2012, The Year That Was.....

1. What did you do in 2012 that you had never done before?

Earned something through sheer hard work. For fighting through negative feelings, low self confidence and fear to achieve something I wanted. I finally got my driving license after months of dread and worries.

Visited a live sporting event. Not just any sporting event but we went to the Paralympics at Stratford London as part of the London 2012 Olympics. I'm not into sport at all but I am glad I  had the oppertunity to witness a part of British history.

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I give up on resolutions.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Not close but a few friends have had babies both in the real world and blog world and there are a good few 2013 babies on the way. 

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Not this year thankfully. We did lose an elderly relative. I can't remember her well but my dads step grandmother passed away after many years of ill health. She must have been in her 90's I would have thought. My grandad  (her step son) is 77 and she was the younger second wife of his dad but she passed away in a care home in Italy her home country.

5. What countries did you visit?

Eng-er-land

6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?

More clothes! Yes, I am being incredibly materialistic here, but now I have passed my driving test, I am better off and can start making up for all the things I went without when I was paying £150 a month on driving lessons.

7. What date from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

December 21st 2012.

We survived!!!! 

8.What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Passing my Driving Test

9. What was your biggest failure?

Nothing, Failure is when you give up! I've given everything my best this year. Sometimes I could have probably done a little more but all in all, I've done what I can.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nothing out of the ordinary. General accidents and colds. Blah!

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Nothing in specific though I have been given an iPhone and Android from my delectable husband this year.

12. Whose behaviour merits celebration?

 As always, My Kids. Liam especially has grown up so much in recent months. We're losing all the baby things. The buggy is finished, we're in pants during the day. We are now getting rid of the training potty so he only uses the toilet. His speech is coming on by the day and he is a happy enthusiastic sweet little character. James is becoming a smart boy. He is kind and generous and loves his brothers and friends. Matthews behaviour has improved hugely. He is doing great at school, he is calming down so much as he matures. They have all done great in 2012.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and upset?

Nobody this year.

14. Where did most of your money go?

 The kids, the bills, the house, the holidays, the Olympics trip, learning to drive and the driving test. We don't overspend, we don't get into debt but we enjoy life with what we do have.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Being British. Yes, it really is SO cliche but Britain has it's good points at times. Last year it was the Royal wedding, this year the Queens 60th Jubilee, the Royal baby, the olympics. 50 years of The Beatles, 50 years of James Bond.

16. What song will always remind you of 2012?

Call Me Maybe - Carly Ray Jepson

Gangnam Style - Psy

Somebody That I Used To Know - Goyte              

We Are Young - Fun

Wonderful - Angel

Anything by OIly Murs, he's my new favourite. 

 17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

 i.   happier or sadder?  Happier.

 ii.  thinner or fatter? Fatter

 iii.  richer or poorer? Richer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Nothing, i think I had a balanced 2012

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Worried about things out of my control.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

In our little house and visiting and being visited by family. 

21. Did you fall in love in 2012?

Nope, just kept loving the people around me! :)

22. How many one-night stands?

I don't think they are called that when you are married ;o)

23. What was your favorite TV program?

Hunted, Eastenders, Friday Night Dinner, 

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

No, I tend to forgive (but not forget) and don't hold much of a grudge so no.

25. What was the best book you read?

I am 1 book away from completing my 100 book challenge in 2012 so I have read MANY books. I am now a fan of horror (ghosty/creepy not zombie/vampire) and crime. So I cannot single out books but I am now a fan of James Herbert.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

He's been around a bit now but Olly Murs and I really liked the cd by Fun.

27. What did you want and get?

I wanted very little. I don't ask for much in life and I do appreciate the little things in life I do have.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

I haven't seen many films myself this year. I may have seen Toy Story 3 and Cars 2 a million times but I didn't see many grown up movies. Though I did watch a  movie the other night with Colin Farrell and Ray Winstone. "London Boulevard" was your typical British Gangster movie.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I was 32 and did the normal family day and a romantic meal later in the week. Also went away for the weekend to a Disco weekend.

30. What is one thing that would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

To be honest, I couldn't ask for a happier year! It's been amazing in every sense of the word. Finances have been better than they have been for a while, I've passed my driving test, the kids have had rather good 

health, we're all happy and we've fitted alot into the year. It's been incredibly memorable with the Olympics and the Jubilee and I've enjoyed it overall.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?

Floral, girly, less is more.

