Rainbows in the Clouds

I suck at blogging...

2010-06-06T15:58:00.002+01:00

You'd think that with me being a writer and all, I'd be pretty good at blogging... well, YOU'RE WRONG!

The big problems in remembering to log in here. Oh, well...

Anyway, big news - we're moving back to Bermuda this August! DH has been offered a new position at the hospital in Bermuda, and our house is in the selling stages, so we're off! We've already started packing, but I'm sure it's still going to feel like a mad rush when the time comes.

I finish work at the end of this month, so that'll still give me a month with the boys at school. So, hopefully, I'll actually be able to accomplish something during those mornings.

I'll also be busy teaching a Chinese club at Tommy's school for the rest of this term (starting Thursday!). The school was accepted into an exchange programme and has been paired with a school in Chengdu. His headmistress recently came back from visiting their school, and I believe teachers from their school are due to visit Crofton sometime in the next school year. Hopefully, we'll be able to find someone to teach the class/club next year.

Well, that's all for this very brief installment - oh, except for that since we're moving back to Bermuda, the BERMUDA SCRAPPER IS BACK! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for postings!

I'm so proud of my Tommy!

2010-01-21T15:44:00.002Z

Reflecting on the crisis in Haiti, my Tommy got the idea to have a non-uniform day at school in order to raise funds for Haiti! He went to his headmistress, who liked the idea and talked it over with the teachers in their staff meeting, and then announced it to the school in assembly today, giving credit to my Tommy!

He's everyone's hero now - because what kid doesn't like to not have to wear a uniform to school! And lots of his friends have promised to bring in donations.

To top it all off, my Tommy wants to take £20 of his own money tomorrow to donate towards the fundraising! His daddy and I will have to talk about if we'll let him take that much of his own - we'll certainly be giving him some, too, but I'm just too proud of him! He says: "I just want to help the people in Haiti!"

Happy New Year! Welcome 2010!

2010-01-02T13:56:00.003Z

Another year has gone by - definitely a busy one, for sure - and a new year has come!

So much has happened since last January, that I can scarce remember all that happened! We've had so many blessings through the last 12 months, including visits from my mom, Rosemary, from Australia last April/May, and a visit from my dad, Gerry, and step-mom, Michelle, from Bermuda over the Christmas holiday. And last June, we had a mini family reunion when my sister, Rebecca, and her hubby, Mark, finally tied the knot, allowing me to return to Bermuda and see so many missed friends and family, including my brother, Matt, his wife, Brenda, and to meet my niece, Lexi, for the very first time!

Tommy turned seven, graduated from Crofton Infant School and moved on up to Crofton Junior School, where he is excelling, especially in history and the continued study of life during World War Two. He started swimming lessons and karate, and has reached the level of yellow belt. He hopes to reach orange belt in the next several months, at which time his daddy, Andrew, has promised to join him at his karate classes.

We've seen amazing growth in Jonathan over the last year, especially. When we first moved to the UK 18 months ago, or thereabouts, he was still only two, but this last November, he celebrated his fourth birthday! All glimpses of babyhood are now gone entirely, and his speech develops in leaps and bounds every day. Last January, he started attending school half-days, first at Fitzwilliam Primary, and then moved to Crofton Infant School this past September. He is still mad about Thomas the Tank Engine, Lightning McQueen, Buzz Lightyear and Woody the Cowboy.

Andrew continues working hard at St. James in Leeds. It is certainly a challenging post, especially as he has to deal with far more paperwork and has far less patient interaction all the time. He also sometimes takes on extra hours in other departments and hospitals in the Leeds district.

We were privileged to enjoy the trip of a lifetime this last November - the same weekend as Jonny's birthday, in fact - to Disneyland Resort Paris! I, very surprisingly, won a trip with Ford, which included 2 nights accommodation, 2-day park hoppers for all of us, £140 in travel expenses and €200 in Disney Vouchers to spend in the parks, as well as access to a private, after-hours party at Walt Disney Studios! The boys were over the moon, and Andrew and I were certainly enthralled, as well, enjoying the rides and meeting the likes of Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, Aladdin, Sulley (Monsters Inc.) and Jessie (Toy Story 2), as well as seeing Goofy, Winnie the Pooh and Woody, among so many others.

What am I up to? Well, the last few months have had their challenges for me, including knee surgery and a two-week stay in the hospital for kidney stones, which kind of pulled me out of the thick of things for a while. Hopefully, though, with a new year, I'll be able to resume volunteering with the Parents and Friends Association at the Infant School, as well as make it to a few more community meetings. I do continue to write as a neighbourhood correspondant for the Hemsworth Express, a volunteer job that keeps my finger in the ink.

Fitzwilliam has certainly made some changes for the better. Andrew says that part of it has to do with me taking a stand, but for sure, the increased involvement of several in the neighbourhood, as well as heightened attention from the local policing teams, is what has made the difference. When the new Neighbourhood Policing Pledge and Neigbourhood Policing Teams were launched around a year ago, little Fitzwilliam was placed high on the list as a top priority for dealing with the trouble anti-social behaviour we had been facing, however, in the last couple of months, thanks to a quieting down of these issues, we are no longer a priority! GOOD NEWS, I think!

We're looking forward to 2010, with blessings already on the horizon, including the arrival of a neice, courtesy of Rebecca and Mark, and twin nephews, courtesy of Matt & Brenda, due to all arrive at the beginning of March, as well as a visit by Andrew's sister, Pat, from Bermuda this spring as well. We're also continuing to pray that God will see fit to sell our house here in Fitzwilliam, and show us the direction he wants our family to go.

God's blessings on all of you this year!

The Cleaning, Again...

2009-11-08T21:08:00.002Z

I was looking for a poem to put up on the wall, that would hopefully remind my boys about tidying up after themselves, but I just couldn't find anything quite right. So, instead, I wrote my own!

Feel free to use it for your own personal use, credited to myself, Sara Westhead.

If you would like to use it for commercial use, please contact me.

**********

The Cleaning... Again

I've tidied the kitchen,
I've tidied the chairs,
I've even managed to tidy the stairs.

I've sorted and stored
I've polished and swept
And even cleaned up after the pets.

I've washed and I've wiped,
I've made everything clean,
But someone, somewhere, is terribly mean.

You see, after all my hard work was done,
And I went to bed after the sun,
When I awoke it was terribly clear
That all my hard work had just disappeared.

The toys were all back,
And the dishes were, too.
It seems I have gremlins,
Perhaps one or two.

My boys are both at it,
And yet, once again,
I'll be starting the cleaning all over again.

by Sara Westhead

The Boys are back at school!

2009-09-18T14:34:00.002+01:00

Yeah!!! Tommy started 2 weeks ago, and Jonny went back this past Monday.

Both are in new schools. Tommy graduated to Crofton Junior School, and Jonathan is finally old enough to attend Crofton Infant School, where Tommy went last year.

Tommy was a bit hesitant about going back. He claims school is "boring," but loves the fact that they are studying World War 2 again, and have gardening every Thursday afternoon. So, in fact, he is really enjoying it after all.

Jonathan, however, is in seventh heaven! He was so excited to start on Monday, and had to get into his uniform extra early. When the two of us were chatting on Monday night, I asked him if he was excited to go back to school the next day. He gave me this funny grin, complete with tongue sticking out, and then said "Again? Back again??? YES!!!" He still attends half days.

That leaves me with afternoons free. If you can call it free! I've been running around like a mad woman, as usual... We're hosting a Ladies' Craft Morning at church next Saturday, and I'm teaching a craft and giving my testimony. We're going to be making mantle Christmas decorations - 4 paper-covered chipboard sheets, tied together with ribbon, that spell out - NOEL.

I've picked out this gorgeous paper from Papermania - their Joyeux Noël set, designed by Stephanie Dyment, and I've picked out semi-sheer red and gold ribbons. Should be absolutely gorgeous!

I may also do a Christmas card design, to share as well.

Tomorrow is the day! 2009 MS Wheel & Walk, Roundhay Park, Leeds

2009-07-10T10:42:00.004+01:00

Tomorrow is the day! My Tommy and I are walking 4.2 kms (2.6 miles) to raise funds for MS! My dad and uncle have already been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and my cousin is in the process of being diagnosed, after years of thinking she had fibromyalgia. Scary!

The walk was all my son's idea. Tommy is 7 and is extremely close to my dad. He doesn't understand MS, but he knows that it has made his Pop-pop very sick in a very short time, and he wants to find a cure.

