All Because The Boy Loves Buzz

James has been going to school every day since he started in pants. Most days we'll have an accident. Some days we had two but he's getting better. Last Thursday he went the ENTIRE day being dry.

Yesterday there was yet another accident. The school are really good with it as he is only just 3 and are very supportive but James and I had a serious little talk this morning.

I explained that if he could try really hard to use the toilet and be a really big boy that when he does 3 out of the 5 days, mummy will buy him a very special toy as a well done present. James' little face lit up as he asked for a Buzz Lightyear. I said I would see what I could do but we had to have 3 days of using toilet properly to get it.

Today was the start of the challenge.

Today James came out of nursery in the same pants and trousers as he started off in.

Something obviously worked. He still has 2 days to do before his reward but I am very pleased with his attempts. His teachers know of my reward scheme and are encouraging him so I am hoping this is a week of good progress for him.

Friday 13th - A Rather Strange Good News Bad News Day

My little bubba is back on a waiting list.

Friday was Liams day at the hospital in regard to the hernia return.

I spoke to a Paediatric Surgeon and admitted I wasn't 100% sure if it was the hernia but when I saw the GP she wasn't too sure either and referred us to the hospital.

Of course, being examined there was only a little swelling around his little boy parts. The PS didn't seem to think it was a hernia so called in the Surgeon who operated on him and listened to what I had said. It appears that hernia is unlikely but they are not willing to take a chance as it could be life threatening if left untreated and strangulates. It could however be something like a pocket that could be filling with air or liquid. It is unlikely to be harmless but they have put him on the waiting list to have an outpatients day procedure to have a little keyhole surgery to investigate what could be the cause of the swelling. So we now have to await a date and time for this.

We are not too worried as he will literally be in for a couple of hours and return the same day and they didn't seem too concerned either though they did more or less rule out what we thought it was.

Also yesterday hubby took me for a little drive in the new car. We dropped the boys at school and got some
"L" Plates before heading off to the local industrial park. It was nerve wracking with hubby in the car and that it was OUR car but I did a little. I just didn't feel 100% comfortable. No disrespect to hubby but I did feel on edge with him over an instructor! There seemed such a difference in pressure. But it's not something I am going to give up on. I need the extra practice and will have to get used to him as a passenger over time anyway.

He took over driving and we were going to do a little shopping in town when the emergency lights on the car came on warning of "Engine Temperature - Stop Now."

We only got the car Tuesday so for major problems 3 days later was a concern. Especially when we had to get Liam to a hospital 40 miles away later in the day. We phoned the dealer and took the car straight back.

It turns out that the radiator had blown and all the water had been lost. There was a chance of damage to the engine. We had a hospital appointment to get to so we had a courtesy car to get us through the day.

However, we were lucky this Friday the 13th and the car was repaired within a few hours.  No engine trouble whatsoever. We took Matthew to an Indian Buffet restaurant as his birthday meal out and he loved it. So did the little two who tucked into Chicken Biryani, korma, mushrooms, courgettes,  chips and washed it all down with ice cream. I ate too much but it is my most favourite food in the world.

Saturday we collected the car and all was great. We went shopping in a little seaside town near where we used to live as the weather has been just beautiful in recent weeks. It certainly doesn't feel like January. Bright sunshine or a little cloud most days and we've been very lucky to have a more gentle winter than last year. That was harsh with a Capital H yet so far we've got away lightly. I hope it stays like this until Spring!

Yesterday was our second Christmas. My mother in law annually does a late Christmas so all the family can get together at hers for dinner. It was the traditional turkey Fayre and it was lovely. As a thank you she is coming to ours for dinner next Sunday where I will do a big roast beef for us all. I don't know what dessert to make yet, but I want to make something rather than just buy one. Ideas anyone? Maybe a fruit crumble for MIL and myself and a chocolate based one for the men of the family.... That may be best all round with lots of ice cream and cream to finish it off.

Exciting but Scary

We collected the new car on Tuesday.

I am fully insured as a learner.

Tomorrow I am going out for a drive with hubby and Liam.

It's one thing driving with an instructor and another driving with your husband.

It's also one thing driving in someone elses car and another driving in your own car.

This is going to be different but an exciting challenge. I just hope I don't mess things up.

A Week to Remember.

This has been weekend of BIG things.

First the fridge freezer arrived.  It is the most beautiful object in my kitchen. We have space for everything we need to be in there. I am really happy with it.

