Priorities.....

Christmas makes you realise whereabouts on people's list u really are......and where they are on yours.

Sleepover....

Had Noah for a sleepover this week.  Thought it would be nice as everyone is off work.....

It was Crackers - literally!

Could not get them to sleep til past 9.30am and then Noah woke up at 6am; asking to go to the toilet.  And then the pair of them thought it would be funny to wee on each other!!

Have a Fantastic Christmas!

Wishing everyone a fantastic Christmas.

(Photo taken at Sundown www.sundownadventureland.co.uk/themepark/rides-and-attractions/xmas-spectacular with Jamie and his cousins Lucy, Noah and Seth).

Blog Baby 43

Baby Thomas Samuel Jenkinson born at 5.55pm on Sunday 21st December, weighing 7lb 6oz.   Big Congrats to Sam and Paul.....

Christmas Party 2014

So glad I decided to organise a Christmas Party this year.  I booked the village hall across the road (where we have all our parties) and agreed the date with a few folk so I knew we would be all free.  I sat down and worked out how many families we needed at £5 each in order to break even - for a party of 3 hours with bouncy castle.  Unfortunately, I ended up about £30 out of pocket but I really didn't mind as we all had such a good time!

The main reason for the party is to get everyone together; to ensure we see each other at least once over the busy Christmas period.  Last year I was aware there were certain people that we did not get to see and organising the party gave us an excuse to get together, and for the children to have a brilliant time!  In total, I think we had 33 Adults and 28 Children (7 over 10, 6 under 2 and 15 in between), which may have been a tad too many, but hey, its Christmas!

Yes, Santa came, so that took up the first part of the party.  I bought him some whisky as a Thank You gift and we did a quick whip round for his charity which raised over £25.  We hired a bouncy castle again which the children loved. Kerry and Leah did a grand job of face painting, with Vicki adding sparkle with her glitter tattoos.   I provided a colouring table with Christmas pictures and plenty of felt tips and of course we had some music in case anyone wanted a dance (which they didn't!).  Half way through Nana B suggested that the children would like to play a game, so we had a game of musical statues.  Then they wanted to go back to the bouncy castle!

Once again, we asked everyone to contribute something to the Buffet. (I told everyone to bring their own drinks).  I managed to raid our 'Party Box' which had left overs from previous parties (including a bag of balloons).  I also put a request on FB for spare plates, cutlery etc.  Must remember next time to tell everyone they can start as soon as they want.  I think we had the right amount of food and drink; although I only had a bag of crisps as I was so busy....

Many, many thanks (again) to Vicki for her 'goody bags' which turned out to be wonderful presents for each and every child that came.  Jamies and Lucy's contained a book and some sweeties. Wonderful!  

Santa's Little Helpers: -

 

Same time next year? Though I may have to increase the price a bit......

 



Christmas Craft Afternoon

There's a Magician in School Today....

Jamie is a bit worried that he is going to saw someone in half!

Christmas Fun Day

 

Photo courtesy of Diggins/Taylor Twitter Account

So True......

Blog Baby 42

Willow Katherine born 10 dec, 9.18pm. 6lb 10.5oz   Big Congrats to James and Karen  xx 

Tinsel and Tea Towels

Here's our little Shepherd...

The Tooth Fairy is coming.....

After weeks of a wobbly tooth - actually two - one just dropped out ...

Jamie wants to go to bed early for some reason...

"But Santa should know I don't like sweets?"

Resignation from Friends of School.....

Following the latest school disco, I have resigned from the Friends group at Jamies school.

Why?  Well, as I said to the Chairman, I really want to help the school and the group but certain other individuals in the group seem to think that they run the school!  Get the picture?  I was only asking what I could do to help and got a mouthful of abuse (ish).  I wouldn't mind if this was from a boss after I had done something wrong.  But it wasn't.  It was a so called equal member of the PTA....  I have to say, it wasn't just me.  There were other new members who felt the same. 

