Oh my goodness, I can't believe its so long since I last blogged. Need to do some goal setting/mapping and sort it out!
Anyway, todays blog is on a funny, completely off the wall subject that Ben, my soon to be ten year old, came up with the other night when we were all sharing a hotel room in Scotland.
For some reason we were talking about Cleopatra bathing in asses milk, think maybe it had come up at school, and Ben couldn't get his head around why anyone would want to do that! So, he came up with his 'wierdy scale' and Cleopatra went straight to the top! (by the way Nat, who is now six, coined the phrase 'wierdy' a while ago, so it's a normal word in our house).
And, so began a long and detailed conversation on who should be on the wierdy scale and whereabouts they would appear. I'm pleased to say(?!) that I went in very close to the top because I eat coconut oil, and I walk around the house naked!! Oh and I put Epsom salts in my bath, apparently that is very wierdy!!
Michael Jackson (RIP) was off the scale for sleeping in an oxygen tank, and dangling one of his children over a hotel balcony. Yep, can agree with that.
Nat, very high as well because he puts his willy into tubes - err not sure what this is about? Need to keep more of an eye on my children obviously.
Lauren and Daddy were lucky in that they were both termed 'normal'.
We had such a laugh, and now wherever we are the kids point out people who should be on the 'wierdy scale' and whereabouts they should be on it! What fantastic imaginations children have. I so love spending time with them.
We've been to Centerparcs for half term and had an absolute ball, cycling, doing animal 'stuff', swimming, swimming and more swimming. We've come back with those wrinkles you get on the ends of your fingers when you stay in water too long!!!!
Just to finish - Nat's really into books at the moment despite being dyslexic and not able to read yet. So we read to him every night. He likes to have at least four 'tractors' (chapters!!) if he can get away with it.
It won't be so long until I blog again - honest.
RX
Sunday, 21 February 2010
Saturday, 9 January 2010
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Hi there and a Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a great festive period. Not blogged for a while and this one may end up being a bit of a mish mash but here goes.
I took Nat (my five year old son) and Lauren (my seven year old daughter) to church on Christmas Eve. We're not regular church goers but I just love to sing carols at the top of my voice just once every Christmas. The church was full, it was Christingle, so lots of kids were packing the pews. We sat with some other parents and kids from school; not such a good idea as Nat and Harry thought a rough and tumble would be a good idea - didn't go down too well with some people!
The vicar began talking and asked the children whose birthday we would be celebrating on Christmas day. Nat turned to me and said " Is it mine mummy? Is it Grans?!! " Bless him. I said it was Jesus' so he shouts out at the top of his voice " JESUS". Then the vicar asked where Jesus was born. Nat got this one straight away, he was on a roll now! "Bethlehem", again at the top of his voice - Lauren and I were nearly doubled up laughing.
A couple of days before this we were walking to school past the field in front of the house, where the kids had made a snow den the day before. Someone had clearly had fun knocking most of it down. " Mummy, teenagers did it, they're all bad aren't they " he said crossly. I told him that some of them may be but definitely not ALL of them. "well 219 of them are, I know!!!".
Talking of snow, my three are absolutely loving this winter wonderland we have at the moment. It's like being in the Alps in the lanes round our house. On Tuesday when school was closed we made a two roomed igloo with all the neighbours; all working together to produce what I have to say is a masterpiece. Since then we've taken candles out (vanilla no less!)every evening and sat out with our kids and their friends in the semi darkness and then had a sledging session before bed. Such fun! Wish we could guarantee it every winter. It definitely brings out the kid in me. I went walking in it at midnight last night, it was beautiful. The fact that I haven't been able to get to clients houses this week to do any work is slightly annoying but.........
To finish today's blog, we spent today with my dad and his wife. They have toddler twin grand daughters and told us some funny little tales that I want to pass on.
Their mum has always held up grapes before passing them to the girls to check that they contain no seeds. Now when they're given a handful of grapes they think it's the norm to hold each grape up in the air before eating it!!
They've just started talking and can say a few words, one of which is 'bib-on'. They've heard since being tiny " let mummy (or daddy) put your bib on" and assume that it's all one word. Cute huh?
That's it for today.
RX
I took Nat (my five year old son) and Lauren (my seven year old daughter) to church on Christmas Eve. We're not regular church goers but I just love to sing carols at the top of my voice just once every Christmas. The church was full, it was Christingle, so lots of kids were packing the pews. We sat with some other parents and kids from school; not such a good idea as Nat and Harry thought a rough and tumble would be a good idea - didn't go down too well with some people!
The vicar began talking and asked the children whose birthday we would be celebrating on Christmas day. Nat turned to me and said " Is it mine mummy? Is it Grans?!! " Bless him. I said it was Jesus' so he shouts out at the top of his voice " JESUS". Then the vicar asked where Jesus was born. Nat got this one straight away, he was on a roll now! "Bethlehem", again at the top of his voice - Lauren and I were nearly doubled up laughing.
A couple of days before this we were walking to school past the field in front of the house, where the kids had made a snow den the day before. Someone had clearly had fun knocking most of it down. " Mummy, teenagers did it, they're all bad aren't they " he said crossly. I told him that some of them may be but definitely not ALL of them. "well 219 of them are, I know!!!".
Talking of snow, my three are absolutely loving this winter wonderland we have at the moment. It's like being in the Alps in the lanes round our house. On Tuesday when school was closed we made a two roomed igloo with all the neighbours; all working together to produce what I have to say is a masterpiece. Since then we've taken candles out (vanilla no less!)every evening and sat out with our kids and their friends in the semi darkness and then had a sledging session before bed. Such fun! Wish we could guarantee it every winter. It definitely brings out the kid in me. I went walking in it at midnight last night, it was beautiful. The fact that I haven't been able to get to clients houses this week to do any work is slightly annoying but.........
To finish today's blog, we spent today with my dad and his wife. They have toddler twin grand daughters and told us some funny little tales that I want to pass on.
Their mum has always held up grapes before passing them to the girls to check that they contain no seeds. Now when they're given a handful of grapes they think it's the norm to hold each grape up in the air before eating it!!
They've just started talking and can say a few words, one of which is 'bib-on'. They've heard since being tiny " let mummy (or daddy) put your bib on" and assume that it's all one word. Cute huh?
That's it for today.
RX
Monday, 23 November 2009
Co-Operation
I don't know what it is at the moment.... nearly Christmas, nearly the end of term, their respective ages(?), their respective personalities (?) who knows? - but I cannot get my three children to do anything that I want them do.
I've been looking after them alone for ten days and it taking its toll! I'm shattered, bad tempered and reaching for the chocolate for comfort. All tell tale signs that they've managed to ground me down. They are in control and not the other way round. Don't get me wrong I know you can't put kids into neat little boxes, and nor would I want to. I love their differences, their quirky little ways, but sometimes, just sometimes it would be really nice if they did as I asked the first time I asked them!
Yesterday, was the final straw, and I only had the boys. Lauren was away at Grandads for the weekend, and I only needed to do three things all day; visit the tip with the bags of litter the bin men are not collecting at the moment, clean/tidy the house, and then go and pick Lauren up from my dads in the afternoon.
I soon realised it was going to go pear shaped when the boys were still in pyjamas at 11.30am despite me asking them fifteen times(yes I know precisely because I counted) to get dressed. I even laid their clothes out for them, between them and the TV, and still no joy. I even turned the TV off and still no joy!
By 7pm, having wasted a good hour traipsing back to Ferrybridge services twice to pick up Nathaniel's forgotten box of GoGos (God forbid they are ever lost - they must be worth hundreds!) and consequently ruining our Sunday dinner , I had had ENOUGH.