Please be thinking of us tomorrow morning. The walk begins at 9:30am UK time, which is 4:30am EST. I've not been doing too well with my FM lately, either, so it will be a physically challenging walk, in addition to the emotional challenges the walk is bringing. Also, please be praying for good weather. Yes, we're in England, and yes, we're in Yorkshire, but we've had a lot of rain this past week, with more scheduled for the weekend. Please pray the rain will hold off until everyone has completed their walks!

For more information on the walk, as well as the UK National MS Society, click here: Wheel & Walk Roundhay

We've just been desperately trying to get the word out to increase awareness of MS, and we've managed to get stories in one of the Bermuda newspapers and in our local paper, the Hemsworth & South Emsall Express:

Here's the link to the Hemsworth Express:
Fitzwilliam's Tommy is in step to help granddad

And here's the one in the Royal Gazette:
Bermudians taking part in UK Multiple Sclerosis Walk

We're so excited about the walk. We've currently raised about £170 (about U$275), but our goal is to raise £250 (about US$400). If you would like to support us, even if it is for just a couple of pounds or dollars (£1 = US$1.60, approximately), we would be just thrilled. Thanks to the MS Society, we've been able to set up our own online fundraising site, where you can make a donation using your credit card or PayPal, making it easy to give. You can visit our site at Tommy's MS Walk.

Thanks in advance for thinking of us, praying for us and lending your support!

Why can't I find a blog update reminder...

2009-07-03T20:45:00.002+01:00

With all the junk emails I get, including reminders for silly stuff, I wish I could get my blog to send me a note about needing to be updated! LOL! Oh, well... To be dependent on my feeble memory...

I had a fantastic time visiting the family in Bermuda. It was my first holiday without Andrew or the kids since, well, before Andrew! It was nice to not have to worry about my two little munchkins, taking them to school, getting them to karate, and so on. Time was mine to do as I wished, to see friends, to sleep in, to go out.

Rebecca was a GORGEOUS bride and the wedding went just beautifully. The girls looked wonderful and the wedding was a blast. Of course, there were lots of other events leading up to the big day, which was on June 6. On the Sunday before, we had a surprise shower for her, organized by her bridesmaids. On the Monday, was my SIL Brenda's 30th birthday, so we organized a BBQ for her, complete with cupcakes. Wednesday night was out to Harbour Nights, and on Thursday evening, I went out with all the girls for a bit of a night on the town. Friday was the rehearsal and Mark's parents put on a fantastic dinner afterwards.

The trip was also marred with some sadness, as we lost a dear member of our Bermuda church family while I was there. Uncle Mac, James MacMaster, passed away after a road traffic collision, but thankfully I could attend the funeral while I was still home. How wonderful that the Gospel could be preached fully at the service!

*********

The trip back to Bermuda was challenging, to say the least. On top of a Tube strike in London, some adverse weather prevented the flight from London from landing in Bermuda. Instead, it was diverted to Boston for refueling, where it then returned to Bermuda. As a result, the flight returning to London couldn't take off until around 1:30am, around 5hrs late. And because of continued bad weather, we didn't land in London until around 12:30pm, UK time!

That, of course, would have resulted in my missing my train from London up to Wakefield. Thankfully, British Airways was able to fly me on to Manchester, which was the closest they could get me to home. Unfortunately, THAT flight was also delayed, causing me to miss the fast train from Manchester to Leeds. Then there was the flooding on the tracks in Sheffield, which caused some more delays. So, instead of arriving in Wakefield a little after 3pm, I didn't get in until 7:30pm... And all to no husband at home!

*********

Andrew had a bit of a scuffle with our cat, Slinky, which resulted in Slinky - my giant ball of fluff - biting him and putting Andrew into the hospital for FOUR days! He finally got to come home on the Saturday - the same day as Tommy's 7th birthday party!

Yes, you heard me... Tommy is SEVEN!!! I know, where does time go??? He had a great little party with a military theme set at Pontefract Castle. Thankfully, Andrew's sister, Lynn, and brother, Nigel, were able to stay and help, as Andrew was at home, resting.

So, Andrew's been home from work, all this time. He went to the physiotherapist again today, who wanted him to stay home a further 2 weeks, but enough was enough. He managed to get an appointment with a GP this afternoon, who finally signed the form allowing him to return to work as of Monday, on a somewhat limited duty. I don't think Andrew could handle any more time off work... I don't think I could, either! LOL!!!

*********

Anyway, I had an awesome phone call today... About 2 months ago, one of the UK crafting magazines I read had a contest to design a card featuring the Forever Friends bears, by Hallmark. I put two different cards together, then started asking everyone which card they preferred. I finally sent one of them in, and today, got a phone call that I am one of the winners!

I have one a night at the Ramada Inn in Bradford, complete with dinner and breakfast, then a tour of the Hallmark studios the next morning, a goody bag and a crafting session with some of the Forever Friends artists and Creativity! Magazine's own craft guru, Claire Curd. While there, the overall winner will be awarded a signed original painting of one of the Forever Friends bears!

I am just over the moon! I simply can't believe it!!!! My boys are all jealous, and want to know if they can come with mommy for the night, but NO WAY! This is my time! Now to find a sitter for them on Monday, while Daddy is at work...

*********

Now, looking to the very near future, next Saturday, July 11, Tommy and I will be getting up bright and early and heading to Roundhay Park in Leeds to participate in National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Wheel & Walk. Starting at 9:30am, we will be walking 4.2kms (about 3 miles, or so) to raise funds for MS, and in honour of my dad, Gerry, as well as my Uncle George, and friends with MS in Bermuda.

So far, we've raised about £110, but we'd love to raise a lot more! We're even going to be featured in an article in the Hemsworth Express this Thursday!

If you would like to sponsor us, you can visit our website at Tommy's MS Walk. Thanks in advance!!!

Some advice...

2009-06-18T15:59:00.001+01:00

My dad just sent me this via email and I thought I'd share....

A wise person once said, 'Never borrow from the future... If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.'
1. Pray.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day un-rushed.
4. Say NO to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for 'The Kid in You' everyday.
16. Read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to an audio help while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down your thoughts and inspirations before you forget them.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you Jesus .'
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.

GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU!

'If God is for us, who can be against us?' (Romans 8:31)

An update! And a freebie!

2009-05-07T13:01:00.005+01:00

Well, we had a great week with my mum. She arrived on the 27th, and we took her everywhere you could go with only one week to visit, including picnicking on the moors, the home of the Brönte sisters in Howarth, the National Coal Mining Museum, the National Railway Museum, the Royal Armouries and York.

It was wonderful to also celebrate my birthday with her, as well - the first time since I was 15! We took a whole day to ourselves to visit York, pop in and out of the shops, and enjoy a fantastic lunch at Betty's.

I've had so many other exciting things happen recently, as well! I've had a couple more digital scrapbook layouts picked up by Scrapbook Inspirations, a British magazine. In fact, they have asked for submissions! Also, they have added me to their list of contributors, so hopefully, in the near future, I'll also be writing for them!

Also, my class at Ackworth Garden Centre continues to grow. It's been moved to Thursday evenings, which seem to be more convenient for many students. I will also be demonstrating scrapbooking at the shop this Saturday for their Spring Craft Event!

More classes may be on the way, as well, thanks to a chance meeting at a craft fair Easter weekend. I should be meeting with the owner of a new store that is opening nearby, and she already has several people interested!

Finally, the biggest news - I may have a job doing what I love! My friend, who is the co-owner of Ackworth Garden Centre, recently met with a representative from one of the larger British craft distributors. They are in need of demonstrators to travel to stores selling their products, and I met with the rep yesterday! She loves my stuff, and wants to see more, especially some stamping projects, and wants to watch me teach one of my classes.

The pay is pretty decent, and it's mostly Saturdays, so I'm really excited that this will take off! Who knows where it could lead!

Last, but not least, I have a new freebie for you! I've been desperate for some digital designs based on my Momiji dolls and my brilliant office curtains, so I finally sat down and made my own.

Here's a sample of Oriental Dolls...

The set contains 6 different dolls, with different hair styles.

You can download it HERE.
Please let me know if you enjoy it and I'd love to see how you've used it!

So much to do, so little time!

2009-05-06T12:32:00.002+01:00

I had a wonderful visit with my Mom, Rosemary, who was here for a week, visiting from Brisbane, Australia! And I leave for Bermuda in just a few more weeks, to attend my sister, Rebecca's wedding!

And there's still so many other details to fill in, as well! So stay tuned - hopefully I get online later tonite and share ALL of what's going on, and perhaps also some really BIG NEWS!

National Scrapbooking Day

2009-04-27T00:25:00.002+01:00

What a way to celebrate my birthday every year - it always falls around National Scrapbooking Day! This year, I'll be playing at two sites - that is when I get the chance!

