Life at Bumble Bee Cottage

Mmmmmm

2012-02-10T16:49:00.001+01:00

The rice krispie cakes are going down well...

Toby was in trouble at school today. He climbed on the furniture and on top of the governors suggestion box o. The wall and leapt off. Little pickle! Sneaky laugh from mummy.....

it's been a while......

2012-02-06T18:24:00.004+01:00

.....so a brief update on the goings on....

I am now an Independent Trader for Phoenix Trading - I've always loved these cards so something I think I'll enjoy.

The boys and I bought Billy a birthday treat - a flight in a Harvard. We managed to save up over the year and keep it secret until the day before - he absolutely loved it.

Sam's first tooth came out last night - tooth fairy has gotten expensive.....

Sam is now finally on the waiting list to be assessed for Aspergers / Autism. Think it's going to be a long wait though. We are on the final stages of getting his SEN and in the nightmare of finding him a suitable junior school. Toby has had a bit of a wobbly start to school. He wants to go back to pre school. I don't think it helps that he's the youngest by far and his confidence has taken a knock.

All change....

2011-07-26T13:54:00.003+02:00

Toby and Sam both won their races at sports day so I have two very excited and rightly proud boys. Last day at pre-school for Toby tomorrow and Year 1 for Sam.

We have an appointment with a paediatrician tomorrow for Sam about his ongoing problems. It will be interesting to hear what they have to say.

I am now a school Governor for Hambledon Infant School - really pleased about that. I have started a cleaning business with 2 other Mums so we can earn a crust and not worry about child care and can all drop off and collect the kids from school. We have called ourselves The Cleaning Bags.

Sadly it has been decided that a MINI cooper really isn't big enough for a family of 4 and a mad spaniel so tomorrow I am off to collect a Mazda 5. I have to admit it will be great having sliding doors again and enough space to put the dog bed in the back on our regular trips up north and still seat 7 if we need to.

2011-05-25T17:00:00.003+02:00

Sam is now officially a Beaver. He made his promise last night and is rightly pleased with himself. I am using the child free time to go on some major stomps with Boots. Still can't wear him out.

Onwards and upwards....

2011-05-07T13:28:00.003+02:00

We had massive thunderstorms all through the night. In the end I just turned off the TV and lay in bed watching and listening. I love a good storm. At 6am when Sam got up he popped to the loo just as there was a massive clap of thunder - I've never seen a small boy dive into my bed so fast - he even left his PJ bottoms behind. Toby joined us and we all snuggled listening to the noise till the sun came up. I love times like these.... Dad was away on a bike trip so missed the fun.

Sam has his first day at Beavers last week - he loved it but as usual would not listen properly and got over excited. Will give it a few weeks to see how he gets on.

His behaviour at school has taken a sharp downward turn. We are thinking ADHD now......the school are getting an educational psychologist in, extra 1 to 1 teaching and he's also being referred back to the Paediatrician.

It won't be long now until I have to buy Toby his school uniform.

Makes you think.....

2011-04-15T15:40:00.000+02:00

I am the child that looks healthy and fine. I was born with ten fingers and toes. But something is different, somewhere in my mind, And what it is, nobody knows. I am the child that struggles in school, Though they say that I'm perfectly smart. They tell me I'm lazy -- can learn if I try -- But I don't seem to know where to start. I am the child that won't wear the clothes Which hurt me or bother my feet. I dread sudden noises, can't handle most smells, And tastes -- there are few foods I'll eat. I am the child that can't catch the ball And runs with an awkward gait. I am the one chosen last on the team And I cringe as I stand there and wait. I am the child with whom no one will play -- The one that gets bullied and teased. I try to fit in and I want to be liked, But nothing I do seems to please. I am the child that tantrums and freaks Over things that seem petty and trite. You'll never know how I panic inside, When I'm lost in my anger and fright. I am the child that fidgets and squirms Though I'm told to sit still and be good. Do you think that I choose to be out of control? Don't you know that I would if I could? I am the child with the broken heart Though I act like I don't really care. Perhaps there's a reason God made me this way -- Some message he sent me to share. For I am the child that needs to be loved And accepted and valued too. I am the child that is misunderstood. I am different - but look just like you.