32. What kept you sane?

Me time!  Long hot baths, good books and early nights. My hubby x

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Joey in Eastenders

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

They just annoy me. All of them. 

35. Who did you miss?

My Grandad

36. Who was the best new person you met?

My mate Sam, she's been great company.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012

Keep going. If you really want something, anything is possible with some hard work.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

When you finally find what's beautiful
It's so wonderful

 Wonderful, Angel

Great song and brings back memories of the magnificent athletes at the paralympics. We heard it in the stadium so a real little memory maker!

A Skim Through Christmas

So that's Christmas over for another year.

It's been exciting yet tiring.

I wouldn't say my Christmas was much different to many households all over the world. The kids were spoilt, we ate alot, we watched alot of tv and movies and we are now trying to catch up on sleep from the chaos.

On Christmas eve we visited family and though the kids went straight to bed when we returned home, hubby was building the kids toy kitchen late at night and we finally got to bed about 1am.

The kids were great Christmas morning sleeping in until 8.30. We opened our presents and had a lazy day. No visitors, no outings, just the 5 of us. Hubby got me an Android and I am loving it. I do like my iPhone games and this just makes them that little bit better. The kids got plenty of Lego and Toy Story items and I got hubby a board game and the rest of his present will be a night stay in a hotel sometime in January as he's treated me to mini breaks enough over the years, it's my turn to pay for us to have a day/night off.

On Boxing day we had family over. As much as I love my family, it feels hard work. Trying to please everyone feels impossible and with an already cantankerous pensioner and a miserable brother, it felt like a losing battle at times. Especially when it got to the point that one snide comment too far from grandmother had my brother storm out the house.

Yep, my family is as bad as everyone elses when it comes to petty squabbles! And for once I am not talking about the kids.

I do feel for my nan, honestly I do, but she is acting more and more the spoilt child as the weeks go on. I know things have been hard since we lost my grandad but it's no excuse for rudeness, strops and sulking.  Though she wasn't staying at my parents house, I understand my dad and brothers frustration at having her there every day for 4 days. The day here was strained so I don't know how they must have felt at the end of day 4! She doesn't particularly enjoy Christmas without my grandad and on Dec 20th, it would have been their 60th wedding anniversary so I understand why she doesn't so much feel like celebrating but she should think about the family she has got and how we are trying to go out of our way to welcome her but it's not taken as that at all. Next year she'll be 80 so she is getting on but something about the elderly brings out the "couldn't care less" attitude towards others.

Yesterday we had a visit from my brother and sister in law and their little boy. It was nice just having the 4 boys together playing. The kids do all get on well and little nephew really is such a happy little chappy!

We then went out shopping and I treated myself to a nice load of underwear. I feel good when I have good undies. Hehe.

In the words of Mariah Carey,

I don't want alot for christmas. 
There is just one thing I need.
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree.

Oh no, you see, I think 2012 has been a flipping fantabulous year on the whole and one I have truly enjoyed.

This year I feel more blessed and lucky than ever.

I've achieved and experienced more than I thought possible and I am on a very good plane spiritually.

Yes, it was a relief when we all got through December 21st 2012 in one piece but whilst I am not usually superstitious, I do worry as a mother that some things really are out of my control. It's an incredibly unlikely event that the world does end in our lifetime but nothing is impossible.

It's not so much that I am scared of dying, but how it happens. Ideally I will be very old, with a load of loved ones knowing I lived a life as best as I could and that whilst I have made mistakes, I've only done my best.

Anyway, enough of that.... Like I said, spiritually I am a very lucky and content person this year. I will do a real new year meme post as Christmas begins to fade and thoughts of the new year creep in.  I do enjoy those and this year has certainly been memorable for all the good reasons.

So, I leave you all now wishing you a very very Merry Christmas and an amazing New Year especially those celebrating with small children and for all those very special babies first christmasses out there. I wish you all peace, love and reason to celebrate this lovely time of year.

Get Well Soon Babies!!

Once again my house is an infirmary as I nurse 3 poorly little boys.

Thankfully as the day is going on I am seeing improvements in each of them. They have ALL managed a little food this morning which is more than can be said for yesterday and I feel like a toast waitress. Not that I am complaining. Eating is something they haven't managed much of for a couple of days. It's good to see them on the mend and getting a little norishment into thier bodies.

I have been working on some little christmas lists for the house. You know the general "defrost the turkey" "visit family" "put the bins out on such and such a day" etc.