Perhaps they will continue to grin and bear it for the sake of the school, but I felt I have given them over a year and still feel that there is a 'them and us' culture.  Knowledge is power and certain members seem to think they need the power!

So, I have resigned.  Give me more time and less hassle and perhaps I will join again another year.

And when we went to pick up the pots, Jamie's plate was in the window....

Annual ArtyPots Afternoon

Had our annual trip to Newark and Arty Pots today www.artypots.com/ and it didn't disappoint.   Jamie was feeling particularly crafty and mummy ended up spending £50 on all the lovely items - including a Christmas mug for Daddy and a plate to leave out for Santa and Rudolph (not shown):

 

 

Children In Need 2014

Pregnancy Test? I thought it was the Menopause!!

Went to the Drs yesterday as I have been feeling a bit 'low' of late and have been feeling sick, tired out and did I mention the breast pain?  Turns out, these are all side effects of the HRT I have been taking.   Said this to the Dr and she immediately did a pregnancy test!

Luckily it was negative!  

Would I have wanted to have been pregnant? 

For a few seconds (as we waited for the result) I wondered........but the reality is, that I am just too old!  

So, I have decided to stop taking the HRT for the time being.  Its quite scary when you read the side effects the amount of 'cancers' that are mentioned.  The main reason I wanted to try the Oestrogen Gel was that I thought it might help me loose some weight.   It hasn't.  Time to get off my arse and get walking!!

Came home and gave Jamie a big cuddle!

Pat on the back....

Proud of myself.  This October I did the 'Sober for October' challenge in aid of MacMillan and managed to raise £85.    https://gosober.org.uk/profile/joanneborrill

I did say I was going to stay sober a bit longer but I am afraid to say I found a few spirits at the Halloween Party.......(Bacardi and Jack Daniels).

Feeling a bit past it......

You know you are getting on a bit when, chatting to your (young, pretty) beautician, and you mention you have been married a year, and she asks 'Is this your first marriage?' ............

Body Parts

Since Halloween we have had a skeleton hanging around and Jamie decided he would name all his parts....some interesting spellings, but we were very impressed non the less!

Happy Halloween!

 

Had a fantastic party!!  We were very lucky with the weather so the children were able to play outside as well as in the garage - which daddy had done up in his usual scary fashion!  We invited a few more this year and - even with the good weather - I think we have reached our limit of 16 (6 under 5, 5 over 5, 4 over 10) children for a house party!

We did the mummy game, but new this year was the Cookie Monster game which Jamie invented.  Daddy painted a cookie monster face on a piece of wood with a big mouth, which the players (two teams) had to throw the coloured balls into.  Not sure which team won, but it was good fun!

Auntie Chrissie went to ASDA on the Saturday morning and as Halloween had been Friday night (we went Trick or Treating and to Doddington Hall) everything was half price!  She returned with lots of goories and a piñata which went down very well in daddy's garage (see above).

As one guest said; Same time next year.....

Trick or Treat??

Happy Half Term

Although mummy and daddy were both working this week, we tried hard to make sure Jamie had a good time.  We were lucky that Nana had a number of events planned for him - including a Halloween trail with cousin Noah, and that Alfie's mum invited Jamie over one day (mummy dropped him off on the way to work and picked him up when she had finished!).

On the Thursday afternoon, as soon as mummy finished work she picked Jamie up fro Nana's and we went pumpkin carving at the girls house.  And then on Friday - Halloween - mummy wasn't working, so Jamie and mummy put up the decorations while waiting for Lucy to arrive.  Daddy and uncle Dean went off to see a band in Nottingham and the rest of us went Trick or Treating!!

It Is Always Someones Birthday...

Jamie loves to tell me - just as I am leaving him at his class door - that its 'Bear, Bears' Birthday or 'Lion's' birthday or 'Nev's' or whoever he can think of, birthday.   