Here comes summer :0)

2011-04-15T09:17:00.004+02:00

We've been out and about enjoying the lovely weather. Let's hope it lasts a good while.

Sam had a great birthday and is crazy about the flashing scooter we got him. We've planted what Granny sent - a Venus fly trap & a peanut tree - can't wait to see how they come along.

Unfortunately we didn't get through to the second stage of the People's Millions lottery so no new playground for the kids and a load more grazed knees this summer :-(

Boots the cockapoo puppy is crazier than ever. I'm sure he's a Springer Spaniel in disguise. Since having him though I've discovered some amazing and stunning walks around Hambledon. Dreading the day I have to go back to work.

The blossom on the crab apple tree is stunning and thankfully hasn't bee blown off within a week as it usually is.

I really want a piano as I want the boys and I to learn - just not enough room :-(

...and the last few....

2010-12-18T10:26:00.002+01:00

a few photos I'd missed over the summer....

2010-12-18T10:20:00.001+01:00

change of plan...

2010-12-17T14:16:00.002+01:00

Because of the snow on Anglesey again we will try driving up on Boxing day instead. Last day of school and the boys are getting extremely excited.

The school Christmas Fayre was great but I am so glad it's over now. Better start on the summer fayre. Both boys were brilliant in their nativity plays. Sam was a sheep and Toby a donkey. The pre school had a skeleton Inn Keeper and Joseph was Buzz Lightyear. It all started to go wrong when Buzz decided he wanted to shoot Mary and Toby got on all fours and left the stage going "eeee ore".... funniest thing I've seen in years.

Finally.....

2010-12-13T16:42:00.003+01:00

I have finally managed to get back into my blog after being locked out for months.....

We all had a brilliant summer and Boots the puppy has settled in well. The boys are very excited about Christmas and they and Boots have almost destroyed the tree. We've had lots of snow which was lovely - apart from we had to cancel the school Christmas Fayre - all that hard work....Chaotic week with parties, pantomimes & Fayres coming up. Off to see Father Christmas at Marwell Zoo at the the weekend then off to Anglesey until Christmas Eve.

smells lovely

2010-07-30T16:43:00.003+02:00

The boys have been baking again - chocolate brownies. A recipe I stole from one of the ladies who made some for our village hall tea party. I just hope these turn out as well. They are smelling delicious....

3 weeks

2010-07-26T17:31:00.002+02:00

Here's Boots at 3 weeks - check out those blue eyes.

Toby is on toilet training now with some success. More success than not so hopefully we will sort it this time. No more nappies in this house no matter what. Just as we get sorted we'll have a puppy to toilet train.....

Puppy

2010-07-19T12:14:00.002+02:00

Here's the first photo of our puppy - he's going to be called "Boots" - although the boys want to call him "toilet water"...mmmmmmmmmmmmm....

New addition to the family....

2010-07-18T20:24:00.002+02:00

We were all out for a walk on Butser Hill this morning and bumped into a couple with the most gorgeous dog. Got chatting and the dog is a Cockapoo. Anyway we got the details of the breeder as he was so good with the boys and such a lovely dog we thought we'd found the perfect breed. We've been trying to decide what to get for a family pet for a while. Anyway - we went to see the breeder and have put a deposit on a beautiful 2 week old pup.

Spuds!

2010-07-16T17:53:00.003+02:00

The boys are very pleased with themselves for growing their first lot of potatoes - and so they should be!

I have now agreed to Chair the Denmead Children's Centre Partnership Board - should keep me busy. Already hard to keep up with the village hall bookings & committee as well as the toddler group & friends of the school. I might have to leave the OU course till Feb time. The Festival of Speed was brilliant. We got there nice and early and had seen the lot by 11:30 when it started to get really busy. There's a sickness bug going around at the moment and we've all had it - lovely. I need to get a dress....off to a cocktail party on HMS Dauntless in 2 weeks - oh what to wear?

Proud Mummy...

