I feel a little like we've been hit by a life tsunami recently and that I am bobbing just above the water somwhere removed from where I should be. Busy times.
In world news our new prince has been safely delivered...weighing in at a 'whopping' 8lbs 6. Now fair size as that is I recon number 3 is at least that by now and somehow I've got to get to October. Still, at least noone has stopped me in the street to offer to demonstrate perineal massage as happened to a friend of mine this week- There are some mighty queer folk about! Back to the baby...George...predictable but it was unlikley (although enjoyable) to have been Tony. I pity anyone who gave birth on that day and had wanted to call their baby George by chance- a very respectable name but you would have to spend the whole childs life claiming you hadn't just copied the HRHs!
Closer to home Mol decided this morning she would wear pants. I was not prepared for this but will go with the flow and there were some of Laurie's old ones in a box. She went on an adventure to Tescos ( and why not) to buy some new ones , which went rather well meaning she was intent on wearing as many pairs as possible at once. All very well, if reminiscent of a 90's friends episode...until she has an accident and thats 5 pairs out of action at once. We're in for a long week!
I took Laurie to buy his new school sweater-which he has worn ever since. It's slightly heartbreaking seeing as he's still 3 and far too wee to start big school. Hopefully he'll enjoy it but I'm bracing myself for a breakdown at some point. He's also somwhere got hold of the concept of 'dead'. Which is something I wans't prepared for. I'm currently taking a very religious take or simply trying to distract him with news of passing tractors until I can think of a more comprehensive, ae appropariate response.
No 3 is behaving but growing a bit too much and has a fondness for my kicking my lungs and trying to escape 'Alien' style out of my belly button. Surley anything this hyperactive must be a boy? And I was growing so fond of my unbroken nights too......
Saturday, 27 July 2013
Friday, 26 July 2013
'Easy Chocolate Cake:
And it was- plus far to nice to waste on a toddler-the icing is basically a slab of chocolate and a tub of cream....can't go wrong there!
Saturday, 20 July 2013
Ther was an old woman who swallowed a horse..
One year, when helping out at a precocious american kids camp, there was a rather tubby girl with bright ginger curly hair who was , (cruelly, and in private if it makes it any better, I know but we were young and overtired) reffered to as 'the girl who ate Annie'. Such cruelty has come to bite me on my now oversized rear end and I now look the the old woman in the rhyme who has scoffed all the farmyard animals. Having had to make a number of trips for work recently, hearing folks visably gasp exclaiming 'what you're due in october...really' and 'the ever funny one 'are you sure its not twins' is wearing rather thin. I am aware I am the size of a house and that my bump eneter the room a bit before me...I am enormous.
On a recent trip to the midwife, she started discussing 10lb babies- now this is never good to hear when one is only 28 weeks pregnant. The sympathetic phrase , coupled with a gentle pat or a friendly shrug ' well it is number 3' is not helping either. Obstretion sister in law recons there may be alot of water in there as she can't locate his/her head. Either way it may be a rough ride ahead as with the no sleeping, the surprisingly hot heat wave and achey hips much of what's swimming in my head is '12 more freekin' weeks'...dear lord! Eyes on the prize....and onwards.
On a recent trip to the midwife, she started discussing 10lb babies- now this is never good to hear when one is only 28 weeks pregnant. The sympathetic phrase , coupled with a gentle pat or a friendly shrug ' well it is number 3' is not helping either. Obstretion sister in law recons there may be alot of water in there as she can't locate his/her head. Either way it may be a rough ride ahead as with the no sleeping, the surprisingly hot heat wave and achey hips much of what's swimming in my head is '12 more freekin' weeks'...dear lord! Eyes on the prize....and onwards.
Monday, 8 July 2013
Running on Empty
It had to happen, our luck ran out. After a fantastic but busy weekend came a week of sickness which hit Mr A, two kids and the car. One washathon a little sleep,a lot of detol and a large hole in the wallet later....I'm feeling a little sorry for myself.
It all started on Tuesday, when I was in work despite it not being my scheduled day...I should have known...and after a sleepless night of sweatty puking boy (poor lamb). Mr A had mentioned the clutch was sounding 'a bit clunky', so when I pulled out and something went 'clunk' I was alarmed but not too disheartened. I was cheered much by the reduction in noise after a minute or so and went off with confidence. On arriving at the motorway bridge and just passing the no more hard shoulder bit, the car gives a death shreik and starts shaking. f***. I took the mature womanly response of bursting into tears and grabbing the nearest bloke to help. It turns out being the size of a whale and moving with the speed and agility of an obese walrus whilst weeping uncontrollably is an effective, if not terribly attractive,way of getting assistance fast. One tow across the bridge and an AA ride later, a coffee served by an exstudent...blimmin typical...... and I get to work OK...to find out it was never the clutch and the gear box is dead costing near 2K. We are currently looking into a new model (thanks to a loan and many weeks eating beans) which will hopefully prove less of a money pit and decididly less deadly.
On the plus side, our peas are ready, baby no 3 seems very active and andy murray won wimbledon which probably sapped all the good luck and Karma from everyone in the uk this week....with all that over I'm hoping it will be returned by tomorrow...please
It all started on Tuesday, when I was in work despite it not being my scheduled day...I should have known...and after a sleepless night of sweatty puking boy (poor lamb). Mr A had mentioned the clutch was sounding 'a bit clunky', so when I pulled out and something went 'clunk' I was alarmed but not too disheartened. I was cheered much by the reduction in noise after a minute or so and went off with confidence. On arriving at the motorway bridge and just passing the no more hard shoulder bit, the car gives a death shreik and starts shaking. f***. I took the mature womanly response of bursting into tears and grabbing the nearest bloke to help. It turns out being the size of a whale and moving with the speed and agility of an obese walrus whilst weeping uncontrollably is an effective, if not terribly attractive,way of getting assistance fast. One tow across the bridge and an AA ride later, a coffee served by an exstudent...blimmin typical...... and I get to work OK...to find out it was never the clutch and the gear box is dead costing near 2K. We are currently looking into a new model (thanks to a loan and many weeks eating beans) which will hopefully prove less of a money pit and decididly less deadly.
On the plus side, our peas are ready, baby no 3 seems very active and andy murray won wimbledon which probably sapped all the good luck and Karma from everyone in the uk this week....with all that over I'm hoping it will be returned by tomorrow...please
Sunday, 30 June 2013
Toddlergeddon
We are safely out the other side of a wild weekend of parties and cake and wand making and treasure hunts and watersliding and many other summer country persuits. I am shattered, entirely.
Mol's birthday was a cracker, she's been very spoilt with lots of lovely things bought, and made for her. Her Poppa made her the most beautiful little shirt with buttons and pin tucks and it really is the loveliest thing. Its the first bit of sewing he's ever done and he claims it's just like reading engineering plans- (he's a retired aircraft engineer). I'm not sure my daughter has that much in common with the airbus 320, rather noisy sure, but definalty smaller and less graceful in the air. Anyway, very much impressed.
