Hastings Field Journal

Missing Year

2010-04-09T11:45:00.002+01:00

Okay, so we've pictorially lost a year of our lives!

But yesterday I was tidying up and found some old scrapbooks. The kids really loved looking at old pictures of themselves, so I've decided to make an effort!

Here's to starting another blog book! See how long I last!

Girls Day Out

2009-01-20T21:10:00.007Z

Liam had a few days off work in half term, and so I left Sam and Leah with him, and took Megan for a girls day out into London. Our Merlin Passes include the London Dungeon - too scarey for Leah and Sam, so Megan and I headed straight for it.

Despite getting there early, there were huge half term queues, but we loved that we could queue in the MUCH shorter fast track queue. Even so, we had to queue for about an hour. Its okay though, 'cause we had company!

Photos aren't allowed in the Dungeons, but I can assure you that at times we were petrified! And we learned a lot! And screamed a lot! In fact, we both loved it and can't wait to go again...but not with Leah and Sam - much too scarey - but maybe with Vicky and Leanne.

Where next? We headed for Madam Tussaudes - so many celebrities to meet!

Arrrrgggghhhhhhhhhhhhhh - its Troy!!!

David insisted on this one...

Megan spent the whole of last term learning about World War 2 - she really enjoyed it. She was THRILLED when she bumped into Winston Churchill and, erm, Hitler!

Two down, how many free attractions can we fit in to our trip?! We headed for the London Aquarium and on the way, averted a disaster. Luckily Megan was on hand to prop up Big Ben

(aren't we clever...and original! Actually we had to queue up behind 3 lots of chinese tourists to take this picture!)

The Aquarium was great - especially the sharks.Next to the Aquarium is the London Eye - so we had our first evening flight.Megan loved the mime next to the river - she couldn't wait to get on his pedistal!

By this time, we were starving so we headed back to Leicester Square to get KFC. Actually, we marched aimlessly round the London Eye for about half an hour, desperately looking for KFC to end the day perfectly, but we couldn't find one, so we jumped on the tube again and went where I knew there was one. Unfortunately, I didn't realise it was the premier of Quantum of Solace in Leicester Square! It was heaving! We fought our way through, with my camera on hand to snap any celebrities. Leicester Square must have been packed with them - we could hear the crowds cheering every now and then.

This is my one and only paparrazzi shot:

I got a blurred picture of Boris! I think I've definitely blown my chance to be a paparrazzi!

KFC was worth the wait, and we headed home exhausted! I don't think we could have fitted much more in.

Vicky's 12!

2009-01-12T22:54:00.002Z

How can she be 12? Everyone (except me) is getting so old! We got to Lorraines just in time for the cake - perfect timing as always.

Vicky's not one to shy away from the lime light - of course she joined in her "Happy Birthday" song!

Its a sign you're getting old when there aren't the right number of candles on your cake! Vicky's reached that point now!

She had lots of family and friends around her to help celebrate.

Check out the sister with attitude!

Carvery Crowd Pleaser

2009-01-12T22:29:00.004Z

With the busy lives that everyone has, it seems we only manage to see Liam's cousins when Harriet comes to visit from Canada! Luckily she comes quite regularly now, so during her recent trip, we all met at the Carvery - very popular choice. Its scarey how much the kids have grown up each time we see them!

Sad Day

2008-12-15T12:14:00.005Z

While we were out having lunch with Harriet and the rest of Liam's family, I got the sad phone call from mum that my Grandad had died.

He's been ill for a while, and even more so in the week before he died, so it wasn't a shock, but I still felt very sad.

I absolutely adore my Grandad, I loved the stories he told, even though in the last few years he told them over and over again! I especially liked it when he told us that he'd been all over the world, and even to the moon - I love that in his old age, he felt so well travelled that he thought he'd been to the moon!

I'll really miss him, but I'm glad he's not trapped in his old body and mind any more, and I have no doubt he'll be waiting to meet me when its my turn to go. xx

8th June 1916 - 26th October 2008

Still wrestling....

2008-11-30T18:50:00.001Z

Natural History Museum

2008-11-26T14:54:00.007Z

After watching Sam do some really funky dancing at the ward 70's party, Liam was so impressed with his moves, he said Sam could pick a treat day out! You have to encourage talent!

We've got the Merlin passes from our Tesco points this year - free entry to Alton Towers, Chessington, Legoland, Sealife Centres, London Dungeons, etc,etc,etc. so obviously Sam chose to go to the Natural History Museum which is free anyway! But it was his treat, so we jumped on the train!

I have to say, he made a great choice! Although we've been before, there's so much to explore its like visiting a new museum everytime.

Last time we went to the NHM, we missed the room with the blue whale (imagine missing a blue whale?!) so this time we headed straight for the animals.

The blue whale kept a beady eye on Megan...

The other unmissable bit was the dinosaurs...although thats always the part with the longest queue.

...we spent a few hours at the museum and then decided to take advantage of our Merlin card so we headed over to the London Aquarium, via Big Ben.

Not knowing London all that well, we were pleasantly surprised when we arrived at the Aquarium, only to find that it was right next to the London Eye - both are on our Merlin Card list so we had a wander round the aquarium (no photos - the fish are flash shy) then hopped on the Eye - our first time.

A lovely relaxing 40 minutes with lots to see.

It was a jam-packed day - we seemed to fit so much in.

On the train on the way back, Megan still had a bit of energy left ...

...don't know where she gets her gurning skills from...

Harriet's here

2008-11-12T14:03:00.003Z

We made a flying visit to visit Nanny Pat, 'cause Auntie Harriet was visiting from Canada.Always time for a few quick photos!

No Particular Reason Party

2008-11-10T23:09:00.004Z

She called it a "no particular reason party", but as I (well we) took Leanne crabbing and caught nearly a hundred crabs, Lorraine's feeling the pressure to maintain her title as "World's Best Auntie"!

I think she should have retitled it a "Trying to Outdo Ruth and Liam Party"! If only she would realise that she'll always win on the party front!

So Lorraine invited us over to have a party for no reason - can you believe she'd want to do a pass the parcel etc when there's no need? I just don't get that! I can make the simplest birthday party hard work so I don't understand why someone would have have one for no reason!?

But I think all our girls take after Lorraine, 'cause it doesn't take much to get them in the mood for a party!

They're also quite good at posing. You take a picture of 3...

...and another pops along......and another pops along!They're so good at posing 'cause they've got mums who can't take enugh photos for their blogs! We're a little obsessed!

So what do you do at a no particular reason party? A lot of this...

...a bit of this (only Vicky of course - the rest of us couldn't manage it!)...

...and you finish with a torchlit, pitch black play in the park.I think Lorraine is actually the best auntie in the world!

Lazy Sunday Afternoons

2008-11-08T00:01:00.004Z

After Delores volunteered me to teach a RS/PH family history lesson in her ward, she smoothed things over after I'd done it by inviting us over for a delicious roast dinner! What a feast!

I wish I'd taken an "after" picture to go with this "before" picture 'cause there wasn't a scrap left on our platesat the end!

I love Sunday afternoons. They kids played with Grandmas Lego and keyrings, and coloured and lounged, while Liam slept on Richards bed watching his tv, and Delores and I lounged and chatted...all after eating a delicious feast!

A perfect Sunday...except for the teaching a lesson!

Return trip

2008-11-07T23:56:00.003Z

Leanne came for a sleep over, so we took her to harass the West Mersea crabs again! We knew she'd enjoy it and she did. She even got bold enough to hold a crab!
And our harrassing didn't end with crabs this time...Leah caught a GIANT fish...I know! She takes after her dad!

Legoland

2008-11-07T22:18:00.008Z

What a dilemma - we'd set aside a day to go on our first trip to Legoland, but when we woke up, it was pouring with rain.

Now if we'd had to pay, there would have been no way, but with our Tesco Merlin pass, its free so we decided to shun the weather forecasters, and pack up and go anyway!

And the closer we got to Windsor, then heavier the rain got! I'd looked on the website and found the indoor things, so when we arrived and it was pouring down as much as it possibly could be, we headed for the lego starwars building bit.

It was a bit like being in Sam's bedroom!

And there was a daily competition to build the best starwars ship. We took it very seriously.

Some more than others...

We submitted 3 entries:In fairness, Leah should win 'cause she built hers by herself, where as me and Liam took over Megan's and Sam's. Its very difficult not to build when there's a table full of Lego in front of you! Unfortunately, we're still waiting for the phonecall to tell us we've won...sob.

Ultimately, there's only so long grownups can play with Lego, so we decided to brave the rain and go explore...but not before Sam had a photo with a...bounty hunter...

...this is a specific bounty hunter Sam informed us, being obsessed with Lego starwars as he is, but I've forgotten its name...!

The rain had eased a bit so of course we headed for the rides, and the first one we came to was the rapids boat ride...and we got soaked?! I don't know why we did that - its like you can't help yourself - we were drawn to the wet rides like it was a boiling hot summers day. Except it wasn't - it was cold and wet!

We went a few dry rides, then just couldn't resist going on the scarey water slide, and getting soaked to the bottom in the boat! And there was no getting dry after that!

After this scarey ride, we went for something a bit more tame...funny how you lose all street cred when you're a dad!The best ride to watch was the kids driving school. 4 year old Leah was great at working the break and accelerator and steering wheel......and Megan did great too...

...whereas Sam didn't get the hang of it! He spent the whole time like this:

He cried in the curb for ten minutes! The helpers kept rescuing him, and then as soon as there was another corner to turn, he crashed! I'm now commiting to never teach Sam to drive! I think it'll be a nightmare - it'll have to be Liam's job...in Liam's car!

We loved Legoland - there was only one ride Leah couldn't go on (although being the scaredy cat that she is, there were a few that she chose not to go on) and despite the weather, we loved it.

On the way out, Liam found a new friend...How exciting for a family of Harry Potter fans!

A night with the Lees

2008-10-30T23:53:00.005Z

Sam and Dan invited us over for dinner but Sam and I had another agenda. They've got a wood burner, and we'd like to get one when we do up our living room. In the past, we'd discussed going and collecting wood from the many local woods, so we went to do a recce (is that the right spelling? Wikipedia says it is so it must be right!) in the woods in Little Baddow.

So many trees to climb, so little time! Wellies on...

Wellies off...

Dan was at hand to catch Josh before he followed his wellies.

Sam was busy keeping Elizabeth cosie - she looked really comfy!

So we set Leah to work to collect some wood...

This log was a bit big, but she's got the idea!

Back in the warm, I was on a mission. The Lees live in one of the oldest houses in Little Baddow. Its full of beams and old parts! Having had lots of discussions lately with Lorraine about orbs, I was sure this was the place to catch them. So I snaped away...

...but not an orb could be found! How come there's so many on Lorraine's camera? I'm starting to think she's possessed!

Definitely noorbs near this lovely baby!

Stop Thief!

2008-10-30T23:32:00.003Z

Early one morning I caught a burglar red handed leaving the scene of the crime through Megan's bedroom window...

...wait a minute, its only Liam clearing thick moss from the guttering.

We thought the guttering needed replacing cause it leaked but when Liam got up there, it was thick with moss.I have to say that I wasn't very comfortable with him spending the morning up aladder - I kept thinking about that advert where the man says he was given the wrong ladder at work and then it slips and he crushes his hands! I'm very influenced by advertising and at least I know who to go to for compensation if it happens!

Who needs a Wii fit?

2008-10-30T23:17:00.004Z

Sam's obsessed with the Play Station. If he could play it all day, every day, it wouldn't be long enough for him.

This particular day he came home from school and straight away asked if he could play Lego Star Wars. I said no, he needed to go and get some exercise outside first.

Next thing I know, he's doing press ups on the patio, Sportacus fashion!

"Can I play it now?" he asks after 5 press ups and when I say no, he starts madly jogging on the spot.Good try Sam, but I meant more than a 30 second outburst!

Harvest time

2008-10-30T22:48:00.002Z

Annabelle came for tea tonight and so I sent the girls out into the garden to dig up some potatoes...I like the sound of this sentence, like we do it every day, but we don't! We planted some manky potatoes in the spring and we've dug up a few tiny ones last month, but today we were a bit more sucessful. This was our best yield!It was more about having a go and sharing the experience with the kids - I don't think we're ready for the good life yet! We left them in the ground for four or five months and harvested a couple of pans full of potatoes!

Annabelle was impressed but we'll have to try harder next year!

Crabby Kids

2008-10-30T20:08:00.006Z

We love Sunday afternoon trips out - today Liam had the bright idea of crabbing at West Mersea. We've been to the beach there before, but when Liam went sea fishing recently, he left from the pier and thats where he took us - what a great spot.We weren't the only crabbers there - in fact it was dificult for the boats to find a place to land!
We took a washing tablet bag, some string and a couple of packs of bacon, and within minutes, we were hauling them in.
We caught over a hundred crabs in the few hours we were there - Sam was amazed!
The crabs were desperate to get at the bacon and didn't want to let go!
Megan has always been very bold in picking up crabs, Sam has become more so, and Leah's been a big scaredy cat, but today she took the bull by its horns and took the crab by its shell! She did actually want to do that although it loks a bit like we're forcing her to!
Luckily, Megan's always on hand to offer some support.

