School’s Out 2021
Wow, that’s it. The last day of school for the 2020-2021 school year. And what a year it’s been! From the countdown last September, through an almost-immediate COVID scare, Christmas and another round of home learning, more school holidays in lockdown over February half term, and then back to in-school learning (thank goodness). The boys … Continue reading School’s Out 2021
10 Things to do in Whitby
We had a week in Whitby at the end of May 2021, we got up to loads of fun activities and I wanted to shared our favourite ten (or so). 1. Boat Trip Around the harbour there are several opportunities to take a short trip out of Whitby harbour or a longer excursion to fish … Continue reading 10 Things to do in Whitby
Different is Beautiful
Some time ago I wrote a post about beautiful imperfections. Recently, my thoughts are travelling along a similar path. There are some fairly well-defined traditional ideas about what is beautiful: blondeness, being thin with big boobs, sunny days, lush green grass, orange sunsets, spotless cars, rhyming words, clear skin, a straight nose, big blossoming flowers, … Continue reading Different is Beautiful
Exciting and scary: some progress
So a couple of months ago an exciting but scary opportunity presented itself to me at work. I’d been trundling along with the same general activities for quite a while, there are challenges and long term projects running all the time and I thought I was pretty contented. Then I got picked to spend 9 … Continue reading Exciting and scary: some progress
Turning Away
Some time ago I was feeling upset about the idea of being judged by other mums – you know the way we do sometimes. I told my lovely friend S (I’ve mentioned her before) and she said something that’s always stuck with me: “If they don’t like what they see, they should turn away.” Her … Continue reading Turning Away
Teachers’ gifts 2021
Ever since large boy started school and I discovered the joys of making my own fruit gin (coincidentally the same year, or was it a coincidence?), I’ve made gifts for teachers and TAs for Christmas and the end of the summer term. I love giving them something we’ve made at home – if I’ve put … Continue reading Teachers’ gifts 2021
June 2021 Reading
I’ve decided to do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy His reviews are getting briefer and briefer. Sorry about that. Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape by Dermot … Continue reading June 2021 Reading
Lessons in Loss 13: Losing Myself
My very lovely friend Lisa from The Procrastinating Mum has kindly shared her thoughts on loss of a sense of self and the impact anxiety has on how she feels about who she is. This is a beautifully raw and honest post, I’m really touched that she felt comfortable sharing it with me and with … Continue reading Lessons in Loss 13: Losing Myself
Somehow 6
It’s time to look back again and wonder, baffled, how small boy has arrived at another birthday. It was the same last year. The time seems to just fly past so quickly. What’s more, he’s grown and grown up so much in the last year. He’s very nearly 120cm tall, sprouting about 7cm in the … Continue reading Somehow 6
Achievement Unlocked
This is (yet another) post about running. This time though, running is just the example that applies to me and my life at the moment. A goal So here we go….. people often have bucket lists before big birthdays, or they set personal goals that they want to achieve, sometimes with a deadline and sometimes … Continue reading Achievement Unlocked
Second blogiversary
OK, I need to confess. We went away on holiday and I took a break from the blog, when I got back I got my head all mixed up and didn’t post the things I meant to when I intended. With our getaway at the forefront of my mind, I published our little diary first … Continue reading Second blogiversary
Not a birthday
Well, I faced it again. 17th June wasn’t baby boy3’s birthday and I made it through. No toddler joyfully screaming, running amok, smearing cake everywhere, overtired and spoiled by their family and friends. No midnight wake ups or relief at sleeping through. No teething drool, no funny ways of saying new words. No adjustments to … Continue reading Not a birthday