Saturday afternoon we decided to fill it up. Hubby took a little detour to the shops and ended up taking us to a neighbouring village to view a car sales showroom.

We had a look at a 2003 silver Citroen Picasso very similar to the one below.

We left the showroom with a reciept for the £50 deposit we paid. We will get it sometime this week. It's a car I am going to be able to drive and practice driving in.

Currently, I am not able to get insurance for our car as a provisional driver as it is too powerful for a learner. When I pass my test, our insurance premiums will jump £1200 for the first year. That's a total of £2000 a year just to insure the Honda CRV.

This car will have hubby insured as well as myself being insured as a provisional driver for LESS than he currently pays for just himself. So it's a big money saver all round.

We were able to just exchange our car for this. Our car was worth a little more than it cost for part exchange so we've got a years free insurance, A full MOT for the year and 6 months tax to even out the cost.

We should be getting it near the end of the week all being well and anything that needs doing with the MOT should be fixed and ready to go.

One of the first trips the car will be making will be to Cambridge. Liams hospital appointment is almost upon us. On Friday hubby will take him to hospital to speak with the consultant regarding the return of his inguinal hernia. (I will be doing the school runs) I have a list ready for him so he has the full details of why I am concerned so hopefully we will see some sort of answer to correcting this ongoing problem. I am concerned as it is becoming more and more frequent and don't want a repeat of last time where he is rushed into A&E and has emergency surgery. In a way we want him to have another operation. This time we could be prepared for it. Hopefully a second op would fix it for good and we can move on without the worry for a bit.

2 days and my big man will be 8!!! EIGHT! He's getting far too big too quick! He's well over halfway to being a teenager. Agh!!!!!

James had his first day at nursery in pants today. Big thing for a little man who prefers his nappies but he had one accident and had a quick change of clothes but he seemed very happy to use the toilet so his teacher told me. I am very pleased with my little man. We then had another accident as we awaited Matthew coming out of school but this has been the first day he's had pants on since he's been up (including everytime he has been out today)  and is doing very well adapting. It can take time but the main thing is he is improving by the day. He's getting there at his own pace and will improve the more he sees his little friends at nursery do the same thing. I think this will have him coming on in leaps and bounds.

Ten Things I Would Like To Achieve This Year

No resolutions as such, just a few things I would LIKE to do. There's a difference between setting goals that are normally given up on in a number of weeks and things that I can strive towards.

1. Pass my driving test!

Become a proper road user! I've had to cut down on lessons in the last couple of months due to finances but things are looking good. I did the full test route last lesson. Next lesson tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it.

2. Read 100 books.

I've done a lot of reading in recent months and would probably say I average 2-3 books most weeks. I would like to continue that. If anyone could recommend any books then that would be a help too.

3. Lose Weight.

Always a work in progress. Hubby asked what he could do to help. I explained it's something I need to do myself like I'd never be able to help him stop smoking. He accepted that but offered me a cash incentive. Every 1lb I lose he will give me £1 for at the end of the year. £50 would be nice to start 2013.

4.  Try a new food every week.

Along with losing weight and exercising more, a good way to get a healthy balance is to not get into a routine. To try new foods, to try new recipes. To enjoy food more.

5. Watch more movies.

One thing we don't do in our household is watch movies. The kids do, I've lost track of the times we've seen Toy Story and Happy Feet since Christmas but hubby and I should watch more films. The last one we watched was Leo Dicaprio's Shutter Island. That was good. We still have Black Swan, The Kings Speech and a number of others that were on over Christmas to watch.

6. Spend as Much Time as I can Supporting Each and Every Child

This is something we all should do but once there are more than one child in the household, you do worry about the amount of time you give one over the others. With Matthew at school all day I feel I should pay more attention to him at weekends and after school. With James at school mornings, the afternoons focus on him. Liam is still the baby and gets the majority of my time. He gets the cuddles, he is the most dependent - I just don't want the other two to feel he gets all the attention. Although, having said all that, Matthew would rather spend his time in his room with his 3DS so I suppose there is more of a balance now he's getting big.

7. Learn a new skill

Whether it be taking my baking to another level or learning a bit of DIY or how to improve my writing I can make a few changes and do something new.

8. Sleep More

I do my best but still occassionally get disturbed by young little boys, the hubbys snoring and general insomnia. It's not that I stay up late, I just don't get as much sleep as I would like.