Hunting for crabs take a lot of concentration...

...and more than a few got away...Liam's no stranger to this feeling!

By the time we left, the sky was a beautiful colour

An average day in Richard's life!

2008-10-30T17:51:00.005Z

...I don't know what to say except to reassure that this caused no damage and was literally over in 1 second!?! I'm a bit scared to blog it, but this is our family history! I'm recording the good, the bad, the psycho?!

The Blue Strawberry

2008-10-25T11:11:00.004+01:00

My Mum's only been to visit a few times but each time she comes, it seems to coincide a school event! She spent a fortune at the Christmas fayre and won a meal for 2 at a pub in Bicnacre, then in the summer, she won a lunch for 2 at the Blue Strawberry in Hatfield Peverell. Being new to the area, I'd never heard of it, but as I told people about the prize, I could see that she'd done good!

It turns out its one of the best restaurants in Essex and mum won us a £40 voucher! The voucher was for 2 people so obviously, I bagsied the first place! It was too late in mums trip for her to go with me, and Liam had his eye on the second place. But I didn't want him to rush out meal in his lunch hour so he resigned his place to his mum!

Delores and I LOVE eating out, so we dropped Leah at preschool and went to indulge!

It was surprisingly busy for a Monday lunchtime and I can see why. I know my meal would always taste nicer cause it was free, but we had a delicious 3 course meal!

Delores had pork......and I had Salmon and Seabass with a huge nippey langustine!
The waiter could see my shocked expression when I saw the langustine's big claws, and he reassured me that you treat it like a prawn. A delicious meal with great company. It felt like a real treat. Thanks mum.

More Wildlife

2008-10-20T23:46:00.002+01:00

...this time in my bedroom!

This caterpillar was inside my bedroom window! This must be the most fantastic caterpillar around! I wonder if this one's been in Mrs Cubain's moth book?

I Googled "tufty caterpillars" and it seems its a Vapour Moth caterpillar. As amazing as he looks, he has no right to be in our bedroom and we had to summon Megan to remove him!

More Celebrities

2008-10-20T22:38:00.005+01:00

I'm not joking, Essex is full of celebrities! Today we bumped into Konnie Huk at Colchester zoo - well, I say bumped into her...it wasn't quite like that!

We spotted her heading into a cage to film a link for the zoo programme on channel 5 and so we hovered around outside to see if we could get a better photo. Unfortunately we're too noisy and one of Konnie's entourage came out and shooed us along 'cause they could hear us on their tape. How rude!

So we abandoned our celebrity stalking and headed for the animals! Leah kept telling us she'd seen a rat and I was trying to explain to her that it was a fox, until we got to the white tiger enclosure and Leah showed us there was another! A big huge fat rat! A very bold rat to be eating the tiger's food. Then we saw loads, in different enclosures! Is that normal in a zoo?!

Megan had a chat with a chimp.Thats fine while he's facing you, but when he turns his back on you, its a different matter! Yuk!
He's not the only cheeky monkey!

Looney Moonies

2008-10-20T22:33:00.002+01:00

Megan and Leah shouted us, full of excitement, to look in the back garden - what had they found?

It turns out it was the moon!

They wanted me to take a picture of it cause they thought it looked so pretty. I like to encourage them in their appreciation of nature - I like them noticing the moon!

But they do say the moon does funny things to you!

Nicole and Nathans Wedding

2008-10-20T22:20:00.005+01:00

When we first got married, I was YW President and Liam was YM's president. As they had one of each, we spent a lot of time with the Jacksons. We've kept in touch with them ever since and so both Liam and I were thrilled to go and see Nicole get married.

It was definitely a working wedding - Delores was helping with the food so we chipped in, but there were still plenty of photo opportunities! Nicole looked stunning!

Lakeside Old Ladies

2008-10-20T22:15:00.002+01:00

There I am, minding my own business at Lakeside, when I found myself wading through crowds of old ladies. What could be going on?

Only a Cliff Richard book signing!
Who'd have thought I'd see so many celebrities when I moved to Essex!

Rachel Caron

2008-10-20T21:21:00.003+01:00

A few days before I went to Ireland, I got the sad news that my friend Rachel had died of a deep vein thrombosis aged 32. Luckily for me, the funeral was a few days after we got back and so I was able to travel to Dudley to say goodbye.

Rachel's daughter was in nursery with Sam and we'd spent a lot of time together over the last few years. She made a big impact on me and it was so sad to see how disappointed every one was to lose her.

She loved Ireland and regularly went to Dingle Bay to visit Fungi the Dolphin. I felt very emotional while we were in Ireland watching the Irish dancing and music. I knew she would have loved it.

One of the biggest influences she had on me was by telling me one day at play group to stop ironing! She told me she didn't iron anything and just folded clothes straight from the tumble dryer! I tried it and it worked (to a degree!)! I was a changed woman! So, Liam, she's the reason you always have slightly creased t-shirts.

Even without that lifechanging revelation, I was lucky to have known her.

Back to School

2008-10-20T21:16:00.002+01:00

Back from Ireland Tuesday, back to school Wednesday - no time for relaxing. Megan's in year 4, Sam's in year 2 and later in the year, Leah starts school.

I think this is gonna be a good year!

Bye Bye Ireland

2008-10-20T21:00:00.005+01:00

On the way back from Tremor, there was just time to pop into Grennan to say bye. We arrived just as Randall was bringing in one of their HUGE horses. We certainly didn't want to get too close to this one - it looked so strong, like it could trample us all. Susan was nipping out with her slug pellets - every farmer must be on the look out!
It was nice to meet Wendy (Randall's wife) - they live in the country, in the middle of nowhere, but she still has all of Liz Earls beauty products care of QVC! And she was amazed that I didn't as I live in England and that's where Liz Earl is from! She's a proper QVC junkie!

We had a great time in Ireland. We really got a taste for it and are already planning our next trip. Bill was a great host, although he needs to work on his portapotty ettiquette!

Last day Beach

2008-10-20T20:29:00.008+01:00

The last day of our holiday had to be spent at the beach and luckily we had the weather to go with it. Well, sort of. It was dry and sunny, but oh, was it windy!

Delores had recommended we got to Tremor on the South coast.

It was perfect and so quiet. The tide was right out when we arrived, and so we headed to our favourite part of the beach, the rock pools. When we got there, we realised how important tools were in such a prime position - Liam couldn't resist walking the 10 minutes back to the shops to buy a couple of fishing nets and a bucket. There were too many fabulous pools to just look in! They had to be fished!The rocks were great for climbing over and exploring - you could go right out into the sea and we loved exploring until Liam came back with our tools!

Fishing nets made all the difference though. I left them to harrass the rock pools and walked right out to the edge of the rocks, and when I came back, they'd caught a big bucket full of wildlife!

Lots of unidentified creatures were found. I really need to get a great seaside creature book - I love knowing what we've caught.

I've Googled (I know its time for me to get a job if I've got the energy to google small fish!), and I think this a prawn (note - not a shrimp 'cause it has a spike between it eyes)

A, errrrm, crab...

I think this is a wrasse...

I think these two are bullheads...

I think this is a blenny...

Can't find this crab - it was tiny, but distinctive!Great rock pooling!

We headed back as the tide came in, and they just couldn't resist it. The wind was blowing a gale and so even though it was sunny, Megan, Sam and Liam couldn't stop themselves from stripping off and diving in!

The waves were great! I was tempted myself, but someone had to stay behind to look after Leah!

All the Williams

2008-10-16T22:16:00.006+01:00

We had a very important mission while in Ireland - to take a picture of the four Williams.

From left to right - William Hastings, known as Uncle George (I don't know why?! Maybe because his Dad was William too), William Hastings, known as Bill or Billy, William Hastings, known as, erm, William Hastings, and William Hastings, known as Liam.

And here's the two extras - would you believe Aubrey William Hastings and Samuel William Hastings!

Not a very imaginative family, namewise!

We took a LOT of pictures, between us.By the end of the photo session, I think Uncle George had had enough!Uncle George is Bills dad's brother, and I think they are really similar. I captured a moment between them......and another!Linda and William very kindly invited us all for tea - and we all loved spending the evening with them. They all made us feel very welcome.Rowena, Aubrey and Naomi took our kids off to play, even though the girls are much older than Megan.Leah, as usual, made herself at home, lounging on her newly met first cousin twice removed!Sam and Aubrey disappeared and had a lovely play until Sam...threw up everywhere! Yes, our first visit with William and Linda, and Sam threw up ALL the lovely dinner we'd eaten! And there was a whole lot of dinner to come up!

Bill was obviously on his best behaviour!

It was really kind of them to squeeze us in for a visit because the next morning, they were all heading to Dublin to take Rowena to start her teacher training. So it wasn't the ideal time for us to pop in. You wouldn't know 'cause they made us feel very welcome.After the third time Sam was sick, we decided we had spread enough germs around, and even though the rest of us would have loved to stay longer, we said our goodbyes. Hopefully we'll see them again soon, 'cause we really enjoyed their company.

Until the cows come home...

2008-10-15T12:44:00.011+01:00

I've never seen as many cows as I have in Ireland, and this walk took us up close and personal with a few!

Bill's caravan is up a hill, but not right at the top...and I was getting the urge to go even higher! So we set off to find a path to the top, so we could see what's on the other side.

Its a little intimidating when a herd of cows show an interest in you! Luckily there was a barbed wire fence between them and us, but it didn't stop them following us along the path!Have you ever stood eye to eye with a cow? They are weird looking! I thought this one was looking at me, but now I'm not convinced - his eyes seem to be pointing in diferent directions!
This herd of cows stopped us going RIGHT to the top of the hill, but even so, the views were stunning and we'd chosen a lovely day to go!

These views inspire you to take gorgeous pictures of your family...this is what I had in mind......this is what I got...Its better to catch them unawares...We didn't make it right to the top this time - I think we need a local guide to lead us through the terrifying herds of animals that look at you with their cross-eyes, but instead we headed back down towards the field next to Bill's. We'd been watching the combine harvesters hard at work, cutting the hay and rolling it into the big cylinders, then wrapping them in plastic and scooping them up to cart them off. The field had been so busy for the last few days but as we walked passed, the combine harvester and tractors had gone! So we went for an explore. Megan was horrified that we were trespassing - she kept glancing over her shoulder to keep an eye out for an angry farmer - she was ready to leg it!

While Megan kept a watchout at the gate for gunslinging farmers (I know, we're a little dramatic), look what the more brazen members of the family found...this is about as bold as we get! Luckily, these bales of hay are REALLY heavy - if Sam actually could push this down the hill, it would do serious damage!

...so it didn't take long to tempt Megan over! Who can resist climbing on a bale of hay?!

Luckily we made it out before the farmer came back and saw us playing!

Last hurdle was getting through the barley field - that hadn't been harvested so we had to be a bit more careful there.

Martin Tracey

2008-10-12T22:21:00.007+01:00

While we were in Ireland, we were only an hour away from Roscrea which is where my Grandma Beattie's Grandad (Martin Tracey) came from. We have his army records and so know a bit more about him than other Great Great Grandparents so I really wanted to visit his town.

In my ideal visit, we'd go to the church, search the grave yard and find a big Tracey gravestone with generations of family history!

I marched the kids and Liam round - everyone had a section to search but we quickly realised that not only were the graves so big that they were all very rich deceased (not likely in my family), but there was not a whisper of a Tracey!

Oh well, good try. It was a nice old church anyway! And the entrance was part of an ancient monastery (guess who's been reading Wikipedia) - I love a bit of history!

We only had about half an hour left until we had to leave to meet Grandad at the swimming pool so we marched for a quick explore of the town.

I found this old photo of Roscrea, its amazing how similar it looks now!

Its a funny old town - obviously bursting with historic buildings including a castle. I wanted to buy one of those "Old Roscrea" books, like "Old Abbeydale" and Old Millhouses", so I went to look for WHSmiths. No such luck. There was a Tesco, but almost all other shops were small independent shops. Not like in England where all towns have the same chain shops. Where's a Waterstones when you need one?!I couldn't ask the kids to give up their swimming pool appointment, but I would have loved to have gone and toured the castle and mill museums. I think that will have to be my next visit!

And here's my list of other historic things to look at in Roscrea...

So the Tracey's didn't throw themselves at me while we were in Roscrea, but I got a nice idea of what the town was like for future visits and the lady at the castle gave me the address of the North Tipperary family history information office so I'll try them in my hunt for Martin Tracey!

Child Slave Labour

2008-10-09T14:42:00.003+01:00

Poor Megan. Still in her pyjamas and Grandad's got her working...

...she cleaned his shoes in return for...a handful of M & M's! I really must teach her to value herself a little more!

When she saw his big bag of M&M's, I think she would have scrubbed the whole caravan for them!

What Next?

2008-10-09T00:15:00.003+01:00

Every time you walk out of the caravan, there's a different view with different colours.

Searching for a beach...