A week in Whitby
In the world before 2020, who would ever have thought that we could be so excited about a week in a small, quiet seaside town? Well, in the event we’ve been counting the weeks and days ever since we booked it. A little cottage, plans for eating fish and chips, hunting fossils and generally mooching … Continue reading A week in Whitby
A Little Break
We’re off to Whitby today for the second week of half term. As in, actually going on a holiday! Away! So, to make sure we all really enjoy this first opportunity for adventures and fun in almost 2 years, I’m going to just put the blog down for a week. I’ll be back next weekend … Continue reading A Little Break
May 2021 Reading
I’ve decided to do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy His reviews are getting briefer and briefer. Sorry about that. House of Hades and Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan Yeah, … Continue reading May 2021 Reading
Veggies 2021: Reset
I love growing veggies. In previous years, I’ve tortured himself, colleagues and neighbours with a surfeit of courgettes, almost ruined the foundations of an oil tank with rhubarb and produced cucumbers into October. In recent years, since we moved up North to a house with a North-facing garden, I’ve had less luck. I’ve tried growing … Continue reading Veggies 2021: Reset
Making Stuff 18: How to Use Wild Garlic Pesto
Last year I shared a recipe on how to make wild garlic pesto – at the time we made pasta pesto for large boy to count towards a Cubs badge. I’ve made more this year, two batches in fact and I might make another. Honestly, I absolutely love the stuff! Its gorgeously peppery without being … Continue reading Making Stuff 18: How to Use Wild Garlic Pesto
Dazzling Blogger Award
Helen at Crispy Confessions very generously nominated me in the first ever Dazzling Blogger Award. I love her blog, she’s honest, open, funny and varied – my favourite combination! The Official Rules Thank the person who nominated you for The Dazzling Blogger Award. Link back to the original blog post. Answer the seven questions that they … Continue reading Dazzling Blogger Award
Back to Scouting
I was lucky enough to be involved with guiding from when I was 7 until I was 17. I joined Brownies and them moved onto Guides and eventually Young Leaders. I didn’t keep going when I went off to university, but all the non-school related experiences and friends I got to have through guiding have … Continue reading Back to Scouting
Bank Holiday Adventure
As I write this, we’ve had our first May Bank Holiday of 2021 with another to come. I sincerely hope the second is an improvement… Restrictions had lifted enough that we could plan a day out for the early May Bank Holiday. Saturday and Sunday were out because of swimming and rugby. So even though … Continue reading Bank Holiday Adventure
You’re doing okay
I was brushing my teeth When I started to worry Are we harming our kids with our Work dedication? I was walking the dog When I began to fret Are the kids learning that money And position are all that we need? I was cooking the dinner When I wondered in fear Do the kids … Continue reading You’re doing okay
There’s only one first time
The piece was written for and first published at T.B.C, as part of a series of first time descriptions. The world around us freezes every winter, the ground hardens and is inhospitable for months. Nature is harsh, the winds blow and rain, hail and snow swamp the ground. The earth endures the pain and hardship … Continue reading There’s only one first time
Veggie progress report 2021 – part 1
I love growing veggies. I’ll never forget the first year that I grew 5 courgette plants in a sun blessed garden and a friend gave me 8 tomato plants. Himself is only just coming back round to considering courgettes acceptable on his plate after 3 months of me sneaking them into almost every meal. Since … Continue reading Veggie progress report 2021 – part 1
Getting back out there