Today I received my driving license in the post. Hooray. That for me is my christmas present, that really was a good little surprise.

Before the boys got too poorly yesterday we went along to one of the local churches for Liams little nativity story. The playgroup were lovely and sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" a couple of times before heading back into playgroup (through and adjoining door) and singing some christmas songs. They all looked like they were enjoying themselves. When my two boys refused refreshments I really knew they were not 100%. James was off nursery as he'd said he didn't feel well but Liam seemed ok until he didn't want food. Halfway home, we got the call to collect Matthew who was also under the weather.

So my nicely planned out week has been anything but smooth for the first two days.

Today they are still lazing about and tired, Liam has a temperature so I'm keeping a close eye on him but the way they are eating gives me great hope they getting etter. I  think they are just full of cold. Poor bubs.

Week In Brief

I can't believe how quick the days and weeks are flying by. It seems forever since I wrote a post and it's only been a week.

On Sunday, I took the car to Bury St Edmunds (where I learnt to drive) to go to a local clothes shop. I got some nice new trousers for going out when we go out for festive celebrations next Saturday. Then we went into the town. That was a job for hubby. Passing my test just a couple of weeks before Christmas is sort of a curse as the roads are busy, some drivers obnoxious and well, as for parking in busy car parks - forget it.

Monday was Matthews school play. He had quite a large part and had 27 sets of lines to learn. He was a fantastic innkeeper and you can see the boy loves to entertain. I have ALWAYS said that. But he looked in his element on stage and acted out the songs with facial expressions. Unfortunately my other children, Liam in particular didn't enjoy the play as much as I did and refused to sit down. After Matthews scene I had to take him for a little walk to get him to behave.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday I had various trips into town. I managed to get hubby a Christmas present from the kids yesterday. I think he'll like it.

I dyed my hair red to feel nice and festive.

I don't like it..

The weather was rather awful yesterday so I thought I would surprise Matthew and pick him up from school. It took a little courage to get the kids into the car without the support of hubby in the front seat. I haven't driven much this week due to frost and ice conditions but yesterday I felt brave!!! I did use my "P" plates and I didn't drive far. We left VERY early hoping to get a parking space in the area I wanted however, since it was the last and most popular afternoon for the years 3, 4 and 5's play I wasn't able to park in either the road I wanted nor the side roads I thought I would. Even turning around in the cul de sac I wanted was a challenge as cars were parked both sides of the road AND on the corners so I headed home and parked perfectly out the front looking down the hill ready for the next journey. I've never parked on a kerb before nor had to get so close to a wooden fence but I did it without incident and the two boys in the car were little angels. James even said I was a good driver. I love my boys.

Thursday evening we took an evening trip to nearby town Stowmarket and ended up buying most of our Christmas food. My family are coming over on Boxing Day so we've stocked up on party food and snacks. We've got a completely full freezer (amd it's a big American style fridge freezer) and our larder is at full capacity. We just need to get our fresh vegetables at the end of next week when we return from our christmas break.There's a wonderful farm shop on the way back and we will get our last few bits there,

Thursday was also the day the sickness found my family. Liam didn't eat his snack in town and bith hubby and I were annoyed with him as visit to said bakery/cafe cost £8 for 3 drinks and a sausage roll that Liam didn't eat. Once we got to collect James, Liam started being sick. He seemed ok afterwards and was fine until we went out again in the evening. Yesterday he seemed his normal self other than having some rather runny and stinky nappies and still having no appetite. He managed a jacket potato and cheese for his dinner and has had some equally nasty nappies since.

Also yesterday, Matthew didn't seem himself. He insisted he was fine other than a headache but a mothers intuition told me otherwise. Matthew got up this morning complaining that he felt very hot an proceeded to the bathroom and was also sick. He's now having a good sleep. I know when my kids aren't quite right and on this matter, I knew Matthew more than he knew himself. I'm hoping this bug is pretty much over and it is just these two who are affected. However, we all know that once the bug is in the house it normally goes through everyone or all the kids at least,

Today I congratulated and wished my next door neighbour luck as she went off to get married. She looked stunning in a full length gown, a little furry shoulder drape thingy and tiara. My neighbours have been together years but both have had health scares. They must both be in their mid to late 50' - Maybe even early 60's for him and I think that's what made them go for it in the end. Now, when I say I wished her luck, I meant it. Most nights you hear the pair of them arguing, shouting, swearing and having a barney of some sort. Quite often it's over money and her sister gets blamed for alot of things from what I hear through the thin walls. Still, if they've made it this far, something must be going right.

