Wuddled Murds (aka Muddled Words)

Harlem Shake

2013-04-14T13:38:00.001+01:00

My youngest son along with his friend James Gilley started a non profit making charity last year to help young people..

It's called SPAT and it provides an innovative running, fitness and nutritional programme for homeless, vulnerable and at-risk young people.

Their aim is to provide a long-lasting solution and help build the foundations for a sustainable and consistent lifestyle.

At their official launch at the New Horizon Youth Centre who have been working with SPaT on the pilot of the programme last week they managed to get Jon Snow from Channel 4 to join in the You Tube craze of the Harlem Shake. What a sport he is and thanks to him the video has gone viral and has had over 34,000 people viewing it so far. It has been mentioned by the Guardian, Telegraph and Metro newspapers and some other famous names as well.

A fabulous launch to an extremely worthwhile charity.

Have a look and see Dad dancing at it's best.

Is a Reindeer just for Christmas, Yes and No ?

2013-01-06T11:40:00.001+01:00

This is the question that I asked myself this morning as it was Twelfth Night yesterday and all Christmas decorations should have been put away for another year. Everything has been except

the two reindeer came to live with us many, many years ago when my children were small. We visited family in USA a few weeks before Christmas and bought lots of things for the Christmas ahead that year. They were given the names Yes and No by my sons but I have no idea (or is that I deer) why!

For several years they sat in their bedrooms after the festivities along with an abundance of other soft toys but as they got older (teenage years) we started to be put them away and they only come out at Christmas time.

Yesterday however I just didn't have the heart to put them back into the plastic box and so they are sitting on the shelves in the lounge watching the world go by.

It's been a mixed start to the New Year and I hope that by leaving Yes and No out all year it will not bring me or the family any bad luck, in fact I hope it's the opposite.

I have had some problems with anonymous

comments on the blog which are link to spam so I have tried to change the settings. Not sure if anyone can leave a comment or not now.

2012-12-30T19:40:00.000+01:00

10 Things For Me To Remember in 2013:

Remember that there is a solution for every problem but sometimes I may need to look harder to find it,
Focus on the possibilities instead of the limitations.
Stop saying I will do it tomorrow .
Learn how to enjoy the process it may take a while to get there, so you enjoy it !
Reward myself and be proud of even the slightest progress.
Be around with people who make their ideas happen and have a positive attitude.
Stop saying “I can’t” and making excuses.
Start even if I don’t know how I am going to finish.
Let others help instead of trying to do it all on my own.
Stop stressing about what others think.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone !

2nd December 2012

2012-12-02T10:39:00.001+01:00

.....and still so much to do. Yesterday was the Christmas Fayre at school so had to send a few hours back at work. The little ones were so sweet waiting in line to see Santa who had taken time out of his busy schedule to visit for a couple of hours.
Today I'm trying to come up with some ideas for homemade presents. I'll let you know how I get on.

In the crowd

2012-11-25T10:59:00.001+01:00

During the afternoons this week the sound of children singing has been coming from the various classrooms along the corridors and as I sit working my office. From the facilities office and workshop accross the way there has been banging and drilling as Kev makes mangers and other props. I love this time of year.

Next week they will start to take turns in the hall to practice their words and songs ready for the few days that parents, grandparents and friends come in to watch their little one perform in the Christmas plays.
We are a big primary school so there are always several plays, all slightly different but all telling the same story about how Jesus was born in a stable.

It's seems such a long time ago that my own children were in their school nativity. I remember my joy when my eldest son was chosen to be Joseph when he was four. I sat in the front row with my mum beaming with pride that day. Sadly she died only a couple of years later and that was the last one she was able to attend.

A few years later he was a shepherd and as he sat on the row at the front he keep lifting his tunic and showing his shorts below to the audience. He couldn't get over the fact his outfit was a 'dress'. I thought the teachers would let him wear trousers underneath but no it had to be shorts.

I've spent time making the costumes cursing the teachers who wanted sheep or kings outfits to be sent in when I was busy working full time. Now I see you can go to the supermarket and purchase them ! I am not sure what's best, those hurriedly made by parents and grandparents or those from Asda or Sainsbury's.

There are always children who struggle with school work or who are very shy, who suddenly on the day of the Christmas play come to the front and shine. I never cease to be amazed that the tiny 4 & 5 year olds that have only been at school a couple of months will stand up and say something in front of a few hundred people or sing and act.