Well I guess it’s time to get back out there? Yes? No? Maybe a bit? I won’t pretend that I’m not perhaps a bit more cautious than many people about ending lockdown. I felt that the kids went back to school too early at the beginning of March. I felt we need to keep adapting … Continue reading Getting back out there
April 2021 Reading
I’ve decided to do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy Percy Jackson: The Last Olympian, The Lost Hero, Son of Neptune, and The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan Yes, he’s … Continue reading April 2021 Reading
Saying goodbye
Yesterday was my gran’s funeral. I don’t want to say anything particular about losing her, but I wanted to share the reading I did during the service. God’s Garden (by Katie Evans) God looked around his garden, and he found an empty place. He then looked down upon this earth, and saw your tired face. … Continue reading Saying goodbye
Lessons in Loss 12: Money Isn’t Everything
Today’s post is by Steve from The Diary of a Dad. Steve is a dad who blogs about the reality of parenting a two year old, he’s honest and realistic, no pretentiousness or perfection. Drop by his blog and have a browse, I hope you find something to enjoy. Money Isn’t Everything Loss affects everyone … Continue reading Lessons in Loss 12: Money Isn’t Everything
How to take a bath (as a mum)
This is going to be a bit of a compare and contrast exercise. So, first up, how I used to take a bath. Before kids When its just you and maybe your partner or parents in the house. Taking a bath is simple. You pour in some bubbles, turn on the taps, grab a towel … Continue reading How to take a bath (as a mum)
My running playlist
While out running at the end of February, having a totally awesome run, just feeling fantastic and enjoying every step in the early spring sunshine, I reflected that the music I was listening to (and singing along to the choruses) had a huge effect on my enjoyment of the run. Music while running So, first … Continue reading My running playlist
Exciting and scary
I haven’t written a work post for a very long time. I’ve just been bumbling along for quite a while with no major events beyond the usual daily or weekly frustrations of my team. Anyway, a thing happened today. First, let’s back up for some history. I happened to edit a particular “career path” form … Continue reading Exciting and scary
Lessons in Loss 11: Ghosts
Today’s post is by Graham from Middle Age Fanclub. Graham’s blog is an eclectic mix of poetry, commentaries on life as a teacher, football, and book reviews. Can you tell why I like him? He’s as un-niched as me. Introduction Hi, I’m Graham and I write the Middle Age Fanclub blog. My blog is the … Continue reading Lessons in Loss 11: Ghosts
A Little Joy
It’s the Easter holidays. On Good Friday we asked the boys what they wanted to do. As well as various requests for Scalextric tracks and Monopoly, large boy said he wanted to see his grandparents. Trying to meet up with himself’s parents for the day is kind of hard as we live 8 hours apart. … Continue reading A Little Joy
Himself at 40
The last couple of birthdays for the boys I’ve written a post about who they are and how they’ve grown and changed. Himself has just faced a big birthday, so I figured I’d give him a similar treatment. He probably won’t like that because I’m likely to get soppy and write nice things about him. … Continue reading Himself at 40
Our Easter Treats
I’ve got to admit that we’re all about the modern day festival of chocolate and treats at Easter. We aren’t religious, occasionally forget pancake day (don’t even call it shrove Tuesday) and we don’t give things up for lent. That said, we also try not to focus too much on the edible treats. Easter in … Continue reading Our Easter Treats
March 2021 Reading
I’ve decided to do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy The Fowl Twins by Eoin Colfer I was very impressed with how large boy coped with this. Its a 7.5 level … Continue reading March 2021 Reading
Lessons in Loss 10: Show’s Over
This post has been contributed by Eric at The Thoughtful Beggar, I’ll let his own intro do the talking because I love the ethos: … an online magazine dedicated to thought, and the sharing of it with like-minded people. Like-minded in the pursuit of a deeper, more fulfilling existence, not in a lockstep agreement of … Continue reading Lessons in Loss 10: Show’s Over