In desperation I searched the bookshelf for help and came across a book called RAISING HAPPY CHILDREN by Jan Parker and Jan Stimpson. Having made my kids lives a misery yesterday I sat down to read it, feeling guilty for my behaviour.
Things happen for a reason I believe, and so I opened it up in the middle on the most appropriate pages for me right then - A SIX-STEP PLAN FOR CO-OPERATION. Yes, my prayers had been answered. I read it avidly and am inspired. So inspired I'm going to finish this blog post by including it for any readers who are having similar issues with their little (or big) Angels.
Hope it helps, it helped me!
(not reprinted exactly by the way!)
STEP ONE
Stop what you're doing and look at your child. This immediately stops you from shouting at a child that's upset.
STEP TWO
Wait for eye contact - do nothing else but wait. This is respectful and so likely to get your child's attention. These two steps allow you to collect your thoughts and ask clearly and calmly without shouting or nagging.
STEP THREE
Tell your child what you'd like them to do, clearly simply and only once.You may be pleasantly surprised here!
STEP FOUR
If steps one to three haven't worked - and apparently this is only a small minority!! - ask the child in their own words what you have asked them to do. There seems to be more of an obligation felt if the words come out of their mouths.
STEP FIVE
For the tiny amount of children who are still resisting!
Stand and wait until your child has done what you want them to do.Most parents are too busy to do this, or feel it. But if you do, your child will know you are serious and what he/she is experiencing is not scolding or nagging but calm and reasonable.
STEP SIX
Notice and praise everything the child does in the right direction.
Good Luck. Lets have some feed back, it can't be just me that has this 'problem'.
RX
I've been looking after them alone for ten days and it taking its toll! I'm shattered, bad tempered and reaching for the chocolate for comfort. All tell tale signs that they've managed to ground me down. They are in control and not the other way round. Don't get me wrong I know you can't put kids into neat little boxes, and nor would I want to. I love their differences, their quirky little ways, but sometimes, just sometimes it would be really nice if they did as I asked the first time I asked them!
Yesterday, was the final straw, and I only had the boys. Lauren was away at Grandads for the weekend, and I only needed to do three things all day; visit the tip with the bags of litter the bin men are not collecting at the moment, clean/tidy the house, and then go and pick Lauren up from my dads in the afternoon.
I soon realised it was going to go pear shaped when the boys were still in pyjamas at 11.30am despite me asking them fifteen times(yes I know precisely because I counted) to get dressed. I even laid their clothes out for them, between them and the TV, and still no joy. I even turned the TV off and still no joy!
By 7pm, having wasted a good hour traipsing back to Ferrybridge services twice to pick up Nathaniel's forgotten box of GoGos (God forbid they are ever lost - they must be worth hundreds!) and consequently ruining our Sunday dinner , I had had ENOUGH.
In desperation I searched the bookshelf for help and came across a book called RAISING HAPPY CHILDREN by Jan Parker and Jan Stimpson. Having made my kids lives a misery yesterday I sat down to read it, feeling guilty for my behaviour.
Things happen for a reason I believe, and so I opened it up in the middle on the most appropriate pages for me right then - A SIX-STEP PLAN FOR CO-OPERATION. Yes, my prayers had been answered. I read it avidly and am inspired. So inspired I'm going to finish this blog post by including it for any readers who are having similar issues with their little (or big) Angels.
Hope it helps, it helped me!
(not reprinted exactly by the way!)
STEP ONE
Stop what you're doing and look at your child. This immediately stops you from shouting at a child that's upset.
STEP TWO
Wait for eye contact - do nothing else but wait. This is respectful and so likely to get your child's attention. These two steps allow you to collect your thoughts and ask clearly and calmly without shouting or nagging.
STEP THREE
Tell your child what you'd like them to do, clearly simply and only once.You may be pleasantly surprised here!
STEP FOUR
If steps one to three haven't worked - and apparently this is only a small minority!! - ask the child in their own words what you have asked them to do. There seems to be more of an obligation felt if the words come out of their mouths.
STEP FIVE
For the tiny amount of children who are still resisting!
Stand and wait until your child has done what you want them to do.Most parents are too busy to do this, or feel it. But if you do, your child will know you are serious and what he/she is experiencing is not scolding or nagging but calm and reasonable.
STEP SIX
Notice and praise everything the child does in the right direction.
Good Luck. Lets have some feed back, it can't be just me that has this 'problem'.
RX
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
CUTE
Nathaniel is just five and still getting to grips with the English language. This blog is just to record some of his latest offerings in this area. Some may be a bit personal but hope you enjoy the read anyway. RX
"Mummy play a game with me". "I spy with my lemon eye"!
"It's all topsy-toesy"
I'm in year-ception aren't I mummy?" (reception!)
"Mummy, Americans tend to take their clothes off alot when they're hot don't they?"
"Its on nicksplash.co.uk" (Lauren loves this one - he meant slash obviously!)
"Mummy, can I have a worm please? I'd like to call it Bertie and feed it cake!"
"Mummy do wishes come true? If they do I'd wish my cuddly dog could be real".
"Does the queen sit on her throne all the time?, How thin is she? , Does she sleep on her throne too?"
"Mummy I'm going to put it in here (his toy cockroach!) and when you open the door you'll freak out your skin!!"
"Look there's a smurf shoe?!" (slip on shoe lying by the side of the road)
He still says "hate you big" when I say "love you little" - my all time favourite.
And last but not least for today, he can sing all the words to Robbie Williams Angels ,beautifully.
How gorgeous are children? I don't want mine to grow up any more. Loving them right where they're at just now.
RX
"Mummy play a game with me". "I spy with my lemon eye"!
"It's all topsy-toesy"
I'm in year-ception aren't I mummy?" (reception!)
"Mummy, Americans tend to take their clothes off alot when they're hot don't they?"
"Its on nicksplash.co.uk" (Lauren loves this one - he meant slash obviously!)
"Mummy, can I have a worm please? I'd like to call it Bertie and feed it cake!"
"Mummy do wishes come true? If they do I'd wish my cuddly dog could be real".
"Does the queen sit on her throne all the time?, How thin is she? , Does she sleep on her throne too?"
"Mummy I'm going to put it in here (his toy cockroach!) and when you open the door you'll freak out your skin!!"
"Look there's a smurf shoe?!" (slip on shoe lying by the side of the road)
He still says "hate you big" when I say "love you little" - my all time favourite.
And last but not least for today, he can sing all the words to Robbie Williams Angels ,beautifully.
How gorgeous are children? I don't want mine to grow up any more. Loving them right where they're at just now.
RX
Saturday, 24 October 2009
STUFF
Lauren and Nat have decided between them that they'd like a hamster, each. As if we don't have enough pets with five cats, three guinea pigs and a corn snake, they want to increase the mini-zoo with two more furry creatures.
So, as a deterrent we've said no, unless they buy them themselves. Not just the hamsters, but the cages, the waterbottles, the wheels, the food etc. So altogether it adds up to quite a lot of money.
We had a trip to Pets At Home today, and after dodging the rats in cages (can't get my head around that at all. YUK) we reached the little furry hamsters. Oh yes, they make you go aaaah aren't they sweet but..............all that springs to my mind is the time that Nat thought the nursery hamster might like to jump from a great height, and nearly died,in our house, in our care. By the way if you'd like to read more on this please see a previous blog post all about it. Its most amusing, only because Percy survived!
We've calculated that L and N need to save over £40 each, so think we're safe for quite a while given that they each get just £5 a week pocket money, and Nat always wants to spend his the minute it hits his hot little hands. He's into Doctor Who cards at the moment, and holds up a pound coin asking how many card packs he can get with it.
