Hello world, I am very much still alive just a very busy lady!
I have so much to say but will start with apologising for being a bad blogger and commenter in recent weeks. I am working on this, I am reading, I just don't have time for much else right now.
So......I do think 2013 could be a very positive year for us.
In the past week since I last blogged we've had a family fun day out in London. We visited a few sights and went on the cable car over the river Thames. That was a great experience. Even for a person with a height phobia like me.
The kids are back at school and loving it. Liams first (almost) full week has gone fast and he seems incredibly happy there.
I've been getting out and about in the car. It's going good. Had a long and short journey in the past couple of days and it's all helping getting used to the car and building my confidence ever more.
Today is Matthews 9th birthday. He got £100 from family and we bought him an android tablet. I got one for Christmas, hubby bought himself one and we looked into security and all that so Matthew now has one too. He has a handful of games installed onto there and some football sites linked in but he cannot use the internet or add apps due to parental controls. Tonight we'll take him for a steak dinner at his favourite restaurant. I can't believe he is NINE!!!
Hubby looks to be going places in his job. There's a very good chance (we're just awaiting confirmation) that he will be working in a different area in his job. The work is virtually the same but harder as it covers a bigger area and is a little further from home (about 40 mins) but with that comes promotion and a payrise so it's all good.
The other bit of BIG news is that after 9 years of the kids being the central part of my life, they are actually leading to other avenues of my life.
I have been asked if I would like to help out in nursery on a regular basis, so from next week, I am officially a parent helper every Tuesday morning. I have to have a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check to make sure I am not a dangerous criminal or anything that could be of risk when working with children but it's all going through at the moment.
James nursery teacher even said to give it to Easter and if I found I liked it and wanted to train towards any qualifications she would be more than happy to back me and that she and another Teaching Assistant would assist with any work if I need it. It's great to have the support of the school.
So it is happening. My life "beyond pre-schoolers" is starting to take shape and for the first time in my life I can actually think towards having a bit of a career other than just finding a job to keep me occupied.
I wouldn't want to be a fully trained teacher at this point but a teaching assistant job eventually would be amazing and maybe I could re-evaluate on where to go once I achieve that and the kids are in higher education.
I'm also in the school on Wednesday doing the voluntary "Wellie Walk". The kids are going for a nice walk in the mud along the old train line in their little Wellington Boots as part of their nature theme for the start of this term.
It's just all so exciting....
Friday, 11 January 2013
Friday, 4 January 2013
Who's That Girl? Oh, It was Me.....
Most years go by in a bit of a blur. People can easily confuse one year with another as we grow older. How often do you look back to a year and think that something happened only to begin to question yourself over whether that really did happen in that year?
2003 is one of those years I don't forget.
It was a very busy and BIG year for me.
It was a year of excitement but one of personal stress worry and feeling like my life was out of my control to a large extent.
2003 was the year I discovered I was expecting my first baby. Early May when we found out about the future baby was a time of great excitement. Yet it was marred by the relationship I was in.
Being engaged I felt trapped as my fiance was becoming more and more controlling. Especially once the idea of impending parenthood awaited us. I was living with my parents and fiance and it felt that my life was pretty much decided from here on.
I was overjoyed by pregnancy and going to be a mother but terrified of the consequences of living with a controlling bullying partner and bringing up a child in a hostile environment.
As much as I wanted out of the relationship at various times, I kept telling myself it takes two to make a relationship work and if I wasn't willing to make changes then I was just as bad as him.
Being in a mentally abusive relationship changes you more than you realise at the time. No matter what is done or said ad no matter how hard you try, nothing feels good enough. You feel weak, you feel inadequate and whilst much of you wants to leave, you feel that you are not strong enough to do it. You feel that you will only fail if you tried to do things yourself and at times, living a bad relationship just seems better than being alone. If you are with someone it's sort of a victory as no one else knows the real ins and outs of how it is behind closed doors. Even if I ever did leave I was reminded on a practically daily basis that if I left him no-one else would want me, especially with a child. My self esteem sunk lower and lower to a point it was easier to agree with him than start a fight. To just put my health and baby's health first and live as stress free as possible over the coming months.
It's always easy to judge someone and say "if they aren't happy they should leave". If only life was as simple as that....
Being pregnant lead to the insistance of us being married before the baby was born. His insistance I hasten to add. My family were cool with the situation but he wanted us to be married first.
So.... in September we married. I was 22 weeks pregnant and had my second scan a few days before my nuptials.I never told any of my family but the night before, I cried myself to sleep. I hurried through the wedding plans with no real interest thinking "that will do" due to a very tight budget and just the 6 weeks to plan it all in. We were not going to have a celebration after but my family insisted.
