tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63702513259309356422024-02-19T01:38:20.435+00:00Slightly out of steptrillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-29507067001952727152012-10-27T23:07:00.001+01:002012-10-27T23:07:29.754+01:00From bed to classroom; How do you get to school?An ode to my car. <br />
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After the alarm, the insane rush to get the kids up, dressed and breakfasted. After the packing of the car with too many bags for people and squeezing the kids in to get them to the childcare at 7.30 in the morning. After I get back in the car after settling them at nursery. After all that and before the million miles per hour life that is work, that is my time. Me and my impossibly impractical car. Me and my reliably unreliable car. My vehicle that carries me to work, when it feels like it. <br />
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My car has always embodied freedom to me. As a teenager, it was freedom to get away, to explore the world, to give me a chance to see what would become such a central part of my vocation - geography. Now a days, my car is still freedom. It's the only time I get to myself. That 40mins morning and evening between me and work. The only time in my life I am truly alone. My thinking space. I sing in the morning to warm my voice up for the working day but I also sing coz it makes me happy. <br />
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My car is unpredictable. It has moods. It has broken down...many times but most notably it broke down both times I had a baby. It got postnatal depression. It also threatened to catch fire just before I had my second baby (I think it knew what was about to happen). I had to call the fire bridge and everything but it's ok. It still works, sometimes.<br />
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I plan in my car. I come up with mad cap schemes that end up really pushing forward my department. Sometimes I wish I could catch a train, to get more work done, to actually get to work on time on the odd occasion but, at the end of the day, I think my car has become more a part of the school than I have. Everyone knows my car. When I returned from my second maternity leave one guy didn't say welcome back to me but he said it was nice to see my car back in the car park. My car represents the unpredictability of my profession. It reminds me that it doesn't matter how annoying, unreliable and down right inconvenient some things can be in teaching, everything has its worth. Everything and everyone is worthy of time and effort. <br />
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So that is how I get from bed to work, in my annoying, unreliable, scary, glorious and joyful old classic mini.trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-28688935863361399112011-09-20T10:08:00.001+01:002011-09-20T10:08:19.646+01:00No Christmas stuff before remembrance day pleaseMy twitter followers will probably recognise my annual Christmas related rant but it really does annoy me. <br />
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I know this is a much said thing but Christmas gets earlier and earlier every year. Now I love Christmas More and more each year as I now have children to share it with which makes it extra special but really, as soon as the 'back to school' stuff was out of the shops, in went the Christmas stuff this year. <br />
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My birthday is in October and I remember being annoyed if Christmas stuff was around then but being in the shops now is stupid. Where will the Halloween stuff go? but there is an issue more important than that. <br />
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As someone who used to play in a marching band in a military area of the country, remembrance day was and still is important. Marching the veterans through the town under Christmas lights was wrong and disrespectful to the memory of those who died fighting for the safety and values of this country. <br />