We are very much in the spitrit of Christmas here at home and enjoying all the Christmas movies and specials on tv.

Finally, I end on a sad note thinking of all those killed in Conneticut yesterday. A large number of children and some of their teachers gunned down in their school. Like the rest of the world, I am very sad to read this. We send our kids to school as a place of security as much as education and for those poor teachers just doing their jobs, it is horrendous that we still hear of such things in this troubled world. Thinking of those who lost their lives and for the families that are going through and will continue to go through tremendous grief this holiday period.

Guess What?

Around this time last week, I promised that within the next 10 working days I would fill you in with how my driving test went.

I was indeed very sneaky in hinting that it may be the week commencing Monday 10th December but no, that sneakity sneak that is me, kept it quiet for nearly 7 weeks that my test was booked for December 7th.

Earlier in the week I had that strange dream like thing where I passed and I wanted it to be a good omen. However, the rest of the week was far from fun.

I had a bit of a poo stressful week with the kids, the weather changed and we had snow and icy nights. I thought I lost my purse at one point too so it felt luck was against me and I was certain I was going to fail.

 I didn't feel my mock test went well and with the week I had, there was no way in the world that I would pass first time.

But not giving up before I even began I read my stars before I went yesterday morning:

VIRGO December 7th, 2012
DAILY HOROSCOPE

Show off a little -- lord knows you deserve it! You pulled off something big that just came to light today (maybe even to you), and there's no reason not to celebrate. Go for it!

So that put a little more spring in my step.

I messed up on parking on the lesson before my test and although I would say I didn't feel particularly nervous, I certainly would not describe myself as confident as I set myself into the test centre.

However, fate must have felt differently and somehow, through what I can only call a Christmas Miracle - I passed!

Yes, that's what I said :

Only just I hasten to add.

I felt I had failed.

I had driven so much better so many times. I was too close to vehicles in front once or twice. I felt I missed mirror checks. Through nerves I kept putting the fog lights on when I turned on the left indicator (not once did I do this with the right) and I felt I've messed it up and began to relax after about 10 minutes.

I just about bay parked correctly as I finished the test. I never felt that I was straight enough to start the manouver and ended up just in the lines as I finished.

The examiner totted up his markings and I had had few enough errors to pass my practical driving test.

To pass the UK driving test, you are currently only allowed 15 driver errors, and none of these can be serious or dangerous driver errors.

I had 14. (covers mouth a little embarrassed but happy)

So, I passed! It may have been incredibly close and two marks from a fail but I was on the RIGHT side of 15. It was totally unexpected which makes it that little bit more special. And was very much a fantastic end to a rubbish week.

My instructor was impressed!

She got in the car and listened as I was told I lost marks mostly for mirror observation (just the once but I thought I did more) and hesitation. I was slow pulling away into a gap when stopped on a busy road. I was ALWAYS taught if I cause another driver to slow down then it's not good driving so I waited quite some time for a gap I was confident with. I didn't want to be marked for being dangerous and misjudging a gap when it was raining and played on the side of caution. Others were just an odd mark for this and that.

My examiner wasn't offhand or anything when he said I'd passed but as soon as my instructor said I was her second First Time Pass this week, he smiled and said  "Really, well in that case, Well Done and Congratulations" much warmer and seemed genuinely happy for me.

I text hubby on the way back and told him the good news. By the time my instructor had driven me back he was on the phone updating the insurance for the car.

An hour after I got back I was in my own car. That sounds SO weird to say my car, but I guess it is mine now. Hubby took me out for lunch to celebrate and in the evening bought me a bottle of wine to celebrate.

Now being a driver I was a VERY good girl and settled for a small glass about 7pm so I could drive today.

I drove into Colchester and the journey was fine until I was about 2 minutes from my destination and I nearly had an accident on a mini roundabout. It was my right of way, I went a little wide misjudging the narrowness of it. After 17 months of being taught "always try to go ROUND it rather than over it" this rounabout was in a rubbish place and turned out that I should have gone over it. At the same time as me going wide, the car approaching from the left was going way to fast and looked like he wasn't going to stop. Crash averted I carried onto my nans confidently to end my trip.

It was scary but I learnt that not everything I learned on my lessons apply in every road layout.

I won't be trying to do that at that roundabout again.

So, yep, Passed and been out adventuring in our massive giant of a car from the word go!

