hospital we decided to have a little party and add some candles to a chocolate muffin and blow them out since it was easier than a birthday cake.

Josh On The Quad Bike

2011-08-12T12:28:00.001+01:00

Josh On The Quad Bike, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (All Curves, Template 2) and It's Summer both by Jen C Designs. Font is Old Newspaper Types.

Teacups (Right)

2011-08-10T18:21:00.001+01:00

Teacups (Right), a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Double Take Volume 1, Template 2) and Summer Nights both by Jen C Designs. Font is Old Newspaper Types.

Teacups (Left)

2011-08-10T18:20:00.001+01:00

Teacups (Left), a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Double Take Volume 1, Template 2) and Summer Nights both by Jen C Designs. Font is Old Newspaper Types.

October Leaves

2011-08-09T18:11:00.001+01:00

October Leaves, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Lots Of Layers, Template 4) and Canadian Eh (slightly recoloured) both by Jen C Designs and October Leaves Wordart by Bethany Harty (Elegant Wordart By Bethany).

Lukas At The Wedding Again

2011-08-09T18:01:00.001+01:00

Lukas At The Wedding Again, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (August Template Challenge) by Jen C Designs and Our Family Story by Jen C Designs and Inspired Digital Designs by Crystal Sweeney. Font is Staccato222 BT.
Journalling reads: David & Liz’s Wedding 13th August 2006.

Mum And Nan

2011-07-17T20:38:00.001+01:00

Mum And Nan, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (July Template Challenge) by Scrap-A-Holic Designs and Morning Bloom Collab by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs) and Vicki Eggins (Danas Footprint Designs) and Morning Bloom Addon Papers by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Font is DJB Hannah Script by Darcy Baldwin.

First Trip To The Park

2011-07-16T21:28:00.001+01:00

First Trip To The Park, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (July Template Challenge) by Little Green Frog Designs, Child's Play by Jen C Designs and Live Out Loud Glitter Styles by Megan Farrow (Flergs). Font is Janda Romantic by Kimberly Geswein.
Journalling reads: I took these photos the first time that I took the both of you to the park. Logan was sleeping and you were too busy peering into the pushchair at him to play!

Legoland 2010

2011-07-09T11:43:00.001+01:00

Legoland 2010, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Fun With Scissors, Template 3) and By The Beach (slightly recoloured) both by Jen C Designs.

Coots

2011-07-06T00:28:00.001+01:00

Coots, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Off Center, Template 2) and In The Woods (slightly recoloured) by Jen C Designs. Font is Georgia.

Duck

2011-07-05T18:42:00.001+01:00

Duck, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (July Template Challenge) and Me Me Me both by Jen C Designs. Font is DJB Coffeeshop Tall Skinny Extended by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: When you were little we often took you for nature walks. We would give you a bag and let you collect anything that looked slightly interesting to you. When you started nursery you were desperate to take some stuff in to show your teacher, so we decided that rather than take a bag of bits and pieces it might be fun to make a collage about our trip, using the things we had collected. The duck is made from feathers and helicopter seeds, the flowers came from the park and the fence came from our trip to mcdonalds on the way home.We added a few bits from the craft box to finish off the page, you were so proud to show it to your whole nursery class!

Thomas Big Loader

2011-07-05T18:34:00.001+01:00

Thomas Big Loader, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (White Space, Template 2) and Train Time both by Jen C Designs. Font is Hobo Std.
Journalling reads: It’s amazing to me how timeless some toys are. Things like Lego can be enjoyed by different generations, but the excitement level never changes, Mark loves to build with them just as much as Lukas does. On the flip side modern toys don’t seem to have the same kind of staying power. More often than not we buy toys for the boys and they end up being played with a few times before being discarded. Not this one though, Mark’s mum bought it for Lukas from a charity shop and he played with it for ages, Conor used to have one when he was little and he’s 14 this year!