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We have plenty of time to get ready for Christmas after November the eleventh. There's nothing to stop us quietly preparing for Christmas without all the tat in the shops (I have to admit that I have started my Christmas preparations as I'll have very little time closest to Christmas). But I don't need the endless round of commercialism or Christmas Muzak in every public space I enter to make sure I'm ready for the big day. <br />
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So ladies and gentlemen, I implore you to join me in my campaign to get Christmas stuff out of the shops until after November 11th. As one person on twitter pointed out; who needs an advent calendar at the beginning of September anyway?trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-10210406088582762002011-09-17T10:12:00.002+01:002011-09-17T10:14:12.368+01:00Tests, tests and yet more testsThe uk government have just announced the roll out of tests for 5-6 yr olds to check that they can do phonics properly. The test takes the form of the children being taken out of a class for ten minutes to read a series of real and made up words. <br />
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I object to this on a number of levels. Firstly, as a parent I don't want my daughters having to go through tests at five. No matter how you dress it up, if theres a test sooner or later schools will be judged on it and if school are judged on it they will change how they present it to the kids. I trust the teachers I give my daughters to and I know they will tell me if they're doing well or need a bit of a boost.<br />
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Secondly, I don't believe this test will help reading standards in the slightest. All this test will do is suggest whether kids and put letter sound together. Being able to read in a functional way is much more than that and so really all this test is doing is forcing schools to teach reading in one particular style. Phonics is good but it's not the god of all reading techniques. My three year old is already learning to read and it's got bog all to do with phonics coz we haven't been 'teaching' her. Phonics is massively flawed in some respects particularly if you have a regional accent. <br />
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So what is this really about? Is it about making sure all kids can read (which this test won't do)? is it about a government who fundamentally doesn't trust teachers? Is it a London centric educational establishment trying to undermine regional variations? I don't know but I bet it's got a hell of a lot more to do with political whim than what's best for kids. For goodness sake, the counties with the best educational outcomes don't even start formal education until seven but we're going to be testing our kids two years earlier!<br />
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Well, one thing this has done is given me a question to ask the primary schools I'm going to be visiting in the run up to applying for my three year olds place for next year: Dear schools, I don't want my daughter taking that test, or SATs for that matter, do I have the option to opt them out?trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-57416771507271806852011-09-09T15:26:00.001+01:002011-09-09T15:26:08.854+01:00How typical!2 days ago I invested in an iPad app to help me blog. Today I discover the blogger app has been released for free!<br />
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So in honour of very randomness, this is a blog with a picture of a steam train. Nice. <br />