What this means is we need to pick up a cake after work, find some candles and sing happy birthday. 

This is an almost weekly occurrence at the moment!

Parents Evening Superstar!

So proud of Jamie.  I know he is only 5 but I was happy to hear what his teachers said about him last night.  Mrs D called him a 'Superstar'. 

His work and behaviour are both good.  Mrs T mentioned he wasn't one of the louder children always with their hands up, but she said 'we have enough of those.'  They both felt his confidence to be improving and saw no problems with his social interaction.

As for his targets, when Mrs T went through them she said that she actually felt Jamie was already on top of those given.

We discussed our only real concern (other than his missing photo on the wall) of PE and Mrs D admitted she never liked PE either so I think that made Jamie feel better.  Both teachers said that they had not realised this and said he did a good job of still trying. 

We had promised Jamie a McDonalds so off we went.  We went to the drive through, ordered and then drove to the next open window.  Unfortunately we should have actually stopped at the first window (but it was shut so I assumed we went to the next open window!) so that meant we had not paid.  This caused a small amount of confusion......and we ended up getting our meals for free!

Step away from the smartphone....

Children who spend five days away from their smartphones, televisions and other screens were substantially better at reading facial emotions afterwards, a new study has found. www.spring.org.uk/2014/08/why-you-should-take-a-week-long-break-from-all-screens.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PsychologyBlog+%28PsyBlog%29

The UCLA study suggests that children’s social skills are hurt by spending less and less time interacting face-to-face (Uhls et al., 2014).  Professor Patricia Greenfield, who co-authored the study, said:  “Many people are looking at the benefits of digital media in education, and not many are looking at the costs.  Decreased sensitivity to emotional cues — losing the ability to understand the emotions of other people — is one of the costs.  The displacement of in-person social interaction by screen interaction seems to be reducing social skills.”

The study tested two groups of sixth-grade students at how well they could judge facial emotions in pictures and videos.  One group then went off to the Pali institute — a nature and science camp near Los Angeles — for five days.  At the camp, the children weren’t allowed to use any electronic devices, while the other group went about their normal, everyday lives.  It was quite a change for those children who attended the Pali Institute as the usual amount of time they spent texting, watching TV and playing video games was 4.5 hours per day — and that was on a typical school day. After five days at the Institute, the children’s ability to read facial emotions improved tremendously in comparison to those who’d had their electronic devices for the week.

The number of errors they made on the test reduced by around one-third.  Yalda Uhls, who was the study’s lead author, said:  “You can’t learn nonverbal emotional cues from a screen in the way you can learn it from face-to-face communication.  If you’re not practicing face-to-face communication, you could be losing important social skills. We are social creatures. We need device-free time.”

Good advice for us all, I’m sure, children and adults alike. 

Memories...

This term, Jamie's class have been doing about 'Celebrations' and all parents were asked to send in a baby photograph to put on the wall.  Jamie's teachers also put up photographs from their weddings and other events and so I thought it would be nice to email a photograph of our wedding.

Jamies teacher sent back the following email:

Thank you so much, Jamie shared a little bit about being the page boy and holding the rings. I have put his memory on the board so it will be lovely to have the photograph next to it too!

Many thanks,

Hospital Appointment

Once again a trip to the hospital to see about Jamie's squint.  For some reason today the clinic was very quiet......shame about Jamie!   He messed about constantly during the eye test.  He was in a silly, giggly mood......  We were advised that Jamie should wear his glasses all the time and go back for another review in 4 months.

As we were in and out quickly we decided to go on a bit of an adventure.  We drove over to Mablethorpe and did some Christmas shopping at www.woodthorpeleisurepark.co.uk/garden-centre and then bought our usual chips in Skegness.  Our punishment for skiving off school?  A £35 parking fine!

Things only Parents of Boys will understand...

