It hasn't seemed like five minutes since I last posted but of course time is galloping away. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed both of the children's Christmas performances. Matthew was an excellent Joseph and Heather performed Knees up Bethlehem with real gusto.
Their last week was filled with parties and fun things at school and term came to a close last Friday. One rather embarrassing event happened on the Wednesday. Matthew was invited to play at one of his new class mates houses. He was very excited, and became even more so when he was granted permission to ride with his very best friends car. There were quite a few of us going is I followed them when they parked on the grass across from the house. Big mistake! The car, thanks to all the recent rain became rather embedded in the mud, I wasn't going anywhere and the back wheels were not doing much to help, just as I feared I would be reduced to calling for a tow truck one of the other mums appeared behind the car and pushed... and pushed... and pushed. Eventually I escaped from the mud and luckily I did not suddenly shoot forward rendering my saviour in the mud and nor did anything but her shoes get covered in mud. The children played together beautifully and the house was terrific but I feared leaving, luckily I found a more stable piece of lawn to go over and managed to escape. The handling was rather light and I now know what it is to drive a character with the thud, thud thud of the mud clods falling onto the road as well as the give away wheel tracks behind me.
Still now the holidays are upon us, yesterday we decorated, (and ate) some gingerbread biscuits and the children did some festive colouring in, today we have lounged about and had a visit from a friend and tomorrow is errands day, then the excitement hots up. On Thursday we are off to Lapland UK to see Father Christmas and the elves and on Friday we go to Centreparcs for a long weekend.
Over the weekend we managed to get to a Christingle service, it is wonderful for the children and they loved collecting their decorated oranges and having them lit as they sand away in a manger, even I am beginning to feel a bit Christmassy now.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Here Comes the Silly Season
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!
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!
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.
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