Golden Bloggerz Award 2
What Is The Golden Bloggerz Award? It’s an award made to motivate and reward all these amazing bloggers that work daily to serve their audience and they deserve more recognition. Their priority is to do their best to help their readers solve their problems & reach their goals! Rules Place the award logo on your … Continue reading Golden Bloggerz Award 2
My Instagram Favourites
Instagram was something I knew nothing about when I started blogging. I’d been deliberately steering clear of it – all the chat about “insta perfect” lives really put me off. I thought I would end up looking at other people’s pictures and feel like I didn’t live up to some imagined standard. Facebook competitive parenting … Continue reading My Instagram Favourites
Keep Adapting
I started writing this post in response to a comment on my post about throwing a lockdown birthday party. I wrote a couple of paragraphs and then decided that it was a bit overkill for reply to a simple “the kids have missed out on so much” sympathetic comment. Here’s the thing, COVID is shit. … Continue reading Keep Adapting
A to Z of Me
I’m kind of jumping on the bandwagon here. I’ve seen some cool posts from Tom, Michelle and Em lately, giving a lowdown about them using a nifty alphabetic categorization. You can see their posts here: The Doubting Thomas Boomer Eco Crusader Echoes of Em So, I thought that I’d give it a go, not least … Continue reading A to Z of Me
Lessons in Loss 9: Cherishing a Link
This post has been contributed by the wonderful Lindsay at Live, Parent, Teach, Repeat. She’s just hilarious, reading her posts I feel like I’m a fly on the wall in her house. Her series’ of lockdown diaries from both 2020 and 2021 are an absolute must read – waiting for her daily updates is honestly … Continue reading Lessons in Loss 9: Cherishing a Link
You know you’ve got the running bug when… Part II
I wrote a post a year ago with some symptoms of the running bug, but my case has become more severe so here are some new behaviours that might indicate affliction with the runner’s bug. 1. You thought you had all the gear, but discovered that many more things are needed. 2. You start reading … Continue reading You know you’ve got the running bug when… Part II
How (not) to throw a kids birthday party in lockdown
Over the years we’ve done all sorts of birthday parties for the boys. From a local village hall to rugby in a sports hall, from a house full of small kids to a day out with friends at the Natural History Museum, from a transit van on the drive with Xboxes to playing Scalextric in … Continue reading How (not) to throw a kids birthday party in lockdown
Making Stuff 17: Cocktails 2021
Last year’s cocktails post seems long enough ago to start a new separate one with this year’s recipes. I love a cocktail, but I rarely follow recipes though and enjoy making things up a bit as I go with little or no planning. So here are a few of my recent inventions… Rosalie I tried … Continue reading Making Stuff 17: Cocktails 2021
February 2021 Reading
I’ve decided to do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy How to Capture an Invisible Cat by Paul Tobin Delphine is just a normal girl, she befriends a lonely boy called … Continue reading February 2021 Reading
Lessons in Loss 8: Grief is Just Love with No Place to Go
Today’s post comes from wonderful Rachel from Jasperden Health. Do take some time to visit her blog, its a wealth of information on healthy foods and their benefits, personal experiences, and lovely recipes. Grief is Just Love with No Place to Go Thank you, Smell for inviting me to write a post about loss. I … Continue reading Lessons in Loss 8: Grief is Just Love with No Place to Go
Will it be you?
Thirty thousand is the price to pay Lives worth less than money Less than “freedom” Less than convenience But who will they be? Will it be me Will it be you Will it be someone we love Will it be someone unknown whose loss precludes a life bringing change and wonder Are our lives less … Continue reading Will it be you?