No Mess No Fuss

2011-06-15T13:23:00.001+01:00

No Mess No Fuss, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Paper Pieces Templates, Template 3), CU Bunch Of Buttons and Imagination Station all by Jen C Designs. Font is Peggy Font.
Journalling reads: When it comes to writing and drawing, you have always struggled. Thanks to the difficulty you have in holding the pens and pencils correctly, you have never been able to enjoy writing or drawing. It’s always made me sad for you, because practice didn’t help it just upset you. We tried chunky pencils and special grips with little or no success, but then we saw this Lightning Mcqueen book and magnetic drawing pad, and you really wanted it. The pages in the book show you how to draw all of the characters, and you kept perservering until you were able to both draw them and write their names. It’s such a great tool and toy for you because we can take it anywhere and everything you need is already right there. The only thing that made you sad was having to erase the pictures before you could draw another one. So we came up with the idea to photograph any you were really proud of before you erased them. I only wish I had managed to get a picture the first time you drew a heart and wrote I love you mummy on it.

Making Scones

2011-06-14T08:14:00.001+01:00

Making Scones, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (June Template Challenge) by Scrap-a-holic Designs and In The Kitchen, P365 Basics Beaten Up White Alpha (recoloured), Flower Genius 1 and Grunge Genius 6 Overlays all by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Font is Pea Carolyn by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas).
Journalling reads:*Take one packet of scone mix and attempt to follow the directions on the packet *Make a huge mess in the kitchen and ignore the mother in laws disapproval.*Use assorted shape cutters to cut scones into shapes.*Brush milk onto the scones before cooking as directed.*Give scones to some gullible family members to try.*Distract Lukas somehow while they politely spit them into the bin or hide them.*Stand back and admire the look of pride on his face!

Cooking Cakes The Easy Way

2011-06-14T08:13:00.001+01:00

Cooking Cakes The Easy Way, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Remake of an old layout
Credits: Layered template (Flight Plan 4) slightly altered by Peppermint Granberg (One Little Bird) and In The Kitchen by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Fonts are Century Gothic and Stripes and Stars.
Journalling reads: When you were little food was a constant battle with you. It started because you refused to even try new things. At one point you were only eating bread and butter, yoghurt, cheerios, toast, cucumber, bananas, sweetcorn and pizza. Even the things you did like you only ate tiny little portions. So I had to get a little bit creative. I bought a set of cheap pastry cutters and I would cut your sandwiches into shapes. I would arrange your food into pictures and I tried really hard to make food fun for you. Your favourite cutter was the little person, you used to always ask for people sandwiches. One day I got the bright idea to make homemade pizza for you, I bought pizza dough, and pizza sauce, I let you roll it all out and cut out the shapes all by yourself. I let you spread on the sauce, grate the cheese and sprinkle it on and even pick and chop your own toppings. Then we put them in to cook. I was excited and thought this was such a good idea, you had prepared the food yourself, we had fun doing it together, we had even done lots of tasting. So much for that idea! It never even entered my brain that you would refuse to eat the food we had cooked. Or that you would be outraged at the thought of eating your pizza people. We had made all of this mess for nothing!

Making Pizza

2011-06-14T08:11:00.001+01:00

Making Pizza, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Remake of an old layout
Credits: Layered template (July Made In The Shade Template) by Kerry Ticknor (kerryt) and In The Kitchen by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Fonts are GG Leslie and Sugar Coma.
Journalling reads:When you were younger, it was never easy to do anything fun with you like cooking. You had a real phobia of getting anything on your hands or being dirty. so we used to cheat. We would buy a packet cake mix, put you in your painting apron and get out nannie fredas food processor. we got to have all of the fun of baking cakes together without any of the mess. I only wish you would have at least tried some of the cakes we had stood and made. Or at least not insisted on covering them all in that icky pink icing. We always ended up with so many we couldn’t eat them. I will say one thing though, everyone daddy worked with used to love it when we baked, because they always ended up getting all of the cakes to eat so they were not wasted. 22nd May 2005