Of course, I'll be hosting at A Cherry On Top, as usual - and for those of you on the East Coast, that's the 2am shift! Thank goodness for the time difference here in the UK.

I also hope to do some playing at one of my other favourite places, Faith Sisters! So be sure to check out both!

MS Society Wheel & Walk Roundhay

2009-04-20T20:53:00.002+01:00

My son Tommy and I will be participating in the 4.2km Wheel & Walk at Roundhay Park in Leeds on Saturday, 11 July. We are walking on behalf of my dad - Tommy's Pop-pop - who was diagnosed with a rapid progressive form of MS just last year.

If you'd like to sponsor us - we're hoping to raise at least £100 - please visit our Just Giving web page. Through Just Giving, you can make a donation using your debit or credit card. You can access our page HERE.

Thanks so much for being a part of this walk with us!

New digi scrapbooking magazine!

2009-04-11T11:28:00.002+01:00

I'm excited to be a part of this as one of the in-house writers - My Scrapbook Art is launching a new e-zine, Flourish!

Publishing monthly, it will highlight the best of the best from around the digi scrapbooking world! The first edition comes out very soon, so if you'd like to sign up for this free magazine, visit the My Scrapbook Art website. You can sign up right from the home page!

Westhead Update - Spring 2009 - Part 2

2009-03-12T00:04:00.002Z

Andrew continues to be busy at work, though he recently enjoyed a two-week holiday, which also included the boys' week-long mid-term holiday. Compared with the normal two weeks that many of us are used to when we start a job, most jobs here in the UK start with something like 6 weeks!

For part of the holiday, we all traveled down to Southampton to visit with Andrew's sister, Jean, and her husband Ian. Using their house as a base, we managed to visit Marwell Zoo and Stonehenge!

We have managed to put the house up for sale on the market, and it has even been viewed several times. The housing market here, just like the economy, is touch and go at best, so we're praying that God will allow it to sell according to His timing. We are also praying about what we should do after the house eventually sells.

The troubles of our neighbourhood continue, though it seems that through working closely with the local police, councilors and other council departments, we might finally being some light at the end of the tunnel. Other neighbours are also finally coming forward, and the police and anti-social behaviour unit have now identified a number of youths. We are now just waiting for the "process" to begin!

In addition to our own mini campaign against the troubles here, the West Yorkshire Police are also unrolling a new campaign to better work with communities to identify and tackle specific issues within communities, which also coincides with a new pledge for local police nationally by the Home Office. In our area, as a result of all the past reporting, we are now seeing regular patrols. These PCs and PCSOs have actually caught some of these kids in the act! We can only hope that all these events will lead to more peaceful evenings as the weather gets better.

In addition to all of these public meetings, and the regular responsibilities at home, teaching Sunday School and helping out at Ambassadors at church, I've found myself doing a lot of babysitting of late. I've recently befriended one of our neighbours, a young, single mother with two little boys. Her oldest attends school with Jonathan, while the younger is just 6 months old. It has been a blessing and a challenge to offer her the friendship and support she needs, as well as hopefully being an example to her. Please pray that our friendship will be strengthened and that she will be able to see Christ's love for her through me!

Westhead Update - Spring 2009 - Part 1

2009-03-05T19:49:00.002Z

Spring is blossoming here in England!

After such a long winter, which included the worst snow our area has seen in 18 years, it is such a blessing to be facing more sunny days, and to see the patches of purple, yellow and white flowers brightening up road sides.

When we first left Bermuda, it had been my intention to send out monthly updates, but life has, unfortunately, proven far too busy. It is difficult to believe that it is already March, but the shops are ever reminding us of the fast-approaching Easter season with the sale of chocolate eggs, which appeared as soon as Valentine's was over.

One of the biggest events since the New Year was Jonathan starting nursery at Fitzwilliam Primary, the same school Andrew and his siblings attended as children. Andrew, in fact, laughed at how little the main school building has changed since he was a boy!

Originally, Jonathan attended 2-1/2 hours every afternoon, but since the mid-term holiday, that has increased to 3 hours a day. He has settled in beautifully, and loves to go to school. I even got a big thumbs up from one of the teachers a few weeks after he started, to let me know that Jonathan actually SPOKE!

His speech has drastically improved, though he is still very shy about talking away from home.

Tommy is proving to be quite the little history buff, as the subject seems to becoming his favourite. He absolutely loved learning about the Black Death and the Great Fire of London during the first half of this term, and is equally excited about learning about World War Two during the second half. He did, however, get somewhat distressed about the evacuations of children from London during the German bombing raids.

He has recently given up on football on Saturday mornings, which, in a way is a bit of a blessing for us, as it means we now have more time on a Saturday to do things as a family. He apparently wasn't the only child who could no longer face running around in 0˚C weather, often in wet and/or semi-frozen conditions.

He has, however, recently begun karate through a 5-week taster course being given through his school, Crofton Infants. He begged us to be allowed to try it, and after speaking with the karate instructor about some of our concerns over how it would be taught, we agreed. He is absolutely loving learning about karate as a sport, and would like to go on to take more lessons, but is still looking forward to being old enough to begin fencing!

A quiet afternoon...

2009-02-22T15:54:00.002Z

So much to do and so little time! DH is out of the house, and so are my kids, so I've been left with an afternoon to myself!

Unfortunately, a late night is slowly catching up with me and now I'm so drowsy... I went for a quick walk down the street to the shop to pick up the paper and a pastry, and came home to get some more work done for my upcoming classes, but discovered that the cream in the pastry had turned off! YUCK! I'm not really in a mood to go back and ask for my 50p back, but... oh, well...

Yes, I'll be teaching again soon! We've set up classes at Ackworth Garden Centre, beginning the first Wednesday in March. I'm so excited! We've had a lot of interest, and I think will be adding one or two more classes soon, as well!

It's an 8-week course that teaches the basics of scrapbooking, as well as a variety of paper-crafting techniques utilizing a variety of products distributed by Do Crafts, here in the UK.

This is just one part of what we hope will be the relaunch of my scrapping business, like I had in Bermuda, under a new name - My Happy Scrapbooks is the current contender! I'll be advertising for custom albums, teaching and craft parties.

Freebie just for you!

2009-02-14T14:39:00.002Z

Well, it's been forever since I did any digi designing, but to create my new blog header, in honour of a reveal at A Cherry On Top, I thought I'd create my own mini kit.

I'd love to see anything you make with it, so please drop me a note!

Retro Rainbow

It's only been 9 months...

2009-02-10T13:49:00.002Z

since I last posted to this blog!

Well, maybe I'd better get better at it, since more people will likely be reading it from now on!

The family and I have been in England for about 6 months now, and it's been quite an adjustment, from just the weather, to the troubles with the youths in the neighbourhood. But, we are settling in, finally.

We've found a fantastic church, and are all involved in some way, shape or form. Andrew is playing guitar with the music team during the Sunday evening service, while I'm teaching Sunday School and helping with your youth club on Monday nights, which both boys attend.

Our Tommy is doing wonderfully in school, and absolutely loves his history class. They've been learning about the Plague and the Great Fire of London, and he's had his daddy searching the internet for more information.

Jonathan started school just a few weeks ago, and attends the nursery attached to the school in our village in the afternoons. He can't wait to go to school most days, and always greets me with, "Mommy, me hadda good day!" and a smile!

Andrew's settling in at his new job, but is definitely looking forward to having this week and next off on holiday. Next week is mid-term, so our plan is to travel south to Southampton to visit his sister for a couple of days, if the weather holds.

England has had the worst snow in 18 years, as well as flooding in parts. We've been okay - lots of snow and it's been very cold, but we're getting on!

I actually hope to be teaching soon - a scrapbooking class at a nearby garden centre, where I also go to a craft club. Everything looks just about ready to start, so just the final details need to be coordinated! I can't wait!

I hate boxes...

2008-04-14T16:42:00.003+01:00

Goodness - we're not moving for three months, yet there are already boxes everywhere! Empty, full, ready to ship, stuff to sell... They are everywhere...

And of course, there are those boxes of stuff we don't want that the kids keep pulling toys out of...

I feel like I'm living in the middle of a disaster area. Our house is Ground Zero, and probably will be for the rest of our time in Bermuda.

I've made contact with the school choice advice centre in Wakefield, so hopefully they can give us some direction with choosing schools for the boys. We've found three, but have really discovered that the best schools for each of the boys are different. So we'll just have to wait and see about that.

I've also made contact with the Yorkshire Post. They don't have any openings at the moment, but have told me where they advertise, so I'll have to keep watch. I've also contacted a Christian magazine and a couple of crafting magazines. So, we'll see...

