The shops have been full of tinsel, cards and carols on repeat for weeks now, and tomorrow, yes tomorrow is the 1st of December, therefore it MUST now be the official lead in to Christmas. The house is now full of decorations and the advent calendars await the eager little fingers of the children tomorrow. The tree is dripping with baubles, several of which have had to be put on several times as Lucy has removed them! There are bags full of presents for teachers, friends and family safely tucked into every corner of the house waiting to be wrapped, addressed and delivered and a mountain of cards to write.
Tomorrow is Matthews first ever school play, I must admit I am a little excited and also nervous. He is a very different character to Heather and usually delights in playing to an audience and tomorrow he will have a captive one. My hope is that he does as he is supposed to and shouts out 'S is for Santa' in the clear way he has been doing at home. Heather is driving me mad with Knees up Bethlehem and I am curious to see how this ditty fits into the nativity play she is performing in on Wednesday, and then in the evening I head off for the mums night out.
There is, of course, as Eyeore would know a black cloud on the horizon. I failed to allow the children to take their cards in on the very first day (today!) that they were allowed to. My argument I thought was plausible enough, you have to wait until the 1st of December and we had a hundred and one things to take with us today. Heather had to take her school play costume, then there was the swimming trunks she came home with that, unless she has had a sex change over the weekend certainly don't belong to her and then I had to take the school fair donations. BUT Heather came home with not 1, not 2, but 4 cards and with a triumphant edge to her voice declared; 'See mummy I told you I should have taken them into today!'
She then marched off to her room to put the cards on the string, there was another storm on the way, the string wasn't there! Having completely failed to keep the string from last year in a safe place it hasn't been put up yet. I did manage to get some today but with a kamikaze toddler on the loose it isn't really safe to be up a ladder with drawing pins when Lucy is about at the moment. Hopefully this dreadful error will be rectified in time for tomorrows delivery!
I have to admit one success, I managed to get into my possession 2 go go hamsters and a house for them to live in, and while I would still like one for Lucy so we can avoid world war 3 and a car for Matthew getting hold of the toys wasn't too bad, thanks to a fast finger and Argos reserve and collect. The odd thing was Heather hadn't even mentioned them and although I had heard of the uproar about the shortage I didn't really know what they were. I had been talking just that morning with fellow parents who were scouring the internet for them and feeling pleased that I didn't have to join in. My heart sank when on that Friday evening Heather came home and announced 'I want a go go Hamster, a yellow one because everyone is getting then and they're cool.' only to be echoed my Matthew who hasn't a clue what they are but wants one because Heather does!
Good luck to all parents attending school plays over the next couple of weeks, may you get a good view, your little ones behave and the performances go without a hitch!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Never Forget
Last night was filled with the sound of women baying for blood, the sight of bright sparking sequins and live music. Yes ladies, hold yourselves back for Never Forget a Take That tribute band took to the stage at the Brentwood Courage Hall. I grew up with the take that v East 17 debate and always plumped for Take That and although I did not ring the help line for counselling when they announced they were to be no more I was disappointed. The announcement they were reforming was exciting and now the prospect of Robbie appearing on stage with them is filling me with optimism. Pop anthems that you can sing along to as well as up tempo dance routines, what's not to like.
I have never been lucky enough to go to a Take That gig, when they were around the first time I was too poor and now second time around I was too slow to get tickets so the opportunity to witness a well reviewed tribute band wasn't to be missed. The downside was the panic that set in as I arrived and worried if it would be filled with women tne years my junior making me feel sad and old, I needn't have worried, there was a good range of ages in the audience, all of which were women.
The downside was I felt ill, I was dosed up on paracetomal and so dancing wasn't really on my agenda as my ankles, wrists and chest ached but even I was convinced to join in the fun by friends and the quality of the entertainment. I did have an 'I'm old' moment as I considered the disco a tad too loud but my sore throat was struggling to make even light conversation with the person next to me! My make-up was mainly to hide my paleness and my boots were knee length to hide the bruises my son had managed to give me the previous day. The upside, friends, glitter and good music.
The boys were great, not exactly look alikes for the real thing but not displeasing to the eye and they sounded pretty good, the energy with which they sang, danced and performed the acrobatics was impressive and the mix of songs showcased a great variety of songs. Would I go again? Yes but it definitely more a girly night, I am still awaiting the next tour dates though.