2010-06-30T18:08:00.003+02:00

Sam had his first sports day at school today. All the children had a wonderful time and we had the perfect weather. Sam also won his first race which he's really chuffed about - quite right too.

things....

2010-06-25T19:30:00.001+02:00

The weather is gorgeous at the moment. Been busy with the organisation of the school fayre which is on tomorrow - should be a great day. I've just won tickets to the Goodwood Festival of Speed in a week which will be great - the boys will love it.

2010-06-17T17:55:00.002+02:00

After a long drive down to Swanage, Toby and I managed to fit in sandcastles, paddling, swings, ice cream, steam trains, walk around town, back on the ferry, home to make mud pies and now off to get Sam who has a play date at a friends house. The boys are not amused the birds have had a good go at their strawberries. The spuds, pumpkin & courgettes are doing great.

Birthday Boy!

2010-06-05T19:41:00.002+02:00

Toby is 3 today. He had some friends over for a teddy bears picnic. Lovely weather and a good time was had by all. Pass the parcel was hysterical, treasure hunt was a laugh and the bears behaved.

My little monkeys......

2010-05-15T18:47:00.002+02:00

We've all been out & about enjoying some lovely weather. The boys' 1/2 sister (Laura) decided to come & visit us for the first time which was lovely. The lads got on great with her and I think she enjoyed meeting them as well.

School, preschool, toddler groups, coffee mornings, visiting friends & trips out are keeping us all busy.

more den building...

2010-04-26T14:37:00.002+02:00

We have been having some gorgeous weather lately. Went up to Granny & Granddads on Anglesey for the weekend. The usual den building ensued....

Where does the time go?

2010-04-04T20:42:00.001+02:00

My little baby boy is 5 today!

The big party!

2010-03-28T18:45:00.002+02:00

We survived the manic 5th birthday party without too many headaches. The boys had a great time although a bit tired & grouchy this evening. We managed a few hours in the garden this afternoon which was lovely. Nice to smell freshly cut grass again. We definitely need somewhere with a larger garden though.

the earth's atmosphere has a lot to answer for....

2010-03-27T17:33:00.003+01:00

.....the state of Sam's space shuttle cake for one. I'm just hoping it's still in one piece for the party tomorrow.

Birthday treats...

2010-03-23T18:01:00.003+01:00

We went to legoland on Sunday with Harvey's family. Everyone had a great time. I was really surprised how much Sam liked the roller coasters. Toby got a bit upset though as he wasn't tall enough for a lot of the rides. This Sunday is Sam, Harvey & Zach's joint 5th birthday party. We've hired the village hall, (for which I am now the booking secretary) , and there are 40 4-5 year old's coming - chaos will ensue!

This 'n' that

2010-03-17T15:36:00.002+01:00

The boys and Daddy treated me to a lovely mothers day - I got some lovely cards, gorgeous earrings and we all went to Petworth Park and relished in the unseasonably warm sunny weather. A perfect day!

Sam had a strange dream last night. He was crying out for his Dad and when he went in he asked for him to rescue one of his teddies off the ceiling. When Dad mentioned the bear was in bed with him he just said "oh he must have flown back down" and went back to sleep. Talk about bear out of body experiences....

baking...

2010-03-01T18:05:00.003+01:00

Sam has made some Blueberry muffins...and they really are yummy.

He was in tears after school today. He wanted to go to the after school animal club but it seems all the places have gone :-( Must be a waiting list as his was the third form handed in. Maybe next time.

Daddy has a new motorbike which the boys were keen to get on.

a decent walking speed...

2010-02-25T11:35:00.002+01:00

After dropping Toby at preschool and Sam at school I decided to enjoy a decent long walk and for once faster than toddler pace. I love my boys dearly but its nice to get some me time in the daylight hours and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Things...

2010-02-22T10:32:00.003+01:00

Well we got absolutely nowhere with the toilet training. Toby just refuses to go near a potty or toilet and insists on having a nappy...boys! Will try again in the summer hols.

We all decided to go on one of our big adventures to Dorset and ended up at Weymouth. Had a lovely but windy time at the lighthouse at Portland Bill, tea & cakes at the Heights hotel admiring the view, headed off to play in the sand on the beach, a few rides on the fun fair followed by ice cream. On the way home we sat in the car at Poole Quay in the pouring rain stuffing fish and chips - really lovely. A great day out!