This is such a struggle making this move. I'm doing as my husband wants - sorting through everything we own and packing it all up - but I have no peace at all about moving. I'm even extremely hesitant to put in the letter to Tommy's school saying he won't be there next September.

I really feel like I'm moving to this massive spiritual wasteland. I know that there are strong active believers in England, but it just seems hard to find them. There seem to be tons of activities for kids, but the emphasis on the Word of God seems lacking.

Pray that I may find a good Bible-believing, ministry outreaching church that has an active youth ministry with a focus on Bible teaching and scripture memorization.

It suddenly hit me...

2008-04-05T19:42:00.003+01:00

It suddenly hit me yesterday about how soon our move to England really is.

Our current landlord is hoping to renovate and expand our apartment, which makes perfect sense, but is waiting until we leave. Well, to make it "official" he gave us notice for the end of June, mistakenly thinking that we were leaving in June. Well, we're actually not leaving until the end of July - we want to stay in Bermuda for the summer ministries at church and give the boys a good chance to say goodbye to friends and family, instead of jumping on the plan as soon as Tommy finishes school.

So, it's only four months away. Gosh. I can't believe it. And I'm already surrounded by boxes. We've started clearing books off of shelves to pack and ship snail mail at book rate, because they're so heavy and that rate is so much cheaper.

Then there are the boxes of things we're going to get rid of in the house sales that are cluttering up my living room too.

To try and "help" myself through all this, I've been scouring the internet, looking at how I'm going to decorate our house in Fitzy, complete with photos and price information on each item for each room. I'm doing pretty well so far, except for the kitchen, which I really can't figure out what I want to do with...

I'm also reading a book I found aboard the Logos II book ship, called, "But Mom, I Don't Want to Move," or something like that. It was published by Focus on the Family. It's helpful, but a bit depressing as well...

Here comes 2008!

2008-01-26T02:54:00.000Z

Okay, the start of 2008 has come and gone and now it is practically February.

I have been busy - and it's more than just that I suck at this blogging thing. The last few months did get very hectic, especially with my work for the paper. In November and December, I was doing as many articles per month as some of the full-time writers, and then the boys and I went away for Christmas, leaving DH behind all alone.

It's not that we wanted to leave him, but with not being able to get much time off from the hospital, well... there is a world-wide nursing shortage, right?

Christmas was great - it was the first time in 16 years that I got to spend it with my mom. The last time we did was the Christmas before she moved to Australia! Anyway, she was able to fly to New Jersey for Christmas, and the boys and I joined her at my grandmothers. My brother and SIL live very close by, too, so it was great to be together again for Christmas.

The boys were thoroughly spoiled rotten, of course - they have never had a Christmas with my mom! Also, she hadn't seen the oldest since he was three and, well, had never met the baby before! So it was a great family reunion and we were so sad to all part ways at the end of the two weeks.

By now, you're probably wondering what was my big announcement way back in September. I was asked to join the Digital Creative Team at A Cherry On Top. It's been really awesome working with some amazingly talented ladies over there! They certainly have some of the best of the best digital designers offering their wares!

Things are starting to get back to normal around our house, finally, since Christmas is over. Tommy's doing brilliantly at school, and Jonathan's speech is improving daily. DH still works like crazy for all of us, and I'm doing my best trying to keep some extra income coming in with stories for the paper.

We've got some exciting things going on at our church right now, too. On February 16, we'll be hosting the Love of a Lifetime Scrap-A-Thon! The all day event is the first of its kind for Bermuda, and those attending will not only get to scrapbook and craft all day, the cost includes lunch, a tote-bag filled with goodies, two classes, contests, games and prizes, and a special message from one of the other ladies from the church. It is sure to be a wonderful day of fun and fellowship.

As the coordinator for the Women's Scrapbooking Ministry, I'm also planning this event, which is taking some time and energy, of course. It's so hard to believe it's only a few weeks away! But already, the number of people registered is looking so good!

Have you ever just been DYING to share some news?

2007-09-23T13:08:00.001+01:00

Man, I think I'm gonna burst!

Keeping busy!

2007-09-02T03:25:00.000+01:00

Well, it's been a long, busy summer!

Keeping two children occupied all day every day for two months can be challenging. But, we've made it through with only one week of summer left! Tommy starts Primary 1 a week Monday, and can't wait. He was really good this summer - we did our best to do some fun and educational stuff, including regular trips to the Aquarium/Zoo and the Library. In fact, he was the youngest kid to finish the summer reading programme at the library!

Summer vacation does have its challenges, the biggest being the lack of schedule or routine, making it harder to keep up with writing assignments, scrapbooking, etc. I'm currently finishing up my last article for Bermuda Media's 2007 edition of Building Bermuda. The hardest part was simply tracking people down, especially as it seems the construction industry comes to a standstill in August as everyone takes a vacation.

Also, I've been working on two assignments through Bermuda Scrapper. One is a 30-page album for the son of this woman. He's quite well-known here in Bermuda, so hopefully it will garner some more business. In fact, she has already indicated that she may want to get a second copy of the album!

I've also been working on four copies of a 20-page album for one of the island's best known socialites! That will definitely bring in some more work afterwards! Well, off know - back to the grind!

Expert Scrapbooker!

2007-05-30T04:09:00.000+01:00

That's what they called me in the Royal Gazette a couple of weeks ago!

About 2 weeks ago, the Gazette ran an article on me in their Lifestyle section talking about my custom album business. I was thrilled for the free advertising, so many people have commented on the article, and I've already had several phone calls! I'm just thrilled!

Here's the article:

So busy...

2007-03-13T17:22:00.000Z

Well, it's been pretty busy lately...

I finished up my Guest CT with A Cherry On Top in January, and served as a Guest CT for Katie the Scrapbook Lady (ACOT) during the month of February. I've also joined the CTs for FaithfullyYours.net, a Christian/faith-based scrapbooking website, and with KikiScraps (3Scrapateers.com).

Also, as a result of my joining at Faithfully Yours, Melissa Rose, whose CT I joined some time ago, is also selling there now!

I've been busy teaching a scrapbooking and papercrafting class at the Community School as well. Next week is the last of the 8-week course. It's been a fun class and I've had a great group of ladies in the class. They're all asking for me to teach a second-level course next!

I've also been invited to speak at several seniors groups about scrapbooking and preserving memories. I already spoke at one, and it was quite a blessing. The next one is next week. I also hope to garner some custom album work through these talks.

February saw our family travelling up to Burlington, MA for me to have treatment at Lahey. I had a lithotripsy treatment to break-down some kidney stones, but I ended up developing a blockage and had to have an emergency cystoscopy to open the ureter up with a stent. The stent will be removed in the next few weeks, once it's confirmed that all the stones are gone.

In February, we also said good-bye to our car. Two days before flying to Boston, DH was hit head-on by another driver who pulled into his lane after pulling out of a line of traffic. Fortunately, we've been blessed by some friends from church who are lending us there spare car - his sister recently passed, and he hadn't yet sold the car (in Bermuda, you're only allowed one car per household). DH has been busy looking at cars everywhere and is hoping to buy a 3 year old Suzuki Ignis tonite, Lord willing!

Church has also gotten quite busy. After only a short period of notice, we said farewell to our pastor and his wife, after 16 years of service. It was very hard to say good-bye. I was only 14 when they first came to Bermuda, and it was under their ministry that I went away to study ministry at University, was comissioned as a missionary to China through the church, married (he married us) and dedicated our two sons to the Lord's service. We had a special day to celebrate their service, including two services, a church pot-providence (pot-luck) and dessert fellowship. Thanks to several of our church photographers and some of the ladies in our church's scrapbooking ministry, we were able to compile a 44-page 12x12 scrapbook album, containing photos of them and various church ministries throughout the years, as well as 16-years of church history in the form of bullet points. We also added two pocket pages and created five autograph pages, which were put out during the fellowships for people to leave messages on.

Our pastor's wife was also given a lot of other photos, and so she approached me about doing another album - where to buy stuff, etc. So, as a farewell present, my husband and I purchased a second album, papers, cardstock and adhesives, so she can compile it.

As vice-chair of the deacon board, DH is quite busy as well. The deacons are all sharing the burden of preaching at our three weekly services - DH had the privalege to speak at the first service after our pastor had gone. His next sermon will be in a little over two weeks.

Well, that's all for now - there's still so much more to write, but I don't want to bore you!

So much...

2007-01-15T15:35:00.000Z

It's a new year already and I've been terrible with keeping up my postings. So much has happened in the last couple of months.