Here's hoping the furry creatures are a long way off. Especially as I'd probably get the job of cleaning them out.
Little aside; Nat thinks Tinchy Stryder should be on X Factor. He thinks he'd win!! No doubt. Just about to watch John and Edward whilst writing this. Please,please, please don't let them stay in another week. They can't sing, and they look ridiculous so who the hell is voting for them?!
Another little aside; Nats new word for buttocks is buttocuts.
RX
So, as a deterrent we've said no, unless they buy them themselves. Not just the hamsters, but the cages, the waterbottles, the wheels, the food etc. So altogether it adds up to quite a lot of money.
We had a trip to Pets At Home today, and after dodging the rats in cages (can't get my head around that at all. YUK) we reached the little furry hamsters. Oh yes, they make you go aaaah aren't they sweet but..............all that springs to my mind is the time that Nat thought the nursery hamster might like to jump from a great height, and nearly died,in our house, in our care. By the way if you'd like to read more on this please see a previous blog post all about it. Its most amusing, only because Percy survived!
We've calculated that L and N need to save over £40 each, so think we're safe for quite a while given that they each get just £5 a week pocket money, and Nat always wants to spend his the minute it hits his hot little hands. He's into Doctor Who cards at the moment, and holds up a pound coin asking how many card packs he can get with it.
Here's hoping the furry creatures are a long way off. Especially as I'd probably get the job of cleaning them out.
Little aside; Nat thinks Tinchy Stryder should be on X Factor. He thinks he'd win!! No doubt. Just about to watch John and Edward whilst writing this. Please,please, please don't let them stay in another week. They can't sing, and they look ridiculous so who the hell is voting for them?!
Another little aside; Nats new word for buttocks is buttocuts.
RX
Sunday, 18 October 2009
COOL
I've come to the conclusion that my kids are 'well cool and well busy' (Nats phrase). I'm sure most parents think that about their kids but I'm saying it in relation to music.
I blogged a while ago and mentioned that Nat went to bed listening to the Foo Fighters. It relaxed him, really. Well, its changed now to Dizzy Rascal - Holiday in particular. Hardly soothing music but it works. He can be seen lying in his cabin bed, eyes closed, almost asleep mouthing to the tunes, word perfect.
Lauren on the other hand, whilst enjoying the likes of Dizzy and Tinchy (they've mixed their names up to Dizzy Stryder and Tinchy Rascal!)- she systematically went through Youtube the other day and watched all their latest videos, and now also knows the words - is more enamoured with Michael jackson.
Man In The Mirror was a firm favourite with all three of my kids last year in Cornwall. Chris has it on his Ipod in the car, and they used to request it and sing along on every journey. Great the first time, abit tedious the fiftieth!
She has all his albums on her Ipod and goes to sleep (with her eye mask on!) listening to Smooth Criminal. Possibly the 'extended version', possibly the 'radio edit' - she knows them all off by heart.
Bens a little more varied in his choice of music and will sometimes have 'shuffle songs' on to sleep to. Before he got his own Ipod he'd only moan if some of my country stuff came on (I have eclectic music tastes!)but think that was more because Chris told him country isn't cool (rubbish of course) rather than a proper dislike. He's rather keen on the Kaiser Chiefs, they think going to school is uncool too!
I love it that they have such a healthy regard for music. It is of course helped by the fact that mummy and daddy deliberately expose them to allsorts, via the Ipod, Youtube, TV and live concerts.
Ben's been to see the Foos live at Wembley with his dad, and I took him and some mates to see McFly a few years ago. Not quite so cool,we took him to see Westlife when he was four! and he asked me to ask all the ladies to stop screaming so he could listen to the music!!! Don't know what he made of the knickers being thrown at the band!
Lauren came with me and some girl friends to see Girls Aloud at Harewood - ok but their support, Simon Webbe was fantastic, not leat because he's very easy on the eye!! She's been twice to see Girls Aloud now, possibly an annual event from now on.
Best of all though, she's crazy about Hannah Montana/Mylie Syrus and Chris managed to get tickets for her concert at O2 just before chrstmas. Not a bad treat when you're seven! Whilst Lauren is really looking forward to it, think the pull of Santa at Hamleys the day after is greater!
They say music soothes the soul, and I've found it does just that. For me and the kids. I use it to cheer me up when I'm down, calm me when I'm angry and fire me up when I need some motivation (Anastasia is great to iron to!) And am teaching this to Ben, Lauren and Nat. I went to see Paulo Nuttini last week in Leeds and that was a really moving experience; he's so passionate about his music. I also saw Echo and The Bunnymen do a gig in their home town of Liverpool a few months ago. Ian Mcculloch was amazing. The whole concert gave me goosebumps.
So next time you've been shouting at the kids, or they're lacking in enthusiasm for life in general put some music on and get up and dance with them. I promise it works wonders - every time.
My next concert is Marc Almond (told you I have eclectic tastes)at the Grand Theatre. Not with the kids but with two guys I went to school with. One of whom I went to see Soft Cell with over twenty years ago (yes Geoff we're really that old!). Apparently Paul Ogrady is compering it, so it sounds like we're in for an erm, interesting, evening.
RX
I blogged a while ago and mentioned that Nat went to bed listening to the Foo Fighters. It relaxed him, really. Well, its changed now to Dizzy Rascal - Holiday in particular. Hardly soothing music but it works. He can be seen lying in his cabin bed, eyes closed, almost asleep mouthing to the tunes, word perfect.
Lauren on the other hand, whilst enjoying the likes of Dizzy and Tinchy (they've mixed their names up to Dizzy Stryder and Tinchy Rascal!)- she systematically went through Youtube the other day and watched all their latest videos, and now also knows the words - is more enamoured with Michael jackson.
Man In The Mirror was a firm favourite with all three of my kids last year in Cornwall. Chris has it on his Ipod in the car, and they used to request it and sing along on every journey. Great the first time, abit tedious the fiftieth!
She has all his albums on her Ipod and goes to sleep (with her eye mask on!) listening to Smooth Criminal. Possibly the 'extended version', possibly the 'radio edit' - she knows them all off by heart.
Bens a little more varied in his choice of music and will sometimes have 'shuffle songs' on to sleep to. Before he got his own Ipod he'd only moan if some of my country stuff came on (I have eclectic music tastes!)but think that was more because Chris told him country isn't cool (rubbish of course) rather than a proper dislike. He's rather keen on the Kaiser Chiefs, they think going to school is uncool too!
I love it that they have such a healthy regard for music. It is of course helped by the fact that mummy and daddy deliberately expose them to allsorts, via the Ipod, Youtube, TV and live concerts.
Ben's been to see the Foos live at Wembley with his dad, and I took him and some mates to see McFly a few years ago. Not quite so cool,we took him to see Westlife when he was four! and he asked me to ask all the ladies to stop screaming so he could listen to the music!!! Don't know what he made of the knickers being thrown at the band!
Lauren came with me and some girl friends to see Girls Aloud at Harewood - ok but their support, Simon Webbe was fantastic, not leat because he's very easy on the eye!! She's been twice to see Girls Aloud now, possibly an annual event from now on.
Best of all though, she's crazy about Hannah Montana/Mylie Syrus and Chris managed to get tickets for her concert at O2 just before chrstmas. Not a bad treat when you're seven! Whilst Lauren is really looking forward to it, think the pull of Santa at Hamleys the day after is greater!
They say music soothes the soul, and I've found it does just that. For me and the kids. I use it to cheer me up when I'm down, calm me when I'm angry and fire me up when I need some motivation (Anastasia is great to iron to!) And am teaching this to Ben, Lauren and Nat. I went to see Paulo Nuttini last week in Leeds and that was a really moving experience; he's so passionate about his music. I also saw Echo and The Bunnymen do a gig in their home town of Liverpool a few months ago. Ian Mcculloch was amazing. The whole concert gave me goosebumps.
