A Long awaited look at Gracie-Leigh's Album

Good Morning Ladies,

I have everything crossed that Janet arrived safely at Marigny yesterday, had time to unpack and relax, so that she has time to call in this morning as I have featured her Amazing Album for Gracie-Leigh,  I wanted to have it up and ready for her to see as she opened the blog this morning, almost like a 'Welcome Home' !

I also hope that she managed to send 'Marigny Dobbie' on his first trip of the year laden with delicious French patisserie and the delicious local Jam that Janet buys, the coffee is brewing ready for his arrival! Although those of you that might have started a "New Year, New You"! Regime might want to opt for the porridge with fresh fruit, one of my favourite breakfasts actually, luckily we had a huge harvest of raspberries this year.

Now onto Janet's wonderful gift for Gracie-Leigh, you could not wish for a sweeter, more personal 1st birthday gift, the photographs are all gorgeous and not over posed as some albums can be.

I love how you have used those pretty ribbons down the spine of the album, such a

Pretty effect.

Janet, what beautiful calligraphy, I am in awe, I would dearly love to be able to 

Do calligraphy, I have a calendar that Pat gave me last Christmas from her Calligraphy group, they all contributed a piece for each month, the different styles are amazing. (Pat doesn't do calligraphy, they make cards at the group too). 

I think you have created such a personal page there, when she looks back on the album in years to come it will be even more special that you hand wrote the information, something that children seem to be doing less and less of these days.

You have captured some wonderful moments from Gracie-Leigh's first year Janet, I love the photo of her sat with Lily-Mae, such a proud big sister, still smiling even though Gracie-Leigh has pinched her Croissant !! 

That last photo is one of those "Uh-oh" moments, when they have mastered the stairs no room is sacred, you have to have eyes in the back of your head, I remember one of my girls sat watching so intently as we opened and closed the stair gates to both the kitchen and the stairs, I always thought she was about to cry as we left her for a few seconds, but no, she was watching and taking in what we did, as soon as she could reach the top, she would flip up the handle and follow you through, I watched in dis-belief, but then it dawned on me, that those big sad eyes weren't to guilt me into carrying her everywhere, she was watching and learning, they have continued to be very quick at picking things up! 

Janet thank you so much for sharing Gracie-Leigh's album with us, I love everything about it, the hand written journalling being the icing on the cake, so personal and to me so very special.  

You have inspired me to get on with an album that I promised Becca I would do, she bought me a huge box of photos of her dog 'Diego' and said what a shame if was that the just sat in the box, so she asked me to create an album, I picked a really good quality album in a Charity shop for £1 last month, so I am all set and you have given me that inspiration to get it done!! Xxxx

Brenda, how frustrating that you didn't get a week off of blood tests, you could do with staying in the warm, I understand the tests are important but so is your recovery, with your immune system trying to beat this infection the last thing you need is a trip to the germ ridden surgery, please take care my lovely xxx

Pat so sorry to hear Pete's appointment was so frustrating, I know how he worries,bless him, hugs on their way xxx

Laura O'Connor, it was so kind of you to stop in and comment on Monday, please pop in again and say hi, we have such a lovely bunch of ladies waiting to welcome you xxx

That's all from me today ladies,

Love and hugs on their way,

Sandra
xxxxxx