Stitch A Chick

2011-06-11T23:55:00.001+01:00

Stitch A Chick, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365 Template 9) and Egg-Tastic Cardstocks by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs) and Egg-Tastic Collab by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs) and Tracy Roberts (Designs By Tracy). Fonts are Abusive Pencil (numbers), Just Me Again Down Here by Kimberly Geswein (date) and Copperplate Gothic Light.
Journalling reads: You don’t really enjoy most craft based activities, they tend to really frustrate you because you have a hard time gripping them. But you really enjoyed it when we tried this felt chick sewing project! The first thing we had to do was to thread the yellow wool in the needle. I showed you how to stitch the two large body parts of the chicken together and then left you alone. You sat and concentrated really hard and did a great job. once you had stitched the bottom half I helped you line up the wings and head feathers before you finished sewing the top half. All that was left to do was for us to glue on the googly eyes, the felt feet and the felt eggs to the front. I’m not sure who was prouder of your cool chicken puppet, me or you!

Blankie Hugs

2011-06-10T17:52:00.001+01:00

Blankie Hugs, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Tub Time Templates, Template 1) by Jen C Designs, Daddy Daddy Collab (slightly recoloured) by Jen C Designs and Victoria Feemster. Fonts are sf No Frills by Sugar Frog Fonts and Stencil Std.
Journalling reads: When we moved into the new house, it was summer time. The sun was shining and we were having a hard time staying cool thanks to all the windows in the living room. We never could have imagined that just a little while later, everything would change and the house would be more like a freezer. The windows don’t sit straight in the frames and there is a broken window upstairs so there are draughts all the time. The whole house is damp and cold. The kids were getting fed up of being told to stay away from the radiators, or having to wear layers to stay warm. One morning Mark was messing around with Logan and a blanket and he found that Logan was perfectly content to be wrapped in a blanket on his daddy’s lap. I’m not sure which he liked more, being wrapped up like a jedi baby or just being hugged super tight by his Daddy. Whichever one it was, it’s super cute to watch them.

Time To Play

2011-06-05T05:19:00.001+01:00

Time To Play, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Flight Plan No 8) by Peppermint Granberg (One Little Bird) and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Twenty Two Mini by Vicki Stegall and 52 Inspirations 2011 The Basics by Sue Cummings and Vicki Stegall. Font is Century Gothic.
Journalling reads: Weekends are so much fun especially when you to fill them with family friendly activities, like just taking the time to pack a picnic and take a trip to a local park, with a ball and a camera to capture the fun. There are so many things just waiting to be enjoyed like swinging, sliding, climbing, running, sitting, watching, loving, chasing, giggling, kissing, hugging, relaxing, soaking up the sun and enjoying every single minute of it!

Perfect Moment

2011-06-05T05:18:00.001+01:00

Perfect Moment, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (MSA Celebration Template 2) by Molly Weight (Biograffiti) and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Fifteen Mini (slightly recoloured) by Vicki Stegall and 52 Inspirations 2011 The Basics (slightly recoloured) by Sue Cummings and Vicki Stegall.

First Day Of Nursery

2011-06-05T05:16:00.003+01:00

First Day Of Nursery, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (April 2011 Copycat Challenge Template) by WendyW and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Fourteen Mini (slightly recoloured) by Vicki Stegall and 52 Inspirations 2011 The Basics by Sue Cummings and Vicki Stegall. Font is DJB Gisella by Darcy Baldwin.
Credits: Layered template (May 2011 Copycat Challenge Template) by WendyW and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Fourteen Mini (slightly recoloured) by Vicki Stegall and 52 Inspirations 2011 The Basics by Sue Cummings and Vicki Stegall. Font is DJB Gisella by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: On your first day of nursery school, I think I was more nervous than you were. I was anxious about how you would adapt to being surrounded by children after spending so much time with just you and me. I was worried you would not know how to ask the teacher to go to the bathroom, or that you would get lost. I was scared that you wouldn’t fit in and make friends, but more than anything else I was sad that the time had come for me to share you with other people, my little baby couldn’t possibly be old enough for it to be time to start nursery school could he? You on the other hand were so excited to get going that you couldn’t even stand still long enough for me to take a few pictures. I dressed you in your new outfit, packed up your little elephant backpack and then kissed you goodbye before Daddy walked you to the nursery.