Am I Nervous? No. I Am Just Incredibly Terrified!

I often have little dreams in the middle of the night. I'll be completely honest and admit that half the time I don't know if I am actually asleep at the time or if it's just my tired mind running away with itself.

Last night was no exception.

I slept TERRIBLY but I did dream that I passed my driving test first time.

I truly hope that this is a good omen.

Deep down I don't expect to pass first time at all.

Within the next week I will give you all an update on how it went but I can now OFFICIALLY say that I have had my last 2 hour lesson before my test.

The lesson involved a mock test and I didn't do too bad.

My instructor said I did really well once I relaxed but I did hit the kerb on a tight corner as I more or less pulled out of where the test centre is situated. That was a bit of a bummer but after that, the route she took me, the things she got me to do went fine.

I have a system in mind and I do want to pass as soon as possible but if it takes a few attempts then it does.

When I started this journey of learning to drive, I was a driving-phobe. I had the shakes, the sweats, couldn't breathe and occassionally had palpatations before I driving lesson. I used to dread every lesson and over time I have developed into not only enjoying my lessons but looking forward to them and seeing myself improve over the weeks and months.

I can't believe I am so close to my test now.

I'm both excited and petrified at the same time.

December Creeps In

And so befalls the last day of November.

As much as I look forward to Christmas, I am sort of sad to say goodbye to what has been a lovely enjoyable fun month.

It's been a big month of little things.

It's been a month of progress.

Matthew walks home from school.
Liam is out of the buggy for most trips.
Liam is almost out of daytime nappies.

On Wednesday we had a highly successful pants day. We were out with a friend and visited 3 shops, a supermarket and her house without a wet accident all morning. In the afternoon he kept dry too. I am reducing drinks for the time being, just to make it a little easier for him to adjust. Today we made it to the school and back without an accident too so we could be on to the second successful day of out and about in pants.

I am still not giving away the EXACT date of my driving test, I am being playful about it on facebook but for my blog friends I will give away just a little extra clue. It's in the first half of December. So within 10 working days I will have done it. (Saturdays and Sundays discounted as Saturday is too expensive and they don't do Sundays) Like I said, I am being very vague and I like it that way. My next two hour lesson will be my LAST 2 hour block before the big day so I will be doing a mock test for the first part of the lesson and work on anything I need to improve upon after that and I will get an hour in before I do it for the final preparations.

I don't expect to pass first time. I only know of 2 people who have passed first time and one of those is my husband so I am feeling the pressure. Agh!

As long as it goes better than my last lesson which I am hoping was my terrible lesson in 4 that I a normally have, then I should be ok.

Tomorrow I hope to get the Christmas tree. Yesterday I got James and Matthew helping make some decorations for the tree this year.  Gingerbread men and hearts decorated with a flour paste and glitter. I would share a photo but it seems that blogger can only hold 1GB as a free deal and I am already at that quota. I'm going to need to delete some as I will need Christmas pics up soon.

I think that's about it for now, everyone have good weekends.

Mrs T....r? Er Yes, Maybe I Could Go Back To Education To Work In Education

Ah, what a lovely week it has been.

Busy but mostly a very good week.

It's been a week for catching up with friends and strengthening new friendships.

Over the past month or so I have been getting to know a lady who lives in the next road to me a little better. She's got two lovely little boys, one is the same age is James and another is just turned two. I'm really enjoying spending more time with this lady and as I'm getting to know her better she is opening up a little and I am really growing more and more admired by this woman. I knew that before she had her 4 year old she lost a baby and was lucky wnough to fall pregnant with her son quickly again after. What I didn't realise until this week was that when she said she'd lost a baby which is sad for any mother, it was very late on. She sailed through pregnancy early on and as things progressed everything looked good until a routine check at 38 weeks showed he no longer had a heartbeat. I so felt for her and she said it was good that she can talk to someone else about him after all this time.  I really feel like her but I am glad she confided in me that little part of her life and we feel that we can be good friends more so. I really feel like I am getting a close knit of good friends in the village now and everyone is so lovely.