So next time you've been shouting at the kids, or they're lacking in enthusiasm for life in general put some music on and get up and dance with them. I promise it works wonders - every time.
My next concert is Marc Almond (told you I have eclectic tastes)at the Grand Theatre. Not with the kids but with two guys I went to school with. One of whom I went to see Soft Cell with over twenty years ago (yes Geoff we're really that old!). Apparently Paul Ogrady is compering it, so it sounds like we're in for an erm, interesting, evening.
RX
Friday, 14 August 2009
FUNNY
................my five year old is so funny, he was just born to be on the stage.
Yesterday, Lauren and I were in the house, and Nat and Ben were 'gardening' outside. he came flying in all of a sudden gesticulating, saying " There's a dead hodgy in the pond mummy come and see". He kept repeating the word hodgy; which we finally worked out was a hedgehog. (The next best thing to him pronouncing the word properly was hodgeheg after several attempts, but hodgy is cute......). Sure enough, on inspection, there was a spiky creature in the pond. And well dead it was too.
Later we were all out in the garden and Ben shouted " Come and smell my plants". He'd been planting his sunflowers in the ground from their pots. I went down the steps and smelt them. Shortly after I heard Ben say to Nat " that's my PANTS". Nat was trying to sniff Ben's pants - he'd misheard! Ben laughed til he cried.
Even later, last night when I was putting Nat to bed, he told me when he gets frustrated or angry (we were having a conversation about why he nips Lauren), he sees a skull in his head , and it's all white light with a little bit of pink. He says its the skull that makes his brain work?! Any child psychologists reading this please feel free to comment?
I asked him for a good night kiss, and he said he had none made in his factory because the diggers had gone on strike.
I also had a great conversation with Ben and Lauren the other evening. Lauren said she'd like to be a police woman with a dog ; a German Shepherd.
Ben said he'd like to be an artist and a surf dude in Cornwall.
Lauren said she'd go and see him when he was famous.
Ben said "what like Pablo Picasso".
Lauren said "who?".
I launched into an explanation as to who Pablo Picasso was and how famous he was.
"He's not that famous mummy, she's never heard of him", says Ben!!
Bless them . They're so lovely.
RX
Yesterday, Lauren and I were in the house, and Nat and Ben were 'gardening' outside. he came flying in all of a sudden gesticulating, saying " There's a dead hodgy in the pond mummy come and see". He kept repeating the word hodgy; which we finally worked out was a hedgehog. (The next best thing to him pronouncing the word properly was hodgeheg after several attempts, but hodgy is cute......). Sure enough, on inspection, there was a spiky creature in the pond. And well dead it was too.
Later we were all out in the garden and Ben shouted " Come and smell my plants". He'd been planting his sunflowers in the ground from their pots. I went down the steps and smelt them. Shortly after I heard Ben say to Nat " that's my PANTS". Nat was trying to sniff Ben's pants - he'd misheard! Ben laughed til he cried.
Even later, last night when I was putting Nat to bed, he told me when he gets frustrated or angry (we were having a conversation about why he nips Lauren), he sees a skull in his head , and it's all white light with a little bit of pink. He says its the skull that makes his brain work?! Any child psychologists reading this please feel free to comment?
I asked him for a good night kiss, and he said he had none made in his factory because the diggers had gone on strike.
I also had a great conversation with Ben and Lauren the other evening. Lauren said she'd like to be a police woman with a dog ; a German Shepherd.
Ben said he'd like to be an artist and a surf dude in Cornwall.
Lauren said she'd go and see him when he was famous.
Ben said "what like Pablo Picasso".
Lauren said "who?".
I launched into an explanation as to who Pablo Picasso was and how famous he was.
"He's not that famous mummy, she's never heard of him", says Ben!!
Bless them . They're so lovely.
RX
Thursday, 16 July 2009
RING THE CHANGES
I don't know how we came across them but they're just fantastic. I found one on our book shelf the other day, liked the title and read it to Nat as a bedtime story.
He laughed and thought it was "well cool and well busy", his line for something great.
And so, when I was in Borders the other day, I searched for more in the same series and wow, there are loads of them. Top!
What am I rabbiting on about you ask? Well maybe you didn't but I'll tell you anyway. I'm talking about a load of books loosely based on the traditional Goldilocks and the Three Bears type stories that we all grew up with and came to love, and know off by heart.
These books however, ring the changes, and are as Nat described them, just "well cool and well busy".
Tonight, I read Cinderboy to Ben and Lauren - we laughed out loud at the silly story of a boy who was at the beck and call of his ugly stepbrothers but whose life was changed for the better by his TV Godmother. Clever stuff.
And then there's Daft Jack and the Bean Stack. Jack and his mother have a cow, but they're sick of drinking milk. The giant is sick of eating children and really wants beans instead, and when he meets Jacks mother they fall in love and live happily ever after. Superb writing.
One more before I give you the author etc. - Eco Wolf and the Three Pigs . The wolf is the so-laid-back-he's-falling-over 'goody' in the story and the three pigs are the thoughtless moneymaking 'baddies', out to ruin the environment.Engaging to children and adults alike.
I've got to tell you the best title : Rumply Crumply Stinky Pin, we love the name in our house, and the story is just hilarious too.
They're a must if you fancy something light hearted for the kids before bed, or at any time for that matter. They work for all ages too. Ben's nine and he loves them just as much as Nat who's five. Lauren has memorised most of them and likes to join in with me in 'reading' them.
If you fancy reading one of these Seriously Silly Stories, they are by Laurence Anholt and Arthur Robins and are published by Orchard books. Probably available from Amazon.co.uk but I found Borders (near Ikea) have virtually the whole series.
Some other titles include :
Mary,Mary, Fried Canary
Old King Cole Played In Goal
Ding Dong Bell What's That Funny Smell?
Little Bo Peep Has Knickers That Bleep
Hope you get as much out of them as we do.
RX
He laughed and thought it was "well cool and well busy", his line for something great.
And so, when I was in Borders the other day, I searched for more in the same series and wow, there are loads of them. Top!
What am I rabbiting on about you ask? Well maybe you didn't but I'll tell you anyway. I'm talking about a load of books loosely based on the traditional Goldilocks and the Three Bears type stories that we all grew up with and came to love, and know off by heart.
These books however, ring the changes, and are as Nat described them, just "well cool and well busy".
Tonight, I read Cinderboy to Ben and Lauren - we laughed out loud at the silly story of a boy who was at the beck and call of his ugly stepbrothers but whose life was changed for the better by his TV Godmother. Clever stuff.
And then there's Daft Jack and the Bean Stack. Jack and his mother have a cow, but they're sick of drinking milk. The giant is sick of eating children and really wants beans instead, and when he meets Jacks mother they fall in love and live happily ever after. Superb writing.
One more before I give you the author etc. - Eco Wolf and the Three Pigs . The wolf is the so-laid-back-he's-falling-over 'goody' in the story and the three pigs are the thoughtless moneymaking 'baddies', out to ruin the environment.Engaging to children and adults alike.
I've got to tell you the best title : Rumply Crumply Stinky Pin, we love the name in our house, and the story is just hilarious too.
They're a must if you fancy something light hearted for the kids before bed, or at any time for that matter. They work for all ages too. Ben's nine and he loves them just as much as Nat who's five. Lauren has memorised most of them and likes to join in with me in 'reading' them.
If you fancy reading one of these Seriously Silly Stories, they are by Laurence Anholt and Arthur Robins and are published by Orchard books. Probably available from Amazon.co.uk but I found Borders (near Ikea) have virtually the whole series.