Firstly, my designing is being put on the back-burner for now. Digi Scrap Yard had to close its doors and, with so much else going on right now, I've decided to hold-off on designing for a while. I'm sure I'll get back into it before long, but for now, I think this is best.

Secondly, I've been busy with several creative teams. Not long ago, I was asked to join Melissa Rose's team at Oscraps.com. Melissa is a very talented designer and a wonderful Christian woman, so that has been fun. Also, I was digital guest CT at ACherryOnTop.com for December-January. We hosted a crop during that time, so I handled a two-hour time-slot during the crop, running Bingo, doing a fast-scrap and handing out points. It was so much fun.

Also, I'll be joining two other CT's in the very near future - one as a regular position, and the other as a guest position for the month of February. So, be sure to check back soon to see where!

Thirdly, our church Scrapbook ministry is growing in leaps and bounds. Every month, we have more new faces, so I'm sure we're going to run out of room in the lower area where we've been meeting all this time, which means we'll have to move upstairs to the main hall. It'll mean a lot more work, but I'm so excited that we're growing so much!

Finally, well, I'm sure there's a lot more, but for now... I'll be teaching a Scrapbooking and Paper Crafting class at the Community Education Programme this quarter. It is an 8-week course that will run for two-hours every Wednesday night. You can contact me for more information, if you'd like!

Talk to ya soon!

Welcome Janell & Victoria!

2006-11-02T04:21:00.000Z

I'm pleased to announce two more additions to my CT!

In addition to Brandie, Janell and Victoria have agreed to work their magic with my kits. I'm just thrilled!

Here's some samples of their work:

Here's Janell's "Eye of the Beholder," created with Asian Spirit - Japan.

Here's Victoria's "Japanese Tea House," also with Asian Spirit - Japan.

And here's one of Brandie's - "Trinity & Great Grandma" using Summer Blossoms.

Introducing Asian Spirit - Japan

2006-10-24T18:20:00.000+01:00

The first in a line of paper packs, Asian Spirit - Japan, features 10 patterned papers and 8 cardstocks, all 12x12 at 300dpi. To compliment it, and future Asian Spirit paper packs, is the Asian Spirit - Elements pack, which has 9 frames and several different elements.

Both will be up in the shop soon and on sale for 25% off during their first two weeks!

So much more to say!

2006-10-04T14:13:00.000+01:00

It's been a while since I've updated my blog, partly because of problems with Blogger, and partly because I've been so busy.

First, I'd like to welcome my very first CT member, Brandie Hurst!

Brandie is a talented young lady and I'm excited to be working with her!

Second, you should see a sampler kit for my Comic Book line coming out on Digi Scrap Yard VERY SOON! Also, those of you who download the sampler kit will get a coupon towards the purchase of both the paper and embellishment kits. The sampler kit is sort of a stars and stripes tribute to your favourite super hero!

Third, I'm almost finished with my latest digi kit, Asian Spirit. Inspired by the classical artwork of Japan and designed around a rich fall palate of gold, merlot, rust and cream, it should satisfy the hunger for those with a passion for the Far East.

Here's a sample of one of the papers...

Finally, I'm still on the lookout for a couple of more CT members. If you'd be interested in working with a new designer, who is still only creating one or two kits a month, please contact me at bermudascrapper@hotmail.com.

Details are below.

CT Call

2006-09-02T19:24:00.000+01:00

With venturing into the digital design world, I've realized that I need my own creative team. As a result, I'm seeking 2-3 people to join my brand new CT.

Please send 3 samples of your work, as well as a link to your most complete gallery. I'd also like to find out:

1) Why do you scrap?
2) What are your favourite subjects to scrap?
3) Why is it important to you to record family memories?

Send your information to bermudascrapper@hotmail.com. Please save your samples to 72dpi at 500x500 pixels.

As a member of the CT, you will be required to complete at least one layout with each kit, to be posted at at least 4 different sites, including Digi Scrap Yard. This will probably work out to 3-4 layouts per month.

Deadline for the call is September 15.

More new stuff!

2006-08-23T17:32:00.000+01:00

I've just uploaded a new embellishment kit to compliment my Comic Book paper pack and it should appear at DigiScrapYard.co.uk very soon!

So be sure to check it out!!!

More new stuff!

2006-08-22T18:49:00.000+01:00

Coming very soon at Digi Scrap Yard, I have a new kit and a new alpha set.

First, Alpha Cards - perfect for school-themed layouts:

Second, is Summer Blossoms:

I'm hosting my first Chat!

2006-08-21T20:49:00.000+01:00

Be sure to check in at the NDISB.com chatroom!

Unfortunately, I can't post the ad right now (Blogger's not cooperating), but here's the details...

Friday, September 8, 2006
9pm-11pm
www.NDISB.com

Fun chat, challenges and even some prizes!

So check us out!

New site, new kits...

2006-08-14T22:39:00.000+01:00

Well, there's been a bit of a change up with the website I started selling digi kits at, and now I'm selling through a cool, new site: Digi Scrap Yard! Lots of great designers, lots of cool challenges. I'm thrilled that I can even join up!

My Bermuda Beaches kit is finally available and here's the preview:
[IMG]http://digiscrapyard.co.uk/store/images/swesthead_BermudaBeaches_preview.jpg[/IMG]

Also, I have two paper packs. Sara's Closet:
[IMG]http://digiscrapyard.co.uk/store/images/swewsthead-sarascloset-preview.jpg[/IMG]

And Comicbook:
[IMG]http://digiscrapyard.co.uk/store/images/swesthead_ComicBook_preview.jpg[/IMG]

Check out the site to get those and my other sets, Wildflowers, and the freebie, Denim Determination.

Starting a new life

2006-07-16T21:35:00.000+01:00

Over and done with - I finished up a very long, boring last day at the newspaper with little broohaha. My co-worker coordinated a card and picture frame as a little sending off gift.

So now begins a new life - hustling for freelance work, digitally designing and scrapping.

It's a bit scary, knowing the challenge ahead, especially in terms of money, but I'm sure that this is the right thing to do for my family.

I did it...

2006-07-06T15:12:00.000+01:00

I did it. I finally got up the guts and put in my resignation letter.

It wasn’t going to work. I think I knew that from the beginning. I didn’t fit in.

So, as of next Friday, I’m home with the boys again. They are actually still enrolled at school until the end of the month, even though they won’t actually be there the whole time. I think I might keep them in a few days past my last day, this way I can catch up on things around the house without worrying about them getting in the way or undoing things.

Laundry is the biggest of the pileups.

I’ve already contacted several local advertising agencies and they now have my name and number for future copy work. I’ve also contacted friends at other places for freelance writing jobs. I guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens.

While I can’t wait to be done, for some reason I don’t feel quite as worried about leaving. I know I’m doing it for the right reason – to be home with my boys – and that God is going to meet our needs through side-work in writing and scrapbooking.

Horrible day...

2006-06-30T15:46:00.000+01:00

Today has been horrible... I had a car accident on my way to work this morning.

Fortunately, I had already dropped the boys off at daycare. I came down the road the school is on and stopped to look before turning onto the main road. It was clear, so I progressed, only for my tires to spin out on me and the car go into a skid (it had just rained). I tried to compensate (thanks to cars, I remembered how to compensate). I missed going head first into a wall. I put the front corner of the car into the side of a parked van.

The van has hardly any damage on it (although the quote - yes I already have a quote!) is for $885 (remember, this is Bermuda... $50 in parts, $835 in labour... figures). My car, on the other hand, crumpled. The front left fender is shot.

I'm alright, for the most part. Really badly shaken up and I'm starting to feel the pain in my back - Sucks having Fibromyalgia. It really doesn't like the sudden, swift movements of an uncontrollable car.

Fortunately, I am getting a small bonus at work - looks like it'll used up almost completely to fix the tiny dent and paint scratches on the other car, or for DH to fix our car. He's planning on doing it because it's an old car (1997 or 98) - I think he's hoping to find another old car like ours and "buy" the particular section...

At least the guy who owns/drives the van (it belongs to a business) has been pretty good (other than rushing to the auto shop...). Young guy (not too bad looking either) and you could see he didn't know what to do with a woman who was crying like a baby... He patted me on the shoulder...

I had two angels come to my rescue. One was a gentleman who looked at the car and said, "Look, don't worry - it's just a thing. Things can be fixed. You need to calm yourself down." The other was a woman who works in a nearby office. She brought me inside for water and Tylenol to wait until DH came and so I could sit and try and calm down...