Saw this article the other day and wanted to share:  www.huffingtonpost.com/the-next-family/11-things-only-parents-of-boys-understand_b_5755682.html   My favourites (and those I most nodded in agreement at) were the following:

3. Boys give the best hugs. And kisses. And snuggles.

4. Farts are funny. At least your boys will think they are pretty hilarious.

5. Everything will be covered in pee. Seriously. Everything. The toilet. The floor. The side of the bathtub. The wall. Occasionally, even the bathroom window (WTH?). Apparently, hitting the toilet is much more difficult than the basic laws of physics and gravity would suggest.   This I totally understand!  I really shouldn't leave my PJs on the bathroom floor!

6. Anything can, and will, become a gun. Try as you might to instill your pacifist ways in your young sons, the fact remains that boys love guns. They can make a gun out of anything. A stick. A toilet paper roll. A banana. A snorkel. Their finger.   Weird how this happens!

7. Boys are physical. From the moment they come crashing through our vaginas and into the world, boys own the space they inhabit. They climb on the furniture. They jump on one another. They smack and punch for no apparent reason.   So glad I have daddy to take the blows for me!

Reading.....

When we started back this term I was a little concerned that Jamie was reading the same books from Reception.  I assumed there was a reason for this and this week his teacher said that she had sat and read with him and as a consequence had moved him up to the next reading level.

The books certainly have longer words in, but I am glad to say that Jamie is sounding them out brilliantly.  I don't see it being too long until  he is moved him up another group!  Proud mother here...

Jamie's Self Portrait

Smiling......

Smooth Talker....

We all had our hair done this week and while we were all sat having a cuppa, Jamie walks over to our hairdresser, Karley,  and says; Lion says You're Beautiful.

My Family

Yesterday, Jamie was asked to draw a picture of his family. 
I love this picture of us all - Neville, Jamie, Mummy and Daddy.

So pleased that he sees us all smiling.......especially as it was the school counsellor that asked him to draw this......

ROUTINE, ROUTINE, ROUTINE

Have today stuck this sign to Jamie's bedroom door to remind all of us what we need to be doing every night - or at least Sunday to Thursday night:

JAMIE’S ROUTINE   (Jamie to tell time)

MORNING 

7.15am          BREAKFAST  

7.45am          WASH / TEETH / DRESS YOURSELF

8.20am          LEAVE FOR SCHOOL

EVENING

4-5pm            (HEALTHY) TEA
5-6pm            HOMEWORK
(Reading x3 a week.  Targets, Phonics, Games)
(Thursday = Talk Homework)
6-7pm            TEETH, WASH, BATH, PJs, MILK, STORIES,
8pm                BED AND LIGHTS OUT

                                                    10-12 hours of sleep a night required

It's all different!

Jamie didn't seem to be in the slightest bit bothered, but mummy struggled first day back.

Firstly, we were somehow late!  The traffic was worse than I remember and when we got to the school gates there was nowhere to park.  We ended up parking a couple of streets away and then having to dash.  Got to school and the KS1 playground is shut for building work, so we had to go to the classroom door that opens onto the sports field.  Was it the right one, I thought as we wandered into the classroom.  Luckily I saw Sam's mum who told me what I needed to know.  Trays are there, coats and PE in the locker in the corridor.   Panic! when I could not find a drawer with Jamie's name!  Had I got it wrong and this wasn't his class?  No, said the TA, some are missing!  Then to find his locker which luckily had his photo on!  Back into the classroom and the children were sitting on the floor ready to start.  Bye mummy, kiss, off to work....

I actually felt in shock as I made my way to walk.  So many new faces (children and parents).  And then having to walk past the 'friends' we made last year and their mummies who have stayed in Miss C's class.  I am going to miss them and our chats at the end of school.... I hope we will stay in touch.  Next year we could be all back together again.  And anyway, we have Grace's 6th party this Saturday!  (what are you worrying about woman!?)