Some other titles include :
Mary,Mary, Fried Canary
Old King Cole Played In Goal
Ding Dong Bell What's That Funny Smell?
Little Bo Peep Has Knickers That Bleep
Hope you get as much out of them as we do.
RX
Thursday, 9 July 2009
The King Of Pop
"So who is the king of pop mummy, is it Michael Jackson or Elvis" , asked Lauren tonight when she got in from school.
"Err, well that depends" I replied, "probably on how old you are".
"Well the boys in my class and I were chatting at break time, and we think its Michael Jackson because we don't even remember Elvis".
Fair enough, can't argue with that.
Lauren is totally and utterly engrossed in the whole Michael Jackson deal since his death. She was introduced to him about six months ago when Chris downloaded Man In The Mirror and played it to the kids in the car one day. They loved it, learnt all the words really quickly and requested it on all journeys, over and over.
Last summer it was Angels by Robbie Williams that we played to death, whilst on holidya in Cornwall, and then Pretender by The Foo Fighters, so we've moved on to a new thing with Jacko.
Lauren also asked me after we spent last friday night viewing videos, mainly Thriller and Bad, the longer versions, " How come he was black when he was little and white when he was an adult". That took some explaining!!
We've even had a Michael Jackson tribute concert in the playroom put together primarliy by Ben but with Nat and Lauren being given supporting roles! Ben was Micheal, complete with half mast black trousers, white fluffy socks and a large red shirt - he even got the moon walking moves off to a tee. Very entertaining.
Laurens got Bad on her Ipod and wanders round the house singing loudly with the headphones in her ears unable to hear herself, and tonight she fell asleep to him seranading her.
Wonder how many people around the world are doing what my kids are doing right now. Funny thing death.
RX
"Err, well that depends" I replied, "probably on how old you are".
"Well the boys in my class and I were chatting at break time, and we think its Michael Jackson because we don't even remember Elvis".
Fair enough, can't argue with that.
Lauren is totally and utterly engrossed in the whole Michael Jackson deal since his death. She was introduced to him about six months ago when Chris downloaded Man In The Mirror and played it to the kids in the car one day. They loved it, learnt all the words really quickly and requested it on all journeys, over and over.
Last summer it was Angels by Robbie Williams that we played to death, whilst on holidya in Cornwall, and then Pretender by The Foo Fighters, so we've moved on to a new thing with Jacko.
Lauren also asked me after we spent last friday night viewing videos, mainly Thriller and Bad, the longer versions, " How come he was black when he was little and white when he was an adult". That took some explaining!!
We've even had a Michael Jackson tribute concert in the playroom put together primarliy by Ben but with Nat and Lauren being given supporting roles! Ben was Micheal, complete with half mast black trousers, white fluffy socks and a large red shirt - he even got the moon walking moves off to a tee. Very entertaining.
Laurens got Bad on her Ipod and wanders round the house singing loudly with the headphones in her ears unable to hear herself, and tonight she fell asleep to him seranading her.
Wonder how many people around the world are doing what my kids are doing right now. Funny thing death.
RX
Monday, 29 June 2009
Footballs
We seem to be the only family out there who watched the England under 21s playing in the final against Germany this evening, as Andy Murray was on the other side playing his heart out at Wimbledon.
We did this because, Ben, my nine year old is craaaaaaaaazy about football. As is his brother ,Nat, but as he's only five we managed to distract him enough by Winnie the Pooh audio bedtime stories to get him out of the way before the match started.
We're keeping Morrisons in Wetherby going at the moment buying 99p footballs because the boys, and Lauren too, play with them to death and they pop. Suppose for 99p what can we expect.
This Sunday morning the boys started out with two balls each of varying colours and it was all going swimmingly until Nat kicked Bens ball into a particularly prickly bush. The balls are insubstantial to say the least and sure enough it went pop. Ben was furious as he thought Nat had done it on purpose (and yes by the glint in his eye I'd have to agree) so to get his own back ,Ben (who is nine and really should know better) popped one of Nats balls with a pair of kitchen scissors!!!
His dad came along at this moment and having not been part of the earlier escapades promptly sent Ben to his room.
Ben took it on the chin and came down later to play MORE football with Nat. How it happened I don't know but they managed to pop two more balls between them and came in asking for us to have another trip to Morrisons.
Chris (dad) put his foot down. I love it when he does this because it doesn't happen very often. The boys sulked for a full two minutes, and then played on their bikes instead.
Sure there is a moral to this story but not sure what it is..................RX
We did this because, Ben, my nine year old is craaaaaaaaazy about football. As is his brother ,Nat, but as he's only five we managed to distract him enough by Winnie the Pooh audio bedtime stories to get him out of the way before the match started.
We're keeping Morrisons in Wetherby going at the moment buying 99p footballs because the boys, and Lauren too, play with them to death and they pop. Suppose for 99p what can we expect.
This Sunday morning the boys started out with two balls each of varying colours and it was all going swimmingly until Nat kicked Bens ball into a particularly prickly bush. The balls are insubstantial to say the least and sure enough it went pop. Ben was furious as he thought Nat had done it on purpose (and yes by the glint in his eye I'd have to agree) so to get his own back ,Ben (who is nine and really should know better) popped one of Nats balls with a pair of kitchen scissors!!!
His dad came along at this moment and having not been part of the earlier escapades promptly sent Ben to his room.
Ben took it on the chin and came down later to play MORE football with Nat. How it happened I don't know but they managed to pop two more balls between them and came in asking for us to have another trip to Morrisons.
Chris (dad) put his foot down. I love it when he does this because it doesn't happen very often. The boys sulked for a full two minutes, and then played on their bikes instead.
Sure there is a moral to this story but not sure what it is..................RX
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
FLIPS
Nathaniel, my five year old, who is well too cool for school has just learnt a new trick - he can do a front flip off the end of the settee. He's very, very proud of himself, and was even practising in the tent last weekend when he went camping with his dad, and brother and sister.
He literally stands on the end of the settee (I gave up trying to stop them jumping on it years ago) throws himself forward and somersaults in the air and lands on his back on the soft cushions.
Today, we were at his regular GYMBOBS class (big plug for Janine, because it's a fab club and she and her staff are so enthusiastic) and he was doing the circuit which involved jumping onto a soft gym horse and jumping off the other side, landing on a mat and doing a forward roll.
Nathaniel,however, decided to treat everybody to his new trick without any prior warning, much to Janines horror and amazement. Instead of jumping off the gym horse he literally flipped in the air and landed with his feet together in a perfect 10/10 olympic finish.
While Janine was having a small heart attack and shouting something at me about her public liability insurance, Roger one of her helpers just pointed at Nat and shouted "that was sooooooooooooooo cool".
He smiled sweetly and just moved onto the next apparatus.
He literally stands on the end of the settee (I gave up trying to stop them jumping on it years ago) throws himself forward and somersaults in the air and lands on his back on the soft cushions.
Today, we were at his regular GYMBOBS class (big plug for Janine, because it's a fab club and she and her staff are so enthusiastic) and he was doing the circuit which involved jumping onto a soft gym horse and jumping off the other side, landing on a mat and doing a forward roll.
Nathaniel,however, decided to treat everybody to his new trick without any prior warning, much to Janines horror and amazement. Instead of jumping off the gym horse he literally flipped in the air and landed with his feet together in a perfect 10/10 olympic finish.
While Janine was having a small heart attack and shouting something at me about her public liability insurance, Roger one of her helpers just pointed at Nat and shouted "that was sooooooooooooooo cool".
He smiled sweetly and just moved onto the next apparatus.
