Where did that year go....

OK quick update on the last year..... I can't believe it's been so long - just been so crazy busy. Sam is now 8 and Toby will be 6 in a week or so. They both go to East Meon School and it was a brilliant decision - they are both doing brilliantly. Sam got his diagnosis of Autism and at school has one on one all the time for now which is brilliant. He says he hates school but I have to drag him away every day at home time. I am now a search technician with Hampshire Search & Rescue which I absolutely love. It takes up a lot of my time but the training and fundraising are a laugh. Really enjoy the searching as well. I also now work part time for the ambulance service taking calls. That is certainly an eye opener. Hubby has finally finished his dissertation so we get to see him more often - shame I'm out all the time now. He has just started as a community first responder so he's on call as well.

We have had an amazing weekend. We found a great new park for picnics and had some great fun with the boys. Early on Sunday we headed off to Petersfield Lake and got the boys on the Kayak. We had the place to ourselves so it was lovely and peaceful. The boys loved it. We then cooked some sausages and bacon by the lakeside - nothing ever tasted so good.

Bring on the summer...

We took the boys to their first trip to the cinema today. We'd not been before as we knew Sam would have a meltdown if it was to noisy, busy, bright, dark etc...so we went to an autism friendly screening. The sound was the right level, you can take your own food and the kids can move about as they please. The main thing was that you didn't get tutted at by other people if your child made any silly noises or asked too many questions - you could just relax - bliss. The boys loved it.

Then we headed over to a surf shop and purchased a kayak, wet suits and all we'd need for some summer adventures on the water. Our chaps are going to be right little surf dudes.

We have been talking recently about saving up to go to Disney land in a few years but have decided we would be better saving for a classic Volkswagen camper van so we can disappear all round Britain when it suits and also Europe on the longer hols. Much more fun and adventurous than spending a fortune on a theme park which would last a week at most and probably be too much for Sam anyway.

Growing up fast.

Sam had his 7th birthday yesterday. We headed off to his favourite place - The Museum of Army Flying with a group of his pals. All the boys had a great day and behaved beautifully. Sam & Toby are really starting to play well together. I love listening to the games they think up - their imaginations are amazing.

We've had some crazy weather lately - one minute baking hot and then next there's snow about again. Still working at the cleaning business. It's not really my life's ambition but it suits working around school hours and I can walk the dog in the sunshine when everyone else is stuck in an office. Life could be a lot worse......
I've applied to join HANTSAR - Hampshire search and rescue - watch this space.....

All change....

Toby has now been offered a place at the Primary School Sam will be going to in September. Originally they were oversubscribed but the Headteacher has agreed to take Toby too. I think as he has not been overly happy and also with the class size problem at his current school it has to be done. I have to admit both boys going to the same school will make things a lot easier. I do feel a little like I am betraying their current school as I am heavily involved with the fundraising and also a governor - but I have to do what's best for my boys!

On another note a lovely friend (Becky) has lent me her sewing machine so I plan on getting creative very soon....watch this space....

Mmmmmm

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......

.....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....

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.

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....

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.....

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)

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....

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

change of plan...

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.....

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

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

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

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....

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.