That roller-coaster ride that's caring...

Hi guys, Coo's having a sore time of it today again.

He had a bad night and has been pretty much seizing on and off most of the day but we're hanging on in there so we're ok!

Being a Carer sure is a roller-coaster ride at times! No bike riding today even if the sun is out...we're house-bound for now anyways.

While He's been poorly, to pass the time I've been busy...crafting!
I checked in at my wee sewing machine and decided to at last get around to making Jessie's wee dress. It's from a pattern I found online and...todays the day! lol

So from pillowcase...

 

To Jessie dress...

 

Pretty cool eh!

I think wee dresses like this one will be great for the warm summer weather too, especially as Jessie will be in a Spica cast so loose and cool clothing will be the order of the day!

I hope Jessie and mummy like it as much as I do!

 

I like crafts, when times are tough, they kinda take you to a happier place for a wee while! If you've not caught the crafting bug give it a go - it sure works for me!

Happy crafting!

(((hugs)))

Maz x

Carers and Saint Valentine's day Crafts...

Hi guys, I thought I'd share one of the highlights of my annual valentine routine!
I've mentioned our Care Club before.
It's for adults with both physical and learning disabilities and we've been running if for over 7 years. I decided to open it as we didn't have a club of it's kind locally and I thought it would be good for Coo, well for us both really, to spend some time working with and helping other's and I honestly feel, it does you good to spend some time, lending a hand, with other people who are struggling with disabilities too!

It kinda helps put your own situation into perspective and into the bargain it provides some much needed respite for a couple of hours on a Monday night for their Carers too so...jobs a good 'un! lol

Anyways, me being me, we have a big craft box full of bits-and-bobs and we always make things!
From Salt-dough to fabric painting and just about anything that's easy, cheap and cheerful, we'll have a wee go! lol This being the Monday before Valentines day, it was card making of course!
Nothing too fancy, just a heart cut out from some coloured card and some pretty floral fabric sticky taped into it's place!


Easy-peasy and I must say very effective! lol
The group all left with a smile and cards and a heart balloon, aquired from a promotional day on healthy hearts held earlier in the year but pinched or...recycled! to Care club with lovely St. Valentine crafts in mind!

In what has been a bit of a tough week, it's done my heart good tonight!

Happy Saint Valentine's day when it come on Thusday!
Remember it's not the end of the world if you don't get a card - just make some! Trust me, it's fun, you'll enjoy yourself too!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

A crafting day..

Hi guys, I've had a wee break today.

Coo felt good day today so our son and son-in-law, decide to take him golfing. Just what he needed fresh air and a couple of laughs out with the boys!

So...while they were away...
Hi diddle-de-dee a crafting day for me! lol

I decided to get crafting and make a start on baby Jessica's first Christmas stocking!

In a few hours we went...
From this...

 

To this...

 

 

I hope she likes it!

I'm sure Looby will like, that in the middle, I've placed the wee Jessica Bunny patch from her first wee baby clothes!

 

It was a good day! I did have fun quilting and best of all, the rain stayed away and Coo and the boys had a good day out in the winter sunshine!

 

Job's a good 'un!

(((hugs)))

Maz x

Quilting is Quite brilliant fun...

Hi guys! I've been trying my hand at quilting recently and it's been great fun!

Some lovely ladies from a local craft group came to visit my wee Carer meeting a few weeks ago and well, you know me, I like to try out any kind of crafts!
I was totally enthralled by all the lovely fabrics and just what the ladies had managed to create with them...I was hooked! LOL

Now, I've never really used my sewing machine much, if truth be told I actually bought it for my daughter some years back and have only, occasionally tinkered with it...until now that is!  Just like McDonalds say...I'm lovin' it! lol

Bearing in mind, I wasn't really confident on my own at all and it's not a quiet craft that I can do while Coo's sleeping either (sewing machines make a bit of a racket don't they!) so my quilting time has been a bit limited. Even though, I've  really only been working on my quilting for a couple of hours on a Friday, in three visits, I've managed to turn this wee pile of scrap material...



Into a wee baby's first Christmas quilt for wee baby B, our eagerly awaited Grand-baby!

So what do you think?




Now, some of the seams are a little bit wonky here and there, and it's definately not a work of art but...

I'm really rather pleased with it!

Wee baby B will know in years to come that Grandma made her very first quilt just for him or her! lol

I'm finding more and more that crafts and new experiences, really give me so much back, they make me smile and I have a real feel-good factor too. I think they're a bit of an antidote to the other stressful parts of my life and that can only be good for me!

I hope your happy too, try some crafts - it sure works for me! lol

(((hugs)))

Maz x

Sunny hello on a not so sunny day...

Hi guys! Things have been a wee bit hectic!

Coo's still very sleepy and we've been more at home again this last week so...I've been busy pottering around in my wee greenie and guess what? There's an tiny wee tomato on my one and only tumbling tiger plant! Result - well start of a result, let's not count the chickens yet! lol

It's been really wet and windy weather here again so the garden still needs a tidy up but until it all dries out, it'll just need to wait!
I'm glad I finally got my green house though. It's allowed me to be able to still potter around even if the weather is a bit nasty!