Monday, 15 June 2009
CAMPING
I am not a camper, never have been and never will be. Give me a five star hotel with fluffy robe and slippers, a mini bar and some bubble bath and I'm sorted. So how I found myself in a tent in the garden with my three children on a Saturday night has me baffled.
It all started when their dad said he'd take them camping next weekend, on his own. He didn't even invite me because he knows the answer. The kids were so excited and went to choose a tent; the largest tent I've ever seen (well nearly, apart from my friend Marias, she has a lounge with a blow up settee and rugs, and three bedrooms!).
So, as it was a nice day on Saturday, Chris and Ben decided to put the tent up whilst Lauren, Nat and I were in the theatre watching Joseph. We returned to see every square inch of the lawn taken up with a very high tech looking tent.
Of course, the kids wanted to sleep in it that night, and eat their tea in it - Chris had bought a table with four chairs (four not five, I was not in the calculation). It was agreed then Chris and the children would sleep in the tent and I would look after the cats and sleep in my comfortable warm bed.
Hours later though, I was told things had changed and that the kids had voted for mummy to camp and daddy to sleep in the house. They felt sorry for me because I'm missing the weekend away next week (but honestly I didn't mind a bit), so wanted to make me feel better by allowing me the chance to sleep under the stars!! Aaaah, bless them.
They pestered, and pestered, and so................ I gave in. I did insist on having my duvet, sheet and pillows rather than a sleeping bag though, so they made my bed up for me and we had a little snack at the table early evening (with daddy) and got into our beds.
That's when the mayhem started. Giddy is an understatement. All three of them were bouncing around on the blow up beds, throwing pillows and giggling. I let it happen and even joined in abit and actually found myself enjoying it.
Two hours later we were reading Horrid Henrys Underpants and they were lying still. Then we heard a car, and a loud hello, and two heads popped round the door of the tent. Jennie, my mate and her husband Richard had called round for a nosey. They're caravanners (new to it), and Jennie couldn't beleive I was in a tent!
That was it, the kids were giddy again. Jennie got into my bed; we called 'room service' (Chris, in the house) and he brought out the wine and we had a natter and a giggle with the kids showing off the tent and my new jeep.
At 10.45pm Nat was beside himself so the kids and I excused ourselves and the other three adults retired to the house. The four of us went to sleep quite quickly but were rudely awoken pretty soon after by some rather large heavy rain drops on the tent.
Lauren hated it, and ran into the house where Jennie put her to bed while Chris and Richard were fumbling around in the dark trying to put the roof back on my car. The boys went back to sleep.
Two hours later Ben woke me up saying he couldn't sleep so he too went back into the house to his bed.
That left me and Nat snuggled under my duvet where we had a lovely sleep until 7.30am the following morning.
What a palava! How Chris is going to cope next weekend I'm not sure. But I didn't enjoy it so much that I'm volunteering to join him to help!
It all started when their dad said he'd take them camping next weekend, on his own. He didn't even invite me because he knows the answer. The kids were so excited and went to choose a tent; the largest tent I've ever seen (well nearly, apart from my friend Marias, she has a lounge with a blow up settee and rugs, and three bedrooms!).
So, as it was a nice day on Saturday, Chris and Ben decided to put the tent up whilst Lauren, Nat and I were in the theatre watching Joseph. We returned to see every square inch of the lawn taken up with a very high tech looking tent.
Of course, the kids wanted to sleep in it that night, and eat their tea in it - Chris had bought a table with four chairs (four not five, I was not in the calculation). It was agreed then Chris and the children would sleep in the tent and I would look after the cats and sleep in my comfortable warm bed.
Hours later though, I was told things had changed and that the kids had voted for mummy to camp and daddy to sleep in the house. They felt sorry for me because I'm missing the weekend away next week (but honestly I didn't mind a bit), so wanted to make me feel better by allowing me the chance to sleep under the stars!! Aaaah, bless them.
They pestered, and pestered, and so................ I gave in. I did insist on having my duvet, sheet and pillows rather than a sleeping bag though, so they made my bed up for me and we had a little snack at the table early evening (with daddy) and got into our beds.
That's when the mayhem started. Giddy is an understatement. All three of them were bouncing around on the blow up beds, throwing pillows and giggling. I let it happen and even joined in abit and actually found myself enjoying it.
Two hours later we were reading Horrid Henrys Underpants and they were lying still. Then we heard a car, and a loud hello, and two heads popped round the door of the tent. Jennie, my mate and her husband Richard had called round for a nosey. They're caravanners (new to it), and Jennie couldn't beleive I was in a tent!
That was it, the kids were giddy again. Jennie got into my bed; we called 'room service' (Chris, in the house) and he brought out the wine and we had a natter and a giggle with the kids showing off the tent and my new jeep.
At 10.45pm Nat was beside himself so the kids and I excused ourselves and the other three adults retired to the house. The four of us went to sleep quite quickly but were rudely awoken pretty soon after by some rather large heavy rain drops on the tent.
Lauren hated it, and ran into the house where Jennie put her to bed while Chris and Richard were fumbling around in the dark trying to put the roof back on my car. The boys went back to sleep.
Two hours later Ben woke me up saying he couldn't sleep so he too went back into the house to his bed.
That left me and Nat snuggled under my duvet where we had a lovely sleep until 7.30am the following morning.
What a palava! How Chris is going to cope next weekend I'm not sure. But I didn't enjoy it so much that I'm volunteering to join him to help!
Monday, 8 June 2009
FREEZER BAGS
I asked Ben if he'd run into our local Sainsburys the other evening to buy a bag of freezer bags. Lauren, Nat and I stayed in the car and watched Ben from outside going up and down each aisle, obviously unable to find said item.
He came out empty handed claiming that they didn't have any. When quizzed he said he didn't like to ask the assistant, and couldn't see them himself.
So, Lauren said she'd go back with him to find them.
This time, Nat and I watched the two of them giggling up and down the aisles for ages, and they still came back empty handed.
It turned out that the assistant was an ex school pupil and they were so in awe of him they daren't ask for what they wanted. Bless!
But,have no fear, little brother came to the rescue. "I'll find them mummy" he said, jumping out of the car with Ben and Lauren close on his heels.
He marched in, straight up to the young assistant and asked where the freezer bags were. The three of them were then escorted to the correct aisle and came out beaming, with a bar of chocolate as well as the bags.
Result! Nat was most proud of himself for the rest of the day.
RX
He came out empty handed claiming that they didn't have any. When quizzed he said he didn't like to ask the assistant, and couldn't see them himself.
So, Lauren said she'd go back with him to find them.
This time, Nat and I watched the two of them giggling up and down the aisles for ages, and they still came back empty handed.
It turned out that the assistant was an ex school pupil and they were so in awe of him they daren't ask for what they wanted. Bless!
But,have no fear, little brother came to the rescue. "I'll find them mummy" he said, jumping out of the car with Ben and Lauren close on his heels.
He marched in, straight up to the young assistant and asked where the freezer bags were. The three of them were then escorted to the correct aisle and came out beaming, with a bar of chocolate as well as the bags.
Result! Nat was most proud of himself for the rest of the day.
RX
Friday, 5 June 2009
TIME
I'm in a bit of a reflective mood today, just thinking how quickly my three children are growing and how time runs away with us and there is nothing we can do about it.
I sometimes get so bogged down with what I'm doing that I don't get down to the kids level - literally or metaphorically, and feel a little bit guilty, like most parents Im sure, that I don't give them enough quality time.
This morning Nat (aged five) seemed to say "mummy" every two minutes and as I was busy trying to fit allsorts in before school I got a little bit short with him. He just wanted to be close to me and for me to give him some attention and what I did give him just wasn't enough. So he played up, because any attention is better than none, negative or positive.