On Friday I had my first morning helping out in nursery with the 4 year olds. It was SO SO SO lovely. I loved being in there with 22 four year olds. Liam tagged along and I got a lovely Visitor badge to wear all day. I was in my element. I helped out the teachers whilsr the kids were in assembly by cutting out shapes that they are working on this week. We then all took a walk to the local Post Office as it was an important day for the nursery kids. We were posting off their letters to Father Christmas. I love all the cutesy stuff they do at this age. It's just wonderful to see so much promise in such a group of young little individuals. James loved the fact I was helping out. A couple of times I saw him pointing me out to his friends and saying "That's my mum!"  With many kids, having someone new in class was exciting and they all wanted to help. A good few times I got "Miss...... what's this?" "Miss.... My name is......" and they were just gorgeous. There was a stage just before we went to the Post Office where they were all interested in what I was cutting out and 4 of them (including James) wanted to help me and put all the paper in the bin.  They were so sweet taking little handfuls here and there and were really fair in letting one another do something.  I helped them with coats when it was time to leave and they all walked incredibly well in pairs there and back. Once we got back it was play outside time for the little ones and I had a lovely coffee with all the teachers in the staff room. I know most of them since they have taught Matthew over the past 2 and a half years (Yes, we've really been here that long!)  so I didn't feel out of place sitting with these people. It was weird.

I've volunteered to help out more once Liam is in playgroup all 5 days a week and with that I will ask about getting qualifications I need to work in a nursery or be a teaching assistant. I don't necessarily want to be restricted just to nursery but if I could get a job as a general Teaching Assistant to help in all classes helping with hearing older kids read and just chipping in where needed. I see a future ahead in this field.

Today we left the kids with my parents looking after them and took my nan on a proper day out to Londons newest (and best) shopping centre. We just wanted to take her somewhere further afield from anywhere my mum takes her. She really enjoyed it and was able to see the Olympic Stadium for real. She really enjoyed herself and was able to get Christmas presents for the boys.

Speaking of which we have finished James and Liams presents. Just Matthew to finish. All we need to buy other than finishing Matthews is something for hubbys brother, nephew and sister, something for my dad and a birthday present for his nan who celebrates her birthday on Christmas Eve. We are thinking of buying just a little extra for hubbys dad and stepmum as we dont see them so often but other than those few Christmas shopping is mostly complete. We would like to try and finish it on Monday if we can but we'll see. All I can say is Lego and Toy Story rules this Christmas where the younger ones are concerned and technology for Matthew.

Growing Up Far Too Fast

1) The kids are growing up incredibly fast these days. I am incredibly proud of all 3.

2) Starting with the biggest news of the week/past 2 weeks is that Matthew now walks home from school on his own. Once a week we will meet him at the library rather  than have him walk all the way home but the other 4 days of school he is free to trek back on his own.

3) Needless to say mummy worries alot more about this than he does. SO with that in mind, one of Matthews Christmas presents this year is a mobile phone. I never thought I would be one of those mums who allowed their teenagers to have phones, let alone give one to my son 3 weeks before he turns 9!!! But this is to be able to contact him if he is late or if there is a change in pattern at all. He will get a pay as you go phone and only get £10 per month on it as a way of pocket money.

4)Liam is getting to the end of his nappy journey. The last few weeks have been great with the potty training. We even had a whole week accident free wearing pants. Today he got through play group wearing pants and trousers all morning without an accident. Ok, he did have an accident between the house and the playgroup but that doesn't count.

5) So we took him to McDonalds as a treat for lunch. (Yes, I am a mega evil bad mum that feeds my kids fast food occassionally wink wink) and since we've been back we've had another accident. Now he's back in a nappy as he sleeps off his hectic exciting morning.

6) I am not discouraged by the accidents at all and I won't let him be either. Rome wasn't built in a day as the saying goes.

7) These number points aren't all completely necessary.

8) We've done a whole load of Christmas shopping already. I am very pleased with myself about this.

9) Growing my nails once again.

10)  In less than 4 weeks, I will have done my driving test. Again, I am not sharing the date but on the day I will update the blog with how it went.

11) We've pretty much got Liam out of the buggy. He walks to school and back every morning and we don't take it out shopping or anything any more. I do occassionally take it out for the collection of James as I don't think I am ready to have 2 tired boys trudging home slowly when I just want to get in and sort out lunch.

12) Liams current LOVE is Disney Cars.

13) James Loves Lego, especially Lego City.

14) Matthew still lives for football. He is very interested in sport as a whole but it's football (soccer) all the way.

15) It's scary thinking that my baby will soon be out of nappies and the buggy. The only baby thing left is the stairgate at the top of the stairs - but that is hanging around for a bit. Until the little boys sleep in later than 6am at least.

16) It's getting colder all of a sudden. I don't like cold.