9. Be A Little More Daring.

Try new funfair rides, try a new clothes/hair/make up style. try new things in the bedroom. You get the idea.

10.  Be The BEST Person I can be.

Normally, as a person I am reliable,a good listener, a confidant. As much as I can be, I am supportive, caring and I have time for people whenever they need it. That goes for friends, family, anyone. I try to be a good person, I try to see both sides of situations, I try to remain level headed. I may make mistakes sometimes but that makes me human. I can only do my best and intend to do so for this year.

New Things For New Year

Happy new year to my lovely blog community friends. I wish for 2012 to be a successful and happy year for you all.

I hope you all had fun celebrating new year. Hubby and I are not "new year people" so were in bed nice and early. It wasn't anything special to us, just another switchover of date.

Hubby and I do not buy each other gifts at Christmas. We are practical minded virgos (well, I am when I want to be, Libran/Virgoan cusp means I'm doubly indecisive) so we would rather spend money on something we would both appreciate.

In previous years we've booked a long weekend away and bought some much needed storage for the new house in the way of wardrobes and doored bookcases for the living room.

Last year we got into the swing of replacing white goods. We got a new washer/dryer and a new oven.

What was left to replace was a biggy.

What was left we have put some Christmas money from family towards and our practical homely present for 2011 is this beautiful beast!! :)

Isn't she just beautiful? Freezer on the left. Fridge right.

We currently have a fridge freezer just the size of the right side. This includes a very small 2 shelved freezer. Probably the size of the two lower right salad drawers. A bag of chips and some frozen peas fill a shelf so we can never stock up on good deals from the supermarkets and more often than not have to throw away leftovers as I don't have space to freeze them. The kids seem very keen that we can have more ice cream when summer gets here.

I am also a stickler for fresh foods. I cook with fresh ingredients as much as possible so the super huge fridge is a real Godsend to us.

At present our old battered fridge freezer is in a cupboard beneath the stairs. Once that is gone, that will have shelving put in and will become a larder for all dry and tinned goods.

We've just had a call to say it will be delivered on Saturday. Woohoo. 

I see how Homer Simpson can be in love with a fridge!
New developments with the kids for the new year mostly focus on James! My little boy is getting big! Whilst Liam still remains true to the love of his life Fireman Sam, James has become obsessed with Toy Story 3. We watch it daily as the school holidays come to a close. The Gruffalos Child follows close behind!

James has also been wearing pants alot since Saturday and only has one accident. Tomorrow we are trying them out all day. This involves the school run for Matthews return to school. He's not been out properly in pants as yet. We've had a couple of long journeys in recent days so he's been in a nappy some of the time. Tomorrow is the big practice for going to school in pants on Thursday.

His little Fireman Sam rucksack is ready packed with a nappy, 2 spare pairs of pants and trousers. Just in case the prospect of going to Matthews school is just so good he can't drag himself off to the toilet in time.

I am so proud of my little Mister.

Poor Liam had a little mishap this morning. He fell off the sofa onto a toy. His cheek bruised immediately and felt like a bump. Kids get lumps easily when they fall at this age so I am not too worried. When he cried it was more of a panic and scared cry than one of pain and trailed off very quickly so I don't think he is too damaged. He's currently on a nap so I will have another look when he wakes up as I now wonder if the lump was part of my imaginiation and was actually his cheekbone I felt at the time. Being a mum sure does make  you an instant worrier.

2011 Review

So as we go into the final hours of 2011, I can't say I am pleased the 2012 is ahead. There's been a lot of bad in the world this year and I feel that will only continue.

2011 has from far been the best year but with every hurdle comes new realisations.

I copied and pasted this from last year so feel free to do the same. x

1. What did you do in 2011 that you had never done before?

Realised just how important family really are. We have had the toughest time as a family this year but we've pulled through. The hard times make the good times better. I never realised just want an emotional person I was until this year. I swear I have cried more tears this year than any other. Sometimes through pain and sadness, other times through love and joy, occassionally through stress. But, yes, I have realised what an emotion woman I really am.

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

Weightloss. Yes I did do it and I will continue it.
To stop biting my nails. I did on several occassions but whilst we still have nappies within the household, long nails is not a good option.
Next year I will continue to lose weight, to be a better person and to do the very best for my husband, kids and family whatever life throws at us.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
YES!!! My sister in law had her first baby. My boys have a little cousin named Nelson. He's adorable!