So, in between keeping an eye on Coo and potting up my plants...I've managed to dig out my loom again too - well I like to keep busy hadn't you noticed! LOL

I think weaving's kinda cool!
I tend to pick it up when the Caring's a bit on the stressful side and it's soothing and makes me smile so it must be good for me!


This time, I'm going to be trying out some patterns for baby blankets ( another happy post for another day!).
Having no little people in our family for a long time and not having made any baby things before, I'll let you know how things pan out!

Keep smiling,
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Mixed bag kinda week...

Hi guys, it's been a bit of a mixed bag kinda week this time!

Coo's been very sleepy and we've been mostly at home this week so anything that can be, has pretty much been put on hold!
I've been keeping myself busy (and sane!)with my favourite passtime...crafts...Yeah!

Today I've been weaving!

I moved away from my frame loom as it was a bit sore on my shoulder so I've been trying out a peg loom instead.

I can honestly say it's quick, it's easy and more importantly it's FUN! lol I managed to get a hold of some real nice arran wool and decided to brighten up our sofa with some new cushions.

I'm taking my time and just enjoying working with the loom but I'm truely surprised by the way the fabric is turning out.

It looks pretty chic for homespun even if I do say so myself! LOL



I guess I find crafts a bit of a therapy, even a diversion when things are difficult.
Why don't you try crafts too?
It's fun and it sure works for me! LOL
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Old year...new year...

Hi Guys, new year is almost upon us!
Where has the year went? - It's time for a think...

You know, I used to get a bit stressed at the thought of a new year coming.
I used to worry about the things I said I'd do throughout the year and just didn't get around to, you know the kind of thing...lose a few pounds in weight, hold onto a few of the other kind of pounds and save for a rainy day...that kinda thing! lol

One thing being a Carer has taught me is to slow down a bit and just take a breath! The world still turns just the same while you catch your bearings a bit. Mainly it's taught me just to count my blessings a little and be thankful for making it through the last year safely in the first place! LOL

I guess, most people take that kind a thing for granted...good health, I mean!
While you are well and busy hustling and bustling about your life at such a great pace, you never need to give a second thought to such things. You can plan well into the future for work, holidays or pretty much anything you fancy and it's only when something happens to you or your loved ones that you really need to stop and think at all!

I think that's probably what I miss most. All the planning and looking forward to things, the certainty and order of it all. It sure was a lot easier when finance was the only issue to getting things done and we could both climb a mountain if we wanted to!
On the other hand, this slower pace of life has it's upside too! We have both learned how to adapt and find a way - there always is one - it's just finding it that's the tricky part! LOL

2010 hasn't been a bad year, well, not really!

We've had major trials and problems with doctors and meds and there's been lots of stress over that but other things have buoyed us up too!

** Coo's no worse and not nearly as bad as the dreadful 30 siezures a day all through 2007 - 8! Things are not brilliant by any means but they're a wee bit better than they were and that's a bonus in itself!

** With help, we made it all the way down to Getna and right through Looby & Stevens wedding! and what a brilliant day that was!

** I re-discovered lots of fun with crafts and hobbies from jam and fudge making to weaving and jewellery! Woo Hoo

** The garden was a bit of a refuge at times too - from peas and potatoes, to salad veg. and fruits - I had a ball, planting, growing, jamming and storing loads of goodies!


...so it's goodbye 2010! I'm feeling happy and optomistic about the new year ahead.

I hope you're feeling happy too and...
'a' the best when it comes - Slainte Mhath!

(((hugs)))
Maz x

Just keep 'harping' on...

Hi guys, anyone ever tried playing one of these?

I'm not really musical at all but I always wanted to learn to play an instument and liked the autoharp sound so I decided to give it a bash!
I looked all around, on Ebay too. I made up my mind and it took some time too as they're not cheap and I don't usually send that much on me! LOL
Anyway, in the end Coo decided we'd buy me one for my birthday and I've been tootling away ever since.
I love it!

As a Carer, I need to spend a lot of time at home when Coo's poorly so I've found (with a bit of trial and error!) lot's of things to do to keep me occupied and motivated.

From jewellery, soap, jam and even fudge making to sewing, knitting and weaving! believe me, in my quest to stay sane, while stuck in, I've tried 'em all and I admit, at times, with varying degrees of success! LOL

There are only so many hours Television can amuse you and then your brain seems to hurt or what's worse switch off all together...well, mine does anyway!

So when Coo's asleep it's the quieter pastimes and crafts and when he's not? It's harping time! LOL
I'm really please I've picked it up so quickly, I'm certainly no maestro but I'm not too terrible either! LOL
It probably helps that Coo is musical and I'm finding, sometimes while I'm playing, he'll reach for his guitar and join in too and that's when it's most fun!

so I'll bid you a 'happy harping' and a smiley cheerio for now!
(((hugs)))
maz x

In a soapy bubble...

