Post Christmas Party 2015

As cousin Jon and his family were back from Australia from Boxing Day til New Year I decided to organise a party for the week in-between.   As it turned out, it was better than it was, as this meant my back had longer to recover.  I wasn't back to 100%. I could certainly feel it and wasn't about to lift any tables, but (with a few painkillers) it was bearable!

Not only Jon and his family, but we invited friends and family and I think we had in total 43 adults and 25 children - and that was more than enough!!

Unfortunately, we could not have the usual hall as it was closed, so we hired the village hall in the next village.  This was a little smaller than we are used to, but we still managed to have the usual bouncy castle.

We got Jamies daddy's band to play; which may have been a bit loud, but it got people singing and dancing and gave everyone a chance to see Daddy play!

As in previous years, we asked everyone to bring something for the buffet and a monetary contribution towards the hall hire / castle.  I think it was well received.  I certainly had a good time, but my back was glad when it was over...

'What did you get me for Christmas, mummy?'

Strange, this Father Christmas business. When Jamie opened his presents this year he complained that the Superman T Shirt and Superman bowl were 'Rubbish' and not at all what he had asked Santa for.

He then asked me a few days after Christmas what it was that I had bought him.  I reminded him of the DVDs, chocolates and PJs that I wrapped for Jamie, and for Daddy, for our family night on Christmas Eve.

Not sure he was entirely grateful / convinced / happy....

The True Meaning of Christmas....

This is what Christmas is all about (except the gumpy elf on the end!)

My Favourite Christmas Present

Operation No. 1

Went for my MRI on Monday 23rd November (it was a mobile scanner so head first!).  Rather anxious (to say the least) but I managed to get through by taking loads of tablets (painkillers and diazepam), deep breathing and towards the end some singing - Jingle Bells and We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

After it had finished (approx. 10mins) they asked me to stay where I was for a while as they were showing the Consultant.  He then asked to see me.  He asked me how my waterworks were and then proceeded to stick an unwound paperclip in my buttocks.  Could I feel that? How about now? And now?  Apparently my scan was quite serious and indicated I should be incontinent.  He told me he would be referring me Urgently.  This was the first time anyone had mentioned I might need an operation.....

I was seen at the Sheffield Claremont Hospital on the 30th November.  The MRI scan showed 'a large L4/5 disc prolapse with impending cauda equine.'  Mr Zaki (Consultant  Neurosurgeon) agreed it was Urgent that I should have an operation to alleviate the pain. 

After visiting Sheffield for my Pre-op on the 4th December, my operation took place on the 11th December....

After an overnight stay in Sheffield, once we had seen Mr Zaki and the physiotherapists, and got letters for my GP, and nurse, and a 6 week sick note, driving home wasn't too bad.  We were advised to stop every now and again to help the circulation in my legs (having to wear surgical stockings for a few weeks!).  I don't think I felt too bad as, after a sleep, I desperately wanted to see my son, but I stayed in bed for a few days.  My leg felt better almost straight away.  It was just the 12 stitches (staples) that I had in my back!

Had my stitches taken out on the 22nd December 2015.

Christmas at Sundown 2015

 

Dr Who Magazine

Jamie is famous! 

Page 34 in Issue 10 (January 2016) of BBC Doctor Who Adventures (www.dwamag.com).  For this Jamie got an Ood mini figure. 
Must send more photos....

Grumpy Mummy

Last night I should have been seeing two of my favourite bands: Whitesnake and Def Leppard.  Unfortunately, when I to see my consultant before the operation he said there was no way I would be going to that concert.  I did manage to sell my ticket and I know they all had a good time as they sent me pics during the concert.  I am not sure that made it better though....

What did make it a little better was the Whitesnake mug they brought me today.  Thank you Hannah and Michael.

'Your Going To Be Alright Mummy'

That was all I needed. Written on a scrap of paper. To get me through my operation! xx

The Very Hopeless Camel (and mummy)

Unfortunately mummy could not make this years Christmas play, so she sent Nana B and Daddy.  Jamie didn't have a big part, but we did have to buy him a dressing gown as a costume (Shepard?).

Jamie Bieber

Lego can be dangerous....

