Tis the season - nearly there now!

Busy Busy again and managing to get round the snow and ice – although we still have a little bit left on the field! 

Kids started the week with a snotty cold, before I had my kids I used to be Brown Owl to 30 little girls aged 7-10 and one thing I could not stand was snotty nosed children, and now have my own – I still can’t stand the sight! As soon as one of them sneezes I’m like a woman possessed – “who sneezed, who was it? Have you got a runny nose?” and I’m there with the tissues – If I’m driving – well I just don’t know how I manage until I can turn round and wipe it!

They have been brave little soldiers though – as I have tried to carry on – dosed up with a bit of calpol and that seems to have kept them going, although very very tired after their two days at nursery and as husband was on call and not coming home till late – tea time and bath and bed time was a huge struggle, the noise that two very children make when so tired is unbelievable I just didn’t realise, but we got there!

Friday was a day to try and relax but get things done and we delivered 4 bags of clothes that I have been holding onto “just in case I put the weight back on” to age uk, and finding a bulb for the oven light.  

Saturday has been the best day by far – we got to go to the zoo, see Father Christmas and watch the Pantomime all within 5 hours!

We went to Colchester Zoo to celebrate my friends little girls 3^rd Birthday and whilst it was still only about six degrees, the kids had fun running around seeing all the different animals.  The kids were playing in the play area and this [approximately] 8-9 year old boy decided to belch just as I past him and even though his mother was there I still said very loudly “I beg your pardon” He and I was so shocked when I said it, I think I just went into mummy mode!

We stayed the night at my mum’s as I didn’t fancy the 2 hour drive home in the dark and it was just an hour to hers – the plan was to bring her back for last minute Christmas shopping, but she had a little trip down the stairs and needed to rest so I’m going on my own to the outlet centre Springfields in Spalding so should get a few bargains.

We arrived home Sunday afternoon to husband putting last minute touches to our outside light decorations – we just have the rope lights showing the outline of the house – which looks really pretty as we only have one street light down the road and so it looks all sparkly and festive.  Inside decorations will go up next weekend and hopefully there will be a tree left somewhere for us to purchase – I like the smell of a real one!

Kids have their first Nativity Play this week, which I’m sure will be a tear jerker, we have been learning the songs, no lines and no costumes to make!

Have a good week all and  happy shopping!

too much to do!!

hi mummies,
sorry I've not posted for the last couple of weeks, but well, super super busy as usual!
I have finished my Christmas shopping!!! well, I'm at the point where if it's not been bought it's not going to be!! ;) nah, we've pretty much nailed the kids Xmas lists (much to my dismay) and we've spent a FORTUNE! :( next year, it will be different!!!! I'm allowing it this year as it's our first Xmas altogether :) and for a bar-humbug like me it's amazing, because for the first time, EVER, I'm actually really excited about December 25th..... not sure when my loathing began, but i always disliked the run up to Xmas as a child because of my name.... lol
I've wrapped about 120 presents, and ive still got about 3 more to do, which i keep putting off! lol..... decorations are up, four advent calenders hung on the wall (plus 4 cardboard ones) altho i didn't even think of getting one for Ben or myself.... oh well, always next year!
So, what's been happening?? snowed under with uni work as per usual, although our tutor group report got a 2:1!!!! we were all sooooo happy, and it's kicked me up the bum to carry on--- altho I'm now panicking because I've set myself a standard.... hmmmm

Kids are doing great, Eryn starts her new uni in Jan, and altho she's turning into a right little madam, she's being super-cute at the same time. She's at the point where she knows what she wants but cant communicate it, so throws a wobbly instead :S She had an appointment at the hospital 'cause the health visitor thought she had clicky hips, she was soooo brave (braver than me) when she went for the x-ray. All came back clear (which means that i was right to think she was just weird when she used to scoot around on her bum in a half shuffle half crawl fashion) so that was a great relief!

Ethan was Joseph in the school play, bless him..... he was soooo miserable! lol, but just soooo Ethan! He very much enjoyed the snow (unlike me, i hate that too!) and is having a fab time at swimming and Beavers :D

Josh and Harry are good too, Josh is also Joseph in his school nativity.... and Harry is an alien.... not quite sure how that's Incorporated into the story of Xmas, but I'm hoping to hear all about it after Ben sees it next week :)

They've been hard work recently (all of them I mean) don't know why, but very much hoping things will settle down soon!!

Our beloved 'Hank the Tank' broke down on Sunday, in bloody Bournemouth of all places! so we had to get my cousin's other half to rescue Ben (thankfully me and the kids were at home) and well, he was gone most of the day and all evening :( hoping to have the car back today though, it's too cold to be walking miles everyday! Lucky we got a warranty when we bought it so we don't have to pay for the repair!

We went to see Jack and the Beanstalk at the Kings last night. It was the first time Josh and Harry had been to a panto and we all had a fabulous time! We were offered the chance for one of the boys to go on stage at the end but none of them wanted to do it :'( and i was too old apparently :( lol

Oh we babysat my 'nephew' on Saturday night! it was soooo weird having a tiny 6 week old baby to cuddle.... and i did cuddle him, ALL NIGHT because every time i put him down he screamed! (his mum assured me he sleeps through! lol) I loved having him, but it did make me wonder how i coped alone when Eryn was tiny.... just goes to show that no matter what, you just get on with it... and how quickly you forget... And it was amazing to see Ben with him! He was absolutely loving it! Baby was asleep in his pram in the front room with us from 7-10 and Ben was up every 5 mins checking on him! and then he offered to feed him, and hold him- even at 4.30am..... Made me realise what i missed out on from not having him around when Eryn was born.... the wonders of hindsight eh?