My latest Open University course (Understanding Human Nutrition) is fascinating - I just wish they did a course at a higher level in this subject.

Here we go....

2010-02-15T09:10:00.002+01:00

As it's Feb half term we are attempting toilet training again......oh the joy!

I had my pamper day on Saturday which was bliss. Billy had the boys and ended up in casualty with Sam as he cracked his head on the stair door. Both boys now have a nasty hospital bug so the washing machine is on full speed and the place is in chaos.

Bring on the summer :0)

Just thought I'd add this photo of Toby - what a cutie.

...missing Dorset...

2010-02-06T18:47:00.002+01:00

We decided to drive over to Dorset today as the weather was so lovely. Ended up at Kimmeridge Bay which was amazing as usual. The waves were huge so all the surfers were out. The boys had a great rummage in the rocks & pools and came home with treasure. I really miss living in Dorset :-( Hope to end up there again one day....

Happy Birthday to me!!!!!!

2010-01-28T10:39:00.003+01:00

Not going to say how old but it's the wrong side of 40. I don't care as I still feel the same as when I was 19 and have absolutely no plans to grow up.

I am extremely proud of Toby at the moment. We went with some of his pals to an indoor play area yesterday. (the only one I've come across which is clean, not too busy & serves healthy food). Anyway this other Mum went out of her way to find me to say how lovely and polite Toby was. He got stuck in the ball pool and asked her "can you help me out please" then said "thank you for helping me". Not bad for 2yrs old - well done Toby :0)

I've just dropped Toby off at pre school, Sam off at Big school and gone for a lovely long walk in the rain around the country lanes around Hambledon - lovely!

Heading for trouble...

2010-01-25T12:17:00.001+01:00

It's going to be my birthday on Thursday and Sam insists I have a cake. The plan is to leave out all the ingredients and Sam (4) and Toby (2) are going to teach their Daddy to make a cake - should be fun.

Exploring...

2010-01-17T15:17:00.003+01:00

We've had a lovely weekend. The boys have been angels. We went on the Watercress Line steam train for a lovely trip in the pouring rain. The boys thought it was a wonderful adventure and were convinced it was the Polar Express.

My lovely neighbour Jen babysat last night while Billy & I escaped to our local (The Vine), for a few glasses of red.

This morning we all went for a long walk at Pagham Harbour. Very impressed with Toby lasting for 3 miles+ at the age of 2 with no complaints.We stopped at a lovely pub for a coffee at Sidlesham Quay. The boys managed to get extremely muddy jumping in all the puddles - quite right!

Now back home with a roast in the oven ready to snuggle by the fire with a good film for the rest of the day.....

Pre-school...no more babies in this house :-(

2010-01-14T13:44:00.002+01:00

Toby has had his second day at preschool and again didn't look back. He had a brilliant time and I'm sure if I let him he'd go every day.

Enough...

2010-01-09T17:08:00.002+01:00

OK the snow was great fun to start with and is stunning to look at but GO AWAY NOW! Schools still closed, can't get the car out & I haven't been able to go running for nearly a week...oh and we're rapidly running out of logs.

Not so little boys.

2010-01-05T12:53:00.002+01:00

Toby had his first day at pre-school today and loved it. He's only 2.5 but he's been stamping his feet for months saying he wants to go to school like his big brother. We're now back at home snuggled up from the frost with the log burner roaring...watching polar express......again....

2010-01-02T11:35:00.002+01:00

We've all had a wonderful Christmas. The boys loved their new bikes and insisted on getting numb fingers trying them out Christmas morning. We had friends over for dinner and laughed all day. On Boxing Day we went up North to visit family.

stuff...