Born on November 1st, he shares his birthday with my James, just 3 years apart.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

My Grandad. He passed away very suddenly. He had an aneurysm so it was rather quick and left us all in a state of shock. I can never say I saw him suffer. Hours before he collapsed he'd been having a normal morning with my nan. They tried to operate but couldn't save him. In a way, he went the best way possible. He went to sleep under anaesthetic for an op and never woke up. We saw him 2 days before his death as the man he always was so our memories of him will stay like that forever.

5. What countries did you visit?

We stayed in sunny old England all year round.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

A big win on the lottery would be perfect to start the year.

7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

February 13th.  The day we lost my Grandad.
March 11th. The day of his funeral and the day the tsunami hit Japan causing Fukushima nuclear leak. Quite a big day.
May 3rd. Waking up to the news Osama Bin Laden was dead. That came as a HUGE shock. Not so shocking was that he was in Pakistan as I always suspected and was probably protected by their people.
August 8th. On holiday we spent a night in front of the tv watching Britains anarchy! The London riots were unfolding and we watched with sheer horror of what Brits are capable of. The looting was attrocious and we saw on live tv a family business burn to the ground. It was shocking.

8.What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Driving. Who'd have thought I would let my guard down. Stop being so scared and just get out there and do it. I am getting better. I look forward to my lessons and I hope that I pass my test in the next few months.

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?

The common cold, tripping in the garden and getting a lovely 4 inch scar down my left leg. 

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Erm.... white goods. New washer dryer. New oven and we have just ordered this years Christmas present for the house. An American style fridge freezer. The BIG one. Yes!!! Now to find out how the heck this is going to get into the house.

12. Whose behaviour merits celebration?

My nan. None of us realised just how good she would be coping with the death of my grandad. She has her medication under control and she tries her best to enjoy life. I am very proud of the strength she's shown us all.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and upset?

My brothers ex. She was not what she seemed at all. Lots of lies were told and she eventually ran off with someone else before making false facebook profiles in my brothers name and stalking him for 6 months. She was a crazy.

14. Where did most of your money go?

The kids. Holidays. Bills. Same old same old.

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

Surprisingly, I was addicted to all the Royal Wedding stuff. I've never been much of a Royalist nor Traditionalist but it was great tv, entertaining and lovely to see something good. Wishing Kate and William all the very best along with a few million others was quite a feeling. I am super super excited that so many blog friends are expecting babies in 2012, That is just super exciting.

16. What song will always remind you of 2010?

Lego House - Ed Sheeran
Someone Like You - Adele
Labrinth - Earthquake
David Guetta and Usher - Without You
Life Is Life - Noah and The Whale


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

 i.   happier or sadder? A little sadder.
 ii.  thinner or fatter? thinner
 iii.  richer or poorer? poorer

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

Trusted my instincts. Realised that some people are not worth the effort. 

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

Wasted my time trying to befriend above person.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

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

21. Did you fall in love in 2010?

More so than ever. My little long awaited nephew, my life as it is and my big and little boys and their daddy.

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?

Spooks. The Biggest Loser. Man Vs Food. Sherlock Holmes. Eastenders.

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

Hate is a strong word. I still severely dislike that one person but that is all. No-one new.

25. What was the best book you read?

This year I have read more books than I have in a very long time. Averaging 2 books a week though I have slowed down in the last couple of weeks. I would have to say Dorothy Koomson's "Ice Cream Girls" and "The Woman He Loved Before" are among my favourites. I also loved "The Lovely Bones"  by Alice Sebold.  Rosamund Uptons "Sister" and "Afterwards" were also memorable. I was also introduced to Harlan Coben and Sophie Hannah making crime my new favourite genre.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I'm getting old and boring. Nothing really seemed to strike a chord this year. It seemed to all be about Rihanna.

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 watched "Shutter Island" the other night. That was good.

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

I was 31 and hubby and I had a romantic meal for two in a very popular restaurant.  We did a little more for his birthday as it was his 30th and had a night out with a stay in a hotel to celebrate in style.

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

Not losing my Grandad would have been great. Not falling out with an old friend and losing touch for 6 months would have been too. But in all, I've lived as best as I can under certain circumstances.


31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?

If I like it, I'll wear it.