My best friend also married the same year as me and is looking forward to her 10th wedding anniversary this year.
Me? I'm looking forward to celebrating my third wedding anniversary in August. It may have taken a bit of time and a complete detour in life to celebrating a wedding anniversary but it's something I have learned over the years. You can't celebrate a relationship where you cannot be yourself.
By being myself I have found a wonderful like minded man, had 2 further children and have very much been enjoying part of a "couple" and family for over 5 years now.
Leaving my ex husband was the hardest yet BEST thing I have ever done in my life.
It took years to build up the courage to turn around and say I can't do this anymore. I won't do this anymore. I am worth more than this. My son is certainly more than this.
I will NEVER say I regret meeting him and having gone through some tumultous years for it is what has made me who I am today.
I've learnt a lot about myself, about what I want, what I need, what I won't accept in life. Most importantly I have learnt about who I am and who I want to be, not who and what someone else wants me to be.
When I look back 10 years, I see that young woman as someone else. It's hard to believe that was me. That I was so controlled and limited in what I did in life by someone who claimed to love me.
Love isn't about making someone who you want them to be.
Love is about accepting someone as they are. Allowing them to be an individual as well part of a pair. To support them on lifes journey.
You accept one anothers flaws, you accept your differences and celebrate your things in common.
And most importantly, being happy with yourself means others will be happy with you too. Self acceptance is a big part of life and love. If you can be comfortable as the person you are then that's half the battle.
2003 is one of those years I don't forget.
It was a very busy and BIG year for me.
It was a year of excitement but one of personal stress worry and feeling like my life was out of my control to a large extent.
2003 was the year I discovered I was expecting my first baby. Early May when we found out about the future baby was a time of great excitement. Yet it was marred by the relationship I was in.
Being engaged I felt trapped as my fiance was becoming more and more controlling. Especially once the idea of impending parenthood awaited us. I was living with my parents and fiance and it felt that my life was pretty much decided from here on.
I was overjoyed by pregnancy and going to be a mother but terrified of the consequences of living with a controlling bullying partner and bringing up a child in a hostile environment.
As much as I wanted out of the relationship at various times, I kept telling myself it takes two to make a relationship work and if I wasn't willing to make changes then I was just as bad as him.
Being in a mentally abusive relationship changes you more than you realise at the time. No matter what is done or said ad no matter how hard you try, nothing feels good enough. You feel weak, you feel inadequate and whilst much of you wants to leave, you feel that you are not strong enough to do it. You feel that you will only fail if you tried to do things yourself and at times, living a bad relationship just seems better than being alone. If you are with someone it's sort of a victory as no one else knows the real ins and outs of how it is behind closed doors. Even if I ever did leave I was reminded on a practically daily basis that if I left him no-one else would want me, especially with a child. My self esteem sunk lower and lower to a point it was easier to agree with him than start a fight. To just put my health and baby's health first and live as stress free as possible over the coming months.
It's always easy to judge someone and say "if they aren't happy they should leave". If only life was as simple as that....
Being pregnant lead to the insistance of us being married before the baby was born. His insistance I hasten to add. My family were cool with the situation but he wanted us to be married first.
So.... in September we married. I was 22 weeks pregnant and had my second scan a few days before my nuptials.I never told any of my family but the night before, I cried myself to sleep. I hurried through the wedding plans with no real interest thinking "that will do" due to a very tight budget and just the 6 weeks to plan it all in. We were not going to have a celebration after but my family insisted.
My best friend also married the same year as me and is looking forward to her 10th wedding anniversary this year.
Me? I'm looking forward to celebrating my third wedding anniversary in August. It may have taken a bit of time and a complete detour in life to celebrating a wedding anniversary but it's something I have learned over the years. You can't celebrate a relationship where you cannot be yourself.
By being myself I have found a wonderful like minded man, had 2 further children and have very much been enjoying part of a "couple" and family for over 5 years now.
Leaving my ex husband was the hardest yet BEST thing I have ever done in my life.
It took years to build up the courage to turn around and say I can't do this anymore. I won't do this anymore. I am worth more than this. My son is certainly more than this.
I will NEVER say I regret meeting him and having gone through some tumultous years for it is what has made me who I am today.
I've learnt a lot about myself, about what I want, what I need, what I won't accept in life. Most importantly I have learnt about who I am and who I want to be, not who and what someone else wants me to be.
When I look back 10 years, I see that young woman as someone else. It's hard to believe that was me. That I was so controlled and limited in what I did in life by someone who claimed to love me.