But Ben has his very own baby now! Reggie the Rabbit.... Reggie the house rabbit.... during Ben's week off he decided to get a rabbit, i agreed as long as he takes full responsibility for it (i know, i sound like a mum! lol) I have to admit, he is very cute, and he's got an indoor cage and we only let him out in the evenings.... so kind of a house rabbit, but if Ben's happy I'm happy.... lol

Right, that's about it from me, im supposed to be finishing my report on Pedestrian Behaviour.... oh the joys....
Hope every one's ok! xx

Haven't thought of a title - no time Nowadays!

Haven’t thought of a title!

Quite a productive week this week despite the weather! – Last year during the bad weather we decided to invest in an old Land Rover Discovery, not too old but of sound structure and body work, this year we invested in some Mud n Snow tyres and way hay away I go! I was off in the snow for operation Christmas Present Hunt.  I didn’t realise until I got home how much I had actually managed to buy, just that I had very sore hands from carrying it all – as usually I would of had the buggy. I was also very late going to bed that night as I started to wrap as well – a first for me I can tell you.

I am very lucky in my job for the time that I have left [soon to be made redundant thanks to our No 1 – the PM] in that I am able to carry on working from home, so that part of my week was the usual meeting deadlines and keeping on top of things. 

I brushed off that Daughter didn’t want to go to Nursery on Thursday as – “oh never mind then, but let’s get dressed and see where we end up”, and there she was waving energetically to me with the biggest smile I’ve seen for a long way from the Nursery window happy to go and play with all her friends. And when I arrived to pick them both up I was introduced to the amazing world of Glitter and how does that actually get in your nappy again Son I ask when it comes to bathtime.

Its now Sunday night – [just about] and the kids social diary is filling up fast – 2 parties today the first a Village Christmas Party for the kids unfortunately we missed Father Christmas so pressies should be in the Village Interest Shop tomorrow. This party was followed by a Birthday Party in Kings Lynn at the local soft play area – fun was had by all and I was particularly proud of daughter as she came and told me that someone had “weeed” in the upstairs part, I checked her clothes before telling staff that it was definitely not my child who had done it.  Fun was then had by watching the teenage staff trying to climb up the slide with five children following to see what was occurring! 2 more Birthday Parties to go before Christmas, plus Panto and Village Coffee Morning, shopping, working, coursework and eating, sleeping!!!! I am never bored nowadays!!!!!!

So the first reason why this post is so late is I have just completed my first assignment for my course 1250 words yeyhay!! Just a few words over, but I’m quite surprised how I feel considering I was up until 1am this morning in mid flow to be told by husband – “you know you will start to make mistakes” I had been sitting at the kitchen table since 7:30pm.  I have read it and re-read and submitted it – no going back now!

The second reason this is so late is due to my secretarial skills, husband has interview in the morning and is not aux faux with Powerpoint and producing slides, so after submitting essay, designing flow charts and inserting photos into said slides my wrists are not feeling part of my hands of arms anymore – they are somewhere floating in mid air typing this piece, so can just about sign off and say goodnight, I have to say I’m guilty of not reading Hanzors today from yesterday – Big Sorry Hanzor! Will try and catch up with it tomorrow on my coffee break at work! And lastly to say I have added more technology to my world – I can now twitter from my mobile! @mummyrella – think that is the correct way to write it! Have a good week all.  Mummyrella x

The one in which I apologise

I am so sorry (although I bet you didn’t miss me) – but I completely forgot to blog these past two Fridays.

It’s a rather busy time of year, isn’t it? And that’s my excuse.

I have been combining work/motherly duties with Christmas shopping and must admit that this year – more than ever – the interweb has been my friend. I have not actually been to one shop, but I have 90 per cent of the gift-buying done.

I have also booked my grocery shopping to be delivered.

So how smug am I?

Well, not much, to be honest. There’s still plenty to do, of course.

This week all children’s activities have been put on hold while we get over the snow (which I’ve just about had enough of now, thank you), although daughter starts a new gymnastics club tonight so we have to get there – even if it means a two-hour journey home!

I was so proud of her this week as she did her Grade 1 piano exam and got a merit – just two points off a distinction, too! – so all the hard work paid off. Son has the same exam in March, so he’ll be competitive enough to try to beat her *sigh*.

Tonight we have the dreaded primary school Christmas fair. Having chaired the PTFA for a year, I can tell you it’s far more enjoyable being behind a stall than in front of one – I predict chaos. As son has made a biscuit, which will be sold there, we have to go so we can buy it. I won’t be there for long: I try to approach it as a SWAT team would, with a quick recce and out again before I spend too much (I always do on the raffle).

Tomorrow the village I live in is holding its Victorian fair, which should be lovely with snow on the ground – v Dickensian. It also means it will be biting cold, so I hope the shops will be giving away their samples of tea and coffee to us!

Hope all is well with everyone in 7Yummymummies land!

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 [this is patience!]

What another busy week we have had a ‘normal’ week Monday to Thursday was work for me and for kids a mixture of child minder and nursery school, so by Friday kids a big grumpy  But we had to be in a fairly good mood as we had a Social Worker visit. So I decided it would be good to meet at a soft ball play area. Energy levels were certainly on a high!

The visit was just to catch up to see how the kids were doing and sorting out our post adoption plan, happy to say that this went well and brilliant news is that the kids have settled so well that nothing specific with regards to health, emotional behaviour or development needs to be followed up, now just waiting for a date in Court to finalise everything [yes it has been delayed AGAIN but fingers crossed everything should be finalised in January now.