It's been glorious sunshine all weekend, so fortunatly, as the whole world and their kids were invited, we spent most of it in the garden. For Mol, she spent most of it naked...which I guess is very appropriate attire to spend your birthday in! I spent quite a lot of time in the kitchen and would definalty look into a planned party somewhere as Laurie gets older...yes it's lovely to have it here but it ain't half a massive amount of work to do. Bless our cousins who were staying and got roped into making signs, putting up tents, blowing up balloons...and making seemingly endless sandwaiches. (once the kid toll got over 20, I gave up counting and just made all the food in the world.-we may be eating cake for a week!)
And so to bed-I'll have to post some recipies especially Mol's official cake one which was dead easy but far to dirty to spoil on a toddler!
Mol's birthday was a cracker, she's been very spoilt with lots of lovely things bought, and made for her. Her Poppa made her the most beautiful little shirt with buttons and pin tucks and it really is the loveliest thing. Its the first bit of sewing he's ever done and he claims it's just like reading engineering plans- (he's a retired aircraft engineer). I'm not sure my daughter has that much in common with the airbus 320, rather noisy sure, but definalty smaller and less graceful in the air. Anyway, very much impressed.
It's been glorious sunshine all weekend, so fortunatly, as the whole world and their kids were invited, we spent most of it in the garden. For Mol, she spent most of it naked...which I guess is very appropriate attire to spend your birthday in! I spent quite a lot of time in the kitchen and would definalty look into a planned party somewhere as Laurie gets older...yes it's lovely to have it here but it ain't half a massive amount of work to do. Bless our cousins who were staying and got roped into making signs, putting up tents, blowing up balloons...and making seemingly endless sandwaiches. (once the kid toll got over 20, I gave up counting and just made all the food in the world.-we may be eating cake for a week!)
And so to bed-I'll have to post some recipies especially Mol's official cake one which was dead easy but far to dirty to spoil on a toddler!
Monday, 24 June 2013
Be Prepared
Although I used to be a Brownie, a (rather rebellious) Girl Guide and infact a Ranger Scout, somehow the group motto never really made an impact. Previously, I have gone thru life woefully unprepared for the many pitfalls and challenges it has provided, usually with just enough quick wit and confidence to bluster my way along. In school for example, an RE exam could usually be passed with a bit of confident waffle and never being someone lost for words, a bit of chat came naturally. It appears that Mumming and general 'Grownupping' has thrown a spanner in the works. Suddenly people rely on you, even look up to you and it is difficult to reveal that it is all a charade. Still I'm sure the teenage years will reveal that in good time.
This morning, for example, sees me baking cakes for a toddler charity event at 6.30 am due to a migrane and lack of planning preventing it being done prior to this. This is all well as I woke up naturally, horrifically early. Not totally awake it transpires, as I have done delia's 'birthday cake' but mistaken some of the quantities (it may be a touch on the vanillery side) and cracked the eggs into a dirty bowl forgetting which bit (of egg and shell) was supposed to go where. Still, false start and they're in now and we will see if they (the mums) survive.
This week is a week of preperation, which for the novice preparer, is a challenge. Mol will be 2 on Saturday, where has the time gone. (It is a lie if anyone tells you you forget the birth as I can still remember every minute including shouting at the midwife 'I'm not sneezing, someone said the second was like a sneeze' and 'it's f******ing summer', to her comment at lunch that the baby should arrive before it got dark....It must be a joy to be a midwife). I am busy with food lists and events arranging for the 2 day extravaganza which will be her celebrations. We have family arriving for birthday cake followed by a big party on Sunday (to which I invited all our friends with kids, presuming some of them would say no......no). My lack of ability in the area of 'being prepared' means I have planned activities between now and then which clearly do not fit into the space provided and am hoping we are deluged by by helpful aunts and uncles wanting to bake,wrap pass the parcle and assst on the 'wand making' activity. In addition the party may look like a sufferagette rally due to my ,mistakingly thinking the fern,purple and white felt I had picked up for bunting would be appropriate.
This morning, for example, sees me baking cakes for a toddler charity event at 6.30 am due to a migrane and lack of planning preventing it being done prior to this. This is all well as I woke up naturally, horrifically early. Not totally awake it transpires, as I have done delia's 'birthday cake' but mistaken some of the quantities (it may be a touch on the vanillery side) and cracked the eggs into a dirty bowl forgetting which bit (of egg and shell) was supposed to go where. Still, false start and they're in now and we will see if they (the mums) survive.
This week is a week of preperation, which for the novice preparer, is a challenge. Mol will be 2 on Saturday, where has the time gone. (It is a lie if anyone tells you you forget the birth as I can still remember every minute including shouting at the midwife 'I'm not sneezing, someone said the second was like a sneeze' and 'it's f******ing summer', to her comment at lunch that the baby should arrive before it got dark....It must be a joy to be a midwife). I am busy with food lists and events arranging for the 2 day extravaganza which will be her celebrations. We have family arriving for birthday cake followed by a big party on Sunday (to which I invited all our friends with kids, presuming some of them would say no......no). My lack of ability in the area of 'being prepared' means I have planned activities between now and then which clearly do not fit into the space provided and am hoping we are deluged by by helpful aunts and uncles wanting to bake,wrap pass the parcle and assst on the 'wand making' activity. In addition the party may look like a sufferagette rally due to my ,mistakingly thinking the fern,purple and white felt I had picked up for bunting would be appropriate.
Saturday, 22 June 2013
Thursday, 20 June 2013
Keep on the sunny side
After a truely rubbish week of work stress, only briefly lightened by someone posting a short video clip of Mr Gove falling over (childish but a valuble resorce), I have been reevaluating my priorities. I read recently that President Obama believes when he dies he will not be mulling over policies made or laws passed, but instead his relationship with his daughters and family. Really, will you, most powerful man in the free world? Well it's certainly a nice idea. I hope certainly I shall not be dwelling on challenging lessons of yesteryear and polititian on an ill advsed power trip at that point when it comes.
Lows need highs to make them seem low and as its important to focus on the amusing and positive, I thought I'd share this post. A friend recently shared the following tale after taking her son, 3 year old Soloman, to school:
Whilst skating thru the park, Sol spied a gentelman in a wheelchair on his own. Without time to discuss disability or political correctness with his mother, Sol scooted over to him.
'Whoooaaa, those are massive wheels, are you going to the skate park?' He asked ' My Mum says I can't today as we've got to go to pre-school' (dramatic sigh)
Tha man laughs, 'No, not today, my wife says I can't today as we've got to go shopping'
'Ahhhh' nods Sol sagely scooting off with a wave.
Lows need highs to make them seem low and as its important to focus on the amusing and positive, I thought I'd share this post. A friend recently shared the following tale after taking her son, 3 year old Soloman, to school:
Whilst skating thru the park, Sol spied a gentelman in a wheelchair on his own. Without time to discuss disability or political correctness with his mother, Sol scooted over to him.
'Whoooaaa, those are massive wheels, are you going to the skate park?' He asked ' My Mum says I can't today as we've got to go to pre-school' (dramatic sigh)
Tha man laughs, 'No, not today, my wife says I can't today as we've got to go shopping'
'Ahhhh' nods Sol sagely scooting off with a wave.