17) My Good Reads book challenge is nearly over! I wanted to achieve 100 books in 2012, I am currently halfway through "Never Tell" by Claire Seeber and that's a very good thriller I would recommend. It's also book #94. With "Bridget Jones - Edge Of Reason" on the list next I expect to have finished that by the weekend and be on book #96 to start next week.

18) If I counted the kids school and library books I would be closer to 400 than 100!

19)  I don't think I have mentioned Christmas enough. It's my favourite time of year. I need Christmas decorations this year as last year we made our own. It's not something I will repeat. It's only a month until we have our pre-christmas break and I am really excited.

20) The car was broken YET AGAIN. Hubby took it to our regular garage to get it fixed. The pump on the water thing that cleans the windows appeared to be broken but it was actually a split pipe that they replaced free of charge. It was fine in the MOT the other week so we don't know what happened. The main thing is it's back to working ok. Oh well, should be in perfect working order when I get to drive it. And since I don't currently drive it, I am not getting the blame for it's issues. The End.

Children In Need 2012

So then, when I am not being a swearing evil mother in supermarkets, I put alot of time and effort into pleasing my little fellas.

Yesterday was Children in Need day and I think I surpassed myself in the effort I put in this year.

I made 26 cakes for the cake sale.

I thought like a child and designed them for kids. So of course we had to go for sprinkles.

 
The cake sale were selling all cakes for 20p each in aid of the charity.

In nursery they sold out fast.

They also sold out for the bigger kids too, Matthew and Liam each bought mummys cakes over all the Pudsey bears (that I planned to do originally) and chocolatey ones.

The kids also paid £1.20 each to go to school in pyjamas, have their faces painted and to get a cake in school. But I did take the kids extra cake money.

So this year, my contribution to Children  in Needs has been £2.40 for non uniform, 60p for extra cakes and £5.20 raised from selling out my cakes. That's a grand total of £8.20 without taking into account the cake ingredients so I am feeling like I have done some good for others this week.

On the night Children in Need raised a staggering £26.7million for kids that need it. From those coping with abuse to those mourning a lost parent and all those with medical conditions and disabilities. Children in Need not only raises money but awareness for these kids. This total normally goes up by another £15-£20million once all the counting has been done over time.

This week has mostly been about Christmas shopping but I will elaborate more on that when Matthew isn't around with the risk of reading over my shoulder. Ha!

Confession Time.

As a mother I should be ashamed.

Rule 1 is to never make a promise you cannot necessarily keep. That was me with the blogging promise at the end of my little note upon having no time. But hey, here's a little look into the world of us.

So then, A major confession.

You know there are all sorts of parents and children out there and all too often, we are ALL too quick to judge at times.

Well, on Sunday we went out shopping  and in a supermarket there was a woman doing her weekly shop. Her kids weren't being particularly well behaved and she was doing her best to control the little rabble. The oldest was leaning on things, kicking things and generally acting hyper. The second child was winding up the biggest child sneakily making comments calling the older kid "poo-poo" and trying to get bigger kid into more trouble by answering and reacting back. The third kid obviously hated being in the trolley and whinged and whined from aisle to aisle and when the biggest kid tried to show affection retaliated by kicking out. With the oldest kid making a big fuss, the two younger ones were laughing and shouting for more.

Eventually the mother obviously lost her rag and shouted out at them all in front of all the other shoppers.

"For Fucks sake, can't you all bloody behave for one stupid hour!!!!"

She then yelled at the oldest child "And I expect YOU to be fucking well setting an example not acting a complete idiot in public!"

Phew.......

Don't you just hate mothers like that?

Don't you just think that if people like that talk to those kids like that then they are probably completely shit parents and should not be in charge of having kids?

I have certainly felt that in the past with some families who seem proper disfunctional. Mum looks rather harrassed and whilst you can't possibly imagine the way things are at home you don't know whether to feel sorry for them or believe them to be a complete utter bitch incapable of controlling her kids or herself.

Yes, I have felt that. I have felt that MANY a times witnessing pyschotic mothers stressed out and fed up in shops and in towns.

On Sunday however, this crazed over-stressed had-enough of the kids mother was me. The little horrors in the shop were MY little horrors.

I never claim to be a perfect mum.

I never claim to have the perfect family or the perfect kids.

I sometimes am a rather awful mother that does and says things on the spur of the moment that I am not proud of. I know what I do is wrong, I know that I am not the first and certainly won't be the last pyscho mum in a supermarket but I won't be so quick to judge at times.

