D.I.S.C.O, I am D.I.S.C.O

This weekend, I learnt 2 very valuable lessons in life.

1) I am no longer cut out for party, drinking weekends. I can't hack the late nights anymore and I had a rather nasty hangover for half the day after I had the drink. I never drank that much but I think it was because I had a little vodka. A drink I have never really enjoyed but they were sweet lemonade style bottled drinks and they were yum but they didn't agree with me. I actually think it was more the late night that did me in. I honestly can not remember the last time I crawled into my bed at 3.30am after a night out. It was weird. Still, with no kids we were able to sleep in until 12 noon. We were awake but just had a lazy morning in bed watching tv before venturing to the local market for about 1pm. We did enjoy the weekend as a relaxing break but realise that the party lifestyle is no longer us.

2) I now believe I was born in the wrong decade. I think I rocked the 70's style and it was a nice little confidence boost. The music was great fun and the music acts we saw were good even if we didn't know much about them.

I do like this photo. The blurred effect adds a little character. I LOVED the hair but would find it too much hard work in real life to be that thick and wavy. My natural hair is thick and wavy but would take forever to style to look slightly good.

I really did LOVE that hair. :)

They even had the groovy disco light floor that changed colours and patterns. I am easily impressed aren't I?

We enjoyed ourselves but probably won't be hurrying back on this type of weekend break anytime soon. I think the next one should be a city break for the two of us just to chill and take in some culture. We're growing up.

Legoland with the children was great last week. It rained alot but it's what you make it to be. Kids loved the rides and Matthew really loved it. I think he felt a bit gutted that he didn't go the first time now.

Wednesday was a bit of a silly day, I slipped down the stairs proper bruising myself all down my upper arm in the process. It still feels bruised now but the worst of the bruising is gone.

Friday was a sweet little day as we attended James's nursery's first ever little harvest festival. The kids were lovely singing their songs and counting and then they got a break and some snacks. Liam loved being in the presence of the nursery kids and Daddy came along too. It was a nice little thing to see.

Liam had his first ever singular professional photo taken at his nursery this morning. He really didn't like it. Poor boy so we will have to see how that comes out. I know he likes the nursery he is at but I do think the school one will be much better for him and he will have James alongside him when he goes up in January. Fingers crossed it actually looks like it really could be happening!!!! I am so pleased for the pair of them that they will get to spend a little time together before James goes up and it will make my life easier just having the one drop and 2 collections in the day rather than the 2 drops and 3 collections we have at the moment.

So then, now the family birthdays are all done (Apart from James in 1 month) and October is suddenly upon us thoughts turn to Christmas. Yep, I said it. Eeek,. I do love Christmas and we are planning on having the Christmas day and big dinner at home as we have done the last 2 years and possibly venturing out in the afternoon. Thne having family over the day after.

Reflective Birthday Post

Every now and then I seem to have almost a complete lapse of memory.

Let me explain....

Five years ago, I was celebrating my 27th birthday as a single mother with one child living in another town. I was mid divorce though it was a slow process and I relied so much more on my family, and time with old friends was frequent but I didn't get out to have social time without my son very often due to money issues. When my ex left and went to live in London, I was left the single mother living on benefits and left with all his debts. As they couldn't chase him, they could chase me as I was his wife and in his "recorded" address.

That feels such a long time ago. It was a little under 2 months later that I met my lovely husband.

Looking back to that time feels so long ago, almost like it was another life or another person that I reflect upon.

As for the person I was during my first marriage and everything I endured the memories have faded to such an extent that it really doesn't feel like that was me at all.

The easiest way to explain it is like when you see a character on tv. They go through their life challenges and move on, the next storyline comes along and the previous one is soon forgotten.

Of course, another birthday doesn't set in a new age of growth and wisdom immediately, things change over time. 

Looking back on the past few years, I feel that I am a much stronger, secure person now I am in my thirties than I have ever been in life. Of course I have bad days but the last 5 years have seen a whole turnaround in life.

Now married, living in a village with another 2 children I feel I have found my purpose in life. Life is good and this is what it's all about.

Going through tough times just make the good times better and I'd never wish for my youth back. Like everyone I've had great times as well as the bad and I've made mistakes along the way but I've learned valuable lessons along the journey.

And the rest of us....

My not-so-little-ever-growing-baby-boy has had a lot of this blog dedicated to him recently so here's what the rest of us are up to:

Hubby had his birthday the day after Liam. He was working so it wasn't anything special but I cooked a good meal for us.

Matthew is getting on great in year 4.

He is working hard and really enjoys having a male teacher.
On Thursday lunchtime Matthew attends computer club.
On Friday lunchtime Matthew attends recorder club.
As part of Year 4 curricculum they have to learn to play violin. We have set the strict rule that he is not to bring it home though some kids do. With 2 younger brothers we don't want to run the risk of damage. The school provide them for free but should they get damaged/broken in any way they fine us for a new one. Last year it was £350, they may have gone up this year.