All the children know that if they have a problem they can come to me and this week Ruby turned up at the door sobbing. When I eventually got her to speak her only words were 'In the crowd'. On speaking to her teacher I discovered that this year Ruby is to be one of several children who are in the crowd scene. Yes she does have a small speaking part but Ruby is struggling to understand why last year she was a main character and this year she isn't.
I think we got the message through to her that it's someone else's turn this year and everyone in the play is important when telling a story.On the day her smiling face and loud singing will still steal the hearts of the audience as always wherever in the crowd she is.

We have children of all religions at my school but Christmas really is magical for all of them and of course the adults.

If you are going to see a Christmas Nativity play at a children's school just remember there has been weeks of rehearsals, teachers and teaching assistants painting scenery, caretakers making props, parents putting together costumes and helping to learn lines and lots of little darlings having their first taste of acting.

Well done Bill

2012-06-24T14:44:00.002+01:00

Every parent should read this. Life is unfair, it is a bitch, learn to deal with it!

Taking a rest

2012-02-18T19:56:00.002+01:00

I've taking a break from blogging recently but may start again in a few weeks. Just don't think I've anything I can say due to my job (always worried I might say something and my employers will find out) and anything worth writing about.

I still enjoy reading the wonderful things other people have been writing about in their blog. Thank you to all of you x

The van has arrived....

2011-12-21T08:29:00.002+01:00

.....unlike Margo and Jerry's.

The shopping is all done the house all clean and ready. A few presents still to wrap, the family don't arrive until tomorrow but apart from that we are ready. As you can see Harley is already waiting in his favourite chair for the festivities to begin. he has at least tree presents under the tree just for him.
So have a Happy Christmas what ever you are planning to do.

Here's a link to a fun website where you can track Santa as he flies around the world and play some games.

http://www.noradsanta.org/en/index.html

Rosie xx

Recycling the Christmas Cards

2011-12-19T17:08:00.001+01:00

I never buy gift tags. Why on earth would I spend money on something that is so simple to make and doesn't cost me a penny and just ends up in the recycling bin on Christmas Day anyway? So here are just a few of the tags for this years pressies made from last years Christmas cards.

Twas just one week 'til Christmas

2011-12-18T11:13:00.000+01:00

We have very busy recently completing all the orders we've received on ebay so they get there before Christmas. The cards and mugs have been really popular and in the New Year we are adding lots more things. So there's plently to keep us busy. Poor Andy hardly has time for drawing and painting at the moment. He still has one commission to finish before tomorrow so it it can be given as a present.

Also the local galleries have been phoning because they have also sold several of his prints so on Tuesday we are off to stock them up with more.

All the homemade gifts went down well with my friends at work, which was a relief. I finally found a few minutes to decorate the tree yesterday and put on the homemade baubles.

I love candlelight and the nuts and sweets are looking good in the two glass dishes I purchased last week at a boot fair in the village for 50p for the two. the Spode candlestick was purchased at a previous bootfair for £1 and the East of India Christmas tree was £2 at the school Christmas Fayre last year. I love a bargain don't you?

2011-12-14T19:04:00.009+01:00

She kept it very quiet from me but the counsellor who comes into my school every week and helps countless children and parents has written a book . I can recommend Whispers in my Ear by Jill Knowles if you have children and need a little help and advice and l you can learn about an inspirational lady. I don't think she would agree with me calling her that but whether she likes it or not she is.
I always look forward to her weekly visit with her beloved Lola. When I see her tomorrow I will be asking what she is planning to do next.
Last year I featured in an article that the Daily Mail that was written about Jill and Lola. Read about her here and find how special Jill is.

2011-12-11T18:51:00.002+01:00

Christmas Countdown

11th December

2011-12-11T14:20:00.002+01:00

This is Aubrey, King of the Elves made by the lovely

Fat Hen and Flo.

I was lucky enough to win him recently at the school Christmas Fayre. I've just got to find out where he will be spending Christmas. I think it will be from the top of the bookcase looking down on the festivities. After all he is a King!

Today I have been busy putting today some Lavender bags for Christmas presents for friends. Finally I am getting into the Christmas spirit. A few more bags to make and then start making Christmas cookies.