More often than not I am the one that is holding my kids hands, skipping along happily singing songs and sharing little kisses with my kids but other times, the times I often try to keep private I fail miserably at this "good mothering" lark and no one feels worse about it than I do myself.

So just next time you see that mother looking stressed and telling her kids off constantly in a shop, try not to judge but wonder just how you would be reacting and feeling towards her parent style if she was just letting her kids get away with blue murder.

I love my kids beyond words but every now and then they do make me snap at the worst possible time and make me look an evil monster.

Confession Over.

I Need More Time

One of the reasons I feel maybe I need a blogging break is simply because of the time aspect.

Even today, I had 2 undisturbed children free hours and I planned to update then but it didn't turn out that way as ever.

Even when the kids are at school and rather self sufficient most of the time, you end up doing a million and one other things other than what you actually planned to do.

Life with kids DOES get easier as they age but it doesn't mean that there's less to do or that time slows. If anything, it's the opposite. We do take time for granted and I like to enjoy the present as much as possible.

Tomorrow I PROMISE I will get round to a real update.

Blogging Feels So 1990's These Days

I've really fallen out of sync with blogging of late.

There's a whole number of reasons that is stopping me. 

The whole concept of blogging feels incredibly OLD.

I think I am gearing up to pack it all in after almost 14 years of and move on.

I just don't think this is me anymore.

That is all.

November Begins

Now James is 4, the word, phrase and question of the age has crept in. "WHY???"  is the response to just about everything.

We had a lovely day for his birthday. We went out for a meal and he got his long awaited Lego City Police Station that he's wanted for a long time.

Lego City is the one thing James is really hooked on.

He also loved the Leappad we bought him.

As did Matthew. Matthew has become James's little shadow when the machine is out. I still find it scary to believe James has his first games console.

On Friday we went to a fireworks display. My friend lives at the top of the village right next door to where the main firework display in the area was so we were all kept nice and warm around the bonfire in the garden and had some yummy food after. I provided some chick pea and spinach curry that went down a treat.

It was James and Liams first firework display and they did great watching them. Liam was a little unsure of the bangs but loved the colours and patterns.

James had a go with his first ever sparkler.

On Saturday we took in my mother in laws dog so she could see hubbys brother and family. Strange to think that my little nephew celebrated his first birthday already. He was born the same day as James so she visited us on his birthday and was spending the weekend in Sussex with the other grandson.

Jackson is a Yorkshire Terrrier and SO well behaved. He was a great little friend to me. He isn't so sure on men as he was originally a rescue dog that had been abused so we think that's why he's nervous around men. He wasn't too happy with the neighbours fireworks but coped well. He did go running around the living room and climbing on the furniture at first but after a while he just seemed to enjoy watching the fireworks out the living room window even if he did bark at every bang.

He also seemed to like Matthew: 

Speaking of Matthew, he got his glasses last week.

He is very proud of them and couldn't wait to get into school and try them out properly today.

I did book my driving test as I said I would and all I am saying is that it is in December. Yes, you read that right. IT'S NEXT MONTH. Scary as hell but I am quietly confident these days and as long as things go well on the day and the person doing the test is in a good christmassy mood, then I don't see any reason I should fail.

Now I have a date to aim for, the final things are slipping into place that little bit more. I'm mastering the moves I struggle with most and I just need  a little more confidence and less instruction on dual carriageways and I am there. If I fail first time, I WILL be a little disappointed but then I can prepare for the next test knowing where my errors were and where I really need to work on.

The car has been a pain in the bum. Needed new shock absorbers and something to do with brake pads - I think they were replaced. (I'm gonna be just great with a car eh?) so hubby was given a courtesy car for a few hours.

It's the car I WANT!!!! I really want one of these:

He borrowed a metallic blue one but I quite like this colour. It's a Ford Fiesta.

I do apologise that I base my choice of car on style and colour over how good the engine is, the popularity, reliability etc. But to be completely honest, car speak may as well be Japanese. I want a car I am happy to look at and if it impresses my husband then all the better. He did say it was quite a good little car and quite enjoyed driving it so maybe there is hope.

Nothing else too exciting to report over here but finally on a topical note.

I don't know much about politics but if I was voting in the US tomorrow I would vote Obama. There's something I don't like about Romney. I just don't trust him. Good luck to all but hoping Obama triumphs.