Saturday, 8 June 2013
Living the pipe dream
I seem to living the pipe dream, two happy healthy kids,handsome husband, a lovely forest to play in, balmy summer days...and nearly enough beans in the larder to keep us going in our current poverty. My only worry is how on earth we are going pay the morgage to cover me looking after all these kids, maybe those pipes are made of lead and we could trade them in?
I've been mulling over possible money making schemes.... we could dig up the garden and plant it full of spuds, or I could earn a fortune from my as yet not started children's book (bound to be a best seller...surely)...or mayhaps we could farm the kids out to sell lemonade and cakes from the driveway (only the traffic is limited to the postman and a few horses so clientelle would be limited).
Somehow anyway I'm sure all will be fine. Who's supposed to have cash and kids anyway? I know lots of folks with money and they don't seem any happier than usual people. I guess they may have bigger homes and dress their kids in designer not charity and perhaps needen't stress about having to pay for a zoo outing they had promised. But then you've got to fuss with pool cleaners and playdough on the ' pret a porter'and queing for the overpriced zoo resturant while we lounge on the grass eating picnics.
Its easy to be poor on a sunny day- see me again in winter.
I've been mulling over possible money making schemes.... we could dig up the garden and plant it full of spuds, or I could earn a fortune from my as yet not started children's book (bound to be a best seller...surely)...or mayhaps we could farm the kids out to sell lemonade and cakes from the driveway (only the traffic is limited to the postman and a few horses so clientelle would be limited).
Somehow anyway I'm sure all will be fine. Who's supposed to have cash and kids anyway? I know lots of folks with money and they don't seem any happier than usual people. I guess they may have bigger homes and dress their kids in designer not charity and perhaps needen't stress about having to pay for a zoo outing they had promised. But then you've got to fuss with pool cleaners and playdough on the ' pret a porter'and queing for the overpriced zoo resturant while we lounge on the grass eating picnics.
Its easy to be poor on a sunny day- see me again in winter.
Saturday, 1 June 2013
Time marches on....
It turns out that I haven't been hamming it up and it has actually been a very cold spring-the coldest in 50 yrs apparently. In hindsight, not the best year to move into a house without central heating. Still, happily we have made friends with some folks with a wood so our stocks for next year look much more promising and the customary 8th layer of clothing may be able to be shelved for the next cold snap?
Well- they also say we are now in Summer, so I have high hopes that the world will get it's act together and warm up a touch. Today has been lovely, allowing for a birthday party of extreem house envy in the next village watching the sun glimmer over the estury and the kids playing in the fields- all very 'Darling Buds'. I returned to a rather clingy daughter and a bath of cat poo, but was determined to only let this blight my day for a short period. Laurie has got increasingly fussy with food recently so I decided to get him more involved in the cooking and we made salmon kebabs for tea-Both kids made their own which was a bit hairy for the under 2's especially, but no limbs lost and dinner eaten so a big success. I have to finish up my Blackcurrant sorbet in a moment so all things considered. have had quite a Nigella afternoon.
Mum and Dad have been away and recently commented on the change in the kids in such a short time. It got me thinking. Laurie can now write his name, sort of, using dot guides and will write whole sentances (totally illegible) and be able to tell you what they say. He has also taught himself to read (make things up) and does so in a such a convincing tone I havent the heart to correct him. It turns out he can also now read road signs 'Mummy that means no big red cars and no little black cars' and my current favourite ' Mummy that means no boomerang throwing as it might come and hit you on the head'. Looking at the signage it was quite a logical conclusion. Mol is determined to copy her brother with everything which can be a bit dangerous and tiring but does mean her speech is excellent for one so wee. She's full of blonde curls and big blue eyes at the moment but think she's going to be a real challenge in a few years.
Well- they also say we are now in Summer, so I have high hopes that the world will get it's act together and warm up a touch. Today has been lovely, allowing for a birthday party of extreem house envy in the next village watching the sun glimmer over the estury and the kids playing in the fields- all very 'Darling Buds'. I returned to a rather clingy daughter and a bath of cat poo, but was determined to only let this blight my day for a short period. Laurie has got increasingly fussy with food recently so I decided to get him more involved in the cooking and we made salmon kebabs for tea-Both kids made their own which was a bit hairy for the under 2's especially, but no limbs lost and dinner eaten so a big success. I have to finish up my Blackcurrant sorbet in a moment so all things considered. have had quite a Nigella afternoon.
Mum and Dad have been away and recently commented on the change in the kids in such a short time. It got me thinking. Laurie can now write his name, sort of, using dot guides and will write whole sentances (totally illegible) and be able to tell you what they say. He has also taught himself to read (make things up) and does so in a such a convincing tone I havent the heart to correct him. It turns out he can also now read road signs 'Mummy that means no big red cars and no little black cars' and my current favourite ' Mummy that means no boomerang throwing as it might come and hit you on the head'. Looking at the signage it was quite a logical conclusion. Mol is determined to copy her brother with everything which can be a bit dangerous and tiring but does mean her speech is excellent for one so wee. She's full of blonde curls and big blue eyes at the moment but think she's going to be a real challenge in a few years.
Saturday, 25 May 2013
Brave New World
We are entering a new age of Team Anonimum. Not only do we now have a good guess at what baby no 3 is, having had a good nappy shot on the scan, we also have a 'working title' for it-which is streaks ahead of its siblings at a similar stage and amazingly organised for us. The baby seems well but the hospital seem to have negleted to offer and notation on it, so we are yet to discover if it has broard shoulders, over sized limbs, or perhaps more importantly for the main event, a mamouth head.
Another exciting development is the final plumbing in of the dishwasher. Having survived 5 years of marriage and 2 children without it, I wondered if all the hype would be worth it. Oh doubting Thomas. After a very enjoyable day of visiting friends and toddler fun, the world was stacked high with dirty tippee cups,bowls of snacks, greasy cuttlery etc. Did I wash any of it...did I heck. I am converted. Dishwasher = saviour of the early evening. Now what to do with all this free time. So far have been scouring the garden/house for other bits to fill my magic machine. Then I realise it's Saturday night.
Another exciting development is the final plumbing in of the dishwasher. Having survived 5 years of marriage and 2 children without it, I wondered if all the hype would be worth it. Oh doubting Thomas. After a very enjoyable day of visiting friends and toddler fun, the world was stacked high with dirty tippee cups,bowls of snacks, greasy cuttlery etc. Did I wash any of it...did I heck. I am converted. Dishwasher = saviour of the early evening. Now what to do with all this free time. So far have been scouring the garden/house for other bits to fill my magic machine. Then I realise it's Saturday night.
Monday, 20 May 2013
Two boys, or not two boys, that is the question
Tomorrow we are going for our 20 week scan. I am a little apprehensive. We have to take Laurie and Mol due to a lack of babysitters. 2 kids + 2 hrs in the car + rather fractious over tired parents = a whole day of fun. I don't think we're going to find out what it is, but we will have to wait until we're there. I don't mind. Although, I said that with Mol, didn't find out and then spent the next 20 weeks neurotically scanning the web for old wives tests. All of which said girl, bar one, which hedged its bets.