I left him at school upset and not wanting to stay. He's usually so happy go lucky and I left in a sombre mood. Hope he soon cheers up. I can't wait to see him at the end of his day, and have, of course, vowed to make it up to him later today in my mind!
I find one of the best ways to get close to my three is to have a tickling match. They love it and we all roll around in a tangle of limbs and they giggle away. It lifts my heart and I keep telling Nat that his laugh is my happy thought if I'm feeling down and he's not there.
So 3.30pm this afternoon, thats what I'll be instigating in my house. After the sweet shop of course, it is Friday after all.
I sometimes get so bogged down with what I'm doing that I don't get down to the kids level - literally or metaphorically, and feel a little bit guilty, like most parents Im sure, that I don't give them enough quality time.
This morning Nat (aged five) seemed to say "mummy" every two minutes and as I was busy trying to fit allsorts in before school I got a little bit short with him. He just wanted to be close to me and for me to give him some attention and what I did give him just wasn't enough. So he played up, because any attention is better than none, negative or positive.
I left him at school upset and not wanting to stay. He's usually so happy go lucky and I left in a sombre mood. Hope he soon cheers up. I can't wait to see him at the end of his day, and have, of course, vowed to make it up to him later today in my mind!
I find one of the best ways to get close to my three is to have a tickling match. They love it and we all roll around in a tangle of limbs and they giggle away. It lifts my heart and I keep telling Nat that his laugh is my happy thought if I'm feeling down and he's not there.
So 3.30pm this afternoon, thats what I'll be instigating in my house. After the sweet shop of course, it is Friday after all.
Sunday, 24 May 2009
RESILIENCE
Laurens first tooth started to come through black and crooked. I pointed it out to the health visitor the minute I saw it and she said it'll be fine wait and see. It wasn't and we had numerous trips to the dentist for it to be monitored every millimetre it protruded through her gum.
Chris and I were traumatised at the time, children's teeth are so precious, and it was her very first one; our poor gorgeous little girl.
Eventually we were told it was a malformed tooth; why this happens is still a mystery but it was suggested that said tooth be removed.
OK, but how to remove a tooth from a tiny child was the next hurdle. No one wants their child to be in pain for any reason, and as I have a dreadful fear of dentists it worried me more than most.
In the end it was decided, well I decided, that Chris should take her. We were booked into the Leeds General Infirmary dental department early one morning. We dropped Benjy off at the child minder and drove down to the hospital.
I sat outside in the waiting room while Chris took Lauren in to sit in the dentists chair,on his knee. She had no idea what was about to happen to her, which we figured was a good thing.
I paced around for what seemed like hours, listening for the screaming to start. But it never did. All was quiet, and eventually daddy and daughter emerged. Chris looked shattered and rather pale and was covered it blood splatters; Lauren looked her gorgeous normal self, minus her little black tooth.
She'd been amazing all the way through apparently, very brave and perhaps because she wasn't anticipating anything nasty happening took it all in her stride.
We took her back to the car where we'd got a Marks and Spencer picnic waiting - more for us than her, but she wolfed it down no problem.
The moral of the story is :it's easy to forget just how resilient our children really are!
Chris and I were traumatised at the time, children's teeth are so precious, and it was her very first one; our poor gorgeous little girl.
Eventually we were told it was a malformed tooth; why this happens is still a mystery but it was suggested that said tooth be removed.
OK, but how to remove a tooth from a tiny child was the next hurdle. No one wants their child to be in pain for any reason, and as I have a dreadful fear of dentists it worried me more than most.
In the end it was decided, well I decided, that Chris should take her. We were booked into the Leeds General Infirmary dental department early one morning. We dropped Benjy off at the child minder and drove down to the hospital.
I sat outside in the waiting room while Chris took Lauren in to sit in the dentists chair,on his knee. She had no idea what was about to happen to her, which we figured was a good thing.
I paced around for what seemed like hours, listening for the screaming to start. But it never did. All was quiet, and eventually daddy and daughter emerged. Chris looked shattered and rather pale and was covered it blood splatters; Lauren looked her gorgeous normal self, minus her little black tooth.
She'd been amazing all the way through apparently, very brave and perhaps because she wasn't anticipating anything nasty happening took it all in her stride.
We took her back to the car where we'd got a Marks and Spencer picnic waiting - more for us than her, but she wolfed it down no problem.
The moral of the story is :it's easy to forget just how resilient our children really are!
Sunday, 17 May 2009
INNOCENCE
Nat talking to Ben and Lauren the other day " I got a six pound note from Auntie Nise for Easter".
" You can't get a six pound note" replied Lauren.
"You can in his world" quipped Ben!
And...........
Our neighbour, Maurice, very sadly died a few weeks ago. He was over eighty and had a fantastic life, however his widow Rosa is now alone. Nat and I were talking about it, and I said Maurice had gone to be a star in the sky with our cat Biscuit, who also very sadly died two years ago.
Nat said " I know why Maurice died mummy, he ate too many sweeteners. Sweeteners are bad for you, aren't they mummy". Oh dear, think I may have banged on about them abit too much (won't let the kids have Fruitshoots because they're full of them). His little view, in all its innocence would have really amused Maurice.
RX
" You can't get a six pound note" replied Lauren.
"You can in his world" quipped Ben!
And...........
Our neighbour, Maurice, very sadly died a few weeks ago. He was over eighty and had a fantastic life, however his widow Rosa is now alone. Nat and I were talking about it, and I said Maurice had gone to be a star in the sky with our cat Biscuit, who also very sadly died two years ago.
Nat said " I know why Maurice died mummy, he ate too many sweeteners. Sweeteners are bad for you, aren't they mummy". Oh dear, think I may have banged on about them abit too much (won't let the kids have Fruitshoots because they're full of them). His little view, in all its innocence would have really amused Maurice.
RX
Saturday, 16 May 2009
DETERMINATION
I decided Nathaniel, who is 5, should learn to ride his bike without stabilisers yesterday. He agreed, amazing, so we set to work.
He went into the garage, found his dads tool kit and located the correct spanner to remove them, and even had a go at doing it himself.So far I was well impressed.
We took one off - disaster! He rode round in circles.
We took the other one off, and he climbed aboard. I held tight to the back of the seat with one hand and off we went, up and down the paving at the side of the house.
Whilst concentrating so hard on riding he was unable to use the brakes at the same time (he is in training to be a man after all!) and so the fence and the gate were crashed into each time we turned around. But it didn't deter him.
He insisted I let go of the seat and promptly put his feet down saying he couldn't do it. He had a temper tantrum, picked up the bike and threw it down saying he'd never be able to do it. Luckily, the bike is made of sturdy stuff, and so is he because two mintues later he'd climbed back on and we went backwards and forwards another dozen times.
Each time I held on to the seat with less of a grip until eventually just one finger stopped him doing it on his own. His dad came back from doing the shopping (very domesticated) just in time to see Nat ride without me or stabilisers.
I ran for the camera. He was off, back and forth with the biggest grin on his face. What a fantastic sight and what a fantastic achievement in his little life.
I asked him how he felt and he said " I feel very happy mummy". Bless him, he's gorgeous.
I've added that to be one of my happy thoughts, along with him laughing, which is one of the best things ever, and the way we say we goodnight : " Love you little", I say, "Hate you big" ,he replies.
Children are so prescious, really ,and they grow up so quickly. This blog will serve as great memories for me. Rx
He went into the garage, found his dads tool kit and located the correct spanner to remove them, and even had a go at doing it himself.So far I was well impressed.
We took one off - disaster! He rode round in circles.
We took the other one off, and he climbed aboard. I held tight to the back of the seat with one hand and off we went, up and down the paving at the side of the house.