As reported previously, I took Jamie along to a Lego exhibition the first weekend of the half term and it was brilliant.  I took along my camera and spent the afternoon merrily taking photographs of  all the exhibits, Jamie and his friends.  My back was hurting, but (as I have been doing for a while) I simply kept popping the pills and carried on.

Unfortunately, I think this was the last straw for my poor old back.  By the Tuesday I was in agony.  It felt like I had broken my leg.  The pain was all the way down my left leg and into my foot.  Having suffered from back pain for years, I just assumed I needed to rest.  I visited the Chiropractor three times in eight days before finally seeing my GP on the 5th November who referred me to the LCATS (Lincolnshire Musculoskeletal Clinical Assessment and Treatment Service) team. 

Although he referred me as 'Urgent' my appointment was not for nearly three weeks.  I rang every day and managed to get a cancellation.  From this I was referred for an MRI.....

Where Did My Baby Go?

Jamie is six and a half now and has grown up so quickly!

Last night we had what I would call our first 'serious' telling off.

Daddy suggested we all play children's Monopoly (which is to be recommended for this age!) and all was fine until Daddy landed on the 'Haunted House' and decided he wanted to buy it!  Apparently, there is a rule that only Jamie can buy the Haunted House.  And another rule to say that Jamie must always win!

So, he suddenly got up and said 'I'm Bored. I don't want to play this game any more'.  So mummy told him to go to bed.

He screamed and screamed and my heart broke.  I was taken back to when I used to scream and cry like that when I was a child.  I hated listening to him, but knew that he would not learn his lesson unless I left him there!

But I could not leave him very long, so crept into the darkness and sat on the bed and calmly explained why we told him off.  

He is getting to that stage now where he is acting a bit spoilt,  Of course, I know we have been very soft with him and do spoil him, but I find it soooo hard to tell him off / say no / upset him. 

He will always be my baby.

Fireworks Party

Had a fantastic party at the weekend at cousin Noahs....

 

Exploring the Woodland

 Photos courtesy of @DigginsTaylor

Not So Happy Halloween....

Unfortunately, due to Mummy's very painful back / leg etc. she had to retire to bed early in the proceedings at this years Halloween Party.   Auntie Chrissie and Uncle Dean took most of the children Trick or Treating and then they played the usual Mummy Game (without mummy - Sad Face!).  Here are some mobile shots taken by Daddy.....

Uncle Dean

Cousin Noah

Happy Halloween

Lego Exhibition

Went to a fantastic Lego exhibition put together by www.brickshire.org.uk/ at a local school.  We were some of the first there so were able to have a good luck at the exhibits.  There were Star Wars creations, Marvel creations (above), Scooby Doo, plenty of haunted houses and a fantastic ghost train!  There was also a train that must have been about 10 feet that had a number of tracks and loads of buildings to travel past. 

Although we had to pay to get in (very cheap and very worth it!) there was a competition; which required us to find Lego characters that were holding a letter.  Then we had to take the letters and arrange them to make a word.

Sadly, we didn't win this or the raffle but Jamie thought it was wonderful - especially when we found a Tardis and a Dalek figure. Oh, and did I mention there was a stall selling Lego.......

Lunchtime Award

Jamie came home with a Lunchtime Award today, for 'Lovely Manners'.

Investiture at Beavers

Jamie and Isaac are now fully fledged Beavers!

Danger Mouse Returns!!

Mummy and Daddy always loved the original Danger Mouse and even bought Jamie the DVDs of the old series, so we were all excited when a new series was commissioned for CBBC.   Whether it will be better than the original remains to be seen......

Last Chance To See The Barons....

Becci and Del got married at the weekend and, while they were having their photos taken in the Cathedral and the Bishops Palace, we went into Lincoln Castle to see all the Barons together for the last time before being auctioned off.   See: http://www.lincolnbarons.com/

Got a lovely shot of us all with Jamie's favourite; the Steampunk Baron:

 

 

(Daddy is missing as he agreed to do the music for the wedding and was setting up).

 

We also had chance to visit the Tourist Information and pick up a couple of Barons for ourselves as well as a fridge magnet.



Super Heroes Day

After the embarrassment at the end of last term when I told Jamie it was Super heroes day and arrived to find he was the only one dressed up, I made sure today was the day!   