2008-10-08T23:46:00.002+01:00

Rocks are okay...in their place, but what we really needed was a bit of sand! Luckily, Bill had directed us to a beach near Hook and even though it was about 4 o'clock on a foggy, cloudy day, the crazier members of our family dived into the sea!...while the more sensible ones hid under a towel!
So many creatures to find, so little time!

Not much wildlife was found. You may think Sam was clever to find these small fish, but they were actually...dead! Lets home there's no sinister reason for their death, cause obviously Sam may catch it!
He seems to have survived the killer fish disease so far!

By Hook or by Crook

2008-10-08T22:42:00.004+01:00

We fancied a day trip, and Bill recommended Hook lighthouse on the south coast of Ireland.
Although the weather was a bit grim, I suppose it was proper lighthouse weather! You couldn't help but be drawn to the dramatic rocks...
As a family, we LOVE rock pools and we had loads to explore here.
After a bit of lunch, we went on a guided tour of the lighthouse. Although Liam didn't say before we went in, he was expecting the tour to be naff! But surprisingly, we all enjoyed learning about one of the worlds oldest working lighthouses!

It was a mix of the old and the new - we sympathised with the lighthousemen from 700 years ago who had to carry bags and bags of coal up to the top to keep the flame lit...and we though how clever they are now to have the machine that sends a light beam out every few minutes and if the fog reflects it back, the fog horn sounds.
...its SO loud as we heard later in our trip!
We made it to the top...
...but then had to rush down again when we spotted a seal near the rocks! It disappeared when we got close and popped up again when we backed off, but we were all thrilled to see it!
It was a great place to explore and we had great fun.
On the way back from Hook, we spotted our home of the future! It looks down on the the beautiful bay and is a magnificent house... that is all boarded up - what a shame. Liam says he's going to buy it for me as a weekend retreat! Does anyone want to come in with us?

A little Google search has turned up that its called Loftus Hall and its for sale by auction on 17th October 2008 for 1.8 million Euros! Its got a ghost, but there's 22 bedrooms so there's room for all of us!

Visiting Grennan

2008-10-05T21:14:00.008+01:00

I've heard a lot about Grennan for the last 11 years - I love that we were all able to visit. Grennan is the farm where Liam's Grandad grew up - Liam loves to talk about how his Grandad used to catch salmon in the river Nore which runs through the farm. This visit was definitely one of the things we were all excited about - and also why we packed wellies for the trip!

Megan was immediately taken with one of their dogs...
...while Sam was otherwise distracted...

Geoffrey is Bills cousin. When Liam and I first got married, he lived in London and was an administrator/book keeper type person. We used to see him quite often, and its so different seeing him on the farm. He introduced us to these two new born calves - 2 days old - and being adopted by this mummy cow. Geoffrey had to encourage them to feed from the mum (ie shove their heads at her udder)and then stop them from drinking too much...all very clever.I was more than a little distracted by her huge udders! The farmland is amazing...
...we were all taken by the views...well, I'm not so sure about Leah!It was just a shame that the river was too swollen for us to have a dip!Bill's Uncle George loves horses and his current distraction was this horse which was ready to pop! She was due to give birth a few days after we flew home, but we were hoping she'd produce early so we could see her baby! She didn't, but you could see Uncle George's excitement and anticipation. In the future, the foal will be a show jumper.

So much to see on the farm - family, animals, beautiful views, history...how come all they could see was the mud?!

Camping with Grandad...

2008-09-24T23:15:00.008+01:00

We've spent a night in Grandad's caravan, and here's how he's feeling...

This is after one night...imagine what he'll be like at the end of the week?!

Of course, out door living is all about being at one with nature. So the kids were THRILLED to find this big hairy catapillar waiting for them this morning - I'm afraid it was a harrassed caterpillar by the time they'd all had a hold!I've had a quick Google for "Hairy caterpillars" but haven't been able to identify it yet! Can any one help? I like posts to be complete with titles!

Although I like hairy caterpillars, I was more distracted with the view - different colours at different times of the day...

Its nice having your own private camp site, but with this view...beautiful. The grass was long and really Leah needed waders to keep her little legs dry! There was so much lovely space to run around. I loved having no TV, PS2 or DS (this is an age test - if you don't know what those abreviations mean, you're officially old!). The kids either read comics or drew pictures and coloured. ...

...or played outside...

I loved the peace...well, during the breaks from the kids bickering!

...and Grandad was on hand to show them round his patch!

Dublin Zoo

2008-09-23T13:28:00.006+01:00

We made it to Ireland!

Even though I was sure I would forget one of the little bits of paper you need to go on holiday - tickets, insurance, car hire, passports, parking reference, etc, etc, etc - we managed to get to Dublin, into the hire car and out to the city with out a hitch. The only thing we did forget was money! Well Euros - we had pounds, but they don't go down too well in Ireland.

Luckily our first stop was Dublin zoo - we get in free with our Colchester zoo passes so having no money wasn't a problem!

Liam loved it from the second we walked in - the grounds are so well cultivated, I think he would have been happy to walk round all day without even seeing any animals! Its obviously an old zoo and you can tell that the plants are really well established.

I loved the hippos - two were hiding in a pond, only sticking their noses out for air every few minutes I loved that we could play spot the hippo...

...especially when we saw the one on the side and realised how HUGE they are! How could we not spot them in the water!?

The other animals that particularly caught our eye were the rhinos. How can anyone not go "Aaahhhhhhwwwwwww" when they see a baby rhino! He was a real crowd puller!
Although his mum didn't do too bad at causing a few gasps herself when she did a HUGE wee...
...and then another rhino came and drank it! Can you imagine the children's (and the grownups) reaction?!
We also liked the laid back Irish Elephants! I know you thought there were only African and Asian Elephants elephants, but this one is so laid back it must be Irish!
We could easily have stayed all day at the zoo if it wasn't for a few problems - we had no money and we were all getting hungry! But the biggest reason to leave early was that Megan, Sam and Leah were all desperate to go and see Grandad and his caravan! Even a weeing rhino couldn't distract them for long and that's saying something! I wonder if he'll be as excited for us to invade his little caravan?!

Auntie Barbara

2008-09-18T23:22:00.003+01:00

We love seeing Auntie Barbara - especially as Leah calls her Auntie Brabra! And usually when we see her, she's bearing gifts (although I must point out that its nice to see her without gifts too!). Today was my turn - a lovely bath pillow and luxurious Jasper Conran candle for a night of pampering!

Her spanish tan was a BIG reminder of what a washed out summer we've had though! Maybe next year it'll be better weather (although I seem to remember saying that last year too!)...

Rock Hopping!

2008-09-17T14:46:00.005+01:00

This is my friend Hilary!She's a very clever lady. Todays cleverness came in the form of suggesting a day out to the heathery hills near toads mouth on the way to Hathersage.

How better to tire out 6 kids (without spending money!) than to march them up a big mountain! And they were all so pleased to see each other that was much less moaning than expected!

I LOVE the hills at this time of year - you're surrounded by a sea of purple......but there's much more for the kids to do up there than just admire the views - there's a few rocks for them to climb......and being intrepid explorers, they HAD to climb them all!

As you can see from this picture, there's so much to...erm...point at! I'm not sure what they're pointing at, but I'm thinking it maybe a rock?! There were a lot of them.

The rocks they climbed started out low...

...and got a bit higher...

...and higher!

I'm really not sure Hilary should have allowed this - she's the responsible teacher after all. I'm not sure she carried out a risk assessment on this rock. Her responsiblity was, after all, rock safety on that day (well thats what I've decided now I've seen the pictures). Mine was more about heather appreciation...

Its always amazing what wildlife you can find lurking in the heather...

A Day at the Temple

2008-09-17T13:21:00.006+01:00

Today we planned a family day out to the Preston temple - I had asked Hilary if she'd have my kids, but she had a better idea - to come with us - perfect. Or it would have been perfect except that my mum hurt her neck and so couldn't go. So just Dad and Grandma, me and my kids and the Bradbury's. Hilary was there to do temple work for the family she's found since our trip to London in May so that made it extra nice.

Dad, Grandma and I went into the temple first and it was lovely spending time with them there. Then we swapped and Hilary and Alan went in with my Dad.

I loved seeing all the kids together at the temple. I always associate the London temple with my Grandparents because they lived and worked there while I was growing up. I love the idea of my kids having nice memories of trips the temple with their friends.

I hope they're always running to the temple together!Grandma came out and helped me look after them too - I hope I have her energy when I'm 87!Hilary's a primary school teacher and when she has a group of kids round her, she goes into this fanastic teacher mode - games and authority and education......my methods are a bit simpler - I give them sweets!August 1908: Samuel and Louisa Gratton join the LDS church...August 2008: their grandaughter, great grandson, great great grandaughter and great great great grandchildren visit the temple together...

... a nice way to remember.

Best Friends Forever

2008-09-17T12:54:00.003+01:00

What a shame that we've moved and Megan can't spend as much time as she'd like with these lovely girls! She had a sleep over at Lucy's with Maisie and I was supposed to pick her up at 11. But Sue texted and said they having such a good time that could I leave it until 2 - this was great for me, more time for me and Leah at Laura's...then she texted again and asked if I could pick her up at Weston Park Museum at 4. I knew Megan would want to stay as long as she could, and it was nice to spend an hour with Susan an Liz
They had our own HSM moment!
...again!

Green Fingers

2008-09-17T10:48:00.003+01:00

We're all trying it, but some with more success than others! Today I went to see how the experts do it - Leah and I went to visit Laura and Jim's allotment. Megan was with Lucy, and Sam was with Benjamin (I love Meersbrook Mum's!) and when the weather cheered up, we marched up to the allotment.

We've got such a little space in our garden - we've tried growing herbs, tomatoes, potatoes and beans this years (ALL the beans died!) so I was amazed to see how much space Laura and Jim have and what they've done in the few months of having it.

I'm not sure which bit we liked best - there were several highlights for me and Leah: Laura picked some pea pods for us - it was lovely to snack on sweet, fresh peas.

Then there were the raspberrys - there's not photos of those - I was too busy concentrating on eating them!

And then the highlight of Leah's visit - pooing on a potty, outside with lovely Meersbrook views! Leah hasn't used a potty for a couple of years now, but with no toilet there, she had no choice and she LOVED it! We were only there for a few hours and she managed to fit in 2 poos and 2 wees and a couple of false alarms?! I think she's ready for camping!

When time was up at Laura's allotment, we set off on a real mission! Laura wanted to show me Helen's allotment but it seemed to have vanished! Eventually she realised why - the doorway was over grown and completely hidden. Luckily there was a handy allotment owner with a hedge trimmer who cleared it for us. Helen's apple trees were ladened and we did some proper scrumping! Helen had told Laura that she was welcome to help herself whenever she wanted, but it still seemed like proper scrumping! And very usefully, she also had some blackberry's growing too. Where's my nan when I need her - she was queen of apple and blackberry pie!Time was up and I rushed off to collect Sam from Ragi's house. He'd had a great time - we all miss our Meersbrook friends.

Cousins...and second cousins

2008-09-15T23:05:00.004+01:00

By lucky coincedence, my cousin Helen was going a baptism in Sheffield and so also visit Grandma. So we hijacked Grandma after we visited Grandad at the Hallamshire and Helen visited us all at mums.

Its a lively room with our six children in one room, but I think Grandma enjoyed watching them!Although Helens children don't see us enough to remember us, they were comfortable enough to climb all over mum for stories......and to climb over each other!And look at Timothy's beautiful blue eyes:

While we had the 6 great grandchildren together, we tried to get a photo of them all together. On 9th August it was the 100th anniversary of Samuel and Louisa Gratton joining the church and grandma and I put our heads together to write an article for the Ensign - could we get a picture to go with it?

First the girls caused trouble...

...then Grandma's too busy looking at the kids......maybe we've got one picture that might work!Always nice to see Helen and he growing family.

Bolsover Castle

2008-09-09T10:52:00.003+01:00

Next day trip: Bolsover Castle. Mums a member of English Heritage so yea, kids go free - that always makes the trip more enjoyable!

I've never been to Bolsover before - I couldn't believe the views. I've driven up and down the motorways and duel carriageways in that area for years and never realised how lovely it was.
Its a prime posing location! And I've trained some prime posers!
We loved exploring the ruins - nice to see mum, Sam and Leah in the kitchens downstairs while Megan and I looked down on them from above!
And even though there's not been any fires in them for centuries, it still felt risky letting my children crawl into the ovens! It just didn't feel right! Talk about being over protective!
We had a lovely picnic outside - here's a Nanny sandwich...
And this fountain made Sam's day - lots of little boys weeing into a fountain - this is Sam's idea of culture!
And of course Nanny had promised her grandchildren a trip to the gift shop on the way out - as usual Megan and Leah picked easily - although Megan pushed the budget by choosing a big feather fountain pen...and then later dropping hints for the ink - she ALWAYS manages to do that. And as usual, Sam went into panic mode at the pressure of choosing just one thing! He had to be threatened with nothing to get him to narrow his choice to something vaguely in budget. He chose a helmet and sword. Leah picked a princess hat, although I don't think I've ever seen a princess with style quiet like her!

Cleethorpes

2008-09-08T22:43:00.004+01:00

We had two big holidays planned for the summer - Ireland at the end of the holiday, but before that, mum had booked a week off work so that we could go up to Sheffield and have some day trips out.

So first daytrip out - Cleethorpes. Friday was forecast to be the best weather day and we had picked Cleethorpes because we could go with Grandma on the train, but as it goes, Grandma had a meeting at the hospital about Grandad and didn't want to miss it. We had to make the most of the weather so we packed the kids cossies and set off.
I'm always moaning about the tides being out in Essex, but we come up north and the same happens! Why is it always miles to the sea?
We didn't care! It means there more sand to play on, so we headed for the beach while it was dry!

And the rain held off long enough for it to feel hot! So hot that the kids weren't interested in eating the fish and chips we bought...me and mum struggled through them though! With the seagulls help!
After lunch, Nannie promised the kids a ride at the little fun fair on the beach. Megan chose to go on the donkeys. I was pleased she did 'cause I'm not sure she's been on one before. And I hate to say it, but the clocks ticking! She's not as young as she used to be! Happens to us all! And before too long, she'll be too big for donkeys.
She managed to ride it very gracefully!

Sam chose a helter skelter and a big swingy thing.
Leah went on a merry-go-round and a roller coaster - jammy Megan - Leah had to be accompanied on the roller coaster so Megan got an extra ride - she always manages to get a bit more!On the way back to beach, we had to have an ice cream and a milkshake.Leah ate hers and then boldly asked mum to share hers - I don't think Nanny was impressed:...but she gave in as always. She hasn't learned to say no to her grandkids yet!
By this time, the tide had finally come in and as usual Megan and Sam wanted to go for a swim...and Leah wanted to cuddle Nannie in the dry!I think that will always be the way!

Hmmm...what to bake?

2008-09-08T22:14:00.005+01:00

Rachel and Vicky came for a sleep over and someone mentioned they'd like to do some baking. I can't remember who, but once one little person thought it was a good idea, one by one they all started jumping up and down with similar feelings.

I won't say my heart sank...but it did! I'm not a huge fan of baking with little ones - its trying to find jobs for everyone fairly - if one puts in a teaspoon of salt, you have a find an equally important (!) job for the other, all through the recipe, so the thought of trying to share jobs between 5 children was NOT appealing!

But how can I turn down my 2 lovely nieces?! My children I can easily turn down, but not my neices! So I decided to embrace the baking and give them a free reign - they formed 3 groups and each picked a recipe book! After much study and discussion, they picked 3 recipes and we went shopping for ingredients.

Vicky and Megan went first and cooked themselves delicious chocolate pancakes with chocolate sauce (girls after my own heart!) for pudding after tea. They were a BIG hit.
Although I'm not sure about their table manners... Then Leah and Rachel made their selection - Pistachio Cupcakes - get them! And they were delicious!

They've obviously got a sophisticated palate.

Sam's choice was a 2 tone jelly:

Strawberry on the bottom and lime on the top - Sam's took a bit more patience and weren't ready until the morning.

A good job done by all, although there was a whole lot of tidying up afterwards!

Fusion of Art

2008-09-07T22:11:00.003+01:00

I found the perfect summer workshop for Sam and Megan - Fusion of Art - a mixture of music, dance and art - it was Sam's first chance to be let loose on a drum kit! Luckily for all involved, it was a workshop run by the RAD for deaf children and their siblings so no one could hear him bashing the drums! Because I'm volunteering for them now, they let my kids go too.

As I dropped them off, they both were shaking percusion instruments and bashing the drums, and most of the people in the room were oblivious to the noise! Then they went off to do some warm up exercises to High School Musical - perfect for both kids.

My Ideas Can't All Be Winners

2008-08-24T23:30:00.008+01:00

I blame Ms. Stafford ( I stole this photo from Facebook!)

She taught Megan at Meersbrook Bank School in Sheffield for year 2 and she was FABULOUS! By the end of the year Megan had decided she wanted to be a teacher like her and I wanted to look like her! But despite that, one of the topics she taught was the great fire of london and Megan loved everything she learned about.

Then we moved to Danbury and Sam also learned about the great fire of london, so I've been meaning to take them to see Pudding Lane now we live so close to London. So on Sunday I made some whooping noises and we all jumped into the car for a trip to tower hill via Nanny Pat's.

TomTom told us it would take 32 minutes to get from Nanny Pat's in Dagenham to Pudding Lane and I believed him.

Unfortunately I hadn't checked the news and so didn't know that it was the London Triathalon that day...so all the traffic from central London had been redirected to the east end. To make it worse, it POURED with rain so we couldn't even open the window during the almost 2 hours it took to get there.

You reach the point of no return and have to keep going forward. But this is what we did to keep entertained:I realise Megan will hate me for posting this one day, but I took hundreds of photos of them to keep them from climbing the walls! Megan and Sam thought it was hilarious to be cheeky to the camera!

When we evenually arrived, we did manage to find a parking spot on Pudding Lane - they both knew that the fire had started in the bakers shop, but Sam even remembered that his name was Thomas. We were impressed when we found this plaque to show us what clever-clog children we have. Obviously Liam and I had no idea!

We decided we needed to sightsee even though it was still raining on and off - we marched to London Bridge...and then up to St Pauls (stopping in door ways to hide from the heaviest rain!)...just enough to tick them off our to-do list!Photo in front of the Pudding Lane sign - tick

All the way there, Liam was muttering about how it had been MY great idea to nip into London - this was while the kids were moaning, the car was steaming, the rain was pouring, the traffic was heaving...but I blame Ms Stafford. And her pesky, interesting lessons from 2 years ago!

Sunflower Success

2008-08-24T00:23:00.003+01:00

We may have a green house that looks like a tomato jungle, but the sunflowers are more of a success!

We planted 9 sunflower seeds in pots (3 for each child) and despite some little hiccups along the way, 5 or six of them made it out into the front garden!

Megan's was the tallest, and its HUGE! Liam is 6'1 so it must be at least 8 foot tall. Get us and our green fingers! We're gonna harvest the seeds from the tallest one ready for next year so there's no stopping us now.

Annual Stamner Park Road Gathering

2008-08-23T23:14:00.004+01:00

I'm very lucky to have university friends that are born organisers. This is why 17 years after we first met in halls of residence in Brighton, we're still meeting to catch up on each others news.

Jo's train brought her into London in time for us to meet at 11am, but as Lou and I live nearer, we arranged to meet at 10. Within seconds of meeting Louise, she had fallen in a drainage ditch at the Tower of London viewing platform and twisted her ankle! And it really hurt! Not so good when you're at the start of a day out in London!

Luckily, Jo is a pharmacist and Louise had COMPLETE confidence that she would know what to do...and she did! We marched (well some of us did, others hobbled) to Boots and bought a stretchy sock bandage and a box of suitable painkillers! Good job Jo was on hand to apply the bandage - I'm not much good at putting tights on little girls so I fear Louise would have had a Nora Batty bandage if it had been down to me and she wouldn't have put up with that!

From there we headed to Planet Hollywood for a drink - I had a FANTASTIC smoothie - and then headed to covent garden to do some shopping. It absolutely poured with rain all day - typical of this summer - but it doesn't much matter if you're happy to spend your day shopping and eating! So we ran from Covent Garden to the nearest restaurant for a lovely lunch.

Then a bit more shopping before we headed back towards Leicester Square for dessert ( I wasn't joking when I said all we did was shop and eat!). Of course while Louise and Joanna indulged in these delicious desserts, I just had a healthy apple... and as I was taking the photos, there's no evidence otherwise!

It was great catching up - we're all full-time mums now - eight kids between us, so we did a lot of comparing stories! I love that (in my eyes) they look exactly the same as they did in Brighton! And I love that they're exactly the same as when we were Brighton and we all adopt the same roles - when there's a decision to make, Lou and I look to Jo to make it! She'll always be the mum of the group even though we're all mums now!

We missed Rachel who couldn't make it, but hopefully we'll see her next time.

And by some strange coincedence, look who we bumped into in Leicester square:Mum and HER university friends were having their annual trip to London! Its a small world!

Get Me - QVC

2008-08-23T21:00:00.005+01:00

I realise this isn't really my story to write, but its not every day that I get to spend the afternoon at QVC!

I haven't actually ever bought anything from QVC or any other shopping channel, but I know people who have (**Hilary!!**), but I've certainly flicked through the channels enough to get excited when Becks told me she was going for a screen test there. And when she said "Why don't you come with me tomorrow?" my mind immediately started thinking about logistics, it being the school holidays.

My one chance to escape from the kids was if Lorraine could have my 3 kids along with her own 3 kids for the afternoon. It was a big ask, but she's a great sister in law and I knew that if she could, she would. And with out much thought, she agreed. I did emphasise to her that this was purely pleasure - no practical or financial reasons - just an afternoon out, but that made her all the happier to have them.

So my kids were duely dumped and Becks and I set out for Vauxhall.

I always get excited driving into London, and despite the TomTom taking us backwards and forwards over the river 3 times, we still got there in good time - plenty of time to sit and people watch from the cafe balcony.

Ideally I was gonna see Paul Mckenna or Joan Rivers or maybe even Lulu - I know they're all regulars on QVC - but despite us both scrutinising EVERY person to walk through the reception, the best we could do was spot a few of the regular presenters.

One of them was showbiz enough to come into the reception with her dressing gown and curlers! I was horrified when Becks whispered for me to get my camera out! What if she spotted the flash and flounced over in a Naomi Campbell style strop, demanding I delete the pictures?! Its happened to me before in pastry shop of all places, so it could easily happen at a TV studio! It could ruin Becks chances - they might not let her do her screen test?!

Becks is too bold for her own good and whipped the camera from me just in time to snap Showbiz Debbie as she left with her entourage. Luckily, in this instance, we weren't frog-marched from the premises and Becks was safe to go for her screen test! I don't think I'm ready for a career as a paparazzi yet!

I already loved seeing the "On Air" sign in the recording studio...... so it was even weirder going into one of the studios for the screen test.Of course Becks took it all in her stride. It was slightly comforting for me see that she was slightly nervous! But despite some nerves, she was fantastic and they LOVED her! They gushed about how good she was and how good she looked on screen! Especially when they found out she has 4 kids!

So watch out for her doing a two hour show in October!

Laura Meets Elephant...and Giraffe...and hippo

2008-08-22T13:30:00.009+01:00

She's obviously had a deprived childhood (and adulthood for that matter), but how can Laura reach THIS age without being taken to a zoo - shame on you Mr and Mrs Cobain and Mr Stringer. So we jumped at the chance to go with Laura and Jim to Colchester zoo - I don't what her miss out any longer! Its just not right for a 40-something year old never to have seen an elephant in real life. And would you believe it, before too long, she had her hand stuck up an elephants trunk??! She's so bold! (That boy didn't look very impressed, but I was).

Whenever I see pictures from Colchester zoo, they're always taken in the seal lion tunnel - its just such a lovely colour blue, you can't help yourself and today was no exception!Another reason we love Colchester zoo is for the play areas - we didn't need the indoor ball park this trip 'cause the weather was nice, but its nice to intersperse the animals with a trip to a park.

NB It may look like Jim's doing all the work with the kids in these photos, but I'm sure Laura and I were carrying out some equally important roll at the time. Monitoring from a distance or something!

Although I love watching the animals......I prefer watching the wildlife closer to home, watching the animals!
...and there was one cheeky monkey that was too cute to leave at the zoo.

We loved having the Stringers stay with us this week - they're great company and easy to entertain...although I'm not sure I could cope with many more 2am bed times! Its just too tempting to stay up and chat when Laura's here!

Craft Day

2008-08-13T21:44:00.004+01:00

When Laura and Jim were on their way here on Sunday, Sam was sat for the afternoon with a pen and paper in his hand, waiting for Laura to arrive and start drawing for him. Leah and Sam both brought the picture she'd drawn for them downstairs to greet her and they were all amazed when she did start drawing, on demand - they'd tell her, and she'd draw it! Imagine that!

So when Jim and Frances went to London for the day, and the weather in Danbury was awful, that else could the rest of us do but have a craft day!

Laura was keen to see my Cricut Machine, and I was keen to show it off! So while Laura and I huddled round the Cricut end of the table, the 4 kids huddled round the lollipop stick-glue-sequin-glitter end of the table.

I gave Laura a few sheets of paper and a cricut machine, and she knocked up a few christmas cards for me to reproduce in good time for Christmas!

Then an evening with Becks produced a few more!

She made it look easy - we'll see how I get on without her expertise!

West Ham v Ipswich

2008-08-13T21:15:00.002+01:00

Its a big night for Liam and Sam - Sam's first West Ham match!

Megan, Sam and Liam went to Ipswich (equipped with a DS in case it was too boring for Sam) and enjoyed a 5:3 win!

It was Megans third game, so she already knew a lot of the songs that Liam LOVES, although I'm not sure I'm happy about them learning football songs! Sams came home singing about "Big fat Frankie Lampard!"

They took bubble machines to use when the crowd sang "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" and over all it was a successful trip! It was a good job they took the DS cause I think it got plenty of use, but I think Sam will look forward to his next match.

House Guests

2008-08-08T22:35:00.016+01:00

We may not be the best hosts (not being a tea drinker, I REALLY struggle to remember that I've switched the kettle on - guests usually do get their drink, but it may be hours after they asked), and we may not have the best set up (usually one of the guests ends up on the floor!) but we LOVE having people to stay.

So we were thrilled when Laura and Jim said they were coming to stay.

The weather forecast told us that the best day would be Monday so we decided to go to Southend. There are nicer beaches around, but Jim's Grandma lived in Dagenham and they used to catch the train to Southend when they visited her. I love Southend, as do my kids (although that's mostly to do with Adventureland!) so we were pleased to go.

Since we only moved here last September, I'm just starting to experience the summer during peak times and I could really see how much busier it is now. In recent trips, we were able to park near the pier, but today, we were down next to the casino. Doesn't matter though - its just a quick walk down to the three shells beach where we settled ourselves.

I think it took about 1 whole minute for all children to strip off and put costumes on...except Phoebe who refused a costume! Is great to see kids playing on a beach - I love it.

Frances suits the beach - we couldn't take enough photos of her!

The grownups relaxed on a blanket with a picnic...
...and took a few pictures!

Laura and I were impressed with Jim's builders bum until we realised it was his undies! Its a great impression of a builders bum - I think I'm seeing an "Occupations" theme for the next Meersbrook party!
Phoebe, Frances and Leah (and Jim!) were happy to tiptoe in the shallow waves...

...but Megan and Sam were both straight in, up to their necks!
And others on the beach couldn't resist getting into the sea - the water was so warm and inviting, although I don't envy them having to drip dry for the rest of the day. These two were literally upto their necks eventually, fully clothed!

There's a viewing tower at the head of the pier that is great to get a good view of the sea front - we didn't realise how windy it was until we saw some of the huge hair photos! I don't know why we decided to do the posing photos in the billowing wind!

Here's a before the gust of wind photo...

...and then the wind blew!

There were calmer moments, and of course it didn't matter to Jim what the wind did!

Jim had to coax Frances to come and look out from the top of the tower after I scared her to death. When we got out of the lift, Frances ran up to me, excited to be at the top and I reached down to pick her up to show her the view. She couldn't back away quick enough! I think she thought I was going to toss her off the top! I'll have to work on our trust a bit more, although maybe the top of a tall tower isn't the right place to do that! After a bit of counselling from her dad, she was brave enough to run around with the others!

The Hastings:

The Stringers:

A Stringer and a Hastings:

What better way to end the day than with a Rossi's icecream - my favorite!

Dramatic Gardeners!

2008-08-08T00:19:00.003+01:00

After a delicious BBQ, Delores did some gardening for us and helped make our back garen look much tidier. Despite her hard work, she still had time to teach Leah some dramatic gardening poses - I think Leah's inherited Delores' dramatic genes! I hope so!

Lorraines pursuit of excellence as an auntie

2008-08-07T23:43:00.004+01:00

Lorraine is on a mission to become the best auntie in the whole wide world and in her pursuit of this, she's bought a 10 foot swimming pool for her garden!

In this hot weather, how can we resist going round every day! We've all been in, grownups and all - its the perfect way to cool down when its hot.

What a fantastic way for 6 cousins to have a great time together:

Although I'm not sure Megan's got the hang of goggles!

Leanne likes to makes a splash!

I'm not sure Sam approves!

Exploring our Patch

2008-08-07T21:24:00.015+01:00

FHE on a Monday night is a great excuse for exploring Danbury and the like. Our latest trip out was to another of the local locks. We've been to Papermill and Beeleigh Locks, so Liam suggested Hoe Mill Lock near Ulting - he passes it everyday on his way to work.There's something about water that we all love - looking at it, splashing in it, walking by it, fishing in it (well, some of us!). This walk lead us to harvest time. Every where we drive takes us past agriculture - over the last few months we've watched the farmers clear the fields, plant the crops, we've watched them grow, and I know it may seem weird, but we were all excited to see a combine harvester working next to the canal! Not being a farming expert, I'm not sure if this is actually a combine harvester, but it was chopping down the wheat with HUGE blades! And can you imagine our excitement when the combine harvest driver waved back to us!?! I KNOW!

The river runs at the side of the canal, so we stopped to stand and stare. We do that at lakes and rivers. I don't know why, but I expect it has something to do with "our" obsession with fish!

The trouble with standing and staring is that sometimes you're staring from the wrong angle, so the only way to rectify it is to move to a better view. And sometimes it means you put yourself in jeopardy. That's the life of fisherman - its tough. So as a fisherman, Liam HAD to balance across the thin branch that grows right across the river.What happened next is a blur...but predictable! He's happy among his fish!

Megan and Leah prefer to do gymnastics on dry land......although Leah has her own gymnastics style!

Visiting Time

2008-08-01T23:30:00.003+01:00

Our reason for this trip to Sheffield was to visit my Grandad in hospital. He's been at the Hallamshire for about 3 weeks now and its been rubbish being in Essex. I know grandad doesn't need much support - what he really needs at the moment is the nursing care he's getting, but I feel like I'm missing out on visiting him.

We went to see him on Saturday and Sunday and had two very different visits. On Saturday he was on good form. He asked if we'd brought him some cake, and could we lend him half a crown? These are his favorite questions! He tells Liam we're trouble makers - 1, 2, 3, pointing to me mum and Grandma and any other females in the room! And then I count 4 and point to him and he pretends to look wounded. He tells Leah she's his girlfriend (one of his many!).

This could have been any trip to visit Grandad over the last few years - as he's slowly lost his short term memory, he sometimes has the same conversation again and again, but I'm happy having these conversations. They're reassuring.

He tells us about his brothers and sisters: May was his twin sister - he screws up his nose when he talks about her - she used to blame him for everything! And I always tease him and say he probably caused all the trouble and he fakes a hurt look. Elsie was bossy he tells us and Dorothy was his favorite ( I think I've got that right - I should know by now!). Then he adds: "I'm the only one left now..."

On Saturday he told me "I've had a good life, I've seen the world, I've been to the moon...". When I told Delores he says that, she thought he was being figurative, but he's not! I love that he's so satisfied with his 92 year old life and travels, he includes the moon.

He was really animated and dramatic this time - exaggerated facial expressions and chatty. Although the nurse came and told us he had been refusing to eat. She brought a milkshake meal replacement and asked Grandma if she could feed it to him. He managed to drink quite a lot of it, but really needs to eat more.

Sunday's visit was quite different. He was asleep when we arrived, and didn't like being woken up (I can understand that!). It was hard to understand what he was saying and I don't think he knew who I was. Often he pretends to be offended and cheeky, but this time I don't think he was pretending. I certainly didn't want to push him. He couldn't keep his eyes open and I was happy when he went back to sleep.

I'm glad he's getting looked after and I'm glad my grandma isn't the one who has to look after him. It was nice to see him and hear his stories again.

Picking/Eating Strawberries

2008-08-01T22:38:00.004+01:00

Last weekend we made a quick visit to Sheffield to visit my Grandad Beattie who's in hosiptal. Visiting time wasn't until 2pm so mum suggested we go strawberry picking (Liam even had time to visit TWO fishing shops!) at Whirlow Hall Farm.

Well, Nanny and Megan did most of the actual picking! They're proper workers.

Leah and Sam preferred to stay near the edges - probably a good idea 'cause there were a few nettle injuries!

Leah guarded the strawberries, good job 'cause they were beautiful...

...although she didn't guard them very well from Sam! He started off being subtle...

...but by the end, he just didn't care who saw him!

Where's a wet wipe when you need one?!

Science Summer

2008-08-01T22:05:00.002+01:00

St Johns School had a science week in June - it made a big impact on Sam. The teachers really worked hard and they did loads of sciencey things every day for a week. One of Sam's favorites was a volcano made from bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. He's been desperate to try it at home so he impressed Rachel and Leah with his experiment.

Afterwards he had them all do a write up (actually a draw-up) of the experiment.

I think Sam makes a great mad scientist!

So hot!

2008-08-01T21:32:00.004+01:00

The weather has heated up and so we headed to Maldon splash park to cool down.

Horror of horrors - it was packed! How rude when we were so hot! When we've been to the park so far in the year, there's been plenty of people there, but you could hop in and out of the water as you pleased. This time as we drove up to the park, you could see the crowds. I warned the kids that if there were too many people there, we'd go round to their cousins instead and go in their paddling pool and use their slidey sheet thing. Megan preferred this idea. In fact she was praying (literally!) that it would be busy! She must be very righteous cause it was absolutely PACKED! We didn't even get out of the car - we just did a drive by...and then went straight to Lorraines - the Heybridge splash park.

And it was just what we needed! Who needs Maldon!

Gardening Hastings Style

2008-07-28T23:35:00.004+01:00

We've got a muddy corner of the garden where we (erm, Liam actually) filled in the pond. The kids love to dig in this, and make a swamp. Today's swamp had a bit more character. This is what evolves when you leave Sam and Leah creating!

Look closely and you'll see a storm trooper lurking - obviously! Chess pieces are so boring on a board - much better in a swamp!

This swamp is the perfect place for Sam, he seems to have no concept of cleanliness! Where as most people avoid muck, Sam is oblivious to where he's putting his hands!

The muckier he is, the happier he is! At one point, Leah fell in the swamp and got her trousers wet. She started crying because she was dirty until I pointed to Sam and she realised she was like Kim and Aggie in comparison!

Its amazing what you can find in Danbury Swamps...

KS1 Sports Day

2008-07-28T22:56:00.004+01:00

Here's Sam's sports day! Sam isn't as much an outdoors person as Megan is. His home is his favourite place, he'd rather not run or play football, he'd much rather play the playstation, or draw, or play a game, or do something inside. He'll often moan if we tell him we're going out, but when he's there, he'll have a great time.

At the sports day, I was sat with a mum who's daughter had been up all through the night before, worrying about the races! Sam on the other hand was SO excited, even though sports aren't his forte! It was cancelled because of bad weather last week and he was gutted, and then full of excitement that the weather was good on the rescheduled date.

He was in a sprint, an egg and spoon race and a skipping race and his positioning in each was similar! In the sprint, he came last, but if you can see in this picture, he was grinning the whole way!

The egg and spoon race started like this - can you spot Sam, he's the one picking the egg up again!It ended with a big straight run without dropping it, but unfortunately every one else had finished by then!And skipping was never going to be his thing - while megan would skip round the world, Sam would rather swing the rope round his head!

But you know what, he gave it a much better go than I would have expected and he certainly wasn't the only boy to struggle!

By now, Liam will be cursing me for not being more positive about Sam! But you know what? He didn't win any of the races, but I was still really proud of him because he had a fantastic time! He didn't care that he didn't win - I would have said he didn't even notice, but he did 'cause he told me as a matter of fact exactly where he came in each race, but that was in the same breath as telling me he loved sports day.

He could have moaned or given up, but there was no need because he was enjoying it all so much - I hope that positivity stays with him.

Next year I think some training might be needed! We might have some sports-themed FHE's next July!

And Leah got to have a race, even with chickenpoxs!

Scarey Robots

2008-07-28T22:16:00.003+01:00

We sped to Basildon for the pound cinema and got there too late - all the tickets were sold out (our fault for stopping at the co-op to get supplies!). Luckily for us, a giant robot was scheduled to appear at the cinema! It was amazing! It rolled in on the back of a trolley and then leaped off and marched around, intimidating small children and chatting up pretty girls!

Leah sobbed when it marched towards her but Megan stood her ground and loved it when the robot told her he liked her!Sam was satisfied just to hide behind me most of the time, until Liam took Leah outside and then he jumped at the chance to join them! I don't blame him, at one point the robot marched towards me and I nearly fell over an advertising board in my haste to back away! Megan is definitely the one to protect us if ever the robots try and take over the world!

KS2 Sports Day

2008-07-22T22:50:00.004+01:00

Now down to the serious business of Sports Day! This is our first sports at St John's and its SERIOUS!

Two years ago at Meersbrook Bank School, they had a non-competative sports day! All the kids just got to try loads of different fun sports - no winners and losers. They gave up on it the next year and it was a regular sports day.

So this was our first experience of Sports Day at St John's - and I have to admit to gasping when I saw that there were 54 races listed on the programme! ...and Megan was in only 5 of them!

She was in the first race of the day - the 60m sprint...and I missed it! I know I'm usually late for everything, but I really wasn't this time. I purposely arrived a few minutes late because Leah was still very spotty and I wanted to sneak in at the back and avoid funny looks. But I felt a bit gutted when she mimed across the track that she'd won it! Luckily, she kept winning so I got to see more success!

I suppose it should be no surprise that she won the skipping race - I think Meersbrook Bank should claim some of the success for the that one - they were big on skipping and really encouraged her.

But the egg and spoon as well? That's my girl - she came first in all 3 of her individual races. Of course her athletic abilities come straight from me and Liam - it MUST be in her blood!

Next was the obstacle relay. I see how Megan prepares for a race - I think its some sort of yoga move - she was probably humming at the same time as standing on one leg to concentrate her mind...

The cargo net may have slowed her down, but...

...her yoga must have worked because her team won! Four wins out of four!

We had been there for nearly 2 hours and Leah was getting wriggley so we mouthed our apologies to Megan and left. Her final relay team managed to come 3rd.

What a fanastically sporty girl we have! I was thrilled! Well done Megan!

Chicken Pox

2008-07-22T22:29:00.003+01:00

Look if you've got a strong stomach! Its been a thin blogging week because we've struck down with the lurgey, the chicken pox...or Leah has and so we've all been house-bound.

It hasn't been too traumatic, she wasn't covered from head to toe like Sam was, but she's been very disturbed by the thought of people looking at her with spots. Luckily, her hair REALLY needs a cut so she's regularly hidden behind a long fringe.

Lorraine looked after her on Tuesday and Leah wouldn't let Lorraine even look at her for an hour and a half! Lorraine had to hover in the kitchen and leave drinks and snacks in the hall so that Leah could collect them (she likes to pander to her neices and nephew!).

Thats it now - all three children have had chicken pox, so we're safe.

Dick Van Dyke

2008-07-16T12:26:00.003+01:00

Every now and then I think about my fantasy dinner party list - who would you invite to your ultimate dinner party?

No offence to anyone reading who isn't on my list (and that will be most of you as there's only 2 on my list so far!) - don't take it personally - this is a VERY specialist list and this just isn't your role in my life right now!

So far I only have 2 confirmed guest (well, they haven't actually confirmed yet, but I'm sure they will when I specify the date): Dick Van Dyke and Susan Warmsley. Intimate, I know. I'm struggling to add more with the quality of guest being so high.

Dick van Dyke was first on the list for obvious reasons - he would be so entertaining - he might start tap dancing with his cane, he definitely would sing and maybe he would paint a picture on the pavement?

To compliment him, I would have to have Susan Warmsley there. Her dinner-table stories are AMAZING! In particular the pig-killer story (which I think is off the agenda now - if you missed that one, you may have missed your chance - your loss) will send shivers down your spine, but she'll astound you with other stories! And I know that before the night was over, she would be doing a floor show with Dick van Dyke - and it wouldn't surprise me if she had her own tap shoes.

Dick van Dyke has always been a big part of my life - having watched Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang so often growing up - I feel like he's a member of my family! So imagine my pleasure as a grown up - to be able to watch Diagnosis Murder...everyday if I choose! And now with our hard drive recorder set to record the series, I don't even have to miss any episodes! But it evens get better than that - it seems to be set to record the series indefinitely - when one series ends, it automatically starts recording again when the new one starts! So clever.

And now, it seems I have a constant reminder of my friend Dick van Dyke.

When we moved from Sheffield to Essex, I knew I was fighting a losing battle. It was just unrealistic to think that my children would keep their northern accents...despite me publicly ridiculing them when ever they slipped! After almost a year, all three children generally still say bath and path - I thought I was winning, but Sam's accent has changed in a way I wasn't ready for.

He's turned into Dick van Dyke!

I'm struggling to be able to describe in words how he's pronouncing things...but think of Dick van Dyke in Mary Poppins - remember his English accent? Thats a bit how Sam sounds at the moment! Or possibly Eliza Doolittle before Professor Higgins gets his hands on her!

Remember how she had to practice saying Aye, eeee, iiiiii, ooooo, uuuuu? Its constant now in our house, but Sam's going the other way - his school friends (and evil essex relations) are influencing him to go from saying "The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain", to "The Raaayn in Spaaaayn staaayyys maaaynly in the plaaayn."???

I don't ever want to hear you ridicule Dick van Dyke's accent, maaayte. Because thats what my son sounds like and I'm standing up and saying I still love him. sob.

Creativity Life!

2008-07-14T00:14:00.004+01:00

Did I mention my latest brush with the media? Last month I was on the radio, this month I have an article in a magazine! I have to say this is definitely a "who you know, not what you know" moment! Becks recently started a new job which included editing a new scrapbooking magazine. She wanted an article on family history, and knowing that I'm a family history bore, asked me if I'd write one. I haven't EVER done anything like that before - my dad told me to always choose maths over english 'cause if you know your stuff, you can get 100% in maths, but its hard to get that in english. Makes sense to me, so thats what I've always done.

But I can't turn down a salary! So I thought I'd give it a go and here we are! My article's in the magazine! Go and see if you can get a copy - they're available in craft shops.

I rang the tax office last week to check I was giving the magazine the right tax numbers so they can pay me, and nice tax lady wanted to update her records. She asked what my business was and I stuttered "erm...well I've written an article for a magazine..." She replied "Ahhh, so you're an author."

My toes curled a little and I stuttered a bit more, but left it at that! Not really, but for that one moment on the phone I was an author!

Anyway, I'm off to clean my toilet, put some washing in and make the kids packed lunches now! Reality bites!

Bad, Bad Uncle

2008-07-14T00:02:00.003+01:00

I've spend months educating my kids to either ignore the camera if I'm trying to get natural shots, or to play up to it if I'm feeling that way inclined. Months, maybe even years.

Then I spot a cute uncle-moment where my girls are climbing all over their uncle and I grab my camera.

ONE WORD FROM THAT BAD, BAD UNCLE AND THEY'RE ALL HIDING (yes, they were angry capital letters!).

I keep telling those children, don't listen to Uncle Richard, he's trouble. I know Sam is naturally following in his footsteps, but surely my girls don't have to go that way too???

Cupcakes

2008-07-13T23:37:00.006+01:00

What are the traits of a great visiting teacher? Good listener? Reliability? Thoughtfulness? Or is it just cupcake perfection?

I think I am the most blessed member of RS to have the visiting teachers I've got and I'm NOT going to swap! Not only do Julie Gadsby and Rachel West come every month and inspire me and make me laugh, but sometimes they bring cakes!

...to die for!

And just to prove how much I love my daughter...

And here's what we think of the cakes:

Nirvana

2008-07-12T23:48:00.008+01:00

Its my weekends of treats! After the party, I popped home to get my things, then went to Delores', then we both went to Auntie Margaret's house in High Wycombe.

It started with a curry and a film (lets not mention the film!), and before I knew it I was being woken with a hot chocolate and a cooked breakfast!

For my birthday, Auntie Margaret had arranged to take me to Nirvana for the day, and Delores had booked a floatation therapy session for me! I KNOW! Get me!

Not being a spa expert I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I'd seen the pictures on their website, but the reality was SO luxurious! Actually, a day without any responsiblity is luxury in itself, but being in such lovely surroundings was amazing!

The fact is, you can only relax there. We started in the hydration pool, then I went to swim some lengths - this helped me to justify relaxing for the rest of the day! That was my work for the day - it doesn't take much to pacify me!

Just before lunch, I went off for my floatation therapy...and I had to be trained first for 15 minutes! It was a dead sea salt pool and I had to be trained on how to stop floating! Who'd have thought I'd need training to stop floating, but I did! And if there had been an exam on stopping floating, I don't think I would have passed! The instructor showed us how to reach for our toes and gracefully stand up, and I did okay in the mock, but when it was actually time for me to stop floating, I still flapped around like I was drowning! And its not so good to splash salty water at other bathers - they don't appreciate an eyeful...

What a lovely float I had. You float in a darkened room with 5 other floaters, gazing at a twinkley ceiling and listening to soothing music. A gentle current moves you round the pool, although you can't really feel direction. And if you've really mastered it, you fall asleep while floating. I didn't manage that. I'd say my body was really relaxed, but mind didn't manage to switch off! It was a lovely 40 minutes of indulgence. I think I need another go to get it right!

My other favorite things were the ceramic heated loungers! We all had a snooze on them. They don't look so comfy, but they're amazing - I'd like 4 for my garden.

I was SO spoiled - it was such a treat and auntie Margaret and Delores were great company. This is the life I was born for!

Garden Party

2008-07-12T21:28:00.007+01:00

What a treat!

On Sunday, Liam's work had arranged a party for all its employees and their families. Yippee! Usually the parties are only for Liam, and I just have to listen to his stories, not being an employee and so not having my own parties to go to! So it was nice to go with him and lovely to take the kids.

Chris (one of Liam's bosses) lives near us in Ulting. What an amazing house! The weather wasn't very nice, and it was forecast rain, but it stayed dry long enough!

While I drooled over the house and gardens, Sam was more excited about the marquee with drinks in - they had all kinds of drinks, alcoholic and soft, including Fruit Shoots - he couldn't believe his luck!We had been discussing what would happen if it rained - I think they were expecting about 60 people all in all - I was wondering what kind of house was going to fit us all in if it rained! But they had all weathers covered - through the hedges, we could see another lovely marquee.Before we ate, we explored the gardens. They have a beautiful lavender garden with a fountain - gorgeous colours.Beautiful flowers all round the garden - I can't imagine how much maintaining it takes.

There was a badminton net - all the kids played, even when it was pouring with rain! And a croquet lawn!It didn't take the kids long to find the barn - it had a table tennis table and a snooker table. I'm not sure about their technique, but the kids had great fun trying them out.
The partners also kindly provided other children to entertain my kids. In particular, John provided a 9, 7 and 3 year old for my 8, 6 and 4 year old to play with! It didn't take long for them to pair up!In fact Leah and Ben were quite happy wandering around the gardens, oblivious to the fact that their chaperones were shadowing them! From a distance, of course! Wouldn't want to cramp their style.

When it was time for lunch, it was a feast - salmon and beef and lovely salads and new potatoes.
Then desserts to please everyone! Especially Megan because the waitress let her have a grown up's chocolate roulade instead of a children's cupcake!

After a delicious lunch, there was just time for a bit more playing. After watching a display game of croquet...

...the kids had a go.

I have to say, I felt slightly nervous seeing Sam with a big mallet! Luckily he used it more to rest on than swing round!

Also there were at least 4 solicitors taking notes in case any negligence claims were made!

As we left at the end of a lovely afternoon, Sam was bragging that he'd had 9 Fruit Shoots!? I think Liam was secretly proud!

Creative Sheffielders

2008-07-10T12:35:00.003+01:00

I miss Sheffield and my creative friends. I miss Karen organising me and Hilary to make cards or scrapbook. I misss Laura and me sitting at playgroup discussing recipes and crafts.

And just to remind me how much I miss them, they sent little reminders of their Sheffield talents for my birthday.

Laura not only sent some yummy tiffin, but she also sent the recipe - which she knows is just as important as cake! But her creativity came in the packaging too! Who else sends tiffin in the post? It wouldn't occur to me to do it - surely it would crumble to a mulch? But Laura knew she could do it! She wrapped it in greaseproof paper tied with nice twiney string, then in foil, put in a small box adapted from an old box. It was wrapped in birthday paper and then in a jiffy bag! I'm sure I've missed a few layers there, but rest assured that when it arrived, it looked as perfect as if we'd made it here! She's a clever girl. There were even specific instructions inside to put it in the fridge for half an hour before we ate it!

It was in bitesized pieces so everytime I went in the fridge, I had a bitesized piece!

Then there's Karen and Hilary and their lovely hand made cards.

I don't like to hoard things, but they're much too pretty to recycle. I might have to try and recreate them and then rip them off as my own design! Thats worked quite well in the past!

Ahhhh! Creative Sheffield...

Catch of the Week

2008-07-05T11:56:00.003+01:00

Liam went fishing to the The Willows near Witham this week. He caught a 6.75 lbs tench - his personal best for a tench.

Best Actress 2008

2008-07-04T23:32:00.007+01:00

I post these photos with continued feelings of guilt and disappointment...

Despite knowing the date of the Romford Stake Roadshow...I forgot...AND, in my defence, Delores didn't remind us!

It was during a particularly scatty month where I also missed Megan's Spanish themed school dinner and also got the date of a family weekend away wrong so that we almost turned up a week early.

It wasn't until someone at church mentioned that she'd been to see her brother in the Romford Stake Roadshow and did I know that someone called "Hastings" had won best actress award, that I realised what a terrible mistake I'd made.

Not only had I been looking forward to see Delores perform, but I also thought it was important to show the kids that someone in our family is a performer, 'cause they're never gonna see me and Liam in a roadshow! But in a few years, I'm going to expect them to take part!

Anyway, it was our loss and at last I've got some photos of what went on! I'm REALLY not sure about Delores' hair - anything in the name of her art, I suppose! And if you want to win the Best Actress award, this is what you have to do!

Sometimes people do a search on Google and come across our blog instead of what they really want to research. Like they might put into Google "care of basil plants" and it leads to our basil / cricket debate which would have been no use to them in the care of their basil!

I wonder if anyone will do a search for "Best Actress award", and end up with pictures of Delores with HUGE hair instead of pictures of Meryl Streep and Helen Mirren! She deserves to be on the list with them!

West Mersea

2008-07-02T23:15:00.009+01:00

Caravans, a pier and beach huts - that's what I'd heard about West Mersea - so that's why we went on Sunday afternoon. Its about 45mins from our house - perfect for a little bit of fresh air after church. Of course when we got there, the tide was RIGHT out! There was a mass of sand in front of us, and it didn't take long for Liam and Sam to spot the tiny crabs running around. I had settled myself down next to a wind breaker, but as they started to wander off in the pursuit of crabs, I realised that if I didn't follow, they would stray for miles without me.

Sam became the expedition leader, dangerous I know - he was bouncing around, collecting up tiny crabs and thoroughly enjoying the sea air. And then there's the pull of the sea. We HAD to walk out to the water - the only problems were the shells - particularly oysters so we all had to keep our shoes on - and the SINKING MUD! It took us by surprise...

The kids all had waterproof sandles on, but Liam had trainers on...I and I had flipflops on!They just got sucked into the mud so I had to squish through this disgusting ooze! Sam kept shouting, "its SOOO oily"! I could feel THINGS under the mud - shells or crabs or maybe sharks?! I had to walk really quickly so nothing could bite! I think I might need counselling now!

Leah had the best idea!We did manage to make it out to the sea - it was the dirtiest sea I've ever seen, and a proper mum would have stopped this from happening......and a proper dad wouldn't have encourged them to wade out through the grimey water to a little island...By the time we got back through the mud, we were all filthy! Luckily there was tap near the beachhuts! I'm so glad the locals appreciate how mucky their beach is! We needed the tap.

Before we could wash the bucket out, we had to send Megan back to the sea to put back the two crabs she was trying to sneak home! You have to constantly watch her!
Just time to dry off in the park

Don't take your eye off Sam on a big climbing frame - its a long way to fall!
West Mersea wasn't exactly what I was hoping for, but we still had a great, but filthy time!

A Sunday at Grandma's

2008-07-02T23:04:00.002+01:00

I just notice I hadn't posted these photos from a few weeks ago at Grandmas. Although Delores initially seems to be be fed up with having us all visit...

...the grandchildren pull it back for us and cheer her up!

Birthday Dress

2008-07-02T00:04:00.004+01:00

Auntie Barbara sent Leah a gorgeous dress for her birthday. Leah LOVES clothes, in a big way! She always picks her own things out to wear now so this dress was a BIG hit. She got it in the post earlier in the week, and specifically put it to one side to wear on Sunday. I love little girls in fancy dresses!

Cricket update!

2008-07-01T21:59:00.005+01:00

After taking advice from Alan Tichmarsh and David Bellamy (...erm, my mum actually, but I'm sure she know as much as those two!) we collected our friendly cricket and took him to the usual release location - Danbury common! He had REALLY sticky feet - maybe thats why he'd sat on the same basil leaf for at least 3 days.

Sam used to hate creepy crawlies - Megan's the one to pick up everything gross and disgustion, but he's getting braver and wanted to be in charge of Cricket's release (although Megan had to pick him off the leaf - none of the rest of us wanted that job).

We popped to the Common on the way to church, so we didn't have time to dawdle and settle him - just time for Sam to wave him about on his finger then not notice when he fell off. I'm not saying he definitely stood on Cricket, it was very grassy after all, but I wasn't willing to

investigate the scene

Although Danbury Common was one of mum's suggestions, another was that we eat it as it would taste nice and fragrant from all the basil it had been eating! I think I've just gone off basil...

Family Speckled Bush Cricket Debate

2008-06-28T09:18:00.004+01:00

A debate is raging in our house this morning! Well, erm, we had a quick discussion anyway.

It turns out that not only did the bush cricket survive being doused in killer spray, but its actually set up home in the basil plant. Its still there this morning?! Its an official overnight resident in the basil! So what do we do?

Liam said we have to take it off - he said that's the reality of agriculture - he told the kids how farmers kill rabbits and foxes to protect their livelyhood and we can't humour this cricket. He said this was an important lesson to teach the kids if we are going to take growing vegetables seriously.

Megan and Sam were horrified! "How would we feel if a big giant came along and flicked us out of our house?" said Megan, "Its just mean!"

Leah said "KILL IT!!"??!! Should we be worried about her?

So the vote is 2 : 2 at the moment - that leaves me with the deciding vote - should he stay or should he go? I've told them I need time to consider this important decision. At the moment I'm leaning towards him staying??! The cricket reminds me a bit of the characters in James and the Giant Peach! I don't want to be like the cruel aunts!

I've nearly had enough of being a plant mummy!

2008-06-27T23:40:00.012+01:00

Since March, my kitchen windowsill has been a production line of seeds to plantlets before they got moved out to the green house.

I've enjoyed seeing them sprout up, although I haven't enjoyed so much the moving them to a bigger pot - I haven't quite got the hang of that.

But today, imagine my horror when I did my daily check of the windowsill:Green fly out side are horrible, but in your kitchen, they're disgusting! And there were LOADS of them! This leaf was like a play group, with mummies and babies hanging out, just growing up together!

I have to say, this parenting for plants is really starting to grate on me. I have enough trying to keep the kids nit-free without having to delouse the plants as well.

And I'm not interested in organic gardening - greenfly are gross so I reached straight for the bug spray! It did feel a bit weird - it didn't take long for that green fly nursery to be belly up on the windowsill! I know that is the aim, but it did feel a bit brutal.

This week I've been feeling the pressure of watering. Now the plants are all getting bigger, they're taking a lot more watering. Some days I go out and realise that I haven't watered for a few days and the tomatoes are looking all pathetic and droopy! They look a bit like Leah looks when tell her its bed time...

Right now they're looking bushy and green and flowery and happy. Maybe a bit too bushy - I think I might have squashed too many plants in! I must go and check all those little bits you're supposed to nip out to stop bushiness have been nipped out! But the next time I look (which admittedly might not be for a few days!), they might look withered and gray.

And I tell the tomatoes to stop complaining - it doesn't matter how pathetic they look, I will water them when I'm ready! I used to feel guilt, but I'm passed that now - its more like resent (I'm talking about the tomatoes now, not Leah).

I think I'll have to involve Liam more in their parenting. When we decided to plant in the spring, he was all "I'll help with the watering, that's easy! I'll enjoy that." But now they're growing and needy and demanding, have I ever seen him out there with the hose pipe?

Potatotes, on the other hand...I love potatoes! They're independent! They're in the ground and I just give them a quick spray with the hose every now and then. They just get on with it without asking for much. My kind of vegetables. They had humble beginnings - we didn't eat the whole bag of potatoes one week and they sprouted in the cupboard - not unusual in this house! And I dug them into the ground...thats it! I love low maintainance potatoes!

And finally my herbs - the basil was a bit droopy one day, but generally they like their pots and are growing nicely...or so I thought!

When I checked the basil after my green fly discovery, I noticed that something had been eating the basil all up too - and worse - goldilocks was still there!If you click on the picture to make it bigger, you'll see the bug was all spotty. And here's my final issue with plant parenting. In our house, generally we love wildlife and as we don't have that many animals in our garden, we like looking for bugs. We catch them in a viewing pot with a magnifying glass and look them up in the book mum gave us. Its probably our most used book. So what do I do when a speckled bush cricket is eating my basil? Do I feel pleased that we're encouraging wildlife into the garden? You don't find them in the north you know - my book says so! Or do feel offended that its eating my babies, raised from seed and get my bug spray out? Well thats what I did - I felt pressured to protect my plants and I sprayed! It didn't seem to have the same instant affect as it did on the green fly! And I didn't have the heart to flick it off! I think if it can survive poisoning, it deserves the basil more than we do.

Actually, with all the spray I sprayed, I don't think the basil will be fit for our food anyway!

I'm hoping when the tomatoes start producing fruit I'll feel more affection for them.

I promise I am talking about my tomatoes and not my children!

The Emperor and the Nightingale

2008-06-27T22:51:00.003+01:00

Sam has been excited ALL week because of his school play - The Emperor and the Nightingale. When he told me he was a frog, and he and Cameron had to hop to the middle of the stage, ribbit, and hop off again I thought he'd been given one of those made up roles to make everyone feel included! But it turns out that he was one of only a handful of the three year 2/1 classes to have a costume! It was a real role! Most of the children just wore chinese hats and sang so I was really pleased for Sam that he got to dress up because he's SO enthusiatic!

He almost missed his cue, but luckily Miss Henty was on hand to shove him along, and he actually did just hop on, and hop off again, but he absolutely sang every word of every song with gusto and enthusiasm - he really enjoyed himself!

He told me that he really wanted to be the Emperor, but I'm glad we didn't have the pressure of learning lines! I'm happy with our frog!

Work Ethic

2008-06-27T00:16:00.004+01:00

On Tuesday night I (eventually - I lost my keys and so we were 30 minutes late!) went to help Sam L with her Faith in God group. I was keen to help - she's 8 months pregnant and was having six 8-11 year olds (including Megan) over to her house to dig up her garden! Surely that's not right! When we arrived, they were in full swing and there were gloves and trowels all over!

I was really impressed with their hard work. My Sam's never been to F.I.G. before - obviously he's only 6, but he saw how the others were working and got straight in there - learning by their example. He didn't quesion why we were weeding someone elses garden - I wasn't sure if he'd rather be inside playing with the toys, but he was pleased to be involved.

Sam L also taught them how to plant their own seeds and sent them all home with a pot of lettuce seeds to look after.
I'm thrilled that my kids can have experiences like this, with kids like this and leaders like this. A simple night, but great for our family.

Birthday Parcels

2008-06-26T22:17:00.004+01:00

Leah's had a birthmonth rather than a birthday - mainly because she had a party with Sam 2 weeks before her actual birthday! It seems to have lasted forever! She slept over at Grandmas the night before her birthday (and had McDonalds at 11.15pm apparently!) and then on her birthday morning, they went shopping for birthday shoes (she's a brave Grandma!).

We met them at the £1 cinema (we splashed out for her birthday!) to watch The Bee Movie. I would tell you what the film was about, but when I watched Delores sleep through the first half, I took it as permission to sleep through the second half! I woke up to see everyone leaving the cinema! Liam and Delores were SO smug - apparently there'd been talk of leaving me there!

Liam liked the bit at the end of the film where the mosquito fulfilled his life long dream of becoming a lawyer - after all he had always been a blood-sucking parasite! Every dog knows his own!

Leah has particularly enjoyed the birthday parcels she received - actually we all did!

We missed a parcel from Great Grandma on Saturday, so went to collect it from the post office on Monday. Leah clutched the little receipt on the way to pick up Sam and Megan from school and then stood on her tiptoes at the post office to exchange it for the parcel.

I thought she would want to open it there and then, but she tucked it under her arm and marched home!

She was thrilled to find loads of little bits and bobs - stickers, colouring, stamping, hair clips - all the things Great Grandma knows she loves.

Sam definitely had parcel envy! Explaining to a six year old that he had his day last month doesn't really help! Life's tough! I think he managed to negotiate a few stickers from her - enough to pacify!

She got a parcel from Auntie Barbara too - a beautiful dress - Leah told me she's saving it for the weekend so there's no sneaky peaks! She loves her clothes!

Leah's 4

2008-06-26T00:29:00.003+01:00

How decadent - gardening in your posh frock! if she had them, I know she'd have heigh heels on too!

Sam aged 6...

2008-06-26T00:19:00.002+01:00

I love Sam at 6 years old - he's inquisitive, interested, enquiring, mischieveous...

...and freckly!

Lizard Release

2008-06-25T23:43:00.005+01:00

What a fantastic auntie Lorraine is!

She has often told me how she gets lizards in her garden - in fact she told us that the kids often let the lizards just hang off their clothes. I have to say, I was a bit sceptical!

The only time I've seen a lizard in the wild was in France, and it was there for a second and then was gone!

So lizards in Heybridge that let you handle them?? It just didn't sound right.

Anyway, she stood by her word and rang me on Friday to tell me that she'd just rescued a lizard from her cat! And it was in a bucket in her shed if I wanted to see it.

So I picked Leah up from preschool and rushed over to see it! How cute! But Lorraine's fantasticness didn't stop there - she found an old fish tank and parcelled up the lizard for me to take home to show her neices and nephew!

How lucky are they to hold a lizard - and Lorraine was right, it did just sit on their hand - I expected it to scuttle away, but it was just happy (well, I say happy, maybe it was frozen in fear!?) to sit and be passed around between my 3 kids...and Megan's friend Buffy who was over...and Lily, Louis, Brandon and Bobby from next door...and their friends Adam and Ryan! What a great pet it would have made, but I was strong against their begging!

So we piled into the car and went to Danbury Common to pick the right spot to release it! And it couldn't be just any old spot - they marched me round the park looking for the perfect place! Until the lizard took matters into his own hands and saw his chance! It was Leahs turn to hold him and he must have realised she was his best opportunity for escape. He dived for freedom and as we all pounced after him - he did that scuttling thing I was expecting from the start! And vanished into thin air!

The kids fancied staying at the common a bit longer and spent a bit of time looking for more wildlife to persuade me to keep. I eventually gave in to their nagging and promised that if they managed to find a skunk, we could keep it as a pet. I know, I'm a generous mum! And they spent at least half an hour looking for one!

The girls didn't need any entertaining - they liked wandering about, just exploring.

Actually, they were writing notes to a fairy to ask her to leave them a skunk or other animal to keep as a pet. They would leave the note on a branch then check back ever few minutes to see if she had obliged! You just can't trust a fairy nowadays - we went home empty handed!

When I gave them the selotape from my bag as requested, I didn't think too much about what they would do with it! Megan and Buffy were thrilled to be tied to the bench by Leah and Sam?! I'm not sure how I'm going to explain this photo to Buffy's mum!

Trip over the water

2008-06-25T22:35:00.004+01:00

Richard and Liam recently enjoyed a little trip to their roots - they visited Grennan and Uncle George in Ireland.

I've heard a lot about Grennan, so its nice to finally see photos.

Liam's Grandad used to live there, and we've heard the stories of the fish he used to catch from the river Nore which runs right next to the house. I know Liam was really looking forward to following in his footsteps (any excuse - fishing in the name of heritage??! How can I question that!)
There's been a lot of talk lately about boats in our house, especially of a Saturday night when Richard and Nicola come over for a takeaway! Richard's even had a poor sales woman get a boat down from the ceiling of the sales room for him to ogle! So imagine their thrill to find a boat right next to the river for their useage!

Here's a picture of the three William's - aka Billy, George and Liam! How can NONE of them use their correct name?? I hate to say it, but they are Irish!

Old News

2008-06-18T23:45:00.003+01:00

I realise that I'm not exactly keeping up with current affairs, but this story is new to me! Hester sent me this on Facebook today and its my new favorite clip!

So it started in 1969 with two men from Chelsea buying a lioncub from Harrods! How things have changed! They called him Christian and he lived with them for 1 year - travelling in the car, even swimming in the English Channel!

When he grew from 35lbs to more than 9 stone in that year, they realised they couldn't keep him any more and he was released in Africa.

Four years later, even though Christian hadn't been seen for 9 months, the two men travelled to Africa to see where he had been released. The night before they arrived, Christian was seen outside the camp - like he was waiting for them. This is the clip of them meeting the lion. How wierd and wonderful is this?

Keeping up with...

2008-06-17T23:24:00.002+01:00

Sam's on a mission. And who can blame him. Not only does he have a mum who's been on the BBC (have I mentioned that I was on the radio last week? Apart from to everyone I know?!), he also has a sister who's photo is in this month's "Danbury Journal" - Megan was on the school council last term and the Danbury Journal took a picture of their cake sale! She's thrilled!

So with our little brushes with the media - how can my 6 year old fail to be influenced by such dizzy heights!

Now in our family in June, we've covered magazines, and radio, so he's on a mission to get on tellie! And his plan is, obviously...You've Been Framed!

So Sunday afternoon at Grandma's he spent about an hour rehearsing a fake stumble, planning how to swing so high on the garden swing that it would flip backwards, and toppling from the top of the slide!

On the way home, Leah had some Ice Pop left and Sam was trying to persuade her to share it with with him... without success! So he tried luring her - if she gave him her Ice Pop, he would give her 1000 sweets!

"You haven't got 1000 sweets!" Megan was quick to point out "Don't make false promises!"

Sam knew what he was doing though - "I haven't got them now, but I'm going on You've Been Framed soon - you get £250 for that so then I'll have 1000 sweets!"

Its so straight forward for a 6 year old:

Getting on TV = You've been Framed = 1000 sweets!

He's so keen to make a winning video, but his acting skills aren't that great, so I'm wondering if its wrong to get him to stand under the bedroom window and drop a bucket of water on his head? It might make him cry, but we'd get a good clip! Isn't it okay if its for his own good - mother love and all that!

Of course I'm also trying to prepare him for disappointment - I tell him that not everyone can mix with producers and presenters like his mum did. We can't all be tracked down like his mum was! Life's hard sometimes!

Who'd Have Thought...

2008-06-13T12:28:00.009+01:00

Yesterday, I'm washing socks, today I'm the star of local radio! Okay, so I'm not a star, but that's the way I'm telling it, and I did get to go into a radio station for the first time!

Travis from BBC Essex left a comment on our blog yesterday, asking me to ring him about a possible story...then my neighbour came round with a note - he had phoned her too.

It turns out they had come across our blog and it got them interested in Essex bloggers! So they asked me to go in to talk to them for 10 minutes. Well they said I could either go in, or talk to them over the phone. When I started the blog, it did cross my mind that I wouldn't have anything interesting to write about so if some one offers me the chance to go and sit in a radio station, I'm not gonna turn that down!
So with Becks and Eden in tow for moral support (she's the proper blogger - taught me all I know!), we trooped to the radio station.

Get me, having my 10 minutes on the radio! They were all REALLY friendly and made us feel very welcome. And they very cool and collected - I need everything planned out and checked, but they just shipped me in and there we were, live on the radio! How did they know I wouldn't just slobber into the microphone?!
They even accommodated my little groupies - I need groupies - I've been on the radio after all! (Update: I've just corrected my spelling of accommodate - realised I missed out an m - please feel free to tell me spelling mistakes - its a learning curve!)

So who'd have thought it! My Mum and Dad listened on the internet in Sheffield, Lorraine managed to catch it, but Delores missed it - it sounds like she was ready to throw the radio through the window 'cause she couldn't tune it in to the right station! I'm sure she'll be able to listen on the internet - its there until Monday morning - I might just listen one more time...or two!

One of my kids favourite programmes is Hider in the House. They tell one of the parents that they're in a kids TV show (that doesn't exist) as a distraction and then hide a celebrity in the house. At the end of the programme, they find out the TV show they've been filming isn't real and they've been tricked!

It was such a surreal day, I'm still expecting a bouncy kids TV presenter to jump out of my cupboard and tell me that I fell for the prank, and how stupid am I to believe that a radio station would want to talk to me about our blog! Ha Ha - I'm watching out for you Fern Cotton!

Time to Say Bye to Nanny

2008-06-12T22:10:00.003+01:00

We've had her for nearly a week, but on Monday it was time for Nanny to catch her £1 Megabus home! I know two little girls that are going to miss her!

Every Boy Needs a Big Sister!

2008-06-12T22:09:00.000+01:00

Great Grandad

2008-06-12T22:01:00.004+01:00

He's the oldest man I know and he's my Grandad! And he was 92 on Sunday.

His memory isn't like it used to be, and its sometimes difficult to understand what he's saying, but there's no doubt in my mind that he's really proud of his family.

And we're proud of him.xx

Party Time!

2008-06-12T20:45:00.004+01:00

I love Lorraine!

I'm SO not a children's party girl!

I've got three children, and only once have I done the party myself - all the other parties have been celebrated at various ball parks in Sheffield. I just haven't got what it takes to make it fun! In pass the parcel, I just have them whizzing the parcel around to get it over with - there's no entertainment or excitement - it ends up being a chore for the kids!

So this year when we started thinking about a party for Sam, I decided we would pay a children's entertainer. I got a few recommendations from some Mum's from school - the first one quoted me £200 for 2 hours, the second £80 for 1 1/2 hours. The £80 one was definitely more appealing. £200 is just too much! With food and party bags on top, people must spend a fortune.

But when I told Lorraine I was going to pay £80, she said "Don't do that - kids parties are so easy - I'll do it for you!" She's like a dream sister-in-law!

So here we are. We decided to have a joint party for Sam and Leah, not that I was thinking we would get it over and done in one or anything! I just thought they'd enjoy being together!

And the star of the show was Lorraine. (I'm waiting for my mum to email a photo of her - she had the best one.)

She put her hair in bunches, wore tights with shorts over and stuck lollipops to her t-shirt for prizes! And she got right in there - she danced with the kids, pulled faces with them and had them whooping and cheering.s

Our favorite part was making the cake! Lorraine had the kids put all the ingredients into a bowl and they mixed it all up. It included flour, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, curry powder, leaves, food colouring, eggs (shells included) everything yukky and smelly! They mixed it up, then put it in the oven Lorraine had made.

She got them chanting magic words, and swaying and singing until she checked the oven and it had changed into a tiny fairy cake! So she put it back and made them sing some more, and when they checked again, a huge birthday cake appeared! As if by magic!

The only bit I was responsible for was preparing the pass the parcel - and I even managed to mess that up! Megan and Josh started screaming with laughter when they saw the naked Trinny and Susannah picture that we used to wrap the parcel! You can't be expected to read every page of your pass the parcel, can you??

The Piniata always makes me nervous - swinging that big stick in a room full of kids is just asking for trouble! Luckily we had no casualties! And I can't help smirking at the kids diving for the sweets like they've never had sweets before - it doesn't seem right and they look like savages, but it makes me smile!

The kids had fun, but I have to say, I'm glad its over for another year!

St John's Summer Fair

2008-06-12T11:34:00.005+01:00

Mum's been to visit 3 times since we moved. The second time she came happened to coincide with the school Christmas fair, and she spent a fortune with the kids!

This time just happened to coincide with the school Summer Fair, and just about the same happened! She picked the dates, not me!

Megan and I had to arrive early because she was dancing in the Arena! Megan goes to four clubs at school this term - country dancing, jewellry making, gynastics and cricket. The country dancers were doing a performance at the summer fair so we were keen to be there to see her perform!

More importantly, she was partners with Jade. This of course adds to the whole experience for an 8 year old. And may explain why she had a huge grin on her face through all the dances!

As soon as her dances were over, she disappeared with her friends and her bag of money from Auntie Irene (see, she resisted the temptation to blow it all at Southend) and we didn't see her again until we had to hunt for her at the end!

Sam and I HAD to stay and watch the next performance though, because Imogen *giggle* from church was in it. And just look at these pictures of her - can you blame Sam for going all giggly when we even mention her name?!

Sam DEFINITELY has a crush on her - he has great taste! Dawn and Karen watched on, but I think they really wanted to get in the arena with their kids.After watching all those performances, Sam was ready to go and bounce off his energy!

At christmas mum won a meal for 2 at a local pub on the tombola. And better still, she babysat so me and Liam could go.

She only managed it again! She won a lunch meal for 2 people up to the value of £40 at the Blue Strawberry in Hatfield Peverell! And apparently its really posh there! Its a shame mum is leaving on Monday so won't be able to go with me. Can't wait to do that one! Thanks Mum - keep it up!

One Request

2008-06-11T13:11:00.016+01:00

My Mum just had one request while she was here - a trip to Southend! My kids love going to Southend and they rave about it to her so we picked up Megan and Sam from school on Friday, and sped straight to the beach.

We had to make it VERY clear to the kids that we weren't doing Adventureland - that is the main reason they love Southend - but its just too much to pay £22 each for a wristband!

Luckily for us, the park closed quite early, so all discussions ended!

Instead, we headed for the sandy play area (Southend being mostly pebbly) - we're all amused there! Me and Mum looking for life in the sea with the kids nets, Megan building a sand boat, and Sam and Leah playing on the climbing frame.

It actually started to rain when we left Danbury, but we figured it would be nice just a have quick blow on the beach and maybe some chips. We didn't bring the kids a swimming costume or anything - no one would be that crazy...but Megan was feeling torn! She had 3/4 length jeans on that just didn't let her paddle enough!

So it wasn't long before they came off!

Still modest, with a top covering her bum, she was frustrated that I hadn't brought her cossie!

And it wasn't long before she was down to her pants! Even without Liam here, she couldn't resist a quick dip - and it has to involve swimming so her shoulders are covered. Its in the rules!

The down side is having to get changed behind a towel when you're slightly damp - you always need a hand with that...or a few sets of hands in possible!

Auntie Irene had sent the kids a big bag of coins, mostly coppers, so we let them go and have a flutter in the Southend arcades - controversial! Of course I realise that they are dens of iniquity, but our little cherubs were in safe hands - mum and nanny! *cough*

So this picture is (of course) of Nanny forbidding Leah from playing the fruit machines, not lifting her onto the seat, then passing her the coins and then teaching her what buttons to press!
And this is Nanny blocking Leah from the change machine, not getting more!
Its too late for Megan - she's on the slippery slope! She looks a bit too comfortable there - tut tut!
You've been sprung, you bad Nanny!
Friday is treat day, so we saved the treat for the way back to car - Megan and Leah picked a 99 and Sam went for a toffee apple. Me and mum took a risk that the Rossi's shop would be open near the car - it was worth it - I LOVE Rossi's ice cream, especially when they dish it up with a flat spatula rather than out of a machine! Seems to make it taste so much nicer!

Feeling Better

2008-06-06T23:45:00.003+01:00

Looks like Leah's feeling better!

This is her first meal for two days so it seems like she'll be better for her party on Saturday.

If if you're wondering why she has a plaster on her head, its covering a 3 day old cut. She banged her head on the worksurface in the kitchen 3 days ago. Mum couldn't find any plasters (I was out - mum was the responsible adult, tut tut!) and actually, it didn't need one. I don't like plasters which is why she couldn't find any - I'd rather the air got to it and dried it up.

Today we visited Auntie Lorraine for a birthday party planning meeting. She took Leah off to the kitchen to get her a drink, and Leah came back with a massive plaster on her little forehead, even though the cut is almost healed up! I think my kids could persuade Lorraine to do anything. She didn't get a plaster from Nanny, she didn't get a plaster from me, but she knew Lorraine was a sure bet!

Let's see if Lorraine is still the golden girl tomorrow when I have to rip it off!