Lockdown half term
I love using my blog as a bit of a diary. I documented our 2019 summer holiday, the weekly churn of the first lockdown and our 2020 summer roadtrip. So this half term holiday has been a bit odd. Usually, at February half term, the boys would be in a holiday club somewhere. Usually, as … Continue reading Lockdown half term
Making Stuff 16: Chocolate Banana Cake
I haven’t done a making stuff post for a while, but two are probably going to come along at once. The first week of February was Children’s Mental Health week in the UK and so school gave us two Zoom free days. Mostly, that meant the boys watched a lot of TV and played on … Continue reading Making Stuff 16: Chocolate Banana Cake
Marley’s Cards: a valentine’s story
The wonderful Eric at The Thoughtful Beggar asked me to write this for Valentine’s day 2021. Well, here was a turn up for the books. A bright sunny morning as spring was starting to think about kicking into action, breakfast was almost finished and Sam had run off to play with his Christmas Lego. Dad … Continue reading Marley’s Cards: a valentine’s story
RED January Review
I already shared some pictures of my RED January efforts. Its the first time that I’ve participated in an effort like that, I did some last year but not officially and didn’t run every day. I quite wanted to look back and reflect on how I coped, what I learned and plan what I’m going … Continue reading RED January Review
Lessons in Loss 7: Four-legged Friend
Today’s post comes from the kind and generous Brenda at My Angel’s Voice. Losing my four-legged friend We have and will always experience different types of loss in our lives. Not one is more important than the other…nor will they be without tremendous heartache. But for me. this loss was almost more than I had … Continue reading Lessons in Loss 7: Four-legged Friend
Things I don’t have time for
What with all this home learning and working and the recent spate of regular running, I’ve found that its really hard to fit in all the things. Add to this all the lovely kind people who are sharing extra bits and bobs that might “help” keep us occupied and I’m finding that I’m ignoring lots … Continue reading Things I don’t have time for
December 2020/January 2021 Reading
I’ve decided to do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling It really good and told me all about the world of … Continue reading December 2020/January 2021 Reading
Boy3’s Second Anniversary
Today is the second anniversary of baby boy3 being born. I’m finding things harder this year. With all the busy-ness and stress of working and home learning and me doing RED January, I’ve barely had a moment to pause and take stock. I’m not in a place where I have much that I can put … Continue reading Boy3’s Second Anniversary
RED January in Pictures
If you follow me over on Instagram, you probably won’t have managed to avoid noticing that I’ve been taking part in RED January. Its been a very interesting month to venture out every day, we’ve had some wet weather, some snowy weather, some very cold weather, some dreadful weather, and some really hard runs in … Continue reading RED January in Pictures
Interviewing my kids
I saw a post by Damion at The Northern Dad where he interviewed his kids. I’ve always liked those Facebook Q&A posts to see what funny things our kids say, so I asked and Damion kindly allowed me to steal his idea. The Interview Process We were sitting around the kitchen table, the boys eating … Continue reading Interviewing my kids
Review: Our Kids’ Best Christmas Gifts
As usual the boys got plenty of interesting gifts for Christmas and large boy’s birthday. Rather than telling anyone what we thought of them straight away, I decided to wait until we’d played with them for a while and then do some reviews. Blokus Small boy got Blokus for Christmas from himself’s sister (purchased from … Continue reading Review: Our Kids’ Best Christmas Gifts
Lessons in Loss 6: Losing My Hair
Today’s post comes from the wonderful Michelle at Boomer Eco Crusader. Her blog is a beautiful combination of sage advice, contemplations on health and wellbeing, and touching lessons learned from personal experience. Losing my hair First, a big thank you to Smelly Socks and Garden Peas for asking me to be part of this series. … Continue reading Lessons in Loss 6: Losing My Hair
Scooby Memories
We recently said goodbye to our second Subaru Impreza. Himself has had a long history of affection for scoobies, so he’s going to help write this post. He’s a self-confessed petrolhead, long since a member of various web forums, lover of Top Gear and The Grand Tour, huge consumer of motor racing autobiographies, and if … Continue reading Scooby Memories