2009-12-11T15:52:00.002+01:00

Sam is at the theatre today with the school. They're seeing the Wizard of Oz. I'm dying to know how they are getting along. I'm collecting him & his best friend Harvey from the coach at 5:30 - seems hours away. Sam has a new girlfriend (he's had far too many for a 4 year old). She's called Jessica and they are constantly holding hands - soooo sweet According to Sam she is "beaufitul". Toby is back in his washable nappies now - there are just sooo many cute ones you can buy now..... He had his first major paddy when I dropped Sam off at school. He wanted to stay. I might try him for a morning at pre-school in the new year. There will be no excuse for their slightly cuddly mummy not to get her butt into gear and take up running again....

The sun at last...

2009-12-10T17:04:00.002+01:00

You don't mind the school run - even in winter - when the sun shines.

return to fluff

2009-12-07T12:54:00.002+01:00

Well we got nowhere with Toby toilet training so we are back on the gorgeous washable nappies. There really is nothing cuter that a fluffy cloth bum - so much nicer (and safer) that those hideous gel filled, land fill choking, plastic ones....

Swine flu.to vaccinate or not to vaccinate?

2009-12-04T13:19:00.002+01:00

We are currently being sent letters from our surgery to get the boys vaccinated against swine flu. The trouble is I am not convinced it is a good idea. I can't find anything on the web that is positive that isn't government funded and there is a vast amount against.

A recent robust statistical study estimated that in the non-pandemic years of 1979-2001, seasonal flu killed an average of 41,400 people every year. Swine flu has been active in the US since April, and the death toll, as of 10 July, is 211."

The sceptic in me wonders why we are suddenly vaccinating against a flu that has killed so many less than the ordinary strain.

mmmmmm scrummy...

2009-11-26T17:12:00.003+01:00

Time to bake...one chocolate cake for the school Christmas fayre tomorrow.....just got to keep the boys away from it....

Sam is going to be a star in the nativity play - awwww bless!

He had his best friend Harvey over for tea yesterday and was soooo excited. He even woke in the night in tears worried about where his friend was. They had a great time.

It's Halloween!!!!

2009-10-25T09:47:00.002+01:00

Daddy has been at the pumpkins again. The boys are seriously impressed......so am I - there's no way I could carve these.....well done Billy xxx

lovely day!

2009-10-11T08:59:00.003+02:00

As Daddy was away today on his Harley, the boys and I decided it was time for a big adventure so headed to Dorset. We ended up at Swanage and had breakfast on the beach - we had the beach to ourselves and it was gorgeous. We spent the whole day there - on the swings, seeing the steam trains etc. Lovely time :0)

hoping....

2009-10-08T14:35:00.001+02:00

Sam & Toby making sure the chimney will be big enough for Father Christmas and two bicycles....

summer is ending..

2009-09-09T14:40:00.002+02:00

The boys & I have had a great time out & about all summer and Sam has started big school which he loves. We spent a week with Granny & Grandad on Anglesey and luckily had some good weather. The boys seemed to have doubled in size and cheekiness....

The Darling Buds of May.

2009-07-13T13:34:00.003+02:00

We had a great day yesterday at the Darling Buds of May Classic Car show. I am a big fan of th Darling Buds so it was lovely to see where it was all filmed - what a gorgeous place to bring up children.

next stage

2009-07-10T10:17:00.003+02:00

I've just packed up all of my lovely washable nappies as we don't need them anymore :-(

My local Homestart will put them to good use....I'll miss my fluffles.....end of an era....

I've nearly got all Sam's uniform sorted for when he starts big school - I can't believe we're there already. He's had all his taster sessions now and has loved them all...my baby boy is growing up sooo fast.

Busy weekend ahead...

2009-06-11T15:24:00.000+02:00

We're all off to Goodwood tomorrow so I can thrash a few classic cars around the track - a present from my darling Hubby....looking forward to the AC Cobra the most.

On Saturday we're off to collect BumbleBee Mini.....going from a bus sized people carrier to a mini should be interesting. It'll be a lot cheaper for a start and we're going for a roof box when we go camping. We've also got all the local fayres inc the Infant School one & we've been invited over to our new neighbours house in the afternoon - there just aren't enough hours this weekend.

On Sunday we're off on our first mini run - meeting up at Winchester and all driving to the Mini Cooper day at Beaulieu......

Birthday Boy!