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Normal blogs will resume shortly ;)<br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3Q08Qo-yGHvJtl5GpPMpRyeYjjXqhSLStcOUEMNxDFNlXiBA7IjAnGvglgVmGrpzt2xRT_OPwU0oR67Ez1y1GVsGq1jDo_6KehehwVJVeVVdg2U_ghfod6uaaVJrysn2DoAORBZ3sQU4/s640/blogger-image-71053363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3Q08Qo-yGHvJtl5GpPMpRyeYjjXqhSLStcOUEMNxDFNlXiBA7IjAnGvglgVmGrpzt2xRT_OPwU0oR67Ez1y1GVsGq1jDo_6KehehwVJVeVVdg2U_ghfod6uaaVJrysn2DoAORBZ3sQU4/s640/blogger-image-71053363.jpg" /></a></div>trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-91142882281437080122011-09-06T13:05:00.001+01:002011-09-06T13:05:25.047+01:00A few lovely iPad Apps <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>I'm still getting to know my beautiful iPad. If you're wondering whether to get one I would say yes, as soon as you can. I fought the urge for a year but in the end I caved and it was well worth it. I can't compare my iPad 2 to the original but this one is lovely.<br><br>I got some good advice app wise from a friend which got me up and going but part of the joy of the whole idevise thing is just browsing the app store. The kind of apps that appeal to you will differ from me but here are a few that I have found joyful. <br><br>A quick disclaimer; I'm still getting to grips with the iPad so I've worked out how to attach photos but not how to embed them in the blog nicely, hence all the screen shots are at the bottom of this post. Secondly, these are purely apps that have made me feel happy, calm or just nice. I am not claiming that they are useful in anyway (although if they are, that's a nice bonus).<br><br>Living earth HD<br>Fundamentally this is a global weather app. It tells you current weather, weather forecast for the coming week, sunrise and set times and the time at the location you have searched for, but this app is presented beautifully. It shows the real time cloud cover across the earth and for the areas of the earth that are at night, it shows the inhabited areas as they are lit up with street lights etc. The screen shot below is of the third hurricane in the atlanic that I've seen since having the app for less than a week. Oh, you can also set it as an alarm which is very cool in my opinion.<br><br>Music ball<br>This really is the most gentle little app. Basically the premise is that when you touch the screen a coloured ball appears and starts to fall. When it hits the side, it makes a little sound and then bounces up until it hits the top etc. With each bounce it gets fainter and quieter. This creates the kind of gentle tingly music you'd expect to hear in a health spa. but the best thing about this app is if you own a baby. There are many apps for toddlers but, I suppose understandably, there is not much out there for babies to interact with. This app is perfect. Noises that attract, little coloured balls to try and grab, it really is like nectar to a baby. The only thing I need to do now, is convince my 8 month old to use her hands on the screen instead of her face.<br><br>Google earth<br>Now, as a geographer I got over google earth about 4 or 5 years ago. I can be so precise because the last time I looked at it was to check out a resort we were going to on holiday. At the time, google earth only had a very long range view and it didn't impress me at all. However, I downloaded this app last night and promptly wasted a good three hours scooting round the earth. The usability on iPad is fab and it's so much better than years past. The links to photographs and wiki logs have been particularly absorbing. The satellite images have also been updated although I would say they are still a good few years out, depending on which part of the earth you wish to view. It's just a brilliant way to explore the earth if you can't afford or be bothered to travel.<br><br>There are many many more cool and interesting apps with specific uses but these are the ones (so far) that I have found to be truly good for my mental health!</p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNs3Y6_gpI5-44vDdWWD_MDPxt0e7GjqWBUtgjEsS9hEYDvtL0jgKf1qJzqjOumslBRuGp6mtUcajce_ATrH22ExKt4yJi91TMja6howS2mxwin41qL3hUNflRDl8dBsfchuApAfUUfmw/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuLT0pIM0d0UmtdnFmR31jR6tigQ67JxpObBE-dPvfaoQx223aKPiwWoR3GuOOsmu-VpVP6RJf7dy4V2w4XCByQ9AZFMJn1-TvxpSYWN8wUhmIM4SMKbmcGeRPVopZfku-EeN6cHc17g6/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxx6_2Na8CMWEmzKUt3TylMaxMZwXZ3nFS-57aE_W0n19tM6RzHCOYlse8T1KHiSQzEJEgFxnIqoIAGKiPiHiQtBUBmP9XJDn5hrhyphenhyphenhUBV564HXwB4oKngfUsWS20Qpfq3xNr5ZKTgmIo1/' ></img></div></p>trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-80097648178724556562011-09-04T09:05:00.000+01:002011-09-04T09:05:27.175+01:00It's been a while!I've not blogged for a while because I got the feeling that I just didn't have very much to say. It's not that my life has been boring, in fact we've been really busy, it's just that I didn't think it was hugely interesting to the outside world for a while. <br />