Small Joys Tag
Even with all the challenges of 2020, Christmas is a time to be joyful. A big thank you to Michelle from Boomer Eco Crusader for tagging me in the Small Joys Tag. This is a fun tag where I get to share 15 things, and 5 bloggers, that make me happy and bring joy to my … Continue reading Small Joys Tag
Home Learning Round Two
Ding ding ding, seconds out! We’re on our own again, well sort of. As everyone suspected would be the case, English schools closed for the spring term. No, not at the end of the winter term, during the holidays, or just before reopening. No, they closed after one day of the children being back – … Continue reading Home Learning Round Two
Lessons in Loss 5: Musical Interlude
This post is short and simple, inspired by Liz Kershaw on BBC Radio 6 Music discussing Bruce Springsteen’s new album: A Letter to You. I was listening to this show while running not long after I decided to start a series on Lessons in Loss and it really connected with me. A Letter to You … Continue reading Lessons in Loss 5: Musical Interlude
Reflecting on 2020
A year ago I wrote my first looking forward post to 2020. After the awful, disastrous year we had in 2019 I didn’t ask for much. I’m not making resolutions – I just want 2020 to be less painful than 2019 please. Please. And, well, 2020 was certainly a rollercoaster but it wasn’t as painful … Continue reading Reflecting on 2020
Silver Linings
Tens of millions infected. More than a million dead. Businesses crippled. Nearly everyone’s lives upended in ways great and small. All because of COVID-19, which made 2020 a terrible year even for those of us lucky enough to have not been personally touched by the virus. But as we enter 2021 — with all the … Continue reading Silver Linings
Here comes 2021
A year ago I wrote my first looking forward post to 2020. After the awful, disastrous year we had in 2019 I didn’t ask for much. I’m not making resolutions – I just want 2020 to be less painful than 2019 please. Please. And, well, 2020 was certainly a rollercoaster but it wasn’t as painful … Continue reading Here comes 2021
Finding Weakness
Or “I’m not as strong as you think I am” We all see post and self-help articles, memes and books, every day that tell us we are strong, that we are stronger than we believe, that we can find our inner strength in adversity. Well, here I’m talking about the opposite. Sometimes we do find … Continue reading Finding Weakness
My Favourite Christmas Posts 2020
I haven’t taken part in Blogmas this year, the organizational mountain required is just too intimidating. It looks so much fun though, so maybe next year you’ll find me planning Christmas advice in August… or maybe not. Anyway, I would love to share some of the lovely Christmas posts I’ve read by other bloggers over … Continue reading My Favourite Christmas Posts 2020
An ode to my pyjamas
In the days before, when things weren’t strange Pyjamas were bedtime attire, Useful and needed for warmth in the dark Keeping us cosy in the cold of the night. . But hiding indoors away from all people In isolation, quiet and calmness or chaos Grasping for connection and missing old faces, We’ll take any comfort. … Continue reading An ode to my pyjamas
Some Christmas Tags
The Christmas Tag The wonderful Undaunted Adventure has created a lovely new Christmas Tag to share some love between us bloggers. I’m totally thrilled to be nominated in the kick off post. Then a little while later the fabulous Chehak at ChehakChirps and the lovely Gemma at This Brit’s Life tagged me too. The Christmas … Continue reading Some Christmas Tags
Christmas Treat Recipes
I’m trying really hard to get into the spirit of Christmas. It just feels too early still. My brother’s birthday is early December, so I grew up with Christmas not being thought of until after he’d had a celebration. Now large boy’s birthday is around the same time and we do the same thing. The … Continue reading Christmas Treat Recipes
And now he’s nine
This time of year always brings a nostalgia trip for me, as I write this its the 9th anniversary of my waters breaking and being still four days away from meeting large boy. Remembering that first labour, the total lack of respect for my plan shown by our bodies. The complete naivety about birth, sleep, … Continue reading And now he’s nine
Lessons in Loss 3: A Poem
This poem comes from Ingrid at Experiments in Fiction, it was first published on her site in October 2020 and she’s kindly allowed me to share it again here. I love Ingrid’s poetry for its honesty and clarity; her wonderful blog combines her artistic use of words, cuisine and windows into her life. 30 Years … Continue reading Lessons in Loss 3: A Poem
November 2020 Reading