Back at 3.05pm to pick him up which is pretty much the same as usual (although he came out with his PE kit which should have stayed in his locker).   But then at 3.15pm it was 'Meet the Teacher'.  I was amazed that there weren't many parents, but I suppose some of them may have already met the teacher if they have siblings, or may not have been able to make the session due to work (I am lucky in that respect!).  Both of his teachers (they do half a week each) seemed nice.  Jamie says they are not as 'Bossy' as Miss C was!

That session made me feel a bit better.......Mummy now ready to start Year One!

First Day Back......

 

 

One of Jamie's friends (Good Luck Robert) starts school today and she posted this on Facebook. 

Still applies to me today and Jamie is going into Year One. 

Lots of mummy cuddles last night and this morning.....

 

Back to School - Are We All Prepared?

Back to school tomorrow - are we all ready?

Jamie has new school shoes.  I decided not to invest in a new uniform as, at the moment, it still seems to fit!  We did buy some bigger trousers for him just before the end of term and they (thankfully) still fit.

Have we done much 'Homework'? 
Jamie's done a bit of reading, but there have been stories (mainly Robin Hood).  He is sounding out brilliantly and not only asks what things say, but also tries to spell things when he is writing / drawing / colouring (which he still loves!).  I think we probably should have done more reading with him........

But I do feel we have had a good, educational summer.  Unfortunately, mummy got a new job just as the summer started, but with daddy doing shifts Jamie has hardly been in the hands of baby sitters and, as these have been Nana and Uncle Paul, he hasn't really minded.   Nana took him on a number of 'events' including a treasure hunt with Noah and a 'Leap Frog' afternoon where he made a frog in a pond and uncle Paul has taken him to the park a number of times and totally spoilt him with presents!!

We did have a fab week in Norfolk and every Friday I have made sure that we have done something with some of Jamie's friends; going to the park, visiting, Sundown, Belton etc.  We have continued to do things at the weekend and been to see The Lego movie, visited cousins, gone to parties and been out for too many meals!!

The only real worry I have is his night time routine (see previous posts!).  Must try harder....

Looking forward to tomorrow?  Not sure.....

First Sleepover at Noahs

Noah (Jamie's cousin) has stayed here a couple of times but Jamie had yet to stay over there......

Daddy and I were supposed to be going out, but Nana could not babysit.  Then Auntie Hannah said they could do it.  (I didn't like to ask as Seth is only 6 months).   The night out was cancelled but we decided to keep the sleepover.

As soon as we told Jamie he was really excited about seeing Noah, but not so excited about staying over.  He kept asking us to reassure him that we would pick him up before bedtime.  We came home and waited for the call to go and pick him up........it never came.   I sent a text and the reply came back; 'they are in bed but not much sleeping so far!' 

Apparently, Jamie tried the 'I can't sleep without mummy or daddy, but Hannah just said 'well, tonight mummy and daddy are out so you're sleeping here, isn't that exciting?'    Well done auntie Hannah!

In the morning when we went to pick him up, he said he wasn't coming home with us and was living at Noah's from now on!!   Uncle Michael said he would come home with us instead (leaving Hannah with two 5 year olds and a 6month old!). 

Luckily, Jamie eventually decided to come home with his mummy and daddy and then slept most of the afternoon!!   Perhaps his 'sleepover' wasn't that much of a 'sleepover' after all.....

Body Clock...

Read a piece in the latest ASDA magazine which said; Children between the ages of 5 and 12 need 10-12 hours of sleep (National Sleep Foundation).  During the school holidays, Jamie has certainly not been having this much!  Speaking to his friends mum's on Friday, it seems Joseph and Archie are both in bed about 8am and sleep in longer than Jamie.....

Time to try to commit to a routine mummy thinks.....