Hi Guys, most of you will know, with Coo being so poorly, I've been stuck at home a lot lately and I suppose that's just typical of the usual Carer lifestyle eh?

Well, I've decided there's no time like the present to begin getting organised and I've got around to ordering my soap supplies and some new chrismassy moulds! LOL

I enjoy soap making, I find it kinda therapeutic.
It's also a pleasant and better still quiet pass-time while Coo's asleep and I'm so very much at home so...jobs a good 'un! LOL

I've got some lovely gift bags, a load of tissue paper and some pretty gold labels so...
I'm going to make the wee soaps and pop 'em in as Christmas gifts.

Handmade is always nice to recieve isn't it!

Guess what?

***I think I'm gonna be...Soapy bubble busy! LOL


((((hugs)))
maz x

Carers keep going...

Hi guys, I wonder where our inner strength comes from?
We Carers just keep going don't we!
Come to think of it...I guess we don't really have much of a choice so maybe it's a Carer mind set!
What do you think?

I'm still trying to keep positive that things will improve, even a little bit and we'll catch a break but it's been real tough recently.

So how do I keep sane?

Well, I've developed ways to amuse myself while there's long periods of time enforced at home. From soap making to jewellery and crafts I kinda tootle with it! LOL
I've been trying my hand at loom weaving lately and it's pretty much relaxing!

I mean...my wee loom's not anything fancy, just a little frame one like this and some odd balls of wool but it's fun and yet another happy diversion when Coo's so poorly.

I'm still pottering in the garden - when our not so well behaved weather allows me! What a mixed-bag-kind-of-a-summer we've had this year...more rain soaked than sun soaked I'm afraid! lol

Never mind, September's supposed to be a bit better so maybe the sun will come out tomorrow although I'm not placing any bets! LOL

The main thing is we're both ok and I so hope you're doing ok where you are too!
Keep strong,

Love
maz x

Social Services 'n' salt dough what a combo!

Hi Guys!
It's been a busy week!
Coo's been up 'n' down like a yoyo, his moods are all over the place and today he has the tell-tale rash that means there's yet again something wrong with his bloods!
We went to get them done today so by Wednesday, we will know for sure.

Mean while - (as if we don't have enough in added stresses!) - Social Services called yesterday to arrange a visit: they want to review Coo's care package.
Now, while I'm not overly concerned as care-wise things have not changed, Coo on the other hand, is in a bit of a state. He doesn't cope well with change and is concerned if they withdraw the help we have now, we'll struggle to cope.
He knows how tired and near burnout I was before!
I understand how he feels.

The Direct Payment care package we have currently, buys me two nights sleep, allows me to keep my one remaining work session and even a few hours out on a Saturday with my mum...shopping!

I know our Local Authority are struggling financially and just hope this isn't an attempt to cut this much needed support!
I have said previously, I don't know how I coped before without this help and would not want to go back to that place again but I'm not going to panic!
It won't help Coo any if he thinks I'm worried so I'm going to wait and see what happens - they're coming tomorrow.

Enough of the gloomy stuff...

In an attempt to take Coo's mind of the meeting, I decided to make some salt dough up to take to our group tonight - we run a wee group for adults with disabilities.

It was brilliant fun, they all had a ball making Christmas Trees, stars and baubles for their own tree at home.
Craft is so good!
Everybody gets in a sticky mess and somehow in the end something pretty is made and everyone's happy! LOL

Coo forgot the meeting tomorrow, we made an assortment of 'decorations' like these
and...there were lots of smiley faces around!

Job's a good'un!

maz x

where's the last week gone...

Where's the last week gone?
Same place as the sunshine I'm afraid....God knows but it 'aint here! lol
Seems like both Coo and I have lost this week totally - Coo's slept it away...again and me?? well,

I've just kinda been hanging on in there and trying to chill and ride it all out yahoo style!

INTERNET Wooo Hooo or should that be Yahoo!!
If it weren't for my broadband I'm sure I'd be bored to tears, climbing the walls or both! lol

After all, there's only so many repeats of Tenko, Kojak or anything else a la UKGold you can view, before you're head gets sore!

It's been too wet to potter in the garden so this week, it's been a...


...cleaning and moving stuff around kinda gig - boring!


Just couldn't resist this pic! lol




We did manage to get out to our wee club (the one we run on Monday nights for adults with disabilities) and that always raises a smile!

Special needs bingo is not the easiest to keep up with and usually consists of me weaving around the tables and yelling well done! you've got that one!
or even...
2 little ducks??? 22 where are my quackers! answered by a lound chorus of quack,quacks and peals of laughter.

Who wouldn't have fun!
Especially as there's always some tea and buns to finish Mmm...Mmm

Coo and I need to feel the sun on our faces so let's ask the weather fairy for some lovely sunshine this week....pretty please!

maz x