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.....