Me In The Pushchair

2011-06-05T05:16:00.001+01:00

Me In The Pushchair, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Flight Plan No 7) by Peppermint Granberg (One Little Bird) and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Seventeen Mini (slightly recoloured) by Sue Cummings and 52 Inspirations 2011 The Basics by Sue Cummings and Vicki Stegall. Font is Century Gothic.
Journalling reads: Sat in the little pushchair at the airport circa 1986.

Sleeping Leo

2011-06-05T05:08:00.001+01:00

Sleeping Leo, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (June Copycat Challenge Template) by Clarabear and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Thirteen Mini by Sue Cummings and 52 Inspirations 2011 The Basics by Sue Cummings and Vicki Stegall. Font is sf Lani Adamant by Sugar Frog Fonts.
Journalling reads: like a baby laid on your chest, sleeping soundly and dreaming.

Cleaning The Windows

2011-06-04T03:33:00.001+01:00

Cleaning The Windows, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Chopped Up, Template 2) by Jen C Designs and Spring Cleaning by Laura White (C.W Picket & Company). Font is sf Mareda by Sugar Frog Fonts.

Me On A Trip To The Beach

2011-06-03T18:35:00.001+01:00

Credits: Layered template (Paper Pieces, Template 1) and Me Me Me all by Jen C Designs.

My Wedding Bouquet

2011-06-01T13:38:00.001+01:00

My Wedding Bouquet, originally uploaded by Lukasmummy.

Credits: Layered template (Chopped Up, Template 4) and It's Coming both by Jen C Designs. Font is Pea Crispby Funky by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas).
Journalling reads: For most people a shot of the bride’s bouquet is one of the many standard wedding photos. But when have I ever been like most normal people. I managed to forget my bouquet in the rush to get to the registry office on time. We never even realised until it came to taking photos outside We ended up making a detour back home on the way to our wedding reception to grab it.

Me and Nan

2011-06-01T13:25:00.001+01:00

Me and Nan, originally uploaded by Lukasmummy.

Credits: Layered template (Journal Me Template Bundle, Template 2) by Scrappin Addict/Scrap-a-holic Designs and Morning Bloom Collab by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs) and Vicki Eggins (Dana's Footprint Designs). Font is Pea Chris In A Hurry by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas).
Journalling reads: Some people say a picture is worth a thousand words, but you don’t always need that many to tell the story behind the photograph. I know absolutely nothing about this photograph of me and Nan. I can guess at a few of the details though. I can guess that I was about 2/3 years old when it was taken. There are a lot of photos of me in similar style dresses. Nan looks so young in this picture, it’s difficult to remembr her ever not looking more like the Nan we are used to. From the fact that it’s on a balcony and I know we spent a lot of time living in Gibraltar when I was little, I can assume it was taken there. But one thing I don’t have to assume is the love there was between me and Nan. It’s obvious from the tender way she is holding me and the fact that I look content. I remember spending so much time in that same position even once I really got too big for her lap. I remember that when we finally outgrew cuddles like that I used to be allowed to sit on the arm of her chair next to her instead. We both got older, lots of things changed but we still love each other just as much, are still willing to do anything for each other. So maybe when it comes to some pictures they don’t need a thousand words, just three really simple and straight to the point ones like, I Love You.

Cleaning Your Room

2011-05-22T16:49:00.002+01:00

Cleaning Your Room, originally uploaded by Lukasmummy.