Unlike poor Hamlet, life is pretty good here. I see his 'outragous fortune' and only offer in comparison the trials of pushing a semi naked boy (after a 'tree wee' incident)on a bike whilst balancing a scooter and a toddler on my shoulders (midwife would not have been happy): Which is more rather awkward/uncomfortable than tragic. However, 'to sleep perchance to dream, theres the rub'...indeed my friend, if only! I have just entered the less known 'cant sleep,need to pee,can't get comfortable trimester'. Something not helped by Mol having a melt down, Bitey Cat trying to chase Nice but Dim around the bed, and Mr A having night terrors. Yawn, better luck tonight.
Unlike poor Hamlet, life is pretty good here. I see his 'outragous fortune' and only offer in comparison the trials of pushing a semi naked boy (after a 'tree wee' incident)on a bike whilst balancing a scooter and a toddler on my shoulders (midwife would not have been happy): Which is more rather awkward/uncomfortable than tragic. However, 'to sleep perchance to dream, theres the rub'...indeed my friend, if only! I have just entered the less known 'cant sleep,need to pee,can't get comfortable trimester'. Something not helped by Mol having a melt down, Bitey Cat trying to chase Nice but Dim around the bed, and Mr A having night terrors. Yawn, better luck tonight.
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
The uninvited guest
Unlike some folks, I like an uninvited guest. It says people are comfortable enough to drop in on you and head home again if the timing is not good. At just under my alloted year at the cottage and we have started recieving our first uninvited guests.The only downside it that with a number of large downstairs windows, one must make sure that pyjamas and other 'homely' clothes are decent at all times. Naked Tuesdays is clearly best kept for city living. My fasle assumption that I would be safe upstairs gathering clothing slowly between brushing toddlers teeth,changing nappies,packing lunches etc was further thwarted by the sporadic visits from the window clearner. He seems to have adopted a stealth approach to ladder work which must surley have its downsides as well as benifits for the man.
Our second, less popular, Uninvited Guest is 'Bitey Cat'. Bitey Cat is a bully who had taken to chasing our nice but dim moggy about the garden. It seems that my water pistoling and throwing of pots(the light plastic ones) and pegs has been a lame attempt to frighten it off. All too frequently we have heard hissing and spitting downstairs in the night to find a stand off taking place. Moreover, Bitey Cat appears so at home, he has made a bed in Mr A's Tramp Coat, where he sleeps every night and during rainy spells by the back door. On further investigation it appears Bitey was owned by the lady at the top of the road and then passed onto our neighbours after the one owner flattened the other's original pet. In this case I can't help feeling a bit sorry for Bitey. Mayhaps I should see him more as an LAC (looked after cat) and consider his needs-no wonder he has affection and freidnship issues if his life has been handed from home to home. Still, I'm not sure I have the patience or skill to be an effective foster mother to a delinquent feline. Maybe I should invest in that super soaker after all......
Our second, less popular, Uninvited Guest is 'Bitey Cat'. Bitey Cat is a bully who had taken to chasing our nice but dim moggy about the garden. It seems that my water pistoling and throwing of pots(the light plastic ones) and pegs has been a lame attempt to frighten it off. All too frequently we have heard hissing and spitting downstairs in the night to find a stand off taking place. Moreover, Bitey Cat appears so at home, he has made a bed in Mr A's Tramp Coat, where he sleeps every night and during rainy spells by the back door. On further investigation it appears Bitey was owned by the lady at the top of the road and then passed onto our neighbours after the one owner flattened the other's original pet. In this case I can't help feeling a bit sorry for Bitey. Mayhaps I should see him more as an LAC (looked after cat) and consider his needs-no wonder he has affection and freidnship issues if his life has been handed from home to home. Still, I'm not sure I have the patience or skill to be an effective foster mother to a delinquent feline. Maybe I should invest in that super soaker after all......
Thursday, 9 May 2013
Saturday, 4 May 2013
Bloomn' Loverly
A typical bank holiday weekend in the UK. 6am and its chucking it down. Still, think I, its good for the garden. I am immediatly reminded of a moment a few days back whilst in the green house when upon The Archers ending and Gardeners World being announced...I thought to myself, my how useful, that sounds interesting. I am infact 73.
Aside from prematurly aging 40 years, the last few weeks have been treating us very well. The garden looks great, although there is somthing of the forest about my peas, which still refuse to climb and simply lollop along the grass, despite my continued coaxing.The rhubard is pretty spritley and nearly pickable and I picked one leek-for no other reason than it was a decentish size and they have now been in since october and are officially the most boring vegatable to grow...ever. The sticky 'ornamental cherry' is making its best case for me not to chop it down and burn it come summer. I maintain if the thing only looks pretty for two weeks then looks like a large witches broom the rest of the time, its got to go.
Baby number 3 is making its presence felt in that I am very tired, although thankfully the sickness has now passed. Laurie came full of concern to see me lying on the sofa, 'Mummy, you look tired, would you like a spanner?'. I'm not entirely sure what I would have done with a spanner at that point but it was a caring thought. Mol has no grasp of the situation and if questioned simply points to her tummy and says baby. Although she did come inform the garden claiming she had been playing with her friend Hannah. She has no such friend but it was top of my baby names list. Spooky.
Aside from prematurly aging 40 years, the last few weeks have been treating us very well. The garden looks great, although there is somthing of the forest about my peas, which still refuse to climb and simply lollop along the grass, despite my continued coaxing.The rhubard is pretty spritley and nearly pickable and I picked one leek-for no other reason than it was a decentish size and they have now been in since october and are officially the most boring vegatable to grow...ever. The sticky 'ornamental cherry' is making its best case for me not to chop it down and burn it come summer. I maintain if the thing only looks pretty for two weeks then looks like a large witches broom the rest of the time, its got to go.
Baby number 3 is making its presence felt in that I am very tired, although thankfully the sickness has now passed. Laurie came full of concern to see me lying on the sofa, 'Mummy, you look tired, would you like a spanner?'. I'm not entirely sure what I would have done with a spanner at that point but it was a caring thought. Mol has no grasp of the situation and if questioned simply points to her tummy and says baby. Although she did come inform the garden claiming she had been playing with her friend Hannah. She has no such friend but it was top of my baby names list. Spooky.
Sunday, 21 April 2013
In an English Country Garden
Finally, Spring has shown the promise of activity. Better late than never. The orchard, (all 8 trees of it) are showing the first hints of colour and the garden's showing signs of life. That is, except for the pond where the frost has killed off all the frogspawn and it is now covered, again in weed. I am not a natural gardner. My peas are showing no interst in climbing the lovingly made terrace I built them and so far I my strawberry relocation scheme has killed off more than it has saved and unearthed a cat graveyard. I firmly believe house seller should alert buyers to the location of all deceased previous occupants if still at the residance. That put aside, today I rebuilt a raised bed, rehomed some rogue strawberries, chatted to a robin and generally felt like Beatrix Potter.
Sunday, 14 April 2013
Little fish, big pond
So we decided to take the whole of team anonimum to a wedding in the big smoke. The wedding I was looking forward to. The 8 trains,9hrs travel and sleeping enmasse in a family room, I was not.