I did manage to make it to work. And now I'm sitting here, in pain, wanting to just cry and wishing I had just gone home like DH suggested (he left work in a friends car to meet me). Of course, at least my boys weren't in the car. I can only imagine how terrified Tommy would have been because he normally sits in the front passenger seat (old car, no seatbelts - Tommy sits up front with the shoulder belt and we installed a lap belt in the back for the baby's seat. DH finally managed to find more belts for the back after a 2 year search and was half-way done installing them when he broke his wrist).

I'm so lame...

2006-06-28T15:22:00.000+01:00

You’d think I’d toot my own horn, but I’ve been signed on as a designer for a new start-up digital shop, Scrapdragon Designs! I have two kits available on the site – one is a mini 8x8 freebie, called Denim Determination. The other is called Wildflowers. There is also a doodle kit called Love Notes.

Denim Determination is currently the #1 best seller on the site (probably because it’s free!), but Wild flowers is also doing well.

So, be sure to check it out! There’s a link on the side of the page…

Why does this feel so… well… weird?

2006-06-28T14:40:00.000+01:00

I’m a mom and my children go to school. Okay, they go to daycare, but, I still have to remain in communication with their teachers, letting them know when they are sick, if we have to leave early for something, how and when to administer medicine.

Most of the time, I am able to do this verbally, in person or on the phone. I can handle that. What feels really strange is writing notes to the teacher.

You’re probably saying, “Why? You’re a writer – letter writing should come easy!”

It does – I can blend pretty posies of prose when I want to – but there is something about writing:

“Dear Miss ~. Jonathan is teething. To help ease him through the process, please administer 1ml of Tylenol at 11am and 3pm. SIGNED Mrs. Sara Westhead”

It’s so lacking in creativity; so pedestrian. Plus, it feels just plain weird to be writing notes to the teacher!

I guess I better get used to it. My oldest is only JUST starting is educational career, so I still have YEARS of boring note writing ahead… Or maybe he’ll just learn to write his own notes early…

Cuteness Factor

2006-06-13T17:20:00.000+01:00

We had a big, busy, long weekend this past weekend.

Central to the whole weekend was my oldest’s 4th birthday. The celebrations began on Friday when he brought ice cream sandwiches and a piñata to school. On Saturday, I took him and his two best buds to see the movie “Cars,” which was excellent, by the way.

Sunday was his actual birthday. Other than church and a last chance to get ready for his party, we had nothing planned except him opening his presents from us, which he loved, particularly the Mr. Incredible suit.

Monday was the big day. Fortunately, it was Queen’s Birthday holiday here, so I took advantage of having the long weekend as an extra day to get ready for the party – a Pirate spectacular.

As the kids arrived, they were fitted with bandanas and given an inflatable snake-sword and sent outside to splash in the wading pool until everyone arrived. Our activities included decorating their own treasure chests, which doubled as their party bag, pin-the-pirate-on-the-X, a water balloon toss, a treasure hunt for “gold dubloons,” and a peg-legged pirate piñata. We opened presents and enjoyed a yummy cake from the bakery.

By the end of the day, the kids had a ball. We had enough activities to keep them going all afternoon without getting bored and everyone thought it was a wonderful time. In fact, most of the other moms now want me to do their kid’s parties…

Of course, the baby, it seems, didn’t want to be out done and competed with his brother for cuteness factor. On the oldest’s birthday, the baby decided to achieve THREE firsts in one day. He cut his first tooth. He discovered the word “Da-da.” And he stood up in his crib for the first time.

I asked my 4 year old how he felt about Jonathan trying to “out cute” him on his birthday. He turned around and said, “But mom, he IS cute!” ‘Nuff said…

Really cool kit

2006-06-08T20:39:00.000+01:00

Hi all!

This really cool kit will be available shortly through the Natural Designs in Scrapbooking June ND*ezine. Be sure to visit their website to sign up!

Designing on my mind...

2006-06-05T15:50:00.000+01:00

I haven’t scrapped a lick this weekend, although I got awfully close. I plotted and planned to my hearts content but I haven’t actually created a page.

And I really need to get cracking… Why?

I only have a couple of weeks to complete my pages for the Memory Makers Masters contest, get colour copies and get them mailed out to wherever they need to go for the July deadline. On top of that, the KI Memories deadline is looming as well. Not to mention the one-off page contests for ACOT and beginning my CT duties at NDISB.

This is what I DID get done this weekend though – I know exactly what my pages should look like for the MMM and KI contests. I’ve sketched them out, now I just have to find the right photos for them.

Also, I continued working on my very first digi kit, “Wildflowers,” and started working on another new kit “Bermuda Blue.” As soon as Scrapdragon Designs is up and running, they should be ready for sale. I’ll try and post a teaser, at least for “Wildflowers,” later…

Totally Chuffed: My Big News!

2006-06-01T18:00:00.000+01:00

It feels like I’ve made it, or something… A few months ago, I would never have guessed that I’d be where I am now.

I’ve been scrapbooking for years, back when it was just a little hobby, long before it became the national pastime of women everywhere. I’ve always been drawn to paper – in stationery stores, card stores, craft stores – so it’s easy to explain what is now an obsession for me. But, it was still a ‘back-burner’ thing for me – something I wanted to do, but never had time for. That is, until I rediscovered one of my favourite scrapbooking websites – A Cherry On Top.

I had been shopping there for a couple of years, but I finally started getting involved with their message board around Christmas last year. Before very long, I discovered something very new to me, new, but equally enticing as paper – digital scrapbooking.

I did my very first layout in January and posted it to the gallery. I started trying my hand at it more and more. I scoured the internet for every free kit I could find and downloaded every one that I remotely liked. Then, ACOT started selling digital kits… WARNING WILL ROBINSON… DANGER… DANGER…

I played with it. I carefully studied other people’s layouts. I asked questions and looked for tutorials on how to do things on the computer that you would think could only be done with paper.

And now, I’m feeling pretty chuffed about my abilities. I was just asked to join the creative team of digital design company. I can’t wait – this is so exciting.

My dad’s response to the news was: “Who'd a thunk somebody could ever possibly become a "profeshunul" crapbooker! Gaah-lee!”

So, am I a “profeshunul”?? I don’t know, but this is going to be so much fun!

Gag order...

2006-06-01T15:39:00.000+01:00

I have awesome news, but I can't share yet... Will post later!

Work sucks

2006-05-26T17:48:00.000+01:00

Being a working mom sucks. I'll divulge later...

Hopes & Dreams

2006-05-15T19:43:00.000+01:00

With Mother’s Day just passed, I think about the people who made me a mother – my two darling little boys.

Neither have started school yet, and one is still in diapers, but I still like to think about where they will be in 20 years. Where will they be? What will they do? How will life treat them?

When it comes down to it, I have two major goals for them.

The first is that they will be happy. I want them to enjoy life. I want them to find wives that will compliment them in every way. I want them to do something that they love to do.

The second is more important. I pray that they will always be in the centre of God’s will. It’s no use doing what you like if you are not doing what God wants you to do. You cannot be happy and disobedient at the same time.

Contentment

2006-05-10T20:10:00.000+01:00

"When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you." -Lao-Tzu

This is such an interesting quote as it sums up one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned and reflect on now that I’ve celebrated my thirtieth birthday.

I’ve always been extremely competitive. I wanted to be the tallest, fastest, smartest kid in school. Settling for second best to me was the equivalent of settling for first loser.

Those desires still gnaw at me today. I want to compare myself to others, compare my work, my abilities, my talents.

It can even extend to my children – I sometimes secretly wish my children to not only be successful, but to do everything faster, earlier and better than all the other children.

Needless to say, such motivation can leave you blind-sided by the threat of others being equally or more qualified than you. Sometimes, the collision is really only a dent to your ego, but the initial shock of the incident can completely throw off your day.

As I grow older and wiser, I am learning that I need to mellow out, and when I do, the stress of life tends to have less impact on my being.

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Corinthians 6:16.

Summer is here

2006-05-08T18:07:00.000+01:00

Summer is officially here.

How do I know? Especially as neither June 22nd or May 24th (the ‘official’ start of summer in Bermuda) hasn’t arrived?

Well, I woke up to ants all over my kitchen.

For anyone living in civilized countries, i.e. the US or Canada, the thought of bugs of any kind living along side of you is, well, enough to give you nightmares. In fact, for most of you, just seeing one little bug in your house will probably give you reason to call an exterminator. But on an island, bugs are a part of life.

In fact, I don’t often disturb some of the spiders we find tucked up in the ceiling corners as they’re supposed to get rid of some of the bad bugs, but I always try to get those nasty cockroaches when they appear – and of course they’ll appear more and more now that summer is here and they seem get through the screen door on my sliding glass door, no matter what you do.