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We've been busy doing the rounds of baby activities and the over the summer holiday we had a nice holiday in the Isle of Man, which I will chat about at some point. But the biggest news in my world is that I got an iPad last Tuesday. It's lovely and so I shall do a blog about that soon too.<br />
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I'm still on maternity leave until October 31st so I'm going to enjoy it as much as I can before I have to face up to having to work through until retirement now.<br />
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trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-48323013491526025362011-04-30T12:01:00.000+01:002011-04-30T12:01:07.891+01:00Thoughts on turning 3Little i has been 3 for nearly 2 weeks now and it suddenly struck me today just what a leap this society gives to the age of 3.<br />
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Two weeks ago, little i was banned from certain toys that were considered too small for 2 year olds to handle without choking themselves. A 2 year old is stupid and must be protected from themselves. I went into classes with her as 2 years olds are unruly and a little bit mental but also easily scared and shy so need one to one assistance from their parents. Little i was never like this really. She never tried to choke herself on toys and had always treated me like a driver coz as soon as we got into the classes, she would clear off!<br />
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But all of a sudden, literally over night, little i is 3 and a responsible member of the human race. I am not longer required in tumble tots classes and this morning she started ballet, which is a class I will never get to accompany her in. And typically, she took the hand of the teacher and cleared off into the class for 45mins without even saying good bye! She is now allowed beads and other small articles and I've discovered that she can thread very well.<br />
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I know this is all part of growing up but I had no idea that 3 was as significant a birthday as 17 and suddenly being allowed to drive or 18 and becoming a legal drinker. So parents of 2 year olds, celebrate this milestone and revel in the discovery of just how much your newly 3 year old can do even though they weren't allowed the day before.trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-41597296507858392502011-04-24T16:08:00.000+01:002011-04-24T16:08:45.401+01:00Little i's 3rd birthdayThe day after the party was little i's actual birthday. I am now the owner of a three year old! We spent the morning opening presents and taking a visit from the grand parents.<br />
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She had asked for a camera so that was one of the first presents she opened. We'd checked out all the kiddie cameras which come at about £50 each but she had one of those a few years ago for christmas and it was rubbish for a number of reasons.<br />
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1) it ate batteries like they were going out of fashion<br />
2) it was massive<br />
3) it had a load of stupid functions on it that meant that she could easily switch it to stupid hat mode, which ruined some great pics and<br />
4) we took it to Honk Kong last summer and it broke.<br />