7th December

2011-12-07T20:45:00.005+01:00

There are some films I watch every Christmas. Like the Scrabble, Cluedo and Monopoly we get out and play over the festivities. Do you do that or is it just me? Here are the ones I always watch. It's difficult to choose a favourite but National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and The Christmas Card always give me the feel good factor. To quote Eddie in Christmas Vacation 'It's the gift that keeps on giving'.

6th December

2011-12-07T19:56:00.002+01:00

I have absolutely no idea what to buy or make people for Christmas this year. Other years I have been busy for weeks and already have things hidden away waiting for the big day.

What's going on with me this year?

I'm off with hubby to my favourite city for shopping at the weekend with the hope of coming back with it all done and dusted.

5th December

2011-12-05T20:55:00.001+01:00

For the past 20 years or more I have bought my Christmas cards from Charity Shops. My favourites are

Cancer Research

Leukemia Research

British Heart Foundation

4th December

2011-12-04T19:17:00.004+01:00

We have started a new business selling my talented OH's work.
Have a look at George Morgan Illustrations ebay shop for T shirts, mugs, cards, posters.

More items are being added daily.

3rd December

2011-12-03T17:43:00.001+01:00

For something to keep you amused over Christmas time click on this link

2nd December

2011-12-02T19:29:00.003+01:00

December 1st

2011-12-01T20:26:00.001+01:00

I'm an addict.

2011-10-30T11:59:00.002+01:00

I can't remember who it was that introduced me to it. At first I only dabbled but the more time I spent with it the more I have become hooked. I am going to let you into my secret if you don;t already know about it.

It's called

I'm not the only one who has been taken in by this.

I have found so many ideas on it.

I discovered this idea. Which is so cheap and simple to make Christmas baubles.

Here's my attempt which I still have to tweak a little. I used white glitter and think I will use silver on anymore I make. The plastic baubles I used were from the local 99p Store for 6 baubles. The sheet music and Christmas lettering all downloaded from Pinterest. It also gave me the ideas of using lots of other paper for the decoupage such as wrapping paper or old Christmas cards.

Whatever you're interested in take a look for yourself.

For 9/11 and all those missing a loved one today.

2011-09-11T16:14:00.000+01:00

Time is too slow for those who wait

by Henry Van Dyke

Time is too slow for those who wait,

too swift for those who fear,

too long for those who grieve,

too short for those who rejoice,

but for those who love,

time is eternity.

2011-09-10T15:47:00.004+01:00

It all started

2011-08-28T10:05:00.002+01:00

On Friday youngest son was home for a few days and wanted some things he had stored in the attic to take to his new home in Wimbledon. I suddenly remembered that when we moved in to our present house six years ago I stored some items there myself.
After much rummaging around I discovered what I was looking for in an old suitcase including this Autumn decoration that was given to me by a family friend from France who stayed with us the Summer we moved.
So this Autumn it will be on display and the candles lit.

A few more things included a 1911 Coronation mug, a Wilfred Toadflax (Brambly Hedge) figure, a 70's Habitat candlestick (should be another one somewhere but not found it as yet), a brass elephant that my mum bought at a Boot Fair in 1975, some glass ornaments from the 70's and also an ugly cat ornament that I can;t remember where I got it from. There was also 70's Laura Ashley tablecloth that I had wondered where it had gone and much much more.
Trouble is as my house is for sale ( and I am desperate to sell it) is there any place for all my knick-knack out on show or should I put them away again?

Part 5 (The Final Bit)

2011-08-17T20:07:00.001+01:00

At the risk of boring anyone reading this I am bundling lots of photo's from my trip to Devon into one final post.

We visited so many places during our stay. The majority National Trust to make the most of our membership.

This is Knightshayes Court an interesting place with a fab garden that we sadly didn't get much chance to look at as it rained heavily.

Next is Cotehele a place we last visited when our now grown up children were babes.

Lydford Gorge was beautiful, scary, exhilarating all at the same time. Well worth a visit but be prepared for quite a bit of walking and lots of steps.

This was the way tot he Devil's Cauldren.

When we finally arrived at Bigbury on Sea (read Part 3 if you haven't already) there in front of was Burgh Island. I have seen this on TV so many times and wanted to see what it was like for myself. I would love to stay at the hotel but looking at the tariff I think the chances are pretty remote unless I win the lottery.

Finally the station at Kingwear. Here you can get a train to Greenway and Agatha Christie's home.

I can't wait to go back to Devon again.