I’ve decided to do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy The Miserable Mill by Lemony Snicket He’s watched the whole TV series on Netflix and the first couple of books, he … Continue reading November 2020 Reading
Inclusion – a how to
Warning: I’m just going to dive right in here, no gentle preamble or stories about silly things the boys did. The issues around inclusion and unconscious bias (as well as just basic exclusion based on gender, race, social position, education, religion, and orientation or identity) are a bit of a bug bear for me. From … Continue reading Inclusion – a how to
Thanksgiving 2020
We live in the UK, so for us Thanksgiving is usually some far off celebration that doesn’t mean very much to us, not unlike Bastille Day or Indian Independence Day. For me, it means a lovely quiet week at work as my company has a large presence in California and the North East of the … Continue reading Thanksgiving 2020
Lessons in Loss 2: Old Friendships
This post comes from Tom at The Doubting Thomas. Does Losing Friends Mean You Should Lose Yourself? When I was asked if I wanted to write a post focusing on our reactions to losses, I had to think long and hard about what I was going to do; I guess I’ve been fortunate enough not … Continue reading Lessons in Loss 2: Old Friendships
Homemade Advent Calendar
Last year I used a beautiful fabric advent calendar that my mum made to plan out a set of activities for the boys. Of course they didn’t all go quite as planned, but we had a great time not eating chocolate. Previous years I’ve been more organised and bought them each a little something each … Continue reading Homemade Advent Calendar
Emotional Football
Or “why watching football with your dad is important for boys”. (Where “dad” means father figure, male respected adult, whatever, just someone not in the “soft and fuzzy” stereotype.) Now, I’m sure that anyone who has read this blog for a while knows that I’m fiercely anti-stereotypes and pro-equality and fairness in the face of … Continue reading Emotional Football
Blogger Recognition Award
Blogger to blogger awards are such a supportive way of showing our appreciation for each other and the work that other bloggers do. I’ve been lucky enough to be nominated for a few other awards in the past, you can access them here: Awards. Each time I’ve been hugely flattered and grateful for the opportunity … Continue reading Blogger Recognition Award
Remembering
11 November 2020 They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morningWe will remember them. Today I’m remembering the fallen, the sacrifices, the efforts of those involved in and affected by war. I’m remembering … Continue reading Remembering
Keep Up!
How to go for an autumnal walk with the kids in, well, a whole bunch of easy catch phrases. Right, wellies on! Do your coats up, don’t want to freeze. Don’t run across the car park. How can you need a wee? You went before we left. Keep up with Dad please. Watch where you’re … Continue reading Keep Up!
Lessons in Loss
I think about loss from time to time, as you probably know if you’re a regular reader over here. I’ve discussed recovery from loss of a baby and other people’s reactions. But, we don’t only struggle or grieve over the loss of a person – whether they were fully-formed or not. Sometimes loss is part … Continue reading Lessons in Loss
Rite of passage: Watching Top Gear
Does that sound a bit ridiculous? Well, I would have said so too until himself suggested that since its half term and large boy is almost 9 and the clocks went back so it’s not such a late night, would large boy like to stay up and watch Top Gear with us this week. A … Continue reading Rite of passage: Watching Top Gear
Review: Photowall Canvas
Disclaimer: The canvas and frame were gifted to us for the purpose of this review, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. I’m the first to admit that I don’t really have very much idea about interior design. We’ve renovated a kitchen in a previous house and two bathrooms here – I just don’t … Continue reading Review: Photowall Canvas
Lessons in Loss 4: Rosary Beads
This post comes from one of the wonderful folk at T.B.C. Rosary Beads Allow me to set the scene. In the past four years I have visited Iraq five times. Four of the visits have been for charitable purposes and to take part in a widely unknown pilgrimage called ‘Arba’een’. Arbaeen is the largest annual … Continue reading Lessons in Loss 4: Rosary Beads
Lessons in Loss 1: Y
First up, is Lovely Bill from A Silly Place. Losing my Y First of all, many thanks to Smelly Socks and Garden Peas for inviting me to take part. I greatly enjoy her blog, and she’s a great supporter of what I do over at A Silly Place. So here goes … When I went … Continue reading Lessons in Loss 1: Y