I even find churchworms and caterpillars – my son and I rescued three caterpillars, and as a sort-of science project, put them in a jar. One died, but two managed to cocoon themselves and emerge as… moths, of course… We made a mini event of letting them go, too.

But, back to the ants… They are (I would say the single, but, in reality they number in the millions) the most irritating pest in Bermuda, even more so than mosquitoes that leave me itching for weeks on end.

You see, Bermuda is really a giant ant hill. They probably outnumber the people by a trillion to one, if not more (we have a population of about 65,000), and they certainly act like they own this little piece of rock in the middle of the Atlantic.

Fine, they can have Bermuda – as long as they leave my jar of peanut butter alone.

The big 3-0

2006-05-04T18:20:00.000+01:00

So, here it is. The big 3-0.

In spite of the normal daily morning routine, I awoke with a small sense of excitement and wonder. It’s hard to believe that I’m actually 30; it’s even harder to believe that I’m actually starting my 4th decade…

My day has been relatively quiet, although DH went out and bought a ton of balloons, party hats, party masks, blowers and a birthday banner and decorated the living room. DS#1 thought it was just brilliant.

I made cupcakes to take to work today as well – chocolate cake with cream cheese icing and yellow cake with chocolate icing. I did make sure to keep a few at home for tonight, though.

I opened my cards from DH and the boys this morning. DH hasn’t bought my present yet – he’s still avidly shopping for it, trying to decide whether it’s better to buy the digital SLR camera here or bring it in from away.

When I got to work, I had a delivery of flowers from my parents.

Tonight, we’re planning on getting take-away and DH is taking me out for dinner tomorrow night. He’s even already arranged baby sitting! Now, if I could find something to wear.

I went shopping during my lunch hour, but didn’t have much luck in finding something I liked AND something that fit AND something that wasn’t too revealing. Will try a couple more stores tomorrow, so I can hopefully find something. Otherwise, I did find a top I liked, which I could get away with, but it really was a little too tight.

What a coincidence...

2006-05-01T15:08:00.001+01:00

My birthday coincides with National Scrapbooking Day. Where's the surprise in that?

Well, they're not on the exact day - they're just a day apart. And I plan on celebrating both with an online crop at my favourite scrapbooking website - A Cherry On Top.

Wanna check it all out? Click on the link on the right side bar - the NSD button!

They're offering over $2000 in prizes this weekend, plus tons of fun. You're sure to get a lot of scrapping done.

Feeling mellow yellow

2006-04-24T17:42:00.000+01:00

I'm feeling kind of mellow today. Not depressed, but certainly not what you might call happy. Somewhere in the middle.

I've not really had that much to do today. Kind of sitting around, tweeking stories, playing with ideas. Surprisingly, though, the morning went by fairly quickly.

I want to be creative, I feel the juices mixing, but there doesn't seem to be much output. Not sure where it's going to pop out, but, it better do soon. Maybe I should sit outside tonight with a notepad and doodle, write and just do whatever pours out on the page.

I was thrilled over the weekend to discover that one of my scrapbook layouts was selected as a grand prize winner in a contest. The funny thing was I really just threw it together at the very last possible minute before the deadline. Nevertheless, it was a nice feather in my hat.

I certainly feel like my scrapping is about to jump to the next level. I was looking at my online gallery the other day and just saw a huge transformation in the quality of my work. I've been spending a lot more time really looking at other people's work and asking questions about where some of the "pro" girls get their inspiration, how they do their work, and the like.

I've sort of re-started a crop night at church for the ladies and DH would like me to expand it, to try and get more outsiders to come. He's even thinking advertising. It'd be a lot of work, and, well, would require me to start my own business, pretty much, because I'd have to start bringing in products for the ladies to use - the available selection here is negligable at best.

Hopefully, I'll be able to break through this creative block soon.

A new look

2006-04-19T20:48:00.000+01:00

Today, I got to spend the entire day at the salon, but before you get excited, I wasn't the one getting the makeover.

We had a competition to find a new mom that needed a makeover and, I must say, the transformation was phenomenal! As the day progressed, you could even see the stress melt away from the winner's face, and by the end, she was rip-roaring ready to go.

Mind you, as she was having her hair, eyes, feet, hands, makeup and wardrobe done, I looked in the mirror and thought, boy do I need some new clothes...

Well, at least I can make an appointment to get my hair cut sometime in the near future...

Found

2006-04-18T15:36:00.000+01:00

I found my keys... They were in my son's Bible bag. How they got there, I don't have a clue, but he did apologize...

Anyway, when it rains, it pours, and, quite literally, we've been having deluges here. Of course, the baby is sick and needs to go to the doctor. In this weather. Oh well... Guess it'll get me out of the office for a while...

Lost keys

2006-04-17T14:47:00.000+01:00

What do you do when it's 8 o'clock, you have 2 kids to get to school and your keys are missing?

Call a Taxi...

After tearing the house apart, I still couldn't find my keys this morning, so, I called a cab. Amazingly enough, it was at my house within 10 minutes and I managed to get the boys to day care AND get to work on time.

I hate days like this, but at least I got in to work on time...

Now, to figure out how to get back home again tonight...

A new day...

2006-04-06T15:08:00.000+01:00

It's so hard to believe it. I'm a working mom again.

And of course, now I have two little boys to shuttle around.

The job came up pretty quickly and almost unexpectedly. And they needed me to start right away because my new manager was about to go on maternity leave.

I'm doing the same thing that I used to do at that other paper, only, now, it really is easier because I have WAY less responsibility. I'm not doing everything anymore and I don't have to worry about leaving on time to go pick up the boys.

The hardest part about all of this is getting used to the schedule. That was only compounded by the fact that just days before I started, my hubby had a bike accident and fractured his wrist. So, of course, he's not really much use to me, especially when it comes to the chores around the house. He can run the bath for the oldest and do a few things, but, needless to say, our home looks like a hurricane hit it.

By the time I get home from work, I'm really too exhausted to do much more than the stuff that HAS to be done - make dinner, clean up the kitchen, make lunches for the next day, and iron my clothes if I have a chance. It's one big continuous cycle that never seems to end... Oh, well... at least it means a weekly paycheck that we didn't have before.

Lego my eggo...

2006-01-19T18:48:00.000Z

I'm developing a love-hate relationship with my son's favourite toy - Lego.

For Christmas, he received not one, but two, giant boxes filled with assorted Lego (actually Duplo blocks) pieces that I keep finding all over the house. You never know what you might step on in the dark when travelling from my bedroom, down the hall, to the boys' room to pick up a crying baby while half-asleep. They're also in my recliner, and worst of all, my bed!

The other night, my son was enjoying playing, building and creating while watching a movie in my bedroom (the only DVD player is there). We had a bit of a temper tantrum when it was time to pick up the 100 or so pieces off of my bed, so the two boxes were put aside and out of reach for a couple of days.

Tommy promised he had learned his lesson, so we gave them back. Needless to say, I found more Lego between the sheets...

It's all over...

2006-01-04T02:45:00.000Z

Well, Jonathan is now 7 weeks old, as of tomorrow...

Boy, has it been a challenging time. I was put on bedrest in September, due to complications, and Jonathan was delivered by Cesarean 4 weeks early on November 16.

This will be my last baby, unless God provides us with the funds to adopt in the future. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens.

Jonathan and I have had a bit of a bumpy road since his birth, but we are slowly beginning to bond. He's a strong little one, holding his head up and even rolling over (from front to back) as early as 6 weeks.

His big brother, Tommy, just loves him to death and is very helpful, for the most part. It's sometimes hard to remember that Tommy is only 3 years old as he seems more mature than that most of the time, especially when it comes to his vocabulary.

We've been enjoying having the Logos II in Bermuda the last 2 weeks and have helped out with errands and transportation while they have been here. We've also gotten to know a few of the crew. I've thoroughly enjoyed the international environment!

A mother again

2005-08-06T16:49:00.000+01:00

It's been quite some time since I last posted and so much has happened.

The most significant thing is that I'm to be a mother again!

We found out on, I believe it was, April 9, that I was expecting. This truly is a miracle as we had been told that I probably couldn't have any more children due to what was believed to be the onset of (very) premature menopause. Needless to say, all of my doctors nearly fell on the floor when I said I was pregnant!

The baby, which we discovered was a boy on July 17, is due December 13. However, he will be delivered at least two, if not three, weeks early.

We have already given him a name: Jonathan Taylor Cadman Westhead.

Jonathan is Hebrew, a good Bible name, meaning "God gives."
Taylor is in honour of English missionary to China, J. Hudson Taylor.
Cadman is in memory of my husband's mother, who graduated to Glory on July 19.