I have never been lucky enough to go to a Take That gig, when they were around the first time I was too poor and now second time around I was too slow to get tickets so the opportunity to witness a well reviewed tribute band wasn't to be missed. The downside was the panic that set in as I arrived and worried if it would be filled with women tne years my junior making me feel sad and old, I needn't have worried, there was a good range of ages in the audience, all of which were women.
The downside was I felt ill, I was dosed up on paracetomal and so dancing wasn't really on my agenda as my ankles, wrists and chest ached but even I was convinced to join in the fun by friends and the quality of the entertainment. I did have an 'I'm old' moment as I considered the disco a tad too loud but my sore throat was struggling to make even light conversation with the person next to me! My make-up was mainly to hide my paleness and my boots were knee length to hide the bruises my son had managed to give me the previous day. The upside, friends, glitter and good music.
The boys were great, not exactly look alikes for the real thing but not displeasing to the eye and they sounded pretty good, the energy with which they sang, danced and performed the acrobatics was impressive and the mix of songs showcased a great variety of songs. Would I go again? Yes but it definitely more a girly night, I am still awaiting the next tour dates though.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
How Time Flies
I realised today that I haven't posted in a long time, lots has been going on/
We survived the rest of half term with a Halloween party, a trip to the local farm and more craft work and a flurry of Disney Princess films as Heather and I were invited to go and see Princess wishes at the 02. It was nice weather for October and we even managed to get out into the garden a couple of times.
The highlight for the children was on the Sunday before school as we attended a Halloween party with a firework display at the end. The children were very excited but I was nervous, at the same event the previous year Matthew had gone into hysterics when the fireworks started and I had to go and and sit in the car with him. He had then had hysterics every time there was a mild bang anywhere near him!
This year, thankfully, was different, he couldn't wait to get out there and watch the bangs and enjoyed it immensely, Lucy clapped her way through the display and pointed to the sky repeatedly and Heather oohed and aahed along with the rest of us. We had a great time and so we were able to go and attend another firework party at a friends. The main problem with this was that the children seemed to have left their manners and good behaviour at home. They were greedy with the food that was laid out, spent most of their time racing about the house and counting to ten wasn't getting me anywhere! Luckily the fireworks distracted them and the sparklers were a hit. The thing they really loved however were the glow sticks. Florescent lights that you can wave about and so on, the kids (and adults) loved them.
Back to school proved to be a bit of an ordeal as Heather began to complain about her ear hurting, she has had numerous problems with her ears and it is unlike her to complain so, typically, on the first day back after half term I spent an hour and a half in the doctors surgery. Poor little Heather screamed and sobbed when her ear was examined and the end result was that her ear was congested but not infected, a return visit on Wednesday as she was still in pain yielded the same result and thus we left it. I was hoping to get her back to see her consultant as she may need to be checked over again but we have been advised that as this was a first instance of the problems recurring we will only be re-referred if there is another problem within a fortnight, I wouldn't mind but we have private insurance so it would actually cost us money not the NHS, she has already begun sneezing again and has acquired a more grey pallor than usual...
On the plus side I got a great mark for my first essay on my OU course, I have done the Christmas shopping for the children and have even managed to get Matthew's racing car that he wants and has mentioned every day delivered when he wasn't here, now just have to sneak it into the loft without setting off any of the noises!
We survived the rest of half term with a Halloween party, a trip to the local farm and more craft work and a flurry of Disney Princess films as Heather and I were invited to go and see Princess wishes at the 02. It was nice weather for October and we even managed to get out into the garden a couple of times.
The highlight for the children was on the Sunday before school as we attended a Halloween party with a firework display at the end. The children were very excited but I was nervous, at the same event the previous year Matthew had gone into hysterics when the fireworks started and I had to go and and sit in the car with him. He had then had hysterics every time there was a mild bang anywhere near him!
This year, thankfully, was different, he couldn't wait to get out there and watch the bangs and enjoyed it immensely, Lucy clapped her way through the display and pointed to the sky repeatedly and Heather oohed and aahed along with the rest of us. We had a great time and so we were able to go and attend another firework party at a friends. The main problem with this was that the children seemed to have left their manners and good behaviour at home. They were greedy with the food that was laid out, spent most of their time racing about the house and counting to ten wasn't getting me anywhere! Luckily the fireworks distracted them and the sparklers were a hit. The thing they really loved however were the glow sticks. Florescent lights that you can wave about and so on, the kids (and adults) loved them.