In actual fact it all went pretty smoothly. Various overpriced novelty children's magazines kept the kids entertained most of the way and the 'waiting', 'boarding', 'waiting', element is apparently an exciting event in itself for the under 4's. Despite kids and train tracks giving me endless nightmares, they were pretty good. Thanks goodness for good natured old folks who were happy to entertain and play 'peepo' for an hr tho.
The wedding was great, the food was amazing and the non alcoholic drinking options (more on that team development later) were well thought out. The Bride glowed in a beautiful cobalt Ghost number, breaking with the humdrum of ivory and the Groom looked appropriatly like the cat with the cream. It turns out kids at a wedding is a bit of a pain but kids at a wedding plus grandparents,aunties, uncles,2 godparents and numerous baby coralling friends, is totally manageable. We ate and drank and danced (Mol won many friends by finding dance partners amoungst the tipsy guests) until pyjama o'clock which found me pushing a wiped out Laurie and Mr A encouraging a lively Mol (intent on finding every puddle) accross the soutbank and home.
On our way home I had planned some family time (a good idea I had imagined). I had not factored in the monumental hangover Mr A would have having rejoined his friends and fogotten the homeward journey the next day. So, as I strode thru Green park, marvelling the sunny day and the scenery, Mr A limped behind, dark glasses on, making comment such as 'whats this one then'?. 'That, that large building with changing gaurds, golden gates, mounted police, flags a flying,, Mr A, that will be Buckingham Palace'. Needless to say he was pretty useless until about 5pm at which point we were nearly home. The journey was rather more painful, but lightened by Laurie composing a loud song called 'Broken Daddy' as we pulled out of Paddington.
In actual fact it all went pretty smoothly. Various overpriced novelty children's magazines kept the kids entertained most of the way and the 'waiting', 'boarding', 'waiting', element is apparently an exciting event in itself for the under 4's. Despite kids and train tracks giving me endless nightmares, they were pretty good. Thanks goodness for good natured old folks who were happy to entertain and play 'peepo' for an hr tho.
The wedding was great, the food was amazing and the non alcoholic drinking options (more on that team development later) were well thought out. The Bride glowed in a beautiful cobalt Ghost number, breaking with the humdrum of ivory and the Groom looked appropriatly like the cat with the cream. It turns out kids at a wedding is a bit of a pain but kids at a wedding plus grandparents,aunties, uncles,2 godparents and numerous baby coralling friends, is totally manageable. We ate and drank and danced (Mol won many friends by finding dance partners amoungst the tipsy guests) until pyjama o'clock which found me pushing a wiped out Laurie and Mr A encouraging a lively Mol (intent on finding every puddle) accross the soutbank and home.
On our way home I had planned some family time (a good idea I had imagined). I had not factored in the monumental hangover Mr A would have having rejoined his friends and fogotten the homeward journey the next day. So, as I strode thru Green park, marvelling the sunny day and the scenery, Mr A limped behind, dark glasses on, making comment such as 'whats this one then'?. 'That, that large building with changing gaurds, golden gates, mounted police, flags a flying,, Mr A, that will be Buckingham Palace'. Needless to say he was pretty useless until about 5pm at which point we were nearly home. The journey was rather more painful, but lightened by Laurie composing a loud song called 'Broken Daddy' as we pulled out of Paddington.
Thursday, 7 March 2013
Assessment for learning
You could do a masters in 3 years. Maybe I should suggest a Masters in' Mum' to the open university as many of the skills I have learnt are both useful and transferrable and may help forward my furture career path in numerous fields. Admittidly, some of the skills I have learnt have more limited uses.
New Skills Audit
1: Knowledge on how best to remove the smell of Fish Finger Vomit - solution involves bicarb and a new car playmat from Ikea £9.99- a bargain!
2: Ability to encourage son to fart on his fathers side of the bed not my own- solution involves much bribing.
3: Ability to get two sleeping tots and one push bike up the hill home with only a single push chair- solution involves cheating via use of kindly neighbour
4: Ability to remove challenging substances such as playdough, porridge and the surprisingly concrete dried banana from faces, clothes, flooring, furniture,curtains and so on.
5: Ability to still be awake after 45 mins of rocking and singing in the dark.
6: Ability to drive/work/teach/Mum on under 4hrs of sleep....just about......If Maggie can run the country on it I can darn well Mum. Will not be shown up...grit teeth....pin open eyes...drink more coffee.....
7: Awareness of all avaliable toileting spots in a 5 mile radius- could set up the Mum's version of 'The Knowledge'
8: Ability to seek out suitable toileting spot within 1 min time limit in unknown terrain.
Areas of development
1: Maintaining level of calm when trying to leave the house quickly on a cold and blustery day when faces by adverse factors of winging kids, unmatched gloves and missing shoes.
2:Maintaining calm when faced with two kids who point blank refuse to eat the nutritious and budget friendly meal lovingly prepared for them
3: Maintaining calm when tot will not share toys with friend despite insisting all week friend comes over.
4: Improving organisation to ensure there is enough bread on packed lunch day and not be the only unorganised mum making sandiches from Stop n Shop goods outside the school gates.
5: Ability not to get clocked by other mothers preparing lunch from Stop n Shop goods outside school gates.
6: Maintaining calm when yet again for no freaking reason the kids are awake and screaming from 12-4am...why oh why? Maybe this is some sort of final exam test.
7: Ability to reduce beautifying routine to leave house in satisfactory time without resulting look being 'bag lady chic'
New Skills Audit
1: Knowledge on how best to remove the smell of Fish Finger Vomit - solution involves bicarb and a new car playmat from Ikea £9.99- a bargain!
2: Ability to encourage son to fart on his fathers side of the bed not my own- solution involves much bribing.
3: Ability to get two sleeping tots and one push bike up the hill home with only a single push chair- solution involves cheating via use of kindly neighbour
4: Ability to remove challenging substances such as playdough, porridge and the surprisingly concrete dried banana from faces, clothes, flooring, furniture,curtains and so on.
5: Ability to still be awake after 45 mins of rocking and singing in the dark.
6: Ability to drive/work/teach/Mum on under 4hrs of sleep....just about......If Maggie can run the country on it I can darn well Mum. Will not be shown up...grit teeth....pin open eyes...drink more coffee.....
7: Awareness of all avaliable toileting spots in a 5 mile radius- could set up the Mum's version of 'The Knowledge'
8: Ability to seek out suitable toileting spot within 1 min time limit in unknown terrain.
Areas of development
1: Maintaining level of calm when trying to leave the house quickly on a cold and blustery day when faces by adverse factors of winging kids, unmatched gloves and missing shoes.
2:Maintaining calm when faced with two kids who point blank refuse to eat the nutritious and budget friendly meal lovingly prepared for them
3: Maintaining calm when tot will not share toys with friend despite insisting all week friend comes over.
4: Improving organisation to ensure there is enough bread on packed lunch day and not be the only unorganised mum making sandiches from Stop n Shop goods outside the school gates.
5: Ability not to get clocked by other mothers preparing lunch from Stop n Shop goods outside school gates.
6: Maintaining calm when yet again for no freaking reason the kids are awake and screaming from 12-4am...why oh why? Maybe this is some sort of final exam test.