32. What kept you sane?

Dates with my hubby. Overnight babysitting from family to give me and hubby a little time off for our wedding anniversary weekend.


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

Michael Buble. I am getting old! :0)

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

What didn't? The whole government has the world in a state. So much has changed in the UK this year, unemployment up, spending down, business closures everywhere to the handling of the London riots in August. It's all been so badly managed and dealt with.

35. Who did you miss?

My Grandad

36. Who was the best new person you met?

Pass. I don't think I met so many new people this year.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.

Family are precious. We don't know what we take for granted until it's gone or on the brink of going. Love everyone, tell them you love them and stick together. It makes us all stronger in the end.

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


The day my grandad died was the day Adele got this song to number 1 in the UK, To this day I still can't listen to it:

"Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you
Don't forget me, I begged, I remember you said
Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead"

Christmas 2011

All those weeks of planning. Those weeks of anticipation from the kids. The excitement.  All those weeks out shopping, decorating, organising, wrapping and delivering presents seem to be over.

Christmas in our household is far from a quiet affair as you can imagine. However, we were all poorly on one level or another. I think myself and Liam had it worst. The common cold (not to be confused with Flu, Man Flu Bird Flu or Swine Flu) has had us feeling a little down. The running nose, sore throat, heavy head, watery eyes for Liam and general tired outness has had us a little below our best. I couldn't taste or smell a thing for 3 days. A big disappointment to the Christmas Dinner I was looking forward to.

Liam, my poor little man is only now recovering properly. Here he is on Christmas day with his favourite present. A toy guinea pig. It's always the most simple toys that have the biggest effect!

He was so impressed, it was the first toy out of the boxes.My poor little boy looks so unwell in this photo.

Liam gave it the most loving little cuddles and looked down on it with such pride and love like it was his baby. I have never seen such caring looks from such a young child.

Here's his little "in awe" smile as he finally looks up for a picture. The guinea pigs name is Scratch, just like our own one.

My little Fireman James! James is not into being photographed this year.

Matthews pride and joy was ok course his 3DS. It was the first present opened so that he could later open all the games he'd been bought as gifts. He loved it!!!!

Feeling so poorly over Christmas none of us really enjoyed dinner. We had LOADS leftover and I didn't even eat the same portion size I'd eat on a regular roast. I had a glass of mulled wine but left most of it due to not tasting it so it seemed pointless drinking it. In the evening we visited my parents house and saw them, my nan and brother.  We had some teatime snacks and spent the evening taking it easy. The kids did really well staying up until 10pm then Liam made it clear he had had enough. He said "Go bed! Car!" whilst handing me his coat. For a person of little vocabulary he's a little man that can really communicate! He's such a smart boy.

On boxing day, the tables turned and my family came over for tea. I could have fed 30 with what I cooked and we all enjoyed Indian snacks, french bread, ham, cheese, salads, chicken pieces, pastries, gateaux. It was a great spread. Again I was unable to taste anything and regarding my weightloss aspirations, I look at a tasteless Christmas as a blessing in disguise!  Liam had once again got himself in the mindset for bed. At 6pm, his normal bedtime, he came to me for a cuddle stated "Go bed" so I told him to get his blanket and say bye to everyone. My little dear boy went into the living room, picked up his bed blanket that he had been cuddling and walked out the room giving everyone a big wave. He then proceeded up the stairs. James stayed up another hour or so and once he and Matthew were in bed we played 3 rounds of boardgames. Hubby and I won all 3 games. They weren't even our games! It's what we bought dad for Christmas and we're obviously very good at trivia. We did very well! :o) My family left at 1.30am so we had a good night.

The following day we went to sort an electrical fault at my nans. She repaid us with taking us all out for dinner. I really enjoyed my meal as I could taste it, a good grilled steak with fries and salad knows how to perk me up. Matthew ate the same meal as I did - he didn't have the salad but had a dessert. I was shocked!!! My almost 8 year old son can eat an 8oz rump steak and likes it medium-rare.

Yesterday we caught up with hubbys family and was re-introduced to Nelson. He is such a sweet little baby!!! I love him and want to keep him. He is coming up to 2 months old already and looks like he is growing very very well.

Nelson at around 2 months old. (I love his Hendrix style!)

Compared to James a couple of weeks older at around 3 months old!

I have some lovely photos to come of the boys meeting their little cousin so stay tuned for the next installment. :o)