2009-06-05T16:22:00.000+02:00

Toby is 2 today. He got his favourite car from the Roary the Racing Car series - CiCi and was most pleased. Big brother Sam had a lovely day at the Theatre courtesy of the Preschool. Time to go and bake a gooey cake me thinks.....

another milestone...

2009-04-30T10:18:00.000+02:00

Sam came into our room last night saying he wanted a pee......then announced that he was no longer going to wear a nappy to bed! My big boy......

We're back on the house hunt again. Hubby found a perfect place right on the edge of the New Forest - lovely garden - huge kitchen - naturally it sold before we even had chance to make an offer.

We definitely need a bigger garden so its all fun and games again....I just want to be settled somewhere before Sam starts school in September. Keep everything crossed.

Feeling blue...

2009-04-15T10:23:00.000+02:00

Feeling rather melancholy today after reading Infertil Myrtles latest post....I so know how she feels.. :0(((

I hope with all my heart she gets one of these soon......

What a gorgeous Easter!

2009-04-14T12:40:00.000+02:00

We drove up to Anglesey to stay with my parents and had the most perfect weather the whole time. We even managed a day on the beach at Trearddur Bay which was stunning. We also had a lovely day out with Granny at Penrhyn Castle. The boys had their first proper easter egg hunt on the sunday - far too much chocolate was consumed by all..

Gorgeous Sam at the Zoo for his birthday......

2009-04-05T16:23:00.000+02:00

So fast...

2009-04-04T16:05:00.000+02:00

My big boy is 4 today :0)

We were woken up at silly o'clock so all piled on the bed to open cards & presents. His favourite by far is the motorbike his Granny got for him.

We went to get some new shoes this morning, he's at a friends party with his Dad now and we're all off for a picnic at the zoo tomorrow.

Toby & I have just been stuffing Arctic roll in the garden - talk about 70's retro food...

2009-03-31T13:05:00.000+02:00

Playing easter bunnies...

re-think...

2009-03-27T18:19:00.000+01:00

Seriously considering not going down the Social Work route now. I feel since I have children of my own now I won't be detached enough...probably end up killing some vile excuse for a human being who abuses their own kids :-(

Anyway am thinking the Social Policy & Criminology degree looks seriously interesting...thankfully the course I'm on now (Health & Social Care) counts towards both so still time to make my mind up.

Had a Governors meeting last night and they'd decided to buy all 300+ students easter eggs - great - apart from the attitude of most of them when I suggested getting ones without excessive & ridiculous packaging on. You'd think I'd suggested they have broccoli instead the look I got from one woman. gggrrrrr

Spring has surely come...

2009-03-17T16:04:00.000+01:00

Boys in the garden....

Earn that brekkies...

2009-03-11T12:21:00.000+01:00

Well as usual the boys were up at silly o'clock so we all got dressed and went over to Droxford for a lovely early morning walk in the mist & early sunshine. We found a lovely track that took us past the church, across numerous streams (lots of pooh sticks), through some woods and back through the village. The boys had a great time and so did Mummy & Daddy. Got home nice and hungry for a proper bacon buttie & a bucket of tea..."perfeck" as Pa Larkin would say ;-)

2009-03-08T16:12:00.000+01:00

Had a lovely morning at Mottisfont Abbey....

not enough time....

2009-03-08T10:01:00.000+01:00

There really aren't enough hours in the day...even tho the boys are up between 5-6 every morning. I find it hard to get enough time for my OU course - it's an ongoing battle. Especially now I'm working 3 evenings / week for Hants Police. Its good to be using the brain cells once again :0)))))

Boys are mad as ever and growing at a ferocious speed. Sam announced that he didn't need to watch cartoons as he has a willy to play with...OMG...and Toby is still in training to be a child stunt man....

Good news the pre-school is saved - although now in a new location.The best bit is it's 50yrds from my door.

Darling Husband is currently downstairs building a window seat for the bay..mmmm well the boys have learnt some interesting new words this morning.....

A weight off my shoulders....

