A time to reflect

As the year comes to a close, all thoughts tend to be on the year that has just passed - the good, the bad and the ugly.

This year has been a strange one for us.
It began with me being offered a permanent contract after working as a Christmas Temp at Marks and Spencer. It ended with the uncertainty that surrounds Mark's role in the RAF, and whether he will be made redundant or not.

The kids have continued to progress through the coloured belts of their Martial Art - Tang Soo Do - with them both achieving their Brown tag belt, and Jemma got 2 3rd places in the Scottish Championships held in June.

Mark's Dad retired in June, and my parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in October. My Nana is finally being cared for in a Residential Care Home, her Dementia finally making it impossible for her to look after herself at home any longer. Although, her future is in doubt, with her home being closed sometime in the New Year. Worrying times for my Mum, who is desperately trying to find her a place somewhere else.

We spent a week in October touring the country. Visiting friends and family. Riding the London Eye, and visiting Madame Tussaud's. Fulfilling Tom's dream of spending a day at Legoland. Meeting the newest member of the family, baby Evie.

Crafting wise, I have been extremely fortunate to have an article and layout published in an online scrapbooking magazine, and had a layout showcased on Allison Davis's blog. I have created 55 layouts so far this year, although I would have liked to have made a few more cards. I'm sure that 2011 will be a good year for me, craft wise, but then you'll have to pop back and see!!



So to end the year in style, I will share my 55th layout with you! It is based on the December 21st sketch from Sassy Lil Sketches.

These photos are of Jemma and her 2 best pals. Definitely a terrible trio when they get together! They are stood on rocks just round the coast from our village, on a windy day when the waves were crashing high against the shore. Mark tried to capture the waves splashing up behind the girls. The noise they made when the waves hit!!

Papers - BasicGrey, My Minds Eye

Cardstock - Bazzill Basics

Ribbon, alpha stickers - American Crafts

Flowers - Auntie Sarah's Bloomers

Swirl overlay - My Minds Eye

Stickles - Ranger

All that's left is for me to wish you all a happy and healthy 2011. See you all next year...

TTFN

xxxx