Whenever I want to sit down and tell you what’s going on with the kids like when they are in the middle of a tantrum, being little tykes with the terrible twos or being really good and angelic [cough] – I am just not in the right place to do it, so when I do get round to sitting down and writing usually in the evenings, the days frustrations seem to have filtered away as the little darlings are fast asleep in their beds [almost!] son has already got up to tell us he’s not tired so now in our bed until he drifts off.  I do find that if there is a problem with sleep I tend to let them come into our bed – we are trying not to make a habit of it and so when they are in deep sleep they get moved back to their beds unless we all manage to cope in one bed! [ie we are in deep sleep too!]. 

My great ambition at the moment is to learn to find constant patience, so any great tips on relaxing and counting techniques would be greatly received.  I think for any new Mum or Dad patience is the biggest thing.  I would say that we have led fairly selfish lives up until we became a family and then when you become, three, four or five, and patience comes to the forefront or finding it certainly does.

Our prep classes have become quite valuable to us, we have found that being able to reflect on them and surmise the reasons why son and daughter maybe in the particular strop, sleepless or happy moment may be due to regression, anxiety, frustration or just sheer happiness does help us cope with most things, but when on a Sunday afternoon after the sixth bought of crying that day and wanting whatever the other one has or hasn’t got – then patience gets harder to find and time out periods seem a little quieter way to deal with the situations for all. And then the conclusion is easier to come too, quiet time = reflection time which = sleep time and they both manage an energy boost of 40 winks ready for the next half of the day!

I do hope everyone from 7yummymummies is ok as there have been no other blogs on here this week.

A bit of a week

I know I shouldn’t complain – but I’m so tired, my energy levels are low and I’m just starting to get a little twitchy over the forthcoming festivities.  This could be due to a number of things including the combination of getting over last week’s medical episode, a stinky cold and having to look after kids and work from home at the same time due to childminder being ill.  Bless her she is an absolute godsend but when my family support network is far far away life can be a bit of a struggle if mummyrella’s life balance is upset!

Also darling son for the past week has decided he wants to come and cuddle with us around 2 am every night and so last night I took matters into my own hands and put him back in his sleeping grow bag – result! He didn’t come shuffling in to us until around 6:30am so a fairly good lie in if I do say so myself.

That was written about 2 hours ago and now back from a brisk autumnal walk I have found new energy! Kids on the other hand are fast asleep on sofa’s I have worn them out, we did at least one miles walk through the countryside walking through muddy puddles peppa would be proud of and across fields and through the trees playing hide and seek along the way.  It got tough on the last stage as son being only 2 ½ had to have a piggy back, but really pleased with the result. 

Got a chicken in the oven cooking lovely and will go and do potatoes once finished this. Also trying to tackle the Christmas present crisis – don’t know if facebook helps me in this arena as getting a bit prickly hearing how many of my friends have “finished the big shop” eeeeeeeeeggggggggggggghhhhhhh I will get it done but am having to book a couple of days off to go and blitz it.

I hope all my fellow yummymummies are well as bit concerned about their silence – lets hope they are all ok and look forward to hearing from them soon.

The other big news this week is the up and coming Royal Wedding – oh I do like a good wedding and yes I think I am a bit of a Royalist – I found my paper clippings from 1981 I was 10 years old!!!!!

So this time I was thinking it would be a lovely time to celebrate with my children and I’ve decided I’m going to try and hold a street party! Haven’t asked the neighbours or friends yet but once William and Kate and set the date I will start my planning.  I do have one other big concern in that I hope it is not on the 25^th June as I am attending Cybermummy11! – awaiting for the badge to link you all to it but you can also get there from http://www.bmbblog.co.uk/

My darling son’s latest comment at the dinner table last night – Mummy you’re not fat, Daddy you are fat and I will be fat just like you!!!! – where did that one come from? Answers on a postcard! Have a fun week x

One for the Romantics

This week has been one for the romantics.

On Monday, it was our 3 year anniversary of getting together, so we went out for a lovely meal at 8 Kings Road (The Brasserie) in Southsea. It was a lovely meal - couldn't fault a thing, and I left feeling thoroughly stuffed. It was so nice in the restaurant - we were the only ones there, as it was a Monday, so we had exclusive service. The décor was lovely too, with chandeliers and huge flower arrangements and awesome mood lighting. It was really really nice.

We went over to Keydells on Tuesday. How have I never been here before? I've been to Garsons in Fareham, which is awesome, but never ventured into Horndean. Freyja loved it in this garden centre. There was so much to see, and she loved the displays. She was slightly terrified of the Santa mannequin though - I wanted to get a picture of her with him, but she just clung onto me for dear life. I bought a few baubles to put on our tree (when I put it up) and Freyja's first stocking (even though not that many of her presents will fit in it...) I'm going back again on Thursday with my other friend so she can buy some Xmas decorations. I love shopping for Xmas decorations!

We went to see a pre-school on Thursday. We have decided that Freyja needs something like that. She enjoys seeing her little baby friends and playing at home, but I don't think it's constant or constructive enough. We went to see St James' preschool along Milton Road, as they accept toddlers from the age of 2. Freyja's 2 in April, so we went to see it to put her name down. It seems really nice in there - loads of keyworkers and loads of happy children. As soon as we got there, Freyja got stuck in and played with the building blocks, building loads of towers and then followed some of the other children to join in with a sing song. She was really sociable and not intimidated at all. I think we're on to a winner! We are going to put her name down for 2 afternoon sessions a week - it's reasonably priced, and will definitely help her (and me).

On Friday, we went to a wedding in Salisbury. It was my boss' wedding, and he chose an absolutely beautiful venue. It was at Old Wardour Castle in Tisbury, followed by a meal at the Premier Inn in Salisbury. The castle was stunning. It reminded me a little of our chosen venue (when we can eventually afford it) - it was so romantic and picturesque and Nichola (the bride) looked wonderful. It was a really nice day and Freyja was a dream, considering she was awake for about 14 hours.