October 2020 Reading
I’ve decided to do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy Artemis Fowl Artemis is this rich kid who captures and studies fairies and robs banks. He gets attacked by the fairy … Continue reading October 2020 Reading
Sunshine Blogger Award 2
What is the Sunshine Blogger Award? The Sunshine Blogger Award is a peer-recognition award given by bloggers to other super creative, talented, and entertaining bloggers. It is an excellent way of opening yourself to the community and your readers and brings overall positivity to the blogging community. It’s a great feeling to know that other … Continue reading Sunshine Blogger Award 2
Beautiful imperfections
A sunflower whose petals aren’t formed quite right The dewy spiders web with a strand missing The husband who can’t stack tupperware The colouring that goes outside the lines A storyteller who can’t find the right words A stunning landscape on a cloudy day The friend too absorbed in their own troubles The faded design … Continue reading Beautiful imperfections
Baby Loss Awareness Week 2020
It’s Baby Loss Awareness Week. On Thursday 15th October 2020, it’s a special day to remember our babies we didn’t get to keep and raise awareness. I’ll either be taking the day off social media or muting some topics. It’s vitally important that we raise awareness of baby and infant loss and miscarriage. Families that … Continue reading Baby Loss Awareness Week 2020
Hallotober Tag
Exciting Halloween fun for all Bloggers Who doesn’t love a bloggers tag. This Hallotober tag is spooky Halloween fun for bloggers to join in with. It is perfect for those who love this time of year or if you’re joining in with Blogtober this year. The Rules Thank the person who tagged you and link … Continue reading Hallotober Tag
Guilt in the time of COVID
This is one of those random musings posts that I started writing my blog for. Letting the thoughts out of my head. We’re all used to mummy guilt, or parenting guilt. We feel like we aren’t doing enough, or we aren’t doing it well enough, we’re missing things or our kids are missing out or … Continue reading Guilt in the time of COVID
Making stuff 15: gin bottling and jam (2020)
Last year I had a marathon session making jam and chutney and kicking off the gin. The fruit stays steeping in the gin for at least a month, then its bottling time. This year, I wasn’t planning to make any jam, there’s still a cupboard full from last autumn. However, the elderberry laden trees at … Continue reading Making stuff 15: gin bottling and jam (2020)
One of those days
One of those days where every little thing seems hard or stressful or goes wrong. One of those days where no one else is getting things right either. One of those days when the boys share a sofa and end up kicking and twisting each other’s feet. One of those days when you take three … Continue reading One of those days
The homework dilemma
I know homework for primary school children can be a contentious topic. In 2017 an OFSTED report stated that more than 30% of parents don’t think its helpful. Indeed, its recently caused lots of chat in large boy’s class parent’s Facebook group. I certainly found in year 1 that there was a lot to deal … Continue reading The homework dilemma
September 2020 Reading
I’ve decided to do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy North Child by Edith Pattou A child, Rose, meets a polar bear who used to be a man but trolls enchanted … Continue reading September 2020 Reading
Modern day corsets
Warning: I’m feeling a bit ranty. If you disagree with this post, please don’t take it as a judgement or personal attack. I use my blog as an outlet for random thoughts and this is one of those posts. I’ve been seeing these adverts all over on Instagram lately. Adverts for body shaping solutions, basically … Continue reading Modern day corsets
Le Mans 24 Hours 2020: Our Picks
The delayed Le Mans 24 hours race takes place at the Circuit de la Sarthe this weekend (19-20 September 2020). We missed it in June and the experience this weekend has been rather odd – no crowds, no smoke from the campsite barbecues wafting around, and of course much more racing in darkness in September … Continue reading Le Mans 24 Hours 2020: Our Picks
Veggie harvest report
After my progress report a couple of months ago and as we’re nearing the end of vegetable growing season for us, I figured its time for a report on the harvest. I love growing veggies. I’ll never forget the first year that I grew 5 courgette plants in a sun blessed garden and a friend … Continue reading Veggie harvest report
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