Back to school proved to be a bit of an ordeal as Heather began to complain about her ear hurting, she has had numerous problems with her ears and it is unlike her to complain so, typically, on the first day back after half term I spent an hour and a half in the doctors surgery. Poor little Heather screamed and sobbed when her ear was examined and the end result was that her ear was congested but not infected, a return visit on Wednesday as she was still in pain yielded the same result and thus we left it. I was hoping to get her back to see her consultant as she may need to be checked over again but we have been advised that as this was a first instance of the problems recurring we will only be re-referred if there is another problem within a fortnight, I wouldn't mind but we have private insurance so it would actually cost us money not the NHS, she has already begun sneezing again and has acquired a more grey pallor than usual...
On the plus side I got a great mark for my first essay on my OU course, I have done the Christmas shopping for the children and have even managed to get Matthew's racing car that he wants and has mentioned every day delivered when he wasn't here, now just have to sneak it into the loft without setting off any of the noises!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Half term holiday
Half term is now half way through as it lasts a mega two weeks this time around. We had a rocky start as the children had head colds and the heating decided to go on strike, so the first two days were spent shivering as we waited to have a bit of heat. We did manage to do some crafty activities. The eldest two had to create a jar full of Christmassy things that will be collected and raffled off, so carrier bag from Thorntons at the ready I piled the table high with various craft buts. There were 3D decoration as templates and stickers, wool, crepe paper and so on and so on. They did a pretty good job of them, although Heather had to be persuaded that drawing Baby Jesus as a banana was perhaps not the best idea. The end results were impressive though, even if I do say so myself and most importantly we stuck to the rules and I didn't help them!
The next thing we tackled was some Halloween crafts, each child made a little cat with those wonderful googly eyes they seem to love so much and you folded its bottom into a basket, which if they are lucky may be filled up with some sweet treats.
The rest of the week was spent with a variety of study books, running about, walks in the autumn sunshine and a party. The kids have loved the attention and this week we have another plan, have a trip planned to the local farm and a Halloween party, as well as fitting in some baking and crafts.
The highlight for Heather however will be the trip to the 02 on Saturday to see Princess wishes on ice. She has been wanting to go for ages and now her wish has been granted, so to speak, she is going to dress up in her Ariel dress and Aurora shoes and will be in her element I'm sure. Half term does give me the opportunity to relax with the children rather than always marshalling them out of the door on our way to somewhere. Looking forward to the next few days.
The next thing we tackled was some Halloween crafts, each child made a little cat with those wonderful googly eyes they seem to love so much and you folded its bottom into a basket, which if they are lucky may be filled up with some sweet treats.
The rest of the week was spent with a variety of study books, running about, walks in the autumn sunshine and a party. The kids have loved the attention and this week we have another plan, have a trip planned to the local farm and a Halloween party, as well as fitting in some baking and crafts.
The highlight for Heather however will be the trip to the 02 on Saturday to see Princess wishes on ice. She has been wanting to go for ages and now her wish has been granted, so to speak, she is going to dress up in her Ariel dress and Aurora shoes and will be in her element I'm sure. Half term does give me the opportunity to relax with the children rather than always marshalling them out of the door on our way to somewhere. Looking forward to the next few days.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
A Grown Up Weekend
This weekend was somewhat of a topsy turvey one for me, I spent lots of time without any of the children, and despite my initial fears that I may not be able to walk for long periods of time without a pushchair in front of me I found myself able to cope!
It all started fairly normally with a trip with Heather to dancing, and then instead of my usual solitary trip to Starbucks to write I was accompanied by Lucy, we still went to Starbucks and shared a cookie, then we went and found Halloween outfits!
Dancing finished we were homeward bound and then off I went to have my hair highlighted, current book in hand for 45 minutes of uninterrupted reading, not only that but I had a hot cup of tea and a biscuit without having to worry if the cup was out of reach of small hands and without having to share the biscuit! Back home to Mummy duty, this time a party for Heather, a very loud party and although they all enjoyed themselves, I had to confess myself somewhat glad, for my ears sake when it was finished, I guess that means I'm getting old although I am still with it enough to recognise most of the songs that were played at full volume!