 

Photo courtesy of @DigginsTaylor

Beavers

Jamie went to his first night of Beavers last night.   Things didn't start well, as - even before the evening had started - while playing with some of the others, he fell onto his face causing his teeth to bleed.  I thought 'that's it, we will be leaving soon', but he stayed.

After introductions, the Beavers then played Dodge Ball.  Jamie played for a few minutes but then came over to sit with me as he didn't like playing it.  (I think his mouth was still hurting).

Half way through the evening they all sat down and were asked what they did in their holidays. Jamie said; 'Had a sleepover with my cousin.  She stayed with us for three days'.

The evening ended with two more games; one in four teams where they had to keep the ball out of their corner, and then 'Shark Attack' where they ran round and then a blanket was placed on a Beaver and the others had to guess who it was.

I could not get over how loud the hall got!

Kanga, Roo and Joey seemed really nice and they assured me afterwards that it wasn't always like that.  The amount of games was just because it was the first week back after the holidays.  I have been promised there will be more 'badge collecting' from now one - the main reason we got Jamie interested in it.  

We likened Beavers to www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/shows/hey-duggee

The obligatory first day shot.... (2015)

Kissing Cousins.....

Cousin Lucy stayed over the Bank Holiday weekend and, as usual, they had a fantastic time.

However, Auntie Chrissie did come back after their trip to the allotment a little concerned, as Jamie and Lucy had been snogging.  Not a little peck, but a full on snog!  Chrissie had had to tell them this was not allowed when you were cousins.....

Family Portrait

 

Bank holiday get together of the 'Simpsons'.  

Last play date of the holidays

Arranged another play date at www.whisbygardencentre.co.uk/animal-park.html and 12 of Jamie's friends and siblings joined up for a morning in the lovely sunshine.  Will miss mornings like this next week!! 

School Uniform

Luckily we only needed trousers and school shoes before the start of term.  Jamie's tops are looking a bit shabby but they will do for another term or two (I hope!).

We decided to get up early and go to the Clarks in Sainsbury for Jamie's new school shoes.

While we were waiting for our number to be called we managed to find some trousers.  As they were sold in pairs we ended up with four pairs - but I am sure they will get their use.

Jamie is now size 13 G/H feet!

They didn't actually have his size in stock of the shoes he wanted but we were able to get them delivered to the house - brilliant!

Not much I can say about this.....

Child Friendly North Norfolk

We left early Saturday morning so we could spend a day in Hunstanton.  Lovely shops, donuts on the front, and a nice (if a bit pebbly) beach.  There are traditional gardens with a water fountain near the Bowling Green.   Daddy loves the Joke Shop!  And Jamie met Captain Jack Sparrow!  (We have since found out he works at the Sea Life Sanctuary; which we have yet to visit).

This year we stayed at The Kings Arms in Blakeney www.blakeneykingsarms.co.uk/  for three nights B&B in The Pub Flat which cost us £170.  Only drawback was there was just a shower.  We could have done with a bath after mud sliding in the Quay!  Previously we have stayed at http://blackbirdcottage.co.uk/ and http://www.loadescottage.co.uk/ and http://www.blakeneybedandbreakfast.co.uk/ all to be recommended.

Blakeney has lots to do; seal trips, crabbing, mud sliding, fresh fish, unusual shops, art galleries, the duck pond, a great park with aerial slides, live music at The Harbour Rooms www.blakeneyharbourrooms.co.uk and even a posh hotel to have your wedding meal at!   

Wiveton hall and cafe shop is a ‘short’ walk www.wivetonhall.co.uk and does wonderful cream teas! And you can even ‘pick your own.’

We had a full day on Wells next the Sea Beach which was just like being in Spain.  We love Wells Beach.  The beach is made of lovely sand and there are toilets and a cafe just a short distance away.  There are beachuts all along the beach, which I think you can hire.  The only drawback is a few steep steps to get there!  But they even have lifeguards.  And the town of Wells is lovely as well; especially as one of my favourite shops is there - People Tree - where I always spend a little.  There is Pinewoods Holiday Park right next to the beach which I am sure would be a good place to stay www.pinewoods.co.uk

On our last night in Blakeney, Paul went sea fishing at Cley next the Sea and we all had a lovely tea at the Three Swallows pub.