We are all very excited about Jonathan's arrival, especially my older son, Tommy, who is just thrilled that he is going to have a baby brother to share his room and toys. Of course, that attitude may change once Jonathan realizes that all of these things are his as well!

It's been a very challenging pregnancy. I'm treated as high risk, not for the baby's sake, but for my own. I just spent a week in the hospital because of problems and now must make sure I rest and avoid stress. Oh, it will be a difficult 4 months coming! However, the blessings will be great, even though the trials will be burdensome!

A new quest

2005-03-30T06:52:00.000+01:00

It's another sleepless night. I am tired, but seem to be avoiding going to bed. All I want is mindless entertainment, which I'm finding in some silly online game.

Tomorrow I fly to Boston, where I'll be seeing two different doctors, to try and fix all of these womanly problems. I hope that this will be the end of all the trouble, but I'm still nervous. I don't know what else the doctors may find.

I'm also feeling very alone; like there's not really anyone there to help me, or encourage me. My husband is here and will be travelling with me, but really, his attention will be on our son, who is also coming along.

Oh, how I hope that this will fix all these things, or at least give me a head start!

Walking away the Fibro Fog

2005-03-22T20:58:00.000Z

Needless to say, the last few weeks have been rather intense, particularly due to assisting my aunt and uncle in their wedding planning, which is less than two weeks away.

It's quite amazing how quickly one can plan a wedding. Just about everything is in place. Of course, there are lots of small details to deal with, but, everything should be just about taken care of.

The whole thing has, of course, left me exhausted, and my 'fibro fog' has certainly taken over on many occassions. One thing that has helped, though, was starting a new exercise programme. Even though I only started it yesterday, I'm already feeling some benefit.

Last year, on the advice of my doctor, I began using a walking video, "Walk Away the Pounds" by Leslie Sansone. The DVD had 2 courses on it - a one mile and a two mile aerobic walking activity. However, a few weeks in, I was in a bike accident (motor scooter), and have only had my final knee surgery about two months ago. So, until now, I've not been able to do much of any exercising.

Through some Internet survey thing my husband was doing to try and win a free iPod (yeah, I know...), I ended up joining Doubleday Book Club. One of the books I got was Leslie's "Walk Away the Pounds" book. So yesterday, I started the programme. For now, it's about one mile of walking a day, which, of course, will increase gradually. The whole programme is 42 days (6 weeks, or thereabout). My goal is to be at least one, if not two, sizes smaller than I am now for my cousins wedding in June. I guess we shall wait and see.

I must say, though, that the book does give a lot of support to the DVD that I already owned. It has a built-in journal for you to write in and keep you accountable of whether you walked, took your vitamin and drank water, as well as other activities.

Another thing that is encouraging is that it is clear Leslie is a Christian, through her talk about the body being a temple and creation. Leslie, if you ever read this, I'd love to chat with you some day! Maybe we can write a book, sharing your testimony!

Well, that's all for now. Signing off!

Does it ever end?????

2005-03-01T23:46:00.000Z

A mother's work is never done, and anyone who says that a stay-at-home mom doesn't work is fooling themselves.

Every time I turn around, the mess reappears in the same spot that I just cleaned. The biggest problems?? Laundry, trash, toys. Of course, we're not talking about dumping our banana skins on the floor - its more like taking our socks and shoes off and leaving them where they lay. Reading the newspaper and leaving it spread out across the floor. I'll tell you, it can drive a woman insane.

What's my solution? I haven't a clue. How do you teach old dogs new tricks? If you have any advice of nagging without appearing to nag, I'd love to hear it. Until then, my story will remain the same...

Wedding Bells

2005-02-15T20:33:00.000Z

My husband and I recently celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary. Now, I am revisiting the realm of matrimonials vicariously through helping to plan my uncle's wedding. Gee whiz, I forgot how much goes into planning a wedding.

My aunt-to-be is not from Bermuda, so she doesn't know where anything is here. I'm about as busy as I was planning my own wedding, except that I'm not making the final decisions.

Unfortunately, I won't get to see the fruit of my works; I'll be in Boston on the day of the wedding. Hopefully, it will be a day that they will never forget; that it will be a beauiful day and the day will be joyful and trouble-free.

Letter Writing

2005-02-09T13:45:00.000Z

The other day, I found this funky envelope that I had purchased some time ago for my son to send a letter to his Grandma in Australia. It was a thick square envelope with green foam head, legs and arms to make it look like a frog. So, yesterday, I had my son sit down and 'write' a letter to his Grandma. Then, he 'wrote' a letter to his Granny in England. We then took the letters to the post office to mail.

The whole thing excited him, and today, he wanted to write letters to his Grandma and Pop-pop here in Bermuda. We'll mail them later today.

Of course, his letters are only scribbled drawings with a note that I write, but it's encouraging to know that my son wants to tell his family that he loves them. I even try to get him to scribble in the cards I buy for his dad, from him, for the different holidays.

Hopefully, this letter-writing campaign will continue, and my little one will grow into a young man that is willing to pen his thoughts and send greetings of love and gratitude for those who provide him with so much love.

It's such an example to follow.

Rosenstrasse

2005-02-06T03:06:00.000Z

I watched an interesting movie tonigt. It was called, "Rosenstrasse," and it was about the story of Aryan/German women who waited in the street for seven days until their husbands were released.

It was quite amazing to see the strength of these women, waiting desperately for the hope that their husbands were still alive and in the building across the street, and hadn't been sent off to the camps. They stood in freezing weather, shouting at the Nazi guards that stood watch to give them their husbands back. Even the threat of being fired upon did not break their spirits.

Taming the Terrible Twos

2005-02-04T21:21:00.000Z

Becoming a stay-at-home mom after working for the first 2-1/2 years of my son's life has its challenges. The most notable is returning home while he's this particular age - TWO.

The last couple of days have really been "one of those days" with my son, who is doing everything he can to exhert his independance. Bed time rituals have gone completely out the window this week, partly because my husband is working evenings and is usually the one to get him to settle down. Then, today, when we were running errands in town, I nearly had to go on my hands and knees to drag him out of the racks of suits he was hiding in the men's department as I was trying to talk with the salesperson.

Of course, when he got a little tap on his bottom and a stern talking to, I, according to his 2-year-old reasoning, was being naughty and "making him very angry." Naptime was equally a struggle - he sat screaming on his bed for 1/2 an hour before my husband and I finally let him out to only crash five minutes later in our bed. So is life with a toddler...

With our view of the Great Sound, we can watch the winter weather coming in from the North even before it arrives. In the last few weeks, we see rainbows almost on a daily basis as the rain comes rolling in.

As we are trying to raise our child in the Christian tradition, I try to remind him daily by asking him, "Who made the rainbows?" My son's answer is always the same: "Jesus."

When I see the rainbows, I try to remember God's promises - not only that He'll not flood the earth again, but that all things will come to an good end for those who keep trusting in Him. My son's third birthday is only five months away; he's growing daily. And all the other problems I face in relation to work, finances, depression, etc., will also come to an end.

This, too, shall pass....

A quiet moment in the afternoon

2005-02-02T20:25:00.000Z

It's almost 4:30 and the house is pretty quiet.

My husband left for work a little over an hour ago and my son fell asleep while we read the Little Golden Book classic, "The Good Humour Man."

There are very few moments like this in my life, when everything is peaceful. Of course, there are things around the house calling to me - the laundry, dishes in the sink. There's also my son's room, which I started tidying up this afternoon, sorting out old toys to donate to charity and trashing bits and pieces that were broken.

I could also sit and read, scrapbook, watch TV (not cartoons, for once), or even take a nap. Instead, here I am, taking a few moments to write.

Normally, I'd be busy writing a story for publication, running around to take pictures or on the phone doing interviews. But that life has finally changed. I no longer have to worry about sitting at a desk making sure I look busy, and trying not to fall asleep from lack of sleep.

It takes some getting used to, this being a stay-at-home mom, working as a freelance writer and copywriter. It also requires far more energy than I ever realized. Keeping up with a very active 2-year-old can be challenging for any mother, especially one with Fibromyalgia, like I have. However, I'm learning to create a schedule that helps both of us.

In spite of a terrible storm that tore through Bermuda this morning, I'm feeling pretty good. We had a slow morning, being that we couldn't even go outside and I baked muffins as a special breakfast treat. I'm still a little achey, but I think that has more to do with cleaning my son's room than the weather, for a change. I hope this quiet day will continue into the evening, when I settle down to watch the movie, "Ray," and do some ironing.