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So, after some expert advice from uncle A we went for a cheap digital camera which went down a storm with little i. Her first photo was of her sister.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpyF-m1y4uabx8VIz0EnexMgGSPBhtz4JtZ-B8ut5ihs_okjSgNn68c2nkFFwr9p3_wr3UmdfuBi2E6ohjZgl_YCqqGXzIwLDF2IHAF4gksdF2D4ROaJ_j-1_VigkLx_J0QO4aIl43FSD/s1600/P1040170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpyF-m1y4uabx8VIz0EnexMgGSPBhtz4JtZ-B8ut5ihs_okjSgNn68c2nkFFwr9p3_wr3UmdfuBi2E6ohjZgl_YCqqGXzIwLDF2IHAF4gksdF2D4ROaJ_j-1_VigkLx_J0QO4aIl43FSD/s200/P1040170.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddelBZg5tV6-KEsOjibMJ4qnpSw-_irmK0aRCYSdkvmR-KvePeVLne4Yq2tiA9p0RqMOCpa7kjvGKkGJutoMDq5lhdwSBPJkKr9Frvv4Qs-iaqblkJxEluTI17dmK80TF9z6CU4vFWMYZ/s1600/P1040172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddelBZg5tV6-KEsOjibMJ4qnpSw-_irmK0aRCYSdkvmR-KvePeVLne4Yq2tiA9p0RqMOCpa7kjvGKkGJutoMDq5lhdwSBPJkKr9Frvv4Qs-iaqblkJxEluTI17dmK80TF9z6CU4vFWMYZ/s200/P1040172.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
We also got her a cornet. It's just a cheap second hand one from ebay. She's been playing our french horns for a while but they're big and a little expensive for a toddler to be playing with so we got her an instrument of her own.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOvpNjc126h82NCzYOAhnTX2j5xlvN5kIHzEQIIAvf49ajxCVxkkh3EFSHwtB1cb1hnDx4DsAW0aR_VgAT6dNN7UdeTDMw-xtvfoZe9ck2jfKurLIcliTJIjzHD9O81bVruYBFTIj7niX/s1600/P1040184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOvpNjc126h82NCzYOAhnTX2j5xlvN5kIHzEQIIAvf49ajxCVxkkh3EFSHwtB1cb1hnDx4DsAW0aR_VgAT6dNN7UdeTDMw-xtvfoZe9ck2jfKurLIcliTJIjzHD9O81bVruYBFTIj7niX/s320/P1040184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To be honest, this didn't go down as well as the pom poms a friend got her, which she calls bom boms for some reason but she loves them none the less.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgVUzLuBC-Wgrb8QCIi3QeEKYe5ykE-DiUHEinYkD406dhwq4huupidk4fnQceYRkWqcxhN1au8tOlYSPHkIl6sun7X5HtvTHFjsJU6Pvez6oAEXXEeEStutx_lhGTxSqe0nw4ohvCtX0/s1600/P1040200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgVUzLuBC-Wgrb8QCIi3QeEKYe5ykE-DiUHEinYkD406dhwq4huupidk4fnQceYRkWqcxhN1au8tOlYSPHkIl6sun7X5HtvTHFjsJU6Pvez6oAEXXEeEStutx_lhGTxSqe0nw4ohvCtX0/s320/P1040200.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>We waited to show her my mum and dads present until they came round. We all went into to garden to find...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2TJi_hQDs6tMLGe3fDiacbbcQ3UeStnXgfbO-D9dhrOOs9zcTndcYu9soOWyTRq3kl7Q7JLW6I-6Vziml_QtY3mVLZPnSNSyWL455kOeSg9PixeRoRWVBEgBzKm3Z4yeVFBSkNuPYbr8/s1600/P1040215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2TJi_hQDs6tMLGe3fDiacbbcQ3UeStnXgfbO-D9dhrOOs9zcTndcYu9soOWyTRq3kl7Q7JLW6I-6Vziml_QtY3mVLZPnSNSyWL455kOeSg9PixeRoRWVBEgBzKm3Z4yeVFBSkNuPYbr8/s320/P1040215.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>A trampoline YAY! The best thing about this present is that I can go on it too! Little i has been on it every day since. She has boundless energy and we thought this would help tire her out but it hasn't she just bounces on it for hours.<br />
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Little m took in the days events in her usual style<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Za7UPpPN_dI8BrZ1Affdp7rSkty29wKyHvM33xowj0d9qdDZY_1C0TQe1GO_K-Q_AArVDrLdbp7K7GLZhTOnTEirkMCkflzAjKKqWn96alrsdQW7oW4ChhhpG4apG1kLgTxH8bk0A7yI/s1600/P1040221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Za7UPpPN_dI8BrZ1Affdp7rSkty29wKyHvM33xowj0d9qdDZY_1C0TQe1GO_K-Q_AArVDrLdbp7K7GLZhTOnTEirkMCkflzAjKKqWn96alrsdQW7oW4ChhhpG4apG1kLgTxH8bk0A7yI/s320/P1040221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The birthday treat was to go<a href="http://www.national-ice-centre.com/"> ice skating in Nottingham</a>. Little i is very good with a penguin to hold her up but we discovered that she's also good without a penguin, I think she just kids on that she needs a penguin coz she likes the look of