James is getting on great back at nursery.

Yesterday his teacher stopped me twice with news on his progress.
First off, he was the only child in class on Wednesday that could recognise a cauliflower and knew what every single vegetable they showed the class. She was incredibly impressed with him.
On collection yesterday she told me how well he was progressing in PE and how his co-ordianation skills are very good for his age.
I wasn't sure of this teacher at first as she taught Matthew last year and seemed very critical of him. (But I know better than anyone that Matthew can be hard work at times) so you can't help but wonder as a parent that maybe Matthews behaviour will have an effect on how she looks at younger siblings. Yet, she has proved me wrong, the more the weeks go on, the more I am warming to her.

Me.

I am back on the diet wagon. Since the kids have been back at school I am back to that walk 3 times a day and in the first 2.5 weeks lost 9lb. The power of watching what you eat and motion !

On Tuesday I am getting a bit of me time. The boys will ALL be at school/nursery/playgroup and I am off for a haircut to burn off an hour. I am looking forward to it. Wash, cut, blow dry and straighten all for half price since I haven't used this salon in a while. COOL! I did find somewhere cheaper the last couple of cuts I've had but they didn't do half as good a job so I am going back to the old one and enjoying the luxury!

Sunday is my birthday, I will be 32 this year and we are not doing anything at all - not on the day at least. Hubby is working but I don't mind as Monday we are all off to Legoland and on Friday hubby and I are off for our little (belated birthday) weekend getaway that I am really looking forward to. I need that little break occassionally and it gives us some couple time where we can do what we like when we like, dining out, bowling, a beach walk (if weather permits) and 2 nights off to party and have fun knowing the kids are safe with my mum are on the agenda.

I sorted out all the laundry yesterday to find that the kids have far too much in the way of clothing. We have a large double wardrobe. We have 4 large trays in there. I have one, hubby has one, Matthew has one and the boys have one to share (bear in mind size of kids clothes) but I really cannot fit another thing into Matthew or the boys.

For the next few weeks, I have 2 THREE year old sons!

Here we are nearing the end of yet another week. How is this so?

Oh yes, good wifey me has been getting the house ship shape and smart, improving her social status coffee-ing and lunching with friends and it's been a lot of trips out and family visits as a beautiful young man turned 3.

 Here is how my littlest big boy looks in current times.

This year, the little man wanted a ladybird birthday cake (apologies to Jenn - if I remember correctly you have a fear of these things) Somehow, through some little miracle, I made this cake myself. Vanilla sponge filled with cream coated in raspberry jam and finished off with fondant icing (I cheated and bought the ready to roll coloured stuff)

Now to keep it short and sweet for today, here is a collection with some of my favourite pictures over the last wonderful 3 years with Mr Liam. x

On His Second Birthday

Emotional Week As Landmarks Are Met.

Some weeks just somehow disappear. This was one of those weeks.

On Saturday we attended a friends barbecue. Which was...er... eventful. Matthews behaviour was shameful and I wasn't in the mood for it. The kids had been monkies all morning and hubby went off to a local beer festival with a workmate leaving me with the troublesome trio. Matthew was asked to stop doing something which resulted in the mother of all huffs and bad moods. At one point he actually punched me in the arm. This was not turning out to be a good day.was . It certainly was NOT the best way to get over the anniversary of my first marriage. For those who know my story it's bloody ironic that 9 years after marrying my ex the day is memorable by being hit by my son and being abandoned by my hubby in favour of friends and alcohol.

In all fairness it wasn't hubby's fault. It was just a mixture of emotions from having a shit day and having memories I'd rather forget trudged up. He didn't even know the relevence of September 8th so I do not hold him responsible at all.  Other than for the fact that when I was having a shit day his time of coming home about 6pm actually turned out to be just about 10pm.

On Monday Liam had his first morning at playgroup. He did so well bless him. He LOVED it. Matthew was off school sick which scuppered any plans of a morning to myself. I was still very upset and hurt by his behaviour on Saturday so I refused to give him any special treatment. He wasn't actually appearing to be that ill but I suppose it made giving my baby boy up for the morning that little bit easier. Sometimes a distraction can be good.

So Liam went off with his little changing bag and snack....

He was so excited to be going to school.

When they opened the doors he was the first one in and went flying off. I took him through to find somewhere to put his bag, snack and coat. He looked at the pictures of kids with their names which they attach to a board to show they are attending so I explained it's his first day and won't have a picture just yet then he was off into the room. "Bye then Liam!" I shouted as he ran to the far end of the room to which he briefly turned round for a milli-second said "Bye" with a happy wave and continued with his business. I took it as a sign he was happy there and headed off swiftly.

