Wednesday, 18 July 2007

Who is you other half like?....

You scored as Knightley, Your husband/boyfriend is most like Mr. Knightley of Emma! He probably gives you kind lectures to help you in certain matters, though he does these out of true devotion and in your best interests. Others look to him for his wisdom and good sense. He is generous and steadfast, though not afraid to politely argue with you. The two of you enjoy a challenging, sweet partnership and are most likely very active in your community.

Knightley

85%

Col. Brandon

75%

Captain Wentworth

70%

Darcy

65%

Edmund Bertram

65%

Tilney

55%

Edward Ferrars

55%

Who is Your Jane Austen Boyfriend/Husband?
created with QuizFarm.com

So much to do!!!

Well, it's been a rather looooong time since I last posted!  This may be because we have been rather busy!  
Well, where do I start?  We went to visit Angela, Paul and Esther for Angela's birthday.  We had a lovely day up in Chelmsford, and had a lot of fun together.
What ARE these "strawberry" things?!

Having fun with Grandma and Grandpa (singing "there was an old woman who swallowed a fly" - she thought it very amusing!)

At the park for a walk!

Next, it was many last minute preparations for going over to Northern Irealnd for Stephen and Lydia's Wediing!

 We had a brilliant day, and a lovely few days in Northern Ireland, catching up with family.

The happy couple a few days before the wedding.
Stephen and Lydia with Mum and Dad.

Taking the weight off my rather sore feet - the shoes felt ok in the shop....!

 We spent the Sunday at David and Claire's house - thank-you Claire for a lovely day!  

And, I got to go to Church in the evening, with JUST SUSANNA!  

 Robert stayed at home with the other 3 who were rather tired after a busy Wedding the previous day.  I got to stay out for supper at David and Claire's too!  It's amazing what becomes a treat when you are a mother of 4!

The journey to and from the wedding was made a lot smoother by a friend - we had in-car dvd players for the children - so much less of the "are we there yet" syndrome!  Hmmmmm, maybe a Christmas present idea for the children?!

Since we returned, it has been fairly much back to normality - trying to finish off school work to have a summer break.  Due to the nature of Joshua's school being book-work based, we are trying to finish the current book in each subject , before having a break.  

Bethany is keenly sitting looking at books, eagerly awaiting Spetember when she starts school!  She can't WAIT to read!

Ahhh yes, we also had the addition of a new NEPHEW!!  Born on the 4th of July (will he be the "independant" type?!?), weighing 8lb 2oz, was Joseph Andrew Cordle - JAC!  I am still waiting to be able to see him, so photo's will follow, hopefully very soon!  Jo was able to experience a much better labour, and is very thankful to the Lord for an easier delivery.

I'll try and not be so long in adding more news!





 

Wednesday, 27 June 2007

Here, there and everywhere.....

"Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising..."  Psalm 139:2

Well, it's safe to say that we have covered quite a few miles lately.  I also think that last week was a "field trip" education!  We didn't sit down with our books, but we saw a lot and I'm sure the children were educated!

A friend of mine, with whom I went to High School, came to visit with her daughter.  Liz and Molly arrived on the Monday and stayed until the Wednesday.  Their trip included "educational trips" to the airport and a farm park...lol  

The children had great fun at the farm park - especially as we had the special treat of being joined by Auntie Angela and Esther!  

They fed the goats,

(why buy animal feed when you can grab a handful of hay from the manger?....!)

groomed a pony......

and of course, the always enjoyed....climbing frame and swings (which of course you can find for free many places....;-))
Mummy had some exercise on the go-karts - if Angela sends me some of her pictures, i'll add them sometime!  

We then had Grandma come to stay for a few days, which was lovely.  The highlight amongst the children is that Grandma makes them porridge!  They looooove Grandma's porridge!  We took Grandma back to Chelmsford on the Saturday, and had the privelage of being at the baptism of Sam and Melissa Gardener.  We went to Grandma and Grandpa's for the children to see Oliver.....


the cat!  

We also went to Auntie Angela's where we had another "educational" experience......see if you can spot it.....


Look a little closer......


Yes, a frog in their pond.  Auntie Angela confidently retrieved it for Joshua...who promptly decided he wasn't sure about a "hands on" approach with something so lively...hence why it was on the ground in the picture, and NOT in his hands!  

Monday brought us up to Ramsey to visit our friends, the Brooks'.  We went out for dinner to Frankie and Benny's (postponed from holiday when half of us were ill....) which was nice - other than the length of time it took to get dinner.  We gave up on dessert.....if at first you don't succeed...go to McDonald's!  We all enjoyed a "thoroughly decent" ice-cream there instead!

Look at the camera and smile!.....

Thank-you Eleni - at least one out of four isn't bad!

We were back to "normality"this week (what's that, I ask?!).  Like,  forgetting the piano tuner is coming until he arrives at the door,
Daniel eating play dough....  No resident guests that is!  Although Ed, Jo and
 David arrive 
Saturday night at the Cordle Guesthouse!  Baby number 2 
for Ed and Jo could also  arrive soon.  Watch this space for news on a  new nephew or niece (spot the excited "Auntie in waiting"!)

Speaking of play dough....WHY didn't I do this sooner....make my own?!  
 It was so easy (i especially liked the tip online to add the colour to the water BEFORE mixing it - easier to blend the colour)....

1 cup flour (plain)
1/4 cup salt
1/4 water (add colour to this)

Knead together...and play!  I made 4 different colours, and it's now in my fridge waiting for another day!  The children played with it for aaaaages!  When I get some more food colouring I'll improve on the colour options.