it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOBVUtNDTTRDE-LdourA31GO3CvqTwyLEJoaBWxbdzsuR2xmkF8OmyUMNTgUt6IEsTQ1hodYi9jAVeAxMmWbgySg6XvJJjnZ4kpskFQEGg4Q9wV24Fjesi3Es252RGuolAWxyOe9ZtE6G/s1600/P1040259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOBVUtNDTTRDE-LdourA31GO3CvqTwyLEJoaBWxbdzsuR2xmkF8OmyUMNTgUt6IEsTQ1hodYi9jAVeAxMmWbgySg6XvJJjnZ4kpskFQEGg4Q9wV24Fjesi3Es252RGuolAWxyOe9ZtE6G/s320/P1040259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZg9OhTDPAEU3DADf9woTPxaSEKeLTdeD7SrPKUd77vp0lQr51Pyx7HhR6709No4RL0ZRc4iyRzEUG8y3OBwXvTPvJeE7APbtlmfsD4iFvkQ-0r8Ff8CMS5_ZXTmu3Cs_KzyYHI_uI9mqz/s1600/P1040273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZg9OhTDPAEU3DADf9woTPxaSEKeLTdeD7SrPKUd77vp0lQr51Pyx7HhR6709No4RL0ZRc4iyRzEUG8y3OBwXvTPvJeE7APbtlmfsD4iFvkQ-0r8Ff8CMS5_ZXTmu3Cs_KzyYHI_uI9mqz/s320/P1040273.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>We went with little i's supportive adult - which doesn't sound anywhere near so good as god parent but is the non religious version - and her daughter.<br />
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We finished the day with a trip to Toys R Us to get Robs dads' present to little i and spend some birthday money. She's got £15 and managed to get 3 babies and a sweet shop with it! For the first time she actually gave her dolls names too. We have hannah/anna, inna and honey.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2H9Y2W5ddKJyuaxO-x60nreKkmdgCJlsgPz8V2c2b5PkoQF_rhnWBvxl9FrpvpA1rO3jp4uMCA5_PY5TP6OrDD_GIv-iAhVzFAS-Ln7F3ZUbc7jUf3MvmvB8OcXX1bUMsfS1M-McPfmH/s1600/P1040278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2H9Y2W5ddKJyuaxO-x60nreKkmdgCJlsgPz8V2c2b5PkoQF_rhnWBvxl9FrpvpA1rO3jp4uMCA5_PY5TP6OrDD_GIv-iAhVzFAS-Ln7F3ZUbc7jUf3MvmvB8OcXX1bUMsfS1M-McPfmH/s320/P1040278.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The last present, from Robs dad, was her first bike. She was gently guided to a nice purple one and the moment she saw it she called it 'her most perfect bike'. It's taken her a few days to get into it as she's been distracted by the trampoline but yesterday we went on a walk on the cycle track. It has a bridge that goes over the dual carriage way and we discovered that she could pedal quite successfully down hill. once she got the theory, she was away and cycled most of the way home. We tried again today and she's totally got it. It's very cute because she wiggles from side to side as she's peddling.<br />
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So there we go. i am now the proud owner of a three year old. I'll finish with a few pics of the day from little i's new camera.<br />
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Little i's first picture with the new camera<br />
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The trampoline<br />
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Family taken from the trampoline<br />
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Vending machine at the ice skating<br />
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Hannah/anna the new baby on the new bike<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Lc_YFxP8-ARSt0ggAV19HKOGzQmvBNY_nmVqWYG2Fq7XNSwm9UMZKSBbELSOCCEsPLLYgzGKzZoTu7rrMV2jUDbalpDUo6xhhzPs2ho4c6xexCcXarkLmnUnFdF2IcuRbrPCY_ObM63j/s1600/PICT0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Lc_YFxP8-ARSt0ggAV19HKOGzQmvBNY_nmVqWYG2Fq7XNSwm9UMZKSBbELSOCCEsPLLYgzGKzZoTu7rrMV2jUDbalpDUo6xhhzPs2ho4c6xexCcXarkLmnUnFdF2IcuRbrPCY_ObM63j/s320/PICT0026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-82074837866353497972011-04-23T22:52:00.000+01:002011-04-23T22:52:41.015+01:00Little I's birthday partyLast weekend we celebrated little i's birthday. Little i's clever. Always has been. This is her helping to pack away after her first birthday party:<br />
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But this is the first year she got excited about it weeks in advance. She chose who to invite and what food she wanted. Although the invites didn't go entirely to plan as she wanted her DS and doll to get an invite too.<br />