The morning without him was very different. Calm and quiet is the best way to describe it. I am so used to the giggles and shrieks of joy from watching tv or playing. The morning soon disappeared as I filled in his school forms and wrapped a few presents for his birthday then it was time to collect James. We were early to collect Liam but could hear the kids playing outside so we went and had a little look over the wall and could see him playing happily running about and climbing on equipment. He looked like he was enjoying himself very much.

When they opened the door to leave I could hear Liam beginning to cry. The lady who runs it explained to me he had been fine all day and he was only making a fuss as he was being told to sit down and wait. My Liam does not like waiting or being told to sit down at the best of times. He had eaten ALL his snack quite early, he had noticed I was gone about 45 minutes after being left (yep, I am THAT disposable and he was THAT entertained) and asked for mum, so they got his snack out. I packed him a cheese roll, a strawberry yogurt tube and some fruit flakes in yogurt. His bag came back empty. James would always eat the filling of his roll or sandwich, his yogurt and some of the fruit but always bought some back for lunch. Liam on the other hand ate the lot and still came home and ate a sandwich for lunch. He'd had cereal for breakfast too, so I don't know where he put it.

Tuesday was a driving lesson and a trip into town and a visit to a yummy chinese buffet.

Wednesday I spent the day at a friends house and had a lovely ham salad lunch.

Thursday morning we spent with another local mum and her youngest son. Liam liked the company of having a little friend.

Today is a wind down day. I need the break. James is home sick with a sickness bug and we are hoping to have a busy weekend as it's Liam's THIRD birthday on Sunday. So it should be exciting. I'm planning on making a super chocolate cake with lots of Smarties or White and Milk Chocolate Buttons. As long as it's cake, as long as it's chocolate I should be onto a winner.

Epiphany

I suppose I had a bit of an Epiphany the other day.

It suddenly occurred to me that:

The old saying goes that you don't know what you've got til it's gone. However sometimes you have to let go of something to realise that this "thing" is now not quite as important to you as you thought it was.

It's nothing bad, but sometimes when you take a step back from something and see it from afar you can change your perspective on a certain issue. Realising that the time and effort you have put into something over time now deserves less of your time is rather refreshing. Sometimes you just need to focus on something else for a while and look back at a situation to see that the thing that has been causing you to be stressed, worried or upset really isn't worth it.

Acceptance that you can change yourself but not other things, people, ideas or system is a real eye-opener.

This week I have been feeling a little reflective. I often do get like this as my birthday approaches. Some people think more about the deeper things in life around New Year but for me it's September.

I don't mean this in a negative way at all but I think I just go into overdrive and my brain runs riot.

This is not about what I have achieved or failed at in the last 12 months or even how my view on life has changed or anything. But just a general look at the bigger picture.

I will never be a religious person but feeling spiritual is another matter. I believe in karma and I do think that if we were all more understanding, less judgemental individuals then the world would be a better place.

Having a happy heart and soul is alot more important than material things.


(Family update coming after the weekend including Liams nursery and what we all thought of the Olympics but I've had this prepared for a few days)

Wordless Thursday - Paralympics Stratford Stadium, London, England. 3rd September 2012.

I Must Not Get Too Far Ahead Here

Awwww, my big boys are back at school.

Matthew is now year 4 and James is still in nursery. All but one of his friends have moved up to Reception class and will be on their first full day of school today.

Liam begins playgroup on ....day.

Yep, you read that right, I still don't have a day. The woman who runs it hasn't got back to me and to be honest I am now getting rather pissed off.

I know Liam is more than ready for this. He ran into James's nursery this morning and sat with all the new kids. Bless him. He just wanted to get in there and be one of them. My poor little man. I know he's going to love it and I now doubt that he will have much trouble leaving me. I think he is going to be more than happy to run off and find new activities and adventures. Even the teachers commented on how he looked like he would settle in very easily and seemed to know his stuff.

In a strange twist of events, I collected James from nursery today to be told there was a place for Liam if I wanted it. Now this is FANTASTIC news ......

Yet there is a BUT......

The problem being is that he is not three for another 2 weeks and they don't accept them until the term AFTER they turn 3. Having explained this to the school office they simply said "Just leave it with us and come and see us again when you drop the other two off at school tomorrow."

I am trying not to get my hopes up, but it would be just amazing if they could fix to holding this place for him until January. I could have all 3 in the same school and it would make life much easier. I won't allow myself to think that maybe they could just do something so he can do one day a week here from September until he can go full time in January.

Fingers crossed the school can come to a solution for us all.

These school holidays have gone so fast and I have loved having them home (most of the time) so it feels a little strange being back to just me and Liam. It will be even stranger the first day I come home alone from his drop off.

I don't know what is worse, dropping off your first (only) child on their first day of pre-school or your youngest. As much as they look forward to new things, it's that little bit less for munmy to do once again and it DOES take some getting used to.