After Blakeney, we moved to Overstrand.  This is a quiet town with a lovely beach with a bit of a steep hill to climb down and up to reach it, but we did see seals at full tide.  The hotel where we stayed was the http://whitehorseoverstrand.co.uk/.  Family Room No.1 was perfect  (though due to lack of washing machine perhaps only for a weekend).  This cost us £309 for 3 nights B&B but the room had an en suite with a bath and was a lot bigger.  We had a double bed and a bunk bed so we were all catered for and the food was smashing.  They even had a bouncy castle in the beer garden; along with some wooden climbing equipment, to keep the children entertained!

Bewilderwood was fantastic www.Bewilderwood.co.uk (and so are the books).  It is enchanting and exhausting at the same time. 

After Bewilderwood we went to Cromer (famous for its crab!) for fish and chips, followed by ice cream dipped in chocolate, which we ate by The Pier while watching the last of the days holiday makers on the beach.

If you like trains (which Daddy does), The Poppy Line at Sheringham www.nnrailway.co.uk/ was brilliant.  We took the train from Sheringham to Holt and back again! And of course it is only a short walk from train to beach. 

Other places we have visited to be recommended are Holkham Hall (go for a lake cruise and check out the shops) and the beach www.holkham.co.uk , and of course Dinosaurland www.dinosauradventure.co.uk/ which we visited last year and if you love (or someone you know loves) dinosaurs then you / they will loved it.  

And of course we must mention the Register Office in Fakenham where we got married in 2013.
 

We Loved BeWILDerwood!

What can I say?  Absolutely fantastic day!! 
If you have children under 10.  GO! 

You won't be disappointed... http://www.bewilderwood.co.uk/

Last Day of Term

As Jamie's class had been so good this year and had all got a Silver Award, they were taken to the park for the afternoon.  As I had already finished work on the previous Friday I was able to go along with them.

Photos courtesy of @DigginsTaylor

Superhero Day......NOT

 

How embarrassing!  Got Jamie all dressed in his Superhero (Batman) outfit, only to get to school, look around, and realise no one else was dressed up!  Rang through to reception to double check.  

 

No, its not today.  And then had to ask them to pass a message on we would be late as had to go home and change.....



Moor Lane Music Festival 2015

But we made sure there was lots for the children to do; the Bouncy Castle and pool went down very well!!

'Vampires and Humans'

Got a letter sent home yesterday; saying Jamie had bumped his forehead.  I asked him about it and he said him and Isabel had been playing 'Vampires and Humans'. 

I asked if there were tears.  Jamie said they both cried, but were definitely still friends as it was just a game.  I sent Isabel's mum a text but she wasn't worried.  I think we were both more worried about the game title....

Phonics Screening Check

Proud mummy!

The phonics screening check is a quick check of a child's ability to decode words using only his phonic knowledge.  It helps to confirm whether they have met the expected standard for a child at the end of year 1.  Each child is asked to read 40 words aloud to a teacher who is known to them.

Jamie got 40 out of 40 - 100%

and has therefore met the expected standard in phonic decoding.

Doing the Lincoln Baron Trail with Nana B

This is Jamie with his favourite Baron; 'Steampunk Baron'.

Sports Day 2015

Mixed Emotions...

Received Jamie's report and it was really good.  Basically, he is less than average with his handwriting, average with his maths and above average with his reading.  The personal comment from his teacher was lovely.  She wrote; He has a super attitude towards learning, listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions and then applying everything he has heard and found out into his own work.  Proud Mummy Moment.

Unfortunately, along with his report, we got his class for next year.  Jamie will be staying with his current teachers.  There are to be no Year 1 or Year 2 classes, but instead three Year 1 & 2 classes combined.  He wasn't upset about his teachers, but he was upset as he will be separated from some of his best buddies.  He did have a few tears about this, and it was hard to reassure him.  As I told him, he hasn't been in the same class as Alfie this year, but they have continued to be best buddies.

We did ask to see his teacher (I didn't realise not everyone does!) and sent her an email prior asking for ways to best help him next year as I was worried we haven't been doing enough.  Prior to the consultation she sent a lovely email which said; He has had a really good year and I hope he will continue to do really well next year too. (I am sure he will because he is very hardworking).

The consultation went well and she gave me some strategies to help Jamie over the summer and into next year.