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We had some help setting up from Uncle A. scary man but good at blowing up balloons. Blowing them up and then popping them afterwards!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAoNbI2Dod9INJqgJkPj__qAXq-xiJ_9dk-752HJGXN_zxfb1Tbu1PzhckBHFiv2avvv2pmTiBSSoxc-tu362LkpyQQe3BLuxb8wm31XlnigJOS0jDT-B9whmhvKBvsJwy67llGRX_M7j/s1600/P1040121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAoNbI2Dod9INJqgJkPj__qAXq-xiJ_9dk-752HJGXN_zxfb1Tbu1PzhckBHFiv2avvv2pmTiBSSoxc-tu362LkpyQQe3BLuxb8wm31XlnigJOS0jDT-B9whmhvKBvsJwy67llGRX_M7j/s320/P1040121.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWo3OQVnLqwBHuvxJJiborrNOTgdCaJC3BIcZqSSAJbBG3zMV27sFlZhAzW18rgn-XAV8fCCZxUQ_Z4Hjck2X8KTT8tnw1qGiDvdC3_Ds2m-1Q13k6MSbR2SDbgP9Eu5IWSsclGaqt0tEW/s1600/P1040122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWo3OQVnLqwBHuvxJJiborrNOTgdCaJC3BIcZqSSAJbBG3zMV27sFlZhAzW18rgn-XAV8fCCZxUQ_Z4Hjck2X8KTT8tnw1qGiDvdC3_Ds2m-1Q13k6MSbR2SDbgP9Eu5IWSsclGaqt0tEW/s320/P1040122.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Little i bummed around for a bit while she waited for her guests to arrive and little m practised being cute.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Cgzw7E5ghVB9iEgptDXEKzhej527ol43EPe6gF1q7Gr_kpT4dYulkp5DVLE8-lyNCgMI-7Wy24bsuFi6uIv1P-uNkjyyoSg4ewQt5DVufXcs370eNDECpLYOB9fyiJRVlb3Bl8nDMS63/s1600/P1040125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Cgzw7E5ghVB9iEgptDXEKzhej527ol43EPe6gF1q7Gr_kpT4dYulkp5DVLE8-lyNCgMI-7Wy24bsuFi6uIv1P-uNkjyyoSg4ewQt5DVufXcs370eNDECpLYOB9fyiJRVlb3Bl8nDMS63/s320/P1040125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHD8vhJ-EMSFrC2ahmQIHtcXJtx5bRZ9o-LwfxK_gfNr0_v4Aj7Qs9BvC69qD8p7bIcXDMapVByh6rtEygKMLkToDbIMr-O7MU89Pwktue_ckyp6dIGq8c0OfedYAjryUl2PAJ_I6rPov/s1600/P1040127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHD8vhJ-EMSFrC2ahmQIHtcXJtx5bRZ9o-LwfxK_gfNr0_v4Aj7Qs9BvC69qD8p7bIcXDMapVByh6rtEygKMLkToDbIMr-O7MU89Pwktue_ckyp6dIGq8c0OfedYAjryUl2PAJ_I6rPov/s320/P1040127.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Eventually it was time to get going. After a suitable period for the kids to run around and go mental they all settled down with Elizabeth from <a href="http://www.jellybeansmusic.co.uk/">Jelly beans music</a> This is one of the baby and toddler groups that I take the girls to. Little I has been going on and off (work allowing) since she was 5 weeks (should have been 4 weeks but even back then, the car let us down) and little m has been going since she was 3 weeks. They both love it and so it was an obvious choice for party entertainment. Elizabeth does classes through the local sure start centres and has produced a series of 'music in a bag' resources. From this little i has selected 2 of her favourite songs which Elizabeth included in the party play list. i was in her element surrounded by her friends.<br />
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But the party really got going when Elizabeth got the big parachute out. There weren't enough kids to support the parachute and play the games so Elizabeth got all the parents to join in. It was FAB! Kids that age love spending time with their mums and dads so when they got involved the giggle volume went up massively. There were balls flying every where then the kids went under and the parents moved the parachute up and down above their heads. The odd kid who didn't listen to the instructions got brained by the parachute making all the mums and dads giggle too! To end this section Elizabeth got all the kids into the middle of the parachute for a ride - all the parents had to run round in a circle spinning the Parachute and the kids LOVED it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUcy_jz6nBwlIJdDgQoZJN9_laSX_19uGABwqXvpCbkCLGD2My3RXrR8o3eMidlMeBWvruTQop-AmcCwTcVPzwV0k_24RrWWEGGpuFkEA3xPa8kw4LP7Lv-zvZCUZ9-NH0EjlBxZ8Zz4l/s1600/IMG00086-20110417-1516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUcy_jz6nBwlIJdDgQoZJN9_laSX_19uGABwqXvpCbkCLGD2My3RXrR8o3eMidlMeBWvruTQop-AmcCwTcVPzwV0k_24RrWWEGGpuFkEA3xPa8kw4LP7Lv-zvZCUZ9-NH0EjlBxZ8Zz4l/s320/IMG00086-20110417-1516.