Whilst concentrating so hard on riding he was unable to use the brakes at the same time (he is in training to be a man after all!) and so the fence and the gate were crashed into each time we turned around. But it didn't deter him.
He insisted I let go of the seat and promptly put his feet down saying he couldn't do it. He had a temper tantrum, picked up the bike and threw it down saying he'd never be able to do it. Luckily, the bike is made of sturdy stuff, and so is he because two mintues later he'd climbed back on and we went backwards and forwards another dozen times.
Each time I held on to the seat with less of a grip until eventually just one finger stopped him doing it on his own. His dad came back from doing the shopping (very domesticated) just in time to see Nat ride without me or stabilisers.
I ran for the camera. He was off, back and forth with the biggest grin on his face. What a fantastic sight and what a fantastic achievement in his little life.
I asked him how he felt and he said " I feel very happy mummy". Bless him, he's gorgeous.
I've added that to be one of my happy thoughts, along with him laughing, which is one of the best things ever, and the way we say we goodnight : " Love you little", I say, "Hate you big" ,he replies.
Children are so prescious, really ,and they grow up so quickly. This blog will serve as great memories for me. Rx
Friday, 15 May 2009
CHEESE
Ben was just two years old and Lauren was just two months old. It was a Friday and Grandad was with us.
He still visits every Friday, and the kids get very excited partly because Grandad's coming and partly because it's treat day and he buys them sweets!
Anyway, on this particular Friday to give me a rest while Lauren had her lunchtime nap, Grandad said he'd take Ben out for a little drive and go up to Leeds/Bradford airport to watch the planes for a while.
I got him ready and he was dead excited. It was only his second time out on his own with Grandad.
When they'd gone I put Lauren to bed and had a lovely time pottering about the house, I read a magazine, tidied up abit and Lauren slept for hours; bliss.
Ben unfortunately didn't have quite such a nice time as we found out when they got back.
Grandad and he watched some planes at the airport, and he really enjoyed it, and concentrated for as long as can be expected from a two year old (not that long!).
They then set off back. Ben said he was thirsty and not wanting to stop Grandad looked around his car and found a drinks bottle. Assuming it contained water he passed it back to Ben who was strapped into his child seat. Ben apparently took a great big glug from the bottle and..........spat the contents back all over the car, and the back of Grandad, and screamed and cried for the rest of the way home.
The drinks bottle as it turned out contained milk, from their previous trip out A WHOLE WEEK before - so you can imagine how revolting and sour the milk was; it was almost cheese! Poor kid got the shock of his life when he tasted it.
Unfortunately Grandad has never been allowed to forget his dreadful error, I think it's scarred Ben for life!
He still visits every Friday, and the kids get very excited partly because Grandad's coming and partly because it's treat day and he buys them sweets!
Anyway, on this particular Friday to give me a rest while Lauren had her lunchtime nap, Grandad said he'd take Ben out for a little drive and go up to Leeds/Bradford airport to watch the planes for a while.
I got him ready and he was dead excited. It was only his second time out on his own with Grandad.
When they'd gone I put Lauren to bed and had a lovely time pottering about the house, I read a magazine, tidied up abit and Lauren slept for hours; bliss.
Ben unfortunately didn't have quite such a nice time as we found out when they got back.
Grandad and he watched some planes at the airport, and he really enjoyed it, and concentrated for as long as can be expected from a two year old (not that long!).
They then set off back. Ben said he was thirsty and not wanting to stop Grandad looked around his car and found a drinks bottle. Assuming it contained water he passed it back to Ben who was strapped into his child seat. Ben apparently took a great big glug from the bottle and..........spat the contents back all over the car, and the back of Grandad, and screamed and cried for the rest of the way home.
The drinks bottle as it turned out contained milk, from their previous trip out A WHOLE WEEK before - so you can imagine how revolting and sour the milk was; it was almost cheese! Poor kid got the shock of his life when he tasted it.
Unfortunately Grandad has never been allowed to forget his dreadful error, I think it's scarred Ben for life!
THANKYOU
I'd like to say a big thankyou to FAMILIES magazine, both Leeds and York for mentioning me and my blog in their latest issues.
FAMILIES magazine is a great free local magazine featuring lots of really interesting stuff for mums and dads with kids. I love the pages that detail what's happening in and around the area. Very useful for filling those long holiday days! Wild West Week at Royal Armouries is top of my list for half term!
So thankyou to Sarah Butters (Leeds) and to Belinda (York) for their kind words.
Pick up your local copy - I get mine from Wetherby library, have also seen them in Starbucks on Street Lane, Leeds.
RX
FAMILIES magazine is a great free local magazine featuring lots of really interesting stuff for mums and dads with kids. I love the pages that detail what's happening in and around the area. Very useful for filling those long holiday days! Wild West Week at Royal Armouries is top of my list for half term!
So thankyou to Sarah Butters (Leeds) and to Belinda (York) for their kind words.
Pick up your local copy - I get mine from Wetherby library, have also seen them in Starbucks on Street Lane, Leeds.
RX
HANNAH MONTANA
Lauren is totally and utterly addicted to Hannah Montana. It's on in our house every day for as long as she can get away with it. If I'm busy (bad mum) it's a little too long!
The other day I decided to see what all the fuss was about, as the boys were getting 'sucked in' to what I believed was a trashy American soap as well. We all sat down in our snug and watched one episode from start to finish. I challenged them at the beginning by saying " OK guys, at the end of this show I'd like you to tell me what you've learnt from this programme".
Twenty minutes later I have to admit, I'd really enjoyed it. Yep OK it was full of cheap 'gags' and Billy Ray Cyrus is not the best actor in the world, but it was harmless and Dolly Parton made a guest appearance which made my day. Always been a fan of hers!
"So", I said as the credits came on the screen. " What did you learn from that, anything?" Immediately Benj piped up with "Yes mummy, I learnt that you should always give people a second chance - and that we should turn anger into love". Wow, wow and wow - I was bowled over. That was exactly what I took from it too!
So, next time you think your kids have glazed over, and are getting nothing out of the TV other than square eyes (my mum used to say it to me and my sister all the time, and now I say it to my kids!) why not ask them some questions. You may be pleasantly surprised.
On the strength of that,I took Lauren to see the Hannah Montana movie on Saturday too, and that was well entertaining. Really lively, colourful, full of messages! and some great songs. Mostly girls in the audience, and they actually clapped and cheered when it finished - and I joined in too!
RX
The other day I decided to see what all the fuss was about, as the boys were getting 'sucked in' to what I believed was a trashy American soap as well. We all sat down in our snug and watched one episode from start to finish. I challenged them at the beginning by saying " OK guys, at the end of this show I'd like you to tell me what you've learnt from this programme".
Twenty minutes later I have to admit, I'd really enjoyed it. Yep OK it was full of cheap 'gags' and Billy Ray Cyrus is not the best actor in the world, but it was harmless and Dolly Parton made a guest appearance which made my day. Always been a fan of hers!
"So", I said as the credits came on the screen. " What did you learn from that, anything?" Immediately Benj piped up with "Yes mummy, I learnt that you should always give people a second chance - and that we should turn anger into love". Wow, wow and wow - I was bowled over. That was exactly what I took from it too!
So, next time you think your kids have glazed over, and are getting nothing out of the TV other than square eyes (my mum used to say it to me and my sister all the time, and now I say it to my kids!) why not ask them some questions. You may be pleasantly surprised.
On the strength of that,I took Lauren to see the Hannah Montana movie on Saturday too, and that was well entertaining. Really lively, colourful, full of messages! and some great songs. Mostly girls in the audience, and they actually clapped and cheered when it finished - and I joined in too!
RX
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