Fantastic Day at Belton

During the school holidays I have tried to do something with Jamie whenever I have not been at work.  Coordinating ours and other friend holidays, we booked in this Friday almost at the start of the holidays.  We agreed that Belton House / Woods would be a good venue for a catch up and we were not disappointed - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belton-house/ 

As the day approached, we were all a bit worried about the weather, but we all had a fantastic day and no sign of rain until we were leaving!  They all loved the adventure playground - although it seemed a bit smaller than I remembered it!   The grounds were full of little adventures, lots of trees and a few wet feet!  And the mummies even managed a cuppa and a chat in the indoor play area. 

This is everyone (except baby Isla) making a wish in the wishing well in the Orangery at Belton. 

One wished for a cat, once wished to be The Great Gonzo and one put the 20p in his pocket.....

Big Foot!

Got up early and needed to be out of the house as daddy on nights this week, so decided to go and look at school shoes.  Bit of a queue, but we were seen in time to meet some of Jamie's pals in the park at 10am as agreed.

Got some nice, black Clarks - 12 G  !!

"You're not my girlfriend anymore, Emily"

"You lied to me......."

Oh dear, Jamie split up with Emily (age 13) while on Santa's Sleigh Ride at Sundown Adventure Land www.sundownadventureland.co.uk/themepark/  

Jamie had asked Emily if there were any moving 'people' on the ride and Emily had said 'No'.  Unfortunately she had lied.....

Jamie and Emily in happier times......

Dinosaur Adventure

 

Once again we went to Dinosaur Adventure  www.dinosauradventure.co.uk/ which was fantastic.  As Will and his family were only down the coast at Cromer, we arranged to meet them there.  The girls and Eliott came as well and with Will's sister Lucy that meant there were 6 children and 6 adults.  Once again, they all loved it!    Jamie especially loved Dippy the Dinosaur......

A Wonderful Week in Norfolk!

 

Just come back from a wonderful week in Norfolk with Daddy and Jamie and Kerry, Paul, Emily, Ella and Eliott.  Jamie had a fantastic time and even asked Emily to be his girlfriend (she is 13!).  We had a separate cottage to the other family which worked out well and we arranged to see some old friends of mine on the Sunday which was lovely, and then a couple who we all know came over on the Friday night.   This meant we weren't in each others way and had time to ourselves as a family, but when we all got together the children loved it!!    

Oestrogen Gel anyone?

A few weeks ago I googled Menopause and decided I was suffering from enough symptoms....  (hot flushes, waking at night, frequent visits to the loo, tiredness, aches and pains, weight gain!)

Visited the Dr yesterday to get the results of my blood tests.

It seems I have low Oestrogen count (49).

However, I have a high FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)   and a normal LH (Luteinising Hormone)

The pituitary produces two hormones that stimulate the ovaries to produce oestrogen. The two hormones are known as FSH (Folicle Stimulating Hormone) and LH ( Luteinising Hormone). If the oestrogen levels are low the pituitary gland produces more FSH and LH . The FSH and LH stimulate the ovary and it producesmore oestrogen. If the oestrogen levels are high the pituitary gland produces less FSH and LH and hence the ovary produces less oestrogen. In a normal healthy female the oestrogen , FSH and LH levels are regulated within narrow margins.

If the oestrogen goes up the FSH and LH go down and vice versa. It is important to remember that oestrogen is formed in the follicle (see The Normal Ovary ). FSH is a abbeviation of follicle stimulating hormone and LH of luteinsing hormone. ( It is necessary for the formation of the yellow body the CORPUS LUTEUM . Both FSH and LH are necessary for the normal development of the follicle and ovulation. It is also important that their levels are regulated by the negative feedback effect of oestrogen within certain limits.
Following ovulation , the corpus luteum appears . It has a limited live span and LH plays a posible role in its function. Normal LH levels levels won't be able to expand this live span beyond ten days. In the condition known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCO) the LH levels are usually increased. After the menopause the ovaries ceased to produce oestrogen and the FSH and LH levels become very high in an effort to stimulate the non responding ovaries(see MENOPAUSE ). The pituitary also produces another important hormone called PROLACTIN. One of prolactin's most important functions is stimulating the breasts to produce milk. Excessive prolactin production in non lactating women causes ovarian dysfunction with anovulation ( the ovary stops producing egg cells) .

 http://www.femalehealthmadesimple.com/Hipofise.html

Emotional End Of Term All Made Better With Ice Cream!!