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiFpnPXATm-XXzsWeiwIzhYz7MHuqMaqzmKgOSY2X1PZ0TkVzppZ9nQTHqtaLiJMQCDs8zcPfFKYv-nPVw71yrh8n_XYjCeLFsT0n6WSLgvthSejERkTjDj8LiyqI_LOgzMl4QO4lfQKN/s1600/IMG00085-20110417-1512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiFpnPXATm-XXzsWeiwIzhYz7MHuqMaqzmKgOSY2X1PZ0TkVzppZ9nQTHqtaLiJMQCDs8zcPfFKYv-nPVw71yrh8n_XYjCeLFsT0n6WSLgvthSejERkTjDj8LiyqI_LOgzMl4QO4lfQKN/s320/IMG00085-20110417-1512.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After that all the adults started chatting and the kids settled down under the listening cloth to calm down abit. Finally, Elizabeth included another of little i's favourites. It's the song 'My bonny lies over the ocean' but little i changes to words to sing it to her baby sister and at the party they all sang to little m.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zZQnjwWZYYSrWKnJ9-Alow58vZGxfjnPXgNQbhO4P5_lBh3HkB_1nVqQhOVuW2aNA36_JLE7vn4aQ-31rjgvNq7Zx6ozk16vHPuL8b0shHLwKUXD9QMUFliEvfrg6Q3IEKzTgpxb3iNl/s1600/P1040145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zZQnjwWZYYSrWKnJ9-Alow58vZGxfjnPXgNQbhO4P5_lBh3HkB_1nVqQhOVuW2aNA36_JLE7vn4aQ-31rjgvNq7Zx6ozk16vHPuL8b0shHLwKUXD9QMUFliEvfrg6Q3IEKzTgpxb3iNl/s320/P1040145.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>My Dad - grand dad dim - supplied the party food and I'm sad that we didn't get a picture because the spread was brilliant! The parents again livened up when they realised there was enough for them too, the daddies were particularly pleased and many came up for 3rd's and 4th's. Gran - my mum- did a valiant job as tea lady.<br />
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I had a go at making the birthday cake. I am not a baker and even less of an artist but this is what I managed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOlT46onEr8l4xk3wTzcJvEC93v5OyQ05etQR_mnZa4-HPAb7hfM_hudjdGM87NVrveX7JHcdFRJNo200YGgzjmnU_DZKF03jcwiv6yFq8ZFR1ny1dCVKYgVe7Yj8xlIq5F7v_q6AK-p0/s1600/P1030994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOlT46onEr8l4xk3wTzcJvEC93v5OyQ05etQR_mnZa4-HPAb7hfM_hudjdGM87NVrveX7JHcdFRJNo200YGgzjmnU_DZKF03jcwiv6yFq8ZFR1ny1dCVKYgVe7Yj8xlIq5F7v_q6AK-p0/s320/P1030994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It's shrek, just in case anyone wasn't sure! Most of the kids got it although one boy did point out that shrek was wearing lip balm.<br />
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It was a fab party and little i enjoyed herself massively. After all that, the family helped pack away. We were all milling about while little m was left on a blanket on the floor. Most people had left, some were packing cars outside and mum and me were in the kitchen when I heard a mildly distressed cry from little m. I ran into the main room to find this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gI0tKJHs39sa5Oi_qNhdy8niUpFfHvBa_nrCBxu7JR-3ibR4EylW-52VSM08f6SzOiIYPsViZY-HUExLGY-IvhaAo29nIITm54v0S1ZL95MP2dTg_N4R7_nngkLvDO9t1eqd8Po8Hbbn/s1600/P1040146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gI0tKJHs39sa5Oi_qNhdy8niUpFfHvBa_nrCBxu7JR-3ibR4EylW-52VSM08f6SzOiIYPsViZY-HUExLGY-IvhaAo29nIITm54v0S1ZL95MP2dTg_N4R7_nngkLvDO9t1eqd8Po8Hbbn/s320/P1040146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After all this, little m had learned to roll over :-)<br />
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Tomorrow (or when I finally get round to it) little i's actual birthday blog.trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-76428825764024262392011-04-20T22:29:00.000+01:002011-04-20T22:29:41.932+01:00THE wedding of the month<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif58OEfv2PpxHKQeHcvY0T4d4kbZRjpPCxtiq0Mp_7SsDpP15SEnPV1hO94CYPEL7VWiopVf6wARwNzkB066i4u8EU41d_WFE1qXFZ8dIvOVWJtldNnbesbWcYQ1_U85VsoTOa4GLVtWLX/s1600/P1040048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Not the royal wedding. The wedding of my longest standing friend, Rachel. Little i and Little m got ready very carefully.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif58OEfv2PpxHKQeHcvY0T4d4kbