Bubbly Beard and Beatles T Shirt

"I'm helping, Dad" - in the midst of emptying the boys` room! 

Birthday, Biking and Binoculars

It's been a busy month so far!

James celebrated his 10th birthday - I really can't believe he's 10!  He's so grown up and such a responsible young man, and I'm a very proud mum!

The LaserStorm was the centre of the celebrations, and all the reports back from the boys was that they had an amazing time.

Ben had a close encounter with some Shetland Ponies in Spalding - I love moments like these, when you expect a normal trip out, and it becomes something a bit different and unexpected........

Today really felt like the first day of Spring (according to the weather reports, this may be short lived!) and so Ben and I tried to make the most of it by going out on my bike for the first time since last summer.

Ben thought it was excellent!  He spent most of the time either giggling, pointing out other bikes and cars, or tickling my back, although the excitement of being on the bike did lead to a massive tantrum around the Co-Op as he wanted to stay on it..........

And finally, on to the binoculars!  Ben found them under the boys' bed whilst I was clearing their room and he laid quite happily on the bed with them to his face, saying "See, See", but I was not taking a great deal of notice as he seemed very happy.  It was only a short while later, whilst sitting downstairs, that I saw how he was using them...........

Despite being shown how to use them, he still refuses to put them to his eyes, preferring to use his nose - funny little boy!

Gymnastic Competition and Fun Farm

Had my first experience of a Gymnastic competition!

So proud of Robert as he tried really hard - he's never done anything like it before and he concentrated well and listened to what he was told, plus he's excellent at the Backwards Roll and the Vault.

Had a slightly satisfying moment when I had to tell James and Robert's dad off for playing a game on James' "Tab" with the volume up, which I could hear from the opposite side of the Gymnasium and all the other parents were tutting.  Just goes to prove that him turning up was just for show as he was more interested in that than watching his son compete.

Robert was so proud with his certificate for taking part - I would be more than surprised if he made it through to the final 10, but I hope he has gained from the whole experience.

And so, onto the videos and photos from today - please feel free to fast forward through them - they are here for future memories as opposed to their filming excellence!

We then spent the rest of the afternoon at the Fun Farm.

Sunglasses with PJ's, only Ben could Pull It Off!

Lost My Head!

Tonight, Si managed to catch my little man's attachment to me on camera.

In the last couple of weeks, Ben has begun to accept me being in the kitchen whilst he's in the living room, and in the afternoon, he allows me up to 20 mintues to prep tea providing he's got snacks, drinks and Beebies.  But, there are other times, when I can't give him the attention he wants so he gets as close as he can.......

And then, we have Grandad's Little Man!..........

Ben's "Lello" and Robert's News!

Had a rough couple of days with Ben not sleeping too well, but last night was better so fingers crossed he's getting over his snuffles and normality will resume without Si's and my snuffles getting any worse!

I took Ben to the Park and managed to catch his sweet little "Lello" on tape.  He now says it to anything when he first sees it and sounds so cute.

And the big news from Robert.........

He's been picked for the School's Gymnastic Squad for this weekend!

He has never been to any gymnastic clubs or anything like that, so it must just be natural ability (obviously inherited from me! Amusing for anyone who remembers me from being the most un-sporty child ever!)

I will update how he gets on, but just being picked makes me so proud!

I Hate Tidying!

Now the plans have been passed for the extension, the serious work begins!

I spent 3 hours yesterday and 2 hours today trying to sort out the boys' room as theirs is going to be the first one to be tackled.

Even left Si working on it whilst I went to pick them up from their dad's and still looks like so much to be done!  How pleased I am that we're only doing  one room at a time and not moving house!

Still managed to squeeze in a big Roast Pork lunch (Slimming World friendly!), tomorrow's weigh in day and think I've been pretty good this week, I've managed to steer clear of chocolate and the only days were on Friday (Indian Takeaway and wine) and last night (2 glasses of wine before I fell asleep).  I will be really upset if I haven't reached the stone mark.  This time round, the Slimming World diet feels a bit more sustainable than any other time, so as long as I keep seeing loses each week of at least 1lb, I'll be happy as I'll get to where I want to be eventually!

Si's Shopping Trip with Ben

Little man likes sitting in his chair next to Grandad's.........

Such a little poser!............

Everytime I take Ben shopping, it's a nightmare!  He's always pestering for food as we're walking round, climbing out of the trolley (even when strapped in), and generally being a pain.  Si says he always behaves when he takes him, so I requested photographic evidence.........

Still in the trolley and happy at the checkout.......

Even happy out at the car!...........

Well, I really must be doing something wrong, but the upside is, I can justify not doing the shopping anymore!

Romantic Evening?

Short photo-film from today!

Had a quiet evening as James and Robert are away but just as Ben was going to bed, all the power went out.

We scrambled around for candles and torches and all was fine - Ben went off to sleep and we ordered our Indian Delivery for tea.

By the time it arrived, the power was back on but we'd still left the candles on as we were unsure as to whether it would stay on.

The Delivery driver turned to Si and commented on the candles, "Oh, you having a romantic evening with the candles", Si's response - "No - we've had a power cut".

This made me giggle with how practical and matter of fact he was - Si's answer to me - "Well, I did an evening with candles before so I can be romantic" - Yes my dear, but that was 6 years ago!

Am I complaining?  Not in the slightest - got the best husband in the world!

Memories from 2010

Today has been a pretty quiet day - snuggled at home with Ben.

I spent a good few hours today investigating the effects of substance use and chaotic lifestyles on young children and developing a strategy to support them within the Project.  It will be interesting to follow the progress to see if any of my work from today will make a difference.

One of the consequences of a chaotic lifestyle on a young child can be delayed development, which led me thinking back on how Ben has changed in the last year and so here are some photos of my little man from January last year.........

So proud of him, and so pleased we have so many photos!  I can barely remember him not being able to walk and love his mohican as he lost his baby fluff!

Hair Cut Day

Ben's had his mop of hair cut 3 times before at the Barber's but this was the first time he sat in the chair on his own, previously either Si or I have held him and they've cut him in our arms.

We've never seen him sit so still for so long!  He was such a good boy and Si got a great shot of him........

My Cool Dude

Ben found these sunglasses this morning and was determined to take them with us for the morning school run.  He was quite happy and contented and I could see his little hands tapping along to the music, it was only when we stopped that I saw what he'd done with the sunglasses!

Typical of him - such a sweety with attitude!

Silly Video

Ben watching Bob the Builder and playing with my camera

Just a couple of photos today

Afternoon at Ascoughfee Hall Gardens