 

With Jamie's friend Alfie, who unfortunately won't be in Jamie's class next year.....

"I Can't Control It"

His father has the same problem.....

Sports Day

After months of 'My Tummy Hurts' every Monday (PE) Jamie had a fantastic sports day.   Mummy had to give a little pep talk in the morning as he was very upset / nervous and out it being sports day, but I told him to pretend he was 'Dash' from The Incredibles, or Lightning McQueen who says 'I am Speed' before his races!!

The school was great as they put a few of each year group together to make 10 teams made up of all years.  Jamie was in Costa Rica who came 5th (I think).  Jamie however, put his all into every event and did really well - cheered on by mummy, daddy, Nana B and Grandad!  

 

You would have thought he would have been straight into bed, but unfortunately he was bouncing off the walls til 9pm!!  But we are so proud that he tried his best at everything and even seemed to be enjoying himself....

 



School Assembly / Celebration

Jamie was the Saturday Caterpillar.....Loved it.  Xx

Mummy Got A Job

Back to work on Monday.  This time 4 days a week from 9.30 til 2.30pm, so perfect for when Jamie is at school.  Unfortunately, he breaks up the second week I am at school....

This means that I am currently trying to sort child care for the school holidays; which means working out which shift daddy will be on, assessing how many hours required for each day and then asking nana, granddad and then uncle Paul....

Stressed? Me?

Lunchtime....

A Drawing from Issac

For those that don't recognise it, its a dragon from Riders of Berk.......

NHS Specs!

Thank god for NHS specs for Jamie - and not just because they aren't how we remember them from when we were little - the fact that he can break them and just take them back to be repaired at no extra cost!!

Happy 7th Birthday Blog......

Camping.....

Let's just say Jamie loved it.  A weekend with his cousin Noah.  In a tent.  A BarBQ.  An afternoon in the pool.  Crisps.  Chocolate.

Auntie Hannah, Uncle Michael, Noah and Seth had their VW Camper.  We had a tent.  And it rained.  And you could hear everyone talking late into the night.  And the inflatable bed was not so inflated in the morning.....

But all that really matters is that Jamie and Noah had a fab time. 
Would we do it again? 
Better ask daddy.....

'I Don't Want To Enter....'

Recently, Jamie got a leaflet sent home regarding their school book fair and attached to this was a competition to win passes for various family attractions - one of them being LEGOLAND.

He drew a fantastic pirate and named him Captain Cutlass (as the competition requested):

However, Jamie refuses to let me enter the competition for him......

So Proud...

Got Jamie's report......

5 Going On 15....

Bronze Award

 

Our New Additions

Meet Katie and Stella.  Jamie chose the chickens (and the names) from Julia's Poultry Barn in Hagworthingham, Lincs.  Katie is a Black Rock and Stella is a Clarence Court - who should lay blue eggs....

Eye Clinic

Back to the Eye Clinic.  Eye sight is the same but Jamie's squint appears to be getting worse when he takes off his glasses.  It has been suggested that he keep his glasses on all the time now; instead of just when concentrating and watching TV as they said before. 

It least this will also stop him being attacked by pointed party hats - as happened at Alfie's party!!

Happy Fathers Day Daddy!

"Worst Party Ever"

Jamie went to a party on Saturday.  It was for one of his friends (who came to Jamie's 5th) but it was at a new venue that we had not been to before.

Mummy was at a workshop in the morning so daddy agreed to take Jamie.  Half way through the party Jamie had whispered; "Daddy, this is the worst party ever"....