7: Ability to reduce beautifying routine to leave house in satisfactory time without resulting look being 'bag lady chic'
Tuesday, 5 March 2013
I dreamed a dream
Recently I have been experiencing a period of very active night time imaginings. This could be for a number of reasons. possibly as due to the tiny amounts of very broken sleep I am currently getting, somehow my brain feels it needs to cram as much dream doings on in the small window avaliable. Possible it could be because two kids plus endless DIY plus exm season = very busy brain and limited process time when awake. Either way it's not making for a restful nights sleep as I seem to constantly be having high action ninja/asassin style adventures which seem both physically and mentally exhausting. Well, constantly expept for the one time I had a very dull work dream in which I was struggling with a tedious process which I spend enough work time dwelling on to bother with at home, let alone in my sleep.
In other news team Anonimum is thriving, save the odd tummy complaint and pre-school mishap. We are looking into chicken rearing- as we clearly don't have enough on our plates! We have many plans, some are achievable and some probably pie in the sky. I'm throwing around ideas for our kitchen renovations. It seems a huge project but one that can happily wait the 10 yrs before we have the cash to afford it, Well maybe 15 yrs at the current rate. Think we'll have to stick to a bit of new lino for now.
In other news team Anonimum is thriving, save the odd tummy complaint and pre-school mishap. We are looking into chicken rearing- as we clearly don't have enough on our plates! We have many plans, some are achievable and some probably pie in the sky. I'm throwing around ideas for our kitchen renovations. It seems a huge project but one that can happily wait the 10 yrs before we have the cash to afford it, Well maybe 15 yrs at the current rate. Think we'll have to stick to a bit of new lino for now.
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Adventures in motions and pictures.
This week has been all about travelling and pooh. Despite our current forest dwellng and age of the family, I sadly do not refer to a small yellow bear and his little piggy friend. We spent a nice week away which was great to catch up with family and friends but not good for either the routine or gut. Fortunalty both kids were so knackerd naps and bedtime have made a welcome return with little fuss. Less welcome is Firebottom.
I have spent a few days trying to shovel fibre in as quick as it seems to be reappearing. Laurie helpfully noted as ' mummy we need a fire engine to put out Molly's bottom' as the contents of a particually poisonious napkin slid out onto my pair of wevebeenonholidayandnotdoneanywashing jeans. It was a bad day to try and make a good impression at toddlers with a stinky child and wearing a skirt and leggings combo clearly far too short and designed for someone a decade younger. At least Mol decided to produce at home, unlike Laurie whose park 'tree wee' turned out to be an emergency 'porridge turd' that needed shovelling and disposing off in the dog bin....which seemed an endless walk away past numerous lovely looking Mums dressed in age appropriate outfits with fragrent children.
On the positive, Mol appears to be developing a flair for all things creative, which brings me joy as an Art teacher! This week she created something that bore a definate resemblence to a daffodil out of egg boxes and glue and spring picture which had definate influences of both monet impressionist and picassos cubist periods. Laurie sadly shows less interest. Unless he happens to fancy drawing a truck or train. Today he showed a flair for destruction, ripping apart the preschool art supplies in a temper. I am less proud but perhaps he was going for a Dadaesque piece and is misunderstood and tortured...I shall have to watch out for any self inflicted ear related injuries.
I have spent a few days trying to shovel fibre in as quick as it seems to be reappearing. Laurie helpfully noted as ' mummy we need a fire engine to put out Molly's bottom' as the contents of a particually poisonious napkin slid out onto my pair of wevebeenonholidayandnotdoneanywashing jeans. It was a bad day to try and make a good impression at toddlers with a stinky child and wearing a skirt and leggings combo clearly far too short and designed for someone a decade younger. At least Mol decided to produce at home, unlike Laurie whose park 'tree wee' turned out to be an emergency 'porridge turd' that needed shovelling and disposing off in the dog bin....which seemed an endless walk away past numerous lovely looking Mums dressed in age appropriate outfits with fragrent children.
On the positive, Mol appears to be developing a flair for all things creative, which brings me joy as an Art teacher! This week she created something that bore a definate resemblence to a daffodil out of egg boxes and glue and spring picture which had definate influences of both monet impressionist and picassos cubist periods. Laurie sadly shows less interest. Unless he happens to fancy drawing a truck or train. Today he showed a flair for destruction, ripping apart the preschool art supplies in a temper. I am less proud but perhaps he was going for a Dadaesque piece and is misunderstood and tortured...I shall have to watch out for any self inflicted ear related injuries.
Sunday, 3 February 2013
When a child is born
I was a bit worried when we moved out of the city that we wouldn't see our friends as frequently and it may be rather lonely. It's true, we don't see people as often, but when they do come, they now come to stay rather than simply popping by for an hour or so.
In what was otherwise a rather slow news week, this weekends guests, Laurie's Godfather, his daughter and heavily pregnant wife, were a welcome addition.Ture, it was quite funny to discuss in the evening what sort of midwifery equipment we would have here, in case of need. However, I did get a bit nervous when Jane started looking uncomfortable over dinner, but she assured me the (clearly quite strong) Braxton Hicks were a daily occurance and nothing to worry about. She was then the life and soul of the party staying up well beyond midnight. Things however got a bit more nerve wracking when at 9.30 am she appeared asking to use the shower as her waters had just gone. I flew into a mild state of panic/excitement and started looking for towels. After the shower it become clear the baby was not taking its time and poor Jane was soon hopping about looking well on her way....so we kept their toddler as they made a mad dash back over the bridge (gathering speeding tickets on their way) and made it into the hospital with moments to spare. It turned out we missed our first cottage birth by 30 mins and baby was born in the toilet on arrival. The proud parents have given up on their preffered name of Ellouise as you can't risk anything with a shortening of 'Loo'.
Mother and baby are well...phew.
In what was otherwise a rather slow news week, this weekends guests, Laurie's Godfather, his daughter and heavily pregnant wife, were a welcome addition.Ture, it was quite funny to discuss in the evening what sort of midwifery equipment we would have here, in case of need. However, I did get a bit nervous when Jane started looking uncomfortable over dinner, but she assured me the (clearly quite strong) Braxton Hicks were a daily occurance and nothing to worry about. She was then the life and soul of the party staying up well beyond midnight. Things however got a bit more nerve wracking when at 9.30 am she appeared asking to use the shower as her waters had just gone. I flew into a mild state of panic/excitement and started looking for towels. After the shower it become clear the baby was not taking its time and poor Jane was soon hopping about looking well on her way....so we kept their toddler as they made a mad dash back over the bridge (gathering speeding tickets on their way) and made it into the hospital with moments to spare. It turned out we missed our first cottage birth by 30 mins and baby was born in the toilet on arrival. The proud parents have given up on their preffered name of Ellouise as you can't risk anything with a shortening of 'Loo'.
Mother and baby are well...phew.
Working 9 til 5....wouldn't that be lovely
Work this week has been particually solid, with end to end issues needing far more brain power than my sleepdeprivedgoneonstrike grey matter can muster. I have taken a snow plough approach and have emerged only slightly bruised the other side with many issues successfully pushed to the curb for another days dealings.