2009-02-12T08:20:00.001+01:00

We have decided to take the house off the market and stay here for at least another 5 years then re-assess. I really want the boys to feel settled in these early years and the local schools are so good. I love my little bumble bee cottage - I just miss a decent bit of coastline so we'll have to have more days driving to the seaside.

In about 5 years hubby will probably want to retire from his current position and I should be nicely qualified to start working again in a new career - we'll just swap roles and also be in a position to look for a house where we want instead of where my husband's job dictates.

Big sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh :0)

2009-02-10T17:23:00.001+01:00

http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/

Love this site.....

Unclean....

2009-02-10T13:27:00.000+01:00

We are the germy family. I somehow got a nasty throat infection which required antibiotics - not a happy bunny. Now the boys have been ill. Both ends and both at the same time. It's Toby's first experience of being ill and he was so good bless him. Thankfully all is now passing and my boys are back to full mischief mode.

I went to my first school governors meeting last week - interesting bunch. The jury's out on the headmistress - will keep an open mind for now. I'm starting to do some work for the Police next week. Just 3 nights for a few months.

We got a few days of snow - lovely...just cold wet rain now - roll on the summer.

It's all kicking off...

2009-01-27T14:23:00.000+01:00

There is a right who haar going on in the village at the moment. The pre-school were told to vacate the infant school for a week due to there being a mice problem..trouble is while they were out they were told that they couldn't come back. For the last week the pre-school has been held in the village hall and its likely it might have to close after decades. It would seem there is a long running dispute going on. I am not amused - Sam loves it there and I had Toby's name down too. We moved here because of being able to walk to the schools - the nearest is miles away. There's a meeting in the village hall tomorrow - watch this space.

I've started the OU degree course - really good so far. About to submit my first essay - will be interesting to see the response.

On the down side - I'm 40 tomorrow - where has all that time gone??????

Reading an interesting book at the moment called Gentle discipline - its very similar to what we do now but there are some good tips.

where will we go next????

2009-01-12T17:09:00.000+01:00

We survived Christmas - in fact it was lovely - the boys thought it was magical. Just the 4 of us then we went up to Anglesey to visit family & friends.
Toby is now in his big boy bed - I managed to get a lovely boat one in a sale on Christmas day online - a real bargain - he loves it.
We have been having major discussions about the move to Anglesey and I think we've finally agreed its not for us. The schools are a major let down and it wouldn't feel like home if we don't own the property. We are now considering going back to Dorset or Cornwall - somewhere nice and remote hopefully. We still have this place to sell so aren't going to look seriously until we have an offer.

Looking forward to the springtime now - getting fed up of all this cold, wet weather.....

Not sure what to think....

2008-12-16T17:49:00.000+01:00

Sam has been seeing a speech therapist for a while now as his speech went from being very good at about 18months to only saying the word "buzz" for everything. Along side this he has seen a Dr to check his motor skills, socialisation, growth and all sorts of things every 6 months. He had his latest checkup last week and she now wants to refer him to be assessed for autism / aspergers when he turns 4 - it seems they won't even consider it until then..... not quite sure how I feel about that yet. On the one hand if he is "labled" with one of these he will get the help he needs in school (hopefully) - but will he then get treated differently?

I have now signed up to do a Social Work degree with the Open University. It'll be a bit of a struggle to start as it overlaps with my Italian course - who knows where I'll find the time with my little monkeys helping.

They've both been enjoying the usual round of Christmas parties. I've got to persuade Daddy to take them to the village carols in the square on Thurs while I'm at evening classes. The mulled wine & mince pies might swing it.

We're all set for Christmas - the boys are a bit concerned Father Christmas might burn his bum coming down the chimney though - talking of chimneys - the local pub had to call out the fire brigade at theirs caught alight.

All we need now is some snow......

For my boys....

2008-12-13T11:21:00.000+01:00

I have decided to record some details of our family life for the boys to read when they are older. We are a family of 4 - I'm a SAHM, married with 2 boistrous boys - Sam 3.5 and Toby 18 months. They have the best Dad and are definately "daddies boys".

We're a bit of an eco family - washable nappies all the way, no nasty chemicals and if we sell our lovely little cottage we'll all be heading to Anglesey to live the good life.