Love isn't about making someone who you want them to be.
Love is about accepting someone as they are. Allowing them to be an individual as well part of a pair. To support them on lifes journey.
You accept one anothers flaws, you accept your differences and celebrate your things in common.
And most importantly, being happy with yourself means others will be happy with you too. Self acceptance is a big part of life and love. If you can be comfortable as the person you are then that's half the battle.
Tuesday, 1 January 2013
Happy New Year
Happy new year to my dearest blog friends near and far.
I wish you all a very happy 2013 with lots of love, friendships, health and good luck.
2013 for me is a year of changes yet again. Life moves forward at an incredible rate sometimes.
This time last year I was a week away from James beginning nursery for the full 5 days a week. This year it's the turn of Liam. Next Tuesday I will be sending all 3 little boys off to school and it will be the beginning of that daily routine for the next 8 months. My little baby Liam will be attending playgroup full time, meaning he is attending an educational facility every day like his big brothers. It may only be mornings but I am sure gonna miss that boy and it will be strange having EVERY morning to myself.
Once the summer holidays have been and gone, James will be in Reception. That's a FULL day of school and I will be back to the 3 school trips a day routine. Also in September Liam should be up to the nursery so I will have all 3 in the same school.
My little people are getting to be rather big people.
So what do I wish for and hope to achieve this year? I honestly don't know. I just want a happy healthy family. We had some breakthroughs in 2012 where we told Matthew did NOT have ADHD and Liam had a little keyhole surgery to check his previous hernia as he still had occassional swelling and I am still 99% sure I could feel the intestine. However, we were told he didn't have a repeat inguinal hernia. Strangely enough, since the keyhole surgery he hasn't had a repeat swelling at all. I'm still suspicious.Whatever it was and whatever we've been told, I am relieved that the issue is solved and that I no longer have Liams health a big worry.
This year, like every other, I would like to lose weight. It's never easy and it's a lifelong battle for me but it's something I won't feel happy about if I don't put in the effort. If I can just make a few healthy changes, it can make a big difference and once the children are back to school and I am walking alot more again, then all the better.
I miss the daily routines. The last couple of weeks have been long without structure. I feel like I need something to aim for alot of the time. I miss that structure. It will just be really strange once they are all in school. Unfortunately I will only have 2 hours between dropping the last one off and leaving to collect James so the morning will just disappear and may be just enough for me to do a quick trip into town or do the weekly shop at the supermarket.
I wish you all a very happy 2013 with lots of love, friendships, health and good luck.
2013 for me is a year of changes yet again. Life moves forward at an incredible rate sometimes.
This time last year I was a week away from James beginning nursery for the full 5 days a week. This year it's the turn of Liam. Next Tuesday I will be sending all 3 little boys off to school and it will be the beginning of that daily routine for the next 8 months. My little baby Liam will be attending playgroup full time, meaning he is attending an educational facility every day like his big brothers. It may only be mornings but I am sure gonna miss that boy and it will be strange having EVERY morning to myself.
Once the summer holidays have been and gone, James will be in Reception. That's a FULL day of school and I will be back to the 3 school trips a day routine. Also in September Liam should be up to the nursery so I will have all 3 in the same school.
My little people are getting to be rather big people.
So what do I wish for and hope to achieve this year? I honestly don't know. I just want a happy healthy family. We had some breakthroughs in 2012 where we told Matthew did NOT have ADHD and Liam had a little keyhole surgery to check his previous hernia as he still had occassional swelling and I am still 99% sure I could feel the intestine. However, we were told he didn't have a repeat inguinal hernia. Strangely enough, since the keyhole surgery he hasn't had a repeat swelling at all. I'm still suspicious.Whatever it was and whatever we've been told, I am relieved that the issue is solved and that I no longer have Liams health a big worry.
This year, like every other, I would like to lose weight. It's never easy and it's a lifelong battle for me but it's something I won't feel happy about if I don't put in the effort. If I can just make a few healthy changes, it can make a big difference and once the children are back to school and I am walking alot more again, then all the better.
I miss the daily routines. The last couple of weeks have been long without structure. I feel like I need something to aim for alot of the time. I miss that structure. It will just be really strange once they are all in school. Unfortunately I will only have 2 hours between dropping the last one off and leaving to collect James so the morning will just disappear and may be just enough for me to do a quick trip into town or do the weekly shop at the supermarket.
Sunday, 30 December 2012
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!
Friday, 28 December 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, 23 December 2012
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.
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, 15 December 2012
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.
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.
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