Today, we had a training course to help develop our leadership skills. Its all very well practising 'difficult conversations' in the work place but noone seems to think it's necessary to help with those thrown at you by those you attempt to manage at home. This week's classics included 'Mummy, Mol is eating your tampons, what's a tampon?' and 'Mummy, why has Ben's mummy got such a funny head?'. Mercifully, these learning opportunities have so far been kept at home and the snow plough has again been adopted (whilst prising tampon wrappers from my daughter's teeth). I am often reminded of the time I loudly asked my mother 'Mummy, what is intercourse' in a rather quiet section after a retelling of the christmas story. My mother is now church warden but I'm pretty it's not due to a feeling of still having to pay pennance for an irreverant child..?
I am still adjusting to the fact work dosen't start when you unlock your office or finish when you leave the carpark. I am encouraged that free time will return soon...say in 18years or so.
Today, we had a training course to help develop our leadership skills. Its all very well practising 'difficult conversations' in the work place but noone seems to think it's necessary to help with those thrown at you by those you attempt to manage at home. This week's classics included 'Mummy, Mol is eating your tampons, what's a tampon?' and 'Mummy, why has Ben's mummy got such a funny head?'. Mercifully, these learning opportunities have so far been kept at home and the snow plough has again been adopted (whilst prising tampon wrappers from my daughter's teeth). I am often reminded of the time I loudly asked my mother 'Mummy, what is intercourse' in a rather quiet section after a retelling of the christmas story. My mother is now church warden but I'm pretty it's not due to a feeling of still having to pay pennance for an irreverant child..?
I am still adjusting to the fact work dosen't start when you unlock your office or finish when you leave the carpark. I am encouraged that free time will return soon...say in 18years or so.
Sunday, 27 January 2013
Baby it's cold outside
We are in the grips of an exceptionally week in the freezer, which is not entirely unwelcome by Team Anonimum despite meaning the house feels like an igloo. I find out that across the bridge there are a number of igloos in which the students are sleeping to raise money for charity. Good luck to them. Mayhaps we should get sponsorship for this week in the cottage then??
I woke up on Friday to a text from work announcing a snow day and the garden covered in at least 10cms of shiny white. It was very possible I was more excited than Laurie who kept insisting it was Christmas day and went rushing around looking for Father Christmas.
After about 10 mins of breakfasting and about 1 hr of suitable hat, gloves, coat, boot finding, we were outside making snow angels and Laurie was doing seat drops where the lawn should have been. In my usual inept style of being woefully unprepared for life, I seemed to be the only Mum going who had not purchased a sledge so we launched into a bit of a 'Blue Peter' moment to find suitable alternatives. After trying the tray and change mat (surprisingly effective), the Cottage Washing Basket Cresta Run 2013 championships were soon underway, proving shoving your three year old down a small incline in a plastic box is an amazingly cathartic exerience after a day of winging.
Mol was less keen on her first real taste of the white stuff and made her feelings very clear on Saturday as we took the Cresta Run out to the local sledging hill, by screaming at me from the backpack the entire long and slippy walk home. She did however find it very amusing to watch her parents get covered in snow balls and was quite keen on the snow cat her brother made for her. Long may such touching displays of sibling love last!
I woke up on Friday to a text from work announcing a snow day and the garden covered in at least 10cms of shiny white. It was very possible I was more excited than Laurie who kept insisting it was Christmas day and went rushing around looking for Father Christmas.
After about 10 mins of breakfasting and about 1 hr of suitable hat, gloves, coat, boot finding, we were outside making snow angels and Laurie was doing seat drops where the lawn should have been. In my usual inept style of being woefully unprepared for life, I seemed to be the only Mum going who had not purchased a sledge so we launched into a bit of a 'Blue Peter' moment to find suitable alternatives. After trying the tray and change mat (surprisingly effective), the Cottage Washing Basket Cresta Run 2013 championships were soon underway, proving shoving your three year old down a small incline in a plastic box is an amazingly cathartic exerience after a day of winging.
Mol was less keen on her first real taste of the white stuff and made her feelings very clear on Saturday as we took the Cresta Run out to the local sledging hill, by screaming at me from the backpack the entire long and slippy walk home. She did however find it very amusing to watch her parents get covered in snow balls and was quite keen on the snow cat her brother made for her. Long may such touching displays of sibling love last!
Saturday, 12 January 2013
To the moon and back
It was a busy week where I felt I'd been everywhere and done far more than should fit in seven days. We went to the castle at last, mingled with the locals,enjoyed a January picnic under a christmas table cloth teepee and had an unexpected mini break at the childrens hospital. I was pretty done in..then had to go back to work
The week started well with a visit from old friends who bought along their own tot. He proved very good excersise for ours, although turns out he may have ended up being a bit over generous with his bugs. A few days later found us taking Mol to the GP, then the Eye Hospital, then A and E, to be told they were admitting her for a course of IV antibiotics. Cue rather tired and emotional anonimum trying to stiffle stiff upper lipped sniffs and slightly teary eyes whilst dashing about town trying to find the necessary kit for an unexpected night from home. I can't manage baby jabs so had to bow out of the insertion of the canula. I'm not sure wether it would have been worse to have been there than listening to the miserable wails from outside.
Of all the (rather few) mini breaks I have enjoyed, the children's hospital didn't actually rate too badly and reminded me that along with nursery staff, nurses really should get knighted more often. Still after two days of Kistry Alsopp, David Dickenson, Jeremy wot not (who has not aged very well since the last time I watched him- which may, admittidly have been some years since) and various tangerine faced duos trying to sell me homes in the country, in another country,under the hammer etcetera etcatera, it was fair to say I was pretty bored and exhausted. Mol meanwhile was weathering the storm pretty well, which made me feel more terrible for the really poorly wee mites in adjoining rooms who Mol seemed determined to befriend thru the windows of their rooms. Bored as we may have been, it did remind me how lucky we are.
And how tired! Everyone seemed out of routine by the weekend what with strange events taking us away from home, running about and returning to work, sleep has gone a bit haywire. A very sleepy Laurie sitting on his stool infornt of the fire just said " Mummy I love you to the moon and back" . We haven't read that book in weeks. I cried a little.
The week started well with a visit from old friends who bought along their own tot. He proved very good excersise for ours, although turns out he may have ended up being a bit over generous with his bugs. A few days later found us taking Mol to the GP, then the Eye Hospital, then A and E, to be told they were admitting her for a course of IV antibiotics. Cue rather tired and emotional anonimum trying to stiffle stiff upper lipped sniffs and slightly teary eyes whilst dashing about town trying to find the necessary kit for an unexpected night from home. I can't manage baby jabs so had to bow out of the insertion of the canula. I'm not sure wether it would have been worse to have been there than listening to the miserable wails from outside.
Of all the (rather few) mini breaks I have enjoyed, the children's hospital didn't actually rate too badly and reminded me that along with nursery staff, nurses really should get knighted more often. Still after two days of Kistry Alsopp, David Dickenson, Jeremy wot not (who has not aged very well since the last time I watched him- which may, admittidly have been some years since) and various tangerine faced duos trying to sell me homes in the country, in another country,under the hammer etcetera etcatera, it was fair to say I was pretty bored and exhausted. Mol meanwhile was weathering the storm pretty well, which made me feel more terrible for the really poorly wee mites in adjoining rooms who Mol seemed determined to befriend thru the windows of their rooms. Bored as we may have been, it did remind me how lucky we are.
And how tired! Everyone seemed out of routine by the weekend what with strange events taking us away from home, running about and returning to work, sleep has gone a bit haywire. A very sleepy Laurie sitting on his stool infornt of the fire just said " Mummy I love you to the moon and back" . We haven't read that book in weeks. I cried a little.
Wednesday, 2 January 2013
50 shades
With Christmas having been and gone the excitement of New Year loomed large on the horizon. The house looked like Texas after hurricane season with toys strewn to the far corners of subsofa and the carpet in the kitchen (I ask you really, carpet in the kitchen??) covered in at least 50 shades of playdough, gravy, custard and so on.
After a day visiting friends and letting the kids run off steam, we decided to have Laurie's godmother and family over for a quiet New Years eve, which was really nice although it made me feel rather old having such a low key do. More so the fact I had to have a disco nap to make it to midnight....not sure if it's still called a disco nap if it's at 10pm tho. Still we were all awake at 12 and raised a glass along with the radio 4 man (again, rather old) to good things happening in 2013.
The New Year so far appears to be carrying on from 2012 in that it is very wet. I am seriously considering in investing in a tumble dryer. So today we escaped to the shelter of the libary. I spent some time seeking out gardening books to ready myself for the flurry of activity I will make during the dryer weather in the garden. I am secretly hoping it will stay wet. I think by now I have to conceede I am starting to sound older than my (early) 30's. A friend jokily suggested they would buy me one of those amusing vegetable shaped foam kneelers for my new middle aged life style. Gladly that gift never arrived at christmas but I will watch out in future incase my age is given away by gifts recieved. (when my Grazia subscription changes to Good Housekeeping I will really worry). Anyhoo a helpful elderly lady showed me where young hipsters like myself could locate the gardening books and I now have 'The Gardening Year' and 'The Greenhouse Gardener' to brighten my evenings. I am rather put off however as the first book tells me to 'attend to your lawn'. This rings bells to me that surley are not related to gardening and I have not the first clue how one would go about attending to such a thing. If it does not like yoghurt and won't be put on the naugthy step, i am at a loss. Give me some specific instructions!
Laurie and Mol had a good time wrecking the kids section. Spinning round on the chairs and climbing on the train bookshelf. Mol is particually fond on nosing at books others have chosen and stealing off with them. Today it was the turn of a rather harassed looking Mum with at least 3 kids. (3 kids...imagine). I was a bit late to find Mol sifting their collection and come toddling across to me, via a detour of most of the libary, joyously brandishing the clearly erotic novel Harassed Mum had chosen and secreted in the pile. We left at speed.
After a day visiting friends and letting the kids run off steam, we decided to have Laurie's godmother and family over for a quiet New Years eve, which was really nice although it made me feel rather old having such a low key do. More so the fact I had to have a disco nap to make it to midnight....not sure if it's still called a disco nap if it's at 10pm tho. Still we were all awake at 12 and raised a glass along with the radio 4 man (again, rather old) to good things happening in 2013.
The New Year so far appears to be carrying on from 2012 in that it is very wet. I am seriously considering in investing in a tumble dryer. So today we escaped to the shelter of the libary. I spent some time seeking out gardening books to ready myself for the flurry of activity I will make during the dryer weather in the garden. I am secretly hoping it will stay wet. I think by now I have to conceede I am starting to sound older than my (early) 30's. A friend jokily suggested they would buy me one of those amusing vegetable shaped foam kneelers for my new middle aged life style. Gladly that gift never arrived at christmas but I will watch out in future incase my age is given away by gifts recieved. (when my Grazia subscription changes to Good Housekeeping I will really worry). Anyhoo a helpful elderly lady showed me where young hipsters like myself could locate the gardening books and I now have 'The Gardening Year' and 'The Greenhouse Gardener' to brighten my evenings. I am rather put off however as the first book tells me to 'attend to your lawn'. This rings bells to me that surley are not related to gardening and I have not the first clue how one would go about attending to such a thing. If it does not like yoghurt and won't be put on the naugthy step, i am at a loss. Give me some specific instructions!
Laurie and Mol had a good time wrecking the kids section. Spinning round on the chairs and climbing on the train bookshelf. Mol is particually fond on nosing at books others have chosen and stealing off with them. Today it was the turn of a rather harassed looking Mum with at least 3 kids. (3 kids...imagine). I was a bit late to find Mol sifting their collection and come toddling across to me, via a detour of most of the libary, joyously brandishing the clearly erotic novel Harassed Mum had chosen and secreted in the pile. We left at speed.
A Merry Little Christmas
And so the extended family travelled the country and by and by arrived at the Anonimum cottage where only a slightly fraut group were gathered madly wrapping, baking and generally making ready for the day ahead.
T'was the night before Christmas and not a creature was stirring...some chance. Laurie and Mol (Laurie in particular but Mol joining in as it looked fun), were still dashing about the house over excited spreading the garden in 'reindeer food', preparing the gifts for the main man's chimney arrival and generally reeking totddlergeddon about the house. I shall have to take advice form the more experienced parents for calming tots next year as my secret bell jangling attempts wern't madly successful!
Chirstmas was a blast with happy kids and happy parents. I had to spend a good half hour madly wrapping anything I could find as once Mol had opened a gift she was onto the next and was working her way thru family presents at an impressive rate. She seemed happy to open half a slipper and some playmobile men from the toy box tho...mayhaps we shouldn't have bothered with gifts for her at all? Laurie seemed chuffed with his oxfam remote control car and both loved the hand made kitchen (that had seemed such a good idea but was beggining to become a drain on time resorces as well as a worry they'd not rate it up to much. I wonder how many more years we can survive on charity shops and home made tat before they want an ipad or similar. Hopefully another year or so...at least??
T'was the night before Christmas and not a creature was stirring...some chance. Laurie and Mol (Laurie in particular but Mol joining in as it looked fun), were still dashing about the house over excited spreading the garden in 'reindeer food', preparing the gifts for the main man's chimney arrival and generally reeking totddlergeddon about the house. I shall have to take advice form the more experienced parents for calming tots next year as my secret bell jangling attempts wern't madly successful!
Chirstmas was a blast with happy kids and happy parents. I had to spend a good half hour madly wrapping anything I could find as once Mol had opened a gift she was onto the next and was working her way thru family presents at an impressive rate. She seemed happy to open half a slipper and some playmobile men from the toy box tho...mayhaps we shouldn't have bothered with gifts for her at all? Laurie seemed chuffed with his oxfam remote control car and both loved the hand made kitchen (that had seemed such a good idea but was beggining to become a drain on time resorces as well as a worry they'd not rate it up to much. I wonder how many more years we can survive on charity shops and home made tat before they want an ipad or similar. Hopefully another year or so...at least??
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