It was nothing to do with the other boys and girls who were at the party.  It was just that it was a 'sports' party.  Jamie hated the football and the other sporty games.  But he loved the paper aeroplanes and the birthday cake.

Is this the shape of things to come?  We shall see.....

Bottle the Moment

At the moment, there are two extremes to Jamie.  The full on, shouting, charging about, doesn't listen  at all Jamie and the cute, cuddly, chatty Jamie.

Often lately he has sat on my knee just for a chat and I have thought how I would love to be able to bottle that moment......

So precious.  Xx

Mummy Reading

Mummy went into class this afternoon to read with some of the children.

It was a very hot day, so I think some of them would have preferred to be outside (I know I would have), but I read with about 8 children in the hour or so that I was there.

Jamie read first with me and I have to say that for the ones that I heard read, they were all about the same level.  

Feel happy that we are doing something right.....or at least doing it the same as the other parents!!
 

Fairy Magic

Jamie has been 'enchanted' this week.  There is a fairy garden in the corner of the school field and every day when we walk past we can see what the fairies have been up to; reading, washing and even a party with a mirror ball.

But "I'm really worried.  The fairies might have to go.  Miss Marsden says they can't stay".

Jamie has really been captivated by this story.  We have been looking for fairies in our garden and I have shown him the toadstools that we have growing where 'the fairies have been dancing'.

According to Jamie; "Boy fairies don't have wings.  They are elves".

And Daddy has been collecting bark twigs to take to Jamie's teacher to help make some fairy houses.

I found this on the Internet:  www.kidspot.com.au/kids-activities-and-games/Gardening%20for%20kids+31/make-a-fairy-garden+12095.htm

It has truly been a magical few days.

Mummy Lego

Apparently, this is how Jamie sees mummy at the moment after watching The Lego Movie at the weekend....

                                                                                     

 



Half Term Fun

 

As mummy is still without a job, I made sure that we had something on every day this week.  Monday was bank holiday so we spent the day with daddy and then met 'the girls' for tea at a pub with a fab beer garden - www.royaloakaubourn.co.uk/.  Tuesday we met Joseph, Grace, Nathan and their siblings at Fun Farm www.funfarm.co.uk/funfarm_lincoln.htm and stayed most of the day.  Wednesday was wet but it didn't matter as we met Harry and Robert at Whisby Nature Reserve www.naturalworldcentre.co.uk/ to do a picture making workshop - see photos!  As it was so wet, we met in the Café before for a snack, then did the workshop which was brilliant.  Then the rain had subsided a bit so we were able to play outside in the water area.  And it didn't matter if we got wet as we were on our way home anyway!!  Thursday morning we went across to see 'the girls' and their new puppy.  Unfortunately, Jamie doesn't seem to love Bobby as much as everyone else does!!  And then on Friday we spent the morning with cousin Noah and then went off to see Archie and his new born sister (Blog Baby 40).  And in the evening Uncle Paul came for a play.   Saturday came and we had an 'awesome' afternoon at the cinema www.thevenuelincoln.co.uk/ watching 'The Lego Movie' with Joseph.  And then Sunday daddy and Uncle Paul played a small gig in the garage.   What a week!!

Blog Baby 41

Congratulations to Simon and Suzanne on the birth of Jenna Rose, born Friday 23rd May weighing 8lb1oz.  Sister for Holly.
 

A Chocolate Work of Art

Blog Baby 40

Congratulations to Archie's mummy and daddy on the birth of Isla Olivia.  Weight 8lb 8oz.
Sister for Jamie's pal from pre-school.  Hoping to see them all next week.

What a Wonderful Weekend....

.....celebrating Auntie Chrissie's birthday.  All she wanted to do was chill, so out came the pool and the water pistols and the water bombs.  Invitations were sent to the other cousins and the sun shone all weekend.  Happy Birthday Christine!!