Having managed to drive Mr T's car back in the dark and without stalling, it was a quick change, grab a trowel time for the war paint and off out again. The little two were in bed and Heather was watching Strictly Come Dancing, she did cry when I left and I felt a terrible twinge of guilt but I knew that when she realised I was going she would be OK with Mr T and enjoy having his undivided attention. Saturday night was spent, for the first time in ages, having a meal which was cooked for me, hot and where I didn't have to constantly tell children to sit down and behave! The night was passed with great friends and a lot of laughter and it was good to be me for a few hours rather than Mummy!
Sunday dawned bright and early as it was my turn to do the whole getting up thing. Once I had awakened Mr T with his tea and the children had jumped on him sufficiently I was off again - this time to the shops to try and re-vamp my wardrobe. Again no children in tow and it was odd entering the shops without the calls for a toilet stop, balloon or drink, and where was I going to out all the bags?
I revelled in the freedom trying on more clothes than was strictly necessary, just because I could and going into shops that I would normally pass lest the glare of the shop assistant as I enter with a buggy should cut me in half. Instead when I entered these shops I was positively welcomed and asked if I needed any help. As I wandered around I couldn't help noticing families at war, children whining and parents despairing. That's usually me I thought and was glad the children were at home having fun. I must admit I paid a trip to the Disney store and bought a small little something for them all.
By the time I got home my feet were aching and I was exhausted but as I entered the house and a shout of Mummy rang round the living room and I was accosted by two little people, the third being asleep in bed I was content. As lovely as it had been to go out it was even lovelier to come home to such a greeting. The necessary fashion show was performed and the gifts distributed. Mummy duty returned with a vengeance as the ironing pile threatened to reach the ceiling and took three hours to tame! I have to admit though I was rather tired, all this being an adult is a bit too much like hard work!
It all started fairly normally with a trip with Heather to dancing, and then instead of my usual solitary trip to Starbucks to write I was accompanied by Lucy, we still went to Starbucks and shared a cookie, then we went and found Halloween outfits!
Dancing finished we were homeward bound and then off I went to have my hair highlighted, current book in hand for 45 minutes of uninterrupted reading, not only that but I had a hot cup of tea and a biscuit without having to worry if the cup was out of reach of small hands and without having to share the biscuit! Back home to Mummy duty, this time a party for Heather, a very loud party and although they all enjoyed themselves, I had to confess myself somewhat glad, for my ears sake when it was finished, I guess that means I'm getting old although I am still with it enough to recognise most of the songs that were played at full volume!
Having managed to drive Mr T's car back in the dark and without stalling, it was a quick change, grab a trowel time for the war paint and off out again. The little two were in bed and Heather was watching Strictly Come Dancing, she did cry when I left and I felt a terrible twinge of guilt but I knew that when she realised I was going she would be OK with Mr T and enjoy having his undivided attention. Saturday night was spent, for the first time in ages, having a meal which was cooked for me, hot and where I didn't have to constantly tell children to sit down and behave! The night was passed with great friends and a lot of laughter and it was good to be me for a few hours rather than Mummy!
Sunday dawned bright and early as it was my turn to do the whole getting up thing. Once I had awakened Mr T with his tea and the children had jumped on him sufficiently I was off again - this time to the shops to try and re-vamp my wardrobe. Again no children in tow and it was odd entering the shops without the calls for a toilet stop, balloon or drink, and where was I going to out all the bags?
I revelled in the freedom trying on more clothes than was strictly necessary, just because I could and going into shops that I would normally pass lest the glare of the shop assistant as I enter with a buggy should cut me in half. Instead when I entered these shops I was positively welcomed and asked if I needed any help. As I wandered around I couldn't help noticing families at war, children whining and parents despairing. That's usually me I thought and was glad the children were at home having fun. I must admit I paid a trip to the Disney store and bought a small little something for them all.
By the time I got home my feet were aching and I was exhausted but as I entered the house and a shout of Mummy rang round the living room and I was accosted by two little people, the third being asleep in bed I was content. As lovely as it had been to go out it was even lovelier to come home to such a greeting. The necessary fashion show was performed and the gifts distributed. Mummy duty returned with a vengeance as the ironing pile threatened to reach the ceiling and took three hours to tame! I have to admit though I was rather tired, all this being an adult is a bit too much like hard work!
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