It's been an eventful but relaxing week, and we've had lots of fun. My personal blog has been coming along leaps and bounds too, so who knows what'll be happening next with that! I have a few product reviews to be completed, and I'm featuring as a guest blogger at some point over the next few weeks on another popular mummy blog. I'm enjoying it!

Have a good week xx

oh Mummyrella that must have been so frightening for u!! hope she's well and truly on the mend now! xx
Well girls, hope you're all having a good week. I am, surprise surprise, really busy :(
so, what's been happening in Nolly-wood this week...
Well, when i collected Eryn from nursery last Thursday I was informed that she'd basically been a little Moo! she'd been very naughty and cheeky and was pushing all the other little ones over! :O i didn't really know what to say to be honest, and i had warned them she was in an odd mood... ooopppsss.... and Friday was the same! In fact they took her on a trip with the older kids (to the laundrette) just to give the others some peace.... hmmm....
Anyway, Friday night Et went off to his dad's and the boys came down.... they had obviously eaten a bowl full of Skittles for their tea 'cause they were absolutely full of beans.... wish the same could have been said for me-I'd had a banging headache all day and i was exhausted. I had a bath as soon as Eryn went to bed, and then i went to bed.... it was just gone 8pm!!! but i obviously needed it.

On Saturday we went to pic up a single bed, kindly given to us by an old school friend of mine. Now Josh and Harry don't have to sleep on a blow up bed! Top and tailing it is tho until we can get bunk beds after Xmas....

Ah Xmas, while we're on that subject, can i have some opinions please.... Ben says we should get everything on the kids lists. FULL STOP. We've set a limit on how much we're spending on each child (well, each boy 'cause Eryn, altho she's got loads, will be more excited about the boxes things come in) The way I've always done Xmas with Et is: he writes a list, I get the majority of it and divvy up the rest of the items between my aunt and my mum- end of.... and if there's still anything he really wants which wasn't bought, he always gets money from my nan and my dad for Xmas so he can buy it himself (usually at half the price i would have paid BEFORE Xmas)
Now, my darling Ben spends an astronomical amount of money on each of his boys at Xmas, well, pretty much double what I'd usually spend on Et.Which is fine, but obviously this year Ethan has to have the same!!! but I've already divvied up his list between my family and well, he doesn't want/need anything else.... and he's got PLENTY! but Ben is still hell-bent on buying J and H everything they want.... We had a little chat last night and basically Ben told me he doesn't agree with me that once we've reached their individual limit then we're to stop buying. I'm just worried we're spending money that could be used for other things (IE bunk beds!) on stuff they don't bloody need!!! ..... Rant over.....
Anyway back to the weekend... Ben went out with his mates in Southampton on Saturday afternoon/evening so i descended on my mums and made her look after Eryn for a bit while i got some work done. Then on Sunday we went round to my nan's for tea with the rest of the family.
Eryn has been better at nursery this week, altho I'm changing her nursery as of January. She's been offered a place at the uni nursery and it's much more convenient for us so I've accepted it. Will be sad to leave where she is though :S
Ethan started his new swimming lessons yesterday, it was much less stressful being closer to home and he really enjoyed it. I went in the pool with Eryn while he was in his lesson and she, well, didn't cry.... still wouldn't go as far to say she had fun, but she was ok! lol
And this evening I'm taking Ethan to the cinema, just the two of us :) so we're both looking forward to that :)

I think that's about it from me this week.... take care girls xxx

Lest we Forget



Lest We Forget  14 -11-10



Firstly I would like to start today’s post by remembering all those who have fallen in battle, for giving me a life for which I can enjoy with my friends and family.  I will never forget.

And so it is timely that life has been put into perspective again.

After a very eventful night / early hours of Tuesday morning can I please bring your attention to CROUP, as a new mummy I had heard about it but that was as far as it went, until my daughter woke us with her rasps for breathe over the baby monitor.  I would like to praise the quick response of NHS Direct, as well as the paramedic and ambulance crew that came to our aid and took myself and my daughter to A&E.  It was a frightful experience, but she recovered quite quickly, and reading the leaflet on CROUP which I was sent home with.  I would like to remind mums that as winter is upon us to make sure you have read up about the symptoms of Croup and not to scare you but that it can be fatal. For more information go to http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/

CROUP [Laryngotracheitis] is a viral illness that affects the larynx [voice box] as well as the airways to the trachea [lungs] and it is more likely to occur in the winter months.  Croup usually affects children aged between six months to five years. 

My daughter’s symptoms included a temperature of 40^o C, a very loud rasping noise as well as a runny nose, other symptoms can include a ‘seal-like’ barking cough.  The terrible rasping noise is known as an inspiratory stridor and was very distressing to hear, particularly as she was sleeping, we have been told that it usually tends to be worse at night. 

[picture from http://www.mychildhealth.net/what-is-child-croup.html]

The ambulance crew and paramedic were fantastic and administered drugs in the form of a nebulizer which at the time didn’t seem to make much difference and because of her high temperature they decided it was best to take her to hospital.  The paediatrician diagnosed Croup and what with the combination of more nebulizer drugs and good ole’ well known paracetamol liquid  her temperature was back to normal within 3 hours and instead I had a hyperactive child running around A&E in her underwear which was a wonderful sight to see.

The week then continued with a mixture of slow, quick, quick slow events - dropping son off at Nursery, bless him he looked so beautiful waving to me and blowing me kisses through the window and having cuddles and rest time with daughter whilst she recovered.

And whilst I was putting the final bits together for this post I looked up and thought this is what family life is all about on a lazy Sunday, husband was DIYing in the shed and making things – what an achievement – kids playing nicely together after a brisk walk over the fields with Poppy Dog and all her friends [8 dogs turned up today] and mummyrella sitting at her kitchen table surrounded by DIY, toys, washing up, whilst busily concentrating on her blogging!

And now after a wonderful Roast Dinner kids in bed, husband chilling with a cup of tea I can put the final sentence together and wish everyone a happy week x

Edging Closer to Xmas

There's 42 days til Christmas (or so eBay tells me...) - and I'm quite impressed with how organised I am. I have done most of the shopping - there's only a few little bits left, and I've just lugged a load of wrapping paper all around town, so I'm going to spend this afternoon wrapping up stuff. Freyja and James have buggered off to Somerset for the day/night so I'm all on my lonesome - an ideal time to wrap their stuff up without them noseying at what they are!

This week has been quite a nice one (minus the crappy weather). I worked at the weekend - James went airsofting on Sunday dressed in a suit, and got shot in the head. Good times. I worked that evening, and monday evening too. On Tuesday, my friend and her 2 girls popped over for a brew which was nice. James and Freyja went to his boss' birthday thing in the evening - Freyja can be such a dirty stop out! I stayed in, as I was shattered from working all weekend and just fancied slobbing out watching crap telly. On Wednesday, I drove us over to Bognor Regis to see one of my old schoolfriends - I'd never driven to Bognor before, so had no idea where I was going, but managed to find my way there to be welcomed with a brew - That's always nice! In the evening, James went to a gig at the Wedgewood Rooms and I went to the cinema with one of my friends to see Saw 3D whilst his girlfriend stayed at mine to babysit Freyja. It was a good film, but not as good as the others (I have a bit of an obsession with the Saw franchise), and my eyes were hurting by the end of it, because where we sat wasn't the easiest to appreciate 3D films, and I struggled to focus. Good film though. On Thursday, my friend and her daughter popped over in the morning for a cuppa, and we chatted and caught up. In the evening, my best friend and her boyfriend popped over and we watched the first episode of the new FX series "The Walking Dead" - it's awesome! Can't wait to watch the next one, which was shown last night, but I haven't had chance to watch it. Yesterday, a friend and I were supposed to be going to the Devil's Punchbowl, but we stayed in instead. She came over in the morning and we had a lovely afternoon of chatting, watching CBeebies (couldn't find the remote) and a bit of Jeremy Kyle. Fun Fun. I worked yesterday evening - I was given full responsibility for the back bar, glasses, cashing up, float, and delegating of tasks - basically being a manager. It was cool! And I handled it easily. Simple pimple.

James and Freyja are on their way to Somerset now for his aunt's birthday. I couldn't go because I'm working tonight, so I've just got in from town, and I'm going to watch some TV whilst doing some wrapping up. Working tomorrow night too, but I'm looking forward to Monday because it's our anniversary and we're going to 8 Kings Road for a fancy meal. Ooo err.

Have a lovely week x

The one without a title ...

Have you noticed how everyone is amazed by the fact that it is November and it is cold?

I’ve fallen into that trap myself – complaining on the playground about the wind, the rain … I wouldn’t complain (honestly) except that after the howling gales last night I awoke this morning to find half the contents of the recycling bin around the back garden. Picking up damp and dirty newspaper, envelopes and assorted plastic is not a way to start the day.

On a good note, my son was NINE this week. I cannot believe that my baby boy (born weighing just 5lbs 3oz) is now a nine-year-old boy.

I don’t know about you, but I usually spend the actual day of my children’s birthdays going through what I was doing on the day of their birth. Both were born first thing in the morning – and I had to have caesareans, so there is no memory of agonising labour pains – so I have the whole day to remember, hour by hour, of welcoming them into the world.

I love doing it, but I do wonder how much I forget each year!

This year’s toy a la mode is Lego Wars Halo Wars. The lounge is awash with bits of Lego and I daren’t get the vacuum cleaner out until all pieces have been removed. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.

His party was a lot of fun last Saturday. He went to a laser tag place and we watched a small TV screen as he and his friend skulked SAS-like in the dark, zapping each other. Unfortunately, two of the dads went in and won each game! Their scores were officially declared null and void …. Bloomin’ competitive dads.

What really made me hoot was watching my daughter run through the chamber. She was wearing a bat-wing t-shirt and for some reason, as she ran around with laser gun in hand, she reminded me of Princess Leia.

Now his birthday is over (and my brother’s, which is the day after), I just have my dad’s and nephew’s to deal with. Then I can start to think about Christmas …

hi ladies.....

Hope you're all doing well..... bit concerned about the lack of posts? can someone please let me know what's going on???

Anyways, busy week as always.... Friday night Ben had bought some fireworks, but as our garden is more like a yard we decided to descend on his mum and dads to borrow their garden... well, he'd spent a fortune (£52 to be exact) on what was literally going up in a puff of smoke. I was not amused!! £52!!!!! and they were proper crap!!! well, what i saw of them! Eryn was absolutely terrified so i only got to see about 5 before i spent the rest of the evening consoling her. :(
Saturday i was, if I'm honest, absolutely dreading, Ben was on call all weekend and i was expecting to be left with the kids (and a mountain of uni work to do) but thankfully he didn't get called out. so we went round my mums for a quick cuppa (I'd phoned her to ask what my step dad wants for his birthday and then suggested we popped round) I'd warned her it was all of us.... anyway, we turned up and she said 'Oh, i didn't think u meant all of u all of u!!!' Shes really not a child person, in fact she recently told me if she had her life again she probably wouldn't bother having children..... errrr, yeah THANKS for that Mother....
After the very quick cup of tea (she couldn't wait to get us out the door!) we went to Staunton Country Park. £50 for a years membership for Ben, me and up to 5 kids- bargain! Obviously Ethan has been there loads (we had memberships before) but Josh and Harry hadn't been and they all had a great time :) Eryn appears to have developed a fear of animals though, crying when we got too close to them :(
After that we went on a massive shop and were completely knackered by the time we got home.
Sunday morning Ben got called out and i took the kids shopping for his xmas pressie from them.... cor u can tell they're his kids- talk about wanting him to have the very best :S but we pretty much nailed it so that's one thing out the way. Sunday afternoon we took a trip to Garson garden Centre on the way to drop the boys home. It was CHRISTMAS in there!! :D picked up a couple of pressies and the kids loved all the decorations (and so did I ;) )
Monday was, well wet! i got absolutely soaked taking Ethan to school, and Eryn, the only dry one kept shouting 'WET, WET' from her pushchair.
Tuesday was the long day at uni, very boring and depressing. My cousin and i were late and well one bit of rain and the whole of Portsmouth comes to a complete standstill!! Grrrr
Ethan's swimming lessons have come to an end so he's now gonig to the local pool on a Wednesday so it much more convenient :)
yesterday Eryn and i went to Tesco's to double up our clud card points.... i was expecting to spend about £50 in there and £50 on diesel (however much i love hank the tank, we go through a lot of diesel!) but instead i ended up with £2 change from £175.... hmmmm, not so good. But I did pick up yet more xmas stuff..... we then had a quiet afternoon at home which was lovely, quality time with my princess :D Last night when we were sorting through the xmas presesnts which i've stratigically placed on top of our wardrobes, the wardrobe collapsed, hitting Ben on the head! highly amusing (he was ok) so he's off to buy one today.... oh the excitement! lol
And today i popped round to my cosins to see her and the baby, he's got soooo big already! and we're having him overnight in a few weeks which i'm very excited about! :D
oh, Ethan is (hopefully, as long as he likes it!) joining the Beavers!! i think he'll love it and thrive there. He's starting next Friday and is soooo looking forward to it.

Right, i think that's me pretty much done... hope everyone is well

xx

I must, I must I must improve my patience!

Second rewrite of first sentence – I was going to say my age is catching up with me but NO on a positive note – it has just been a very very busy week again in the mummyrella household! Mr M has been on call all week so this has left me to do everything and I can say how hard it has been and I give great praise to all those single parents out there that have to do this week after week after week.  It didn’t help that I had to travel into the office everyday Mon-Thursday which was an 86 mile round trip.  I think the kids found it a bit hard too not seeing daddy for about 72 hours straight, but they were kept busy and son was having difficulty adjusting to the clocks going back anyway and was asleep on the sofa everynight by 7pm.

This year the kids enjoyed the fireworks from afar as last year they found it a bit daunting and getting used to their new routine as we only had became a family 3 months earlier – I take this point to raise National Adoption Week – I caught up with a few of the programmes on the tv and one on Radio 4, they bought memories flooding back to me of all the anguish, frustration and impatience of waiting to be assessed, interrogated, approved and matched that we had to go through and then all the joy, love, completeness and happiness of having our two wonderful children coming to join us. I cannot compare this to a pregnancy or childbirth, but I take that part of our family journey as being that.

The other reason for staying in for fireworks also was to be at home for the dog – poor Poppy Dog she is only 4 ½ but she seems to fear them more and more each year and the DAP plug in doesn’t seem to do much either, not sure what to try next year.

Had a fab time on Saturday at my Nephews birthday party, yes I know we enjoyed spending the day with him on his actual birthday but we also enjoyed bouncing on the bouncy castle and meeting all his friends a big HIGH FIVE to “L” who was 5 – may the force by with you My Nephew!

Then today I spent an hour and half!!!! In kwik fit whilst they replaced my tyre as I had a screw in it and it had gone flat – but don’t men dawdle when they work!!  It was like watching a kettle boil – it was like it was never going to be finished  -  I must be more patient – but when you have a mountain of ironing to do, the shopping, the cooking, the Course Work and reading to finish I need more hours in my weekend!!!!!

Just a final note to say thanks to a few friends that I have caught up with this week, the welsh, the one at 26 FRoad, the sister-in-law’s sister and the colleague. Hope you enjoy the read!

Where's this Week Gone?

I'm confused... only 4 of us seem to be doing a weekly post?

Anyway, what have we been up to... Not much really, the weather has been a bit psychotic, so we've not ventured far.

I worked on Saturday night, and we went out all dress up on Sunday (check out the pictures on my personal blog: http://www.metalmummy.co.uk/2010/11/halloween-zombily-grotesque/) We had an awesome night, it wasn't as busy as it had been the previous 2 nights, but it was still good. My contact lenses looked awesome, although trying to see in them was quite difficult!

Mum stayed here over the weekend, and left on Monday. James was off on Monday too, which was nice. I worked that evening, complete with semi-brushed out back-combed hair. It was a really quiet night, so after doing a load of cleaning, I left at about 10:30.

On Tuesday, we popped over to see my friend and her 2 girls. It's lovely going over there for a brew, and Freyja can play. When I say play, I really mean squabble, but her and my friends daughter do get on a lot of the time. The problem is that they are both so strong willed and stubborn. They kind of need eachother to knock eachother down a peg or two. It's amusing to watch.

Wednesday didn't involve much at all. On Thursday I had to wait in for 3 deliveries - the Tesco shop, our new tumble dryer (present from mum for Xmas) and Freyja's main Xmas present (a toy kitchen). My hallway was full of boxes, it was such a mess! Well, it still is, but I'll get round to it. At least that's most of the Xmas shopping done - I like being organised, but the problem with doing it early for me, is that there's loads more weeks left before Xmas - i.e. more time to see things I like and want to buy, therefore spending more than I would normally. Damn.

We went to the library to enrol ourselves yesterday. It's a nice little library near us, and has a nice kid's section, and as Freyja is loving books, I thought it would be a good time to enrol her. She was good to start off with. We had a bit of a sing-a-long with the lady who works there, and Freyja loved copying the actions. Then it came to singing Old Macdonald, and we had loads of cuddly toy props, which Freyja did NOT want to let go of. So there she was, running riot around the library (which is meant to be quiet) with an arm full of pigs and cows and the other arm grasping onto Farmer Macdonald for dear life. When I took them off her, the demon erupted. She threw a massive wobbler, in the middle of the library, ran under the library counter and started pressing buttons, ran through the exit (when I was trying to check books out) and tried to escape onto the road, threw herself onto the floor in a paddy and then wouldn't get into the pram without a fight. Christ almighty, it was horrendous. Looking back, I was kind of brave (or stupid) taking her in there in the first place.

I worked last night, and was put in charge of cashing up. It's nice having a bit of extra responsibility, but a pain in the arse counting loads of change. It did get me out of cleaning the bar down though!

This weekend we don't have much planned for. James has just taken Freyja to the shops to do some Xmas shopping, so I'm just getting some housework done. He's off to Airsoft tomorrow too, so I'l find something to occupy ourselves!

Have a good week x

How do you organise yourselves?

I wish someone would invent a planner that you could insert into your brain. I’m forgetting so much at the moment!

I’ve always been a list freak, but this week takes the biscuit. Unfortunately, I have so many lists that I don’t know which one to look at.

I do envy people who seem to be able to take everything in their stride and just remember *everything*. I feel like a whirling dervish this week.

I’m starting to remember days of the week by the activities that are happening. After-school dance club? It must be Thursday. Karate? It must be Monday (this is new, however, so has yet to find a place in my befuddled brain). Piano lessons and gymnastics? Ah, yes, it’s a Friday.

I’ve tried putting key days/dates etc in my phone, but as it isn’t a smartphone (and its owner isn’t that smart either) it never alerts me to what I have carefully inputted. And, yes, I have looked at the instructions.

The children just think it’s hilarious that I flap about so much and my other half just rolls his eyes in amusement.

But they don’t know what it’s like, do they?

We work, look after the children and all the rest of it. I won’t say I have to do all the cooking and cleaning, though, as that is shared. Nevertheless, it’s no wonder we sometimes feel mentally exhausted.

How do you organised women do it? I want to know your secrets. Come on, now. Don’t be shy: tell me how you stay organised.

where is everyone???

hmmmmm, i am obviously missing something! where is everyone??
I'm currently sitting in my car outside uni feeling like the worst mum in the world!!! I've signed up to take part in a third yr's experiment (which unfortunatly i have to do in order to pass this year) and 5 mins before i left to take Eryn to nursery, she shut her finger in the door of the washing machine :'( bless her, well, it was actually in the opening mechanism, but u get the point.... i then HAD to just take her to nursery because i've got to do this experiment. I filled out the incident report for the 3rd time in the space of a month :( notgood :( her finger was red and a bit swollen but she could moe it ok.... BUT I FEEL AWFUL!!!! kinda ruins the lovely morning we had at krazy kaves today :(
Anyway, this week... where has it gone?? its friday tomo! its flown by! Ben and I had a great evening out together on Saturday, it was lovely it being just the two of us :) Ben's parents had Eryn and even had her sleep in their room, so it was kinda like having a whole night off! When we got back to their's on saturday they sat me down and told me that now, as far as they are concerned, Ethan is one of their grandchildren, and he will be treated no different to Chloe (Ben's brother's daughter) Josh, Harry or Eryn.... it was soooo nice to hear, they truly are wonderful people xx
Sunday we went out to lunch with Ben's Nan and parents. I couldnt believe Eryn, she was running round the resturant being her cheeky self and was babbling away to everyone, and even let one of the waitresses pick her up!!!! my daughter really has grown up! She's like a sponge at the mo too, repeating loads of words and learning things every day....
Ethan has been a right cheeky sausage all week, answering back etc, but he's soooo funny when he does it that i find it really hard to tell him off! he really is old man Albert! lol ;)
He had another inset day on monday and Eryn was at nursery so we went bowling. It was lovely to spend some quality time with him on his own, and he keeps telling me how much he enjoyed it--- MUST do it more often!!
Tuesday was uni day but a lecture was cancelled so i had 4 hours to get some work done. I'm nearly up to date on one subject and i do feel like a great weight has been lifted... one down 3 more to go :S
Yesterday my cousin with the gorgeous baby came round. Bless her she's doing so well, she looks fab and is radiating the new mum happy glow :D .... and it was lovely to get some cuddles from baba..... although Eryn was not too impressed! lol.....
So thats about it from me this week, must crack on and be experimented on!! lol, hope all are well xx

Trick or Treat and Tick n Tock!

I’m writing this after an exhausting day, not only did the clocks go back – How many of you forgot!!! But It’s Halloween as well and for a mummy who now has two smallish children – [3 and 2] it has been a bit daunting.  We managed not to arise until 6:45 – 5:45 in old time and have kept the kids amused most the day playing and hiding but by 1pm my little son didn’t know what to do with himself so husband took a trip around the village to get him to have a nap for half an hour before heading out to a Birthday Party, this seemed a bit too much for my daughter to cope with trying to put dressing up clothes on but once she saw the sparkly spooky spider tights I had bought her the mood changed, however by the time I had put on her hat and her gruesome hand gloves we had hysterics again as she couldn’t get her fingers in the gloves properly and she seemed to be having a fit of paranoia / perfectionism.   I had to change son into his costume when we arrived as he managed to get a good sleep in –thankfully – that changes later on!  Anyway Party was good fun – as I think I enjoyed it more trying to spin plates! A good lady entertainer with circus skills – I managed to spin one plate for 10 seconds with daughter hanging off leg saying “mummy please do it for me, please, please” well it was never to be repeated again could I get the dammed plate to twirl. 

I am writing this as I am eating the last of the sweets from my trick or treat bag – bit of a fuddy-duddy I decided I was not taking mine out to trick or treat – we were quite happy to stay in the warm! Had lots of knocks on the door – poor poppy dog a bit stressed and the effects of the long day had taken its toll on son as he was over tired on the sofa and needed to be comforted, both fell asleep on the sofa and have gone to bed zonked out – lets hope it’s not too early a rise tomorrow!

The week for us was pretty normal as we had last week off and so it was work, child minder, nursery and normal weekend.  We went to see my nephew on Friday as it was his 5^th Birthday and the kids played well together, Saturday I returned to Venture Photography – stuck to my guns and came away with ONLY the “free” photo which was all included in my £15 experience voucher from gurgle.com – thank you gurgle! – There were some lovely photos and luckily it was dark as it became a bit of a tear jerker with the music n’ all but I was really pleased think I choose the best one with all of us in it.

My Open University course – I need to study more! Trying to find the time, so will have to cut this short and get on with some! Hope you all have a good week xx mummyrella xx

Halloweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen!

Wow, this week has just flown by!

Last weekend, James' auntie and uncle came down from Swindon to stay with us for the day, so we took them to the Water Margin in Gunwharf. It's so lovely there, and such good value. They loved it - as did Freyja, who seems to eat everything in sight. She was particularly favouring the prawn crackers and hoi sin sauce, along with 3 bowls of ice cream! Must be her teething that made her do that.

On the Sunday, they left in the morning, and we went to the Tenth Hole with some friends - it was very busy, which James didn't like much. He's not a big fan of crowded busy places. On Monday, James had a day off work, so we drove up to Somerset to see his grandparents. Well, we did eventually. The car broke down (more like didn't start) so we had to try and find a neighbour to jump start it, which didn't work, so the same neighbour offered to drive James down to the garage to get a new battery. Finally, we got on our way and it was lovely to see them. We stayed there for dinner, and drove back early evening.

On Tuesday, I had a walk round to my friends house and had a cup of tea while Freyja was being a demonic bully. I don't want to be that person who has a kid nobody wants to play with! She's in the process of learning that being a bully isn't a good thing.

We didn't do much else for the rest of the week. I worked on Thursday night which involved putting all the Halloween decorations up. What a mission! Trying to make cobwebby things out of a bag of fluff took me for ages. But it's looking good! Who knows if the decorations will stay the whole weekend though. I know that last night, whilst working again, a few of the masks went walkies, so who knows what else will be "lost" over the weekend. Work last night was horrendously busy - I didn't finish til 2am and here I am, up at the crack of dawn again. I'm taking one of my best friends for tea and cake this morning for her birthday, which should be nice. We have to pop into town this morning to get some bits for my Halloween outfit. I'm working tonight, but my mum is coming down this afternoon to babysit Freyja tomorrow night so James and I can go out. I'm dressing up too - I can't wait! I have white mesh contact lenses and everything! I'll be posting some pictures I'm sure. I just love Halloween!!

I'm not sure if we have any sort of theme or topic this week? So I'll leave it at that. We're just in the middle of teaching Freyja some new words. It's so lovely hearing her talk! My baby girl growing up so quickly :(

Have a lovely week x

Is it time to go back to school?

OK. Is half term over? My head is spinning!

I know it’s not just my children, but their bickering and jab-jab-jabbing at each other with barbed tongues and pointy fingers has completely done my head in this week.

If it’s not the “tell him to leave me alone” or “she keeps bugging me” or the “accidental” tripping over it’s arguing and slapping.

Gawd love ‘em.

Is it time to go back to school yet?

But when they are affectionate towards each other, it couldn’t be nicer. In fact, I’d go so far to say that it makes my tummy tickle to see them being lovely to each other and helpful and all “do you want a drink?”

It makes up for all those times that they spend at each other’s throats or are constantly talking, yabbering and shouting.

This morning was another lazy day (for them) – and failed attempts to get Take That tickets (£90 each? I don’t think so) – before I decided we were all suffering from cabin fever.

Today, though, we went to see CBBC’s Kirsten O’Brien do an art show and it was lovely! She was incredibly lovely to all the children who went on stage (including my daughter!) and the art tips she gave were fab.

Tomorrow will also be a family day, too, and I’m looking forward to it so much. The camera will be in full force, with me taking terrible photos, but I’m hoping this is the sort of stuff they will remember. Not me having a full blown, throat-aching shout at them because they are goading each other and taking things that little bit too far.

keeping up???? :S

hi ladies, hope you're all well..... sorry for the late post- but well, what a week! (AGAIN)
Half term when I'm at uni- not fun!!! In fact its been a total wash out- i feel sooooo guilty. Ethan has been to my cousin's, his Granny's, my Nan's, with my Dad and my step-dad. We had one whole day together, but Eryn was a bit poorly and had been up all the previous night, so we didn't actually do anything :( But he has been swimming 3 times this week so he's had fun, just not with me :(
Last night i actually went out!!! with my fellow students.... OMG I'm way too old for all the drinking malarkey now!! i had a fab night- dressed in a toga ;) but as soon as i got home i puked, repeatedly, and this morning i feel like death! i had to get my step dad to drive me to uni 'cause i was way too hungover to even think about driving- and i still feel awful now- trying to keep up with the 'young-uns' i really shouldn't do it!!
I did have loads to say, but well, my hungover achey head has gone blank, so I'll leave it very short and not-very sweet :S
xx