We Love Sundown!

Had a fantastic day with four sets of siblings, and a good catch up with the twins (Harriet and Temperance) who we had not seen for over 18months.

http://www.sundownadventureland.co.uk/themepark/

Cooking with Mia

Currently planning their wedding - honestly!!

Plum Bread and Ice Cream with Joseph

While Mummy's Away

Jamie and Daddy did the Baron Trail around Lincoln.  See: http://www.lincolnbarons.com/

This was Jamie's favourite Baron -  Steampunk Baron!

Weekend Away

My first weekend away without Jamie.......

I told my friend that she might need to drag me into the car when we left - which she promised she would. 

As it happened, Jamie was in the middle of a game so let me go without much fuss.   I was a bit upset for a few miles, but soon got into the swing.

Who couldn't fail to relax with a Hot Tub attached to your Cabin and three lovely friends to share it with?

We stayed in walking distance of Ripon town centre and it was a short walk into the little shops and a cream tea in the afternoon on the Saturday.  Saturday night we had an Italian meal and a few drinks.....And Sunday - as it was drizzling a little - we took the car to The Black Sheep Brewery.

The reason we went away was to celebrate my friends Hen Night, but we all agreed that next time we wouldn't need an excuse and that time away just to relax and unwind was defiantly needed at least twice a year!!



View From Jamie's Window....

Jamie was asked to draw the view from his bedroom window.
He drew three bins......

Nothing better than a muddy puddle.....

Half Term KiddyCook

 

This time it was a Paddington theme and once again Jamie loved it!! 

 

We can see his bread and butter and marmalade pudding......and Jamie being very helpful clearing up the left overs.  Not surprising he felt quite sick on the way home!

Poorly Jamie

Had to have a couple of days off school this week as Jamie was really ill.  He had a raging temperature and kept saying he had a poorly tummy.  He was also very tired.  There was some sickness and on the Tuesday morning I got so worried that I rang 111.  She calmed my fears and said it was probably a virus and to keep him hydrated.  It hung about for a while though; over a week, which meant missing a few events, but I wanted to make sure he was well.

There were a few other mums reporting similar symptoms on Facebook and one mum mentioned  'Slapped Face Syndrome'.  I had not thought the rash was anything to do with his temperature etc.  www.webmd.boots.com/children/guide/slapped-cheek-syndrome which seemed to fit all the criteria.   So glad he is better.  Xx

Meeting a T Rex

We didn't really plan to go.  I had received an email and we had discussed it, but no real plans.  After taking Jamie to Toys R Us to buy him a treat for getting his Silver Award, I said 'If we can get parked, we will go'.   We got the last space and just as we were walking to The Collection, we heard the screams.....

After meeting T Rex we went inside and saw some of Jamie's friends making Dinosaur masks.  Daddy had seen they were doing a 'Fossil Talk and Handling Session' at 5.45pm so we stayed around for that with Jamie's friend Isaac.  Jamie got a bit upset during the proceedings as Isaac got to hold a fossil and he didn't, so at the end I took him up to meet one of the chaps who let Jamie have a proper look.  Then all he could say was 'we have a bigger one than that!'

http://www.thecollectionmuseum.com/

Silver Award

Someone has earnt themselves a Scooby Doo Mystery Machine....

Mummy's New Toy

 

We have been looking for another car for a while, but over the past few months it has become obvious that it is time we bought a car just for mummy and Jamie.  This is because Daddy has started gigging again and this means we can be left at home with no transport.  It also means that if we had wanted to watch Daddy we would need to be going when Daddy goes - which is usually a few hours before the band plays!!

 

So, after test driving a number of cars and nearly buying a Honda Jazz, we found this.  Mummy and Daddy both liked the looked of it from the start and Jamie thinks it is the Bat Car....

Happy Birthday Will

School Trip to Woodside

 

Thanks to Gracie's mum for taking this picture of Jamie touching a snake!!

We Love KiddyCook!!

Recently, I saw a poster on Facebook for KiddyCook Lincoln  www.kiddycook.co.uk/find-a-class/world/europe/uk/midlands/lincoln/lincoln/.  They were advertising an Easter themed cooking morning for children.  I signed Jamie up straight away!  And I was so glad I did as he loved it!