Credits: Layered template (Just Journaling Volume 1, Template 4) by Jen C Designs and CU Scallop Mats, CU Basics Scallop Templates, Spring Cleaning, P365 Date Rounds and Staple from All About Me Volume 1 all by Laura White (C.W Picket & Company). Fonts are Pea Bandit by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas) and Blackoak Std.
Journalling reads: There are really only so many times that I can say the same thing over and over again, before even I am sick of the sound of my own voice saying it. In this house the most common of those phrases is “TIDY YOUR ROOM!!”. It’s a long standing battle I nag, you go up to your room, you play/watch tv and do everything except actually tidy up. I come up to check on you and end up telling you off. It usually ends with at least one of us in tears. Well I got so sick of this that I decided to just do it one day while you were at school. When you got home you were thrilled and thanked me. Or at least you did at first, you changed your mind once you realised, that those 2 huge black sacks of rubbish had some toys in that you didn’t want thrown away! Hopefully this taught you a valuable lesson like why you should tidy up your own bedroom and decide what is rubbish!

Thank you For Loving Me

2011-05-22T01:23:00.001+01:00

Thank you For Loving Me, originally uploaded by Lukasmummy.

Credits: Layered template (Just Journaling Volume 1, Template 3) and Timeless (some slight recolouring) by Jen C Designs. Font is Century Gothic.
Lyrics are to Thank You For Loving Me by Bon Jovi.

Before and After A Haircut

2011-05-17T22:00:00.001+01:00

Before and After A Haircut, originally uploaded by Lukasmummy.

Credits: Layered template (December Moments Week 1, Template 4) by Crystal Livesay and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Eighteen Mini by Vicki Stegall and 52 Inspirations 2011 The Basics by Sue Cummings and Vicki Stegall. Font is Century Gothic.
Journalling reads: Why is it that you always seem to look like a different person when your hair has been cut. Your eyes look bigger and are a different shade of blue, your cheeks look rounder and your ears seem to stick out more. I have always said that you are so much more handsome when your hair is cut short, but I think maybe it’s just that when your hair is longer and thicker you look more grown up and I don’t like it I prefer to see my cheeky little monkey! boy!

New Mummy Moment

2011-05-17T21:56:00.001+01:00

New Mummy Moment, originally uploaded by Lukasmummy.

Credits: Layered template (Copycat Challenge 0110) by Wendy W and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Sixteen Mini by Vicki Stegall and 52 Inspirations 2011 The Basics by Sue Cummings and Vicki Stegall. Font is Century Gothic.
Journalling reads: From the very first time that I saw those 2 lines on a pregnancy test, I was waiting for this moment. Holding my newborn baby in my arms basking in the glow of being a new mother. Only it never happened, Lukas was whisked away from us because he was not breathing, I didn’t even get to look at him until he was a few hours old, was a full week before I could touch him. I got to hold Leo very briefly when he was born but the air of total panic surrounding his birth made any special moment between us impossible. Then there was you, placed straight on to my chest in the ambulance, cuddled the entire way to the hospital and then handed to me for photographs and more snuggles in the hospital. Thank you for finally giving me the new mummy moment I had so desperately craved during all 4 of my other pregnancies.

Me & My Baby

2011-05-15T22:46:00.001+01:00

Me & My Baby, originally uploaded by Lukasmummy.

Credits: Layered template (Member Spotlight May, Scrapingramma, rotated 90 degrees) by Jayedid Designs and A Mothers Love, Bunch Of Buttons, Doodled Patterns, Lightly Folded 2 and Ribbons all by Jen C Designs. Font is Copperplate Gothic Bold.

Tantrum In The Travel Cot

2011-05-14T11:03:00.001+01:00

Tantrum In The Travel Cot, originally uploaded by Lukasmummy.

Credits: Layered template (Multi Photo, Template 4) and Having A Bad Day both by Jen C Designs. Font is Prestige Elite Std.

Not A Happy Boy

2011-05-14T11:00:00.001+01:00

Not A Happy Boy, originally uploaded by Lukasmummy.

Credits: Layered template (Singular Focus, Template 4) and Having A Bad Day both by Jen C Designs. Font is Pea Stacy by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas).
Journalling reads: This photo of you makes me giggle, you are normally such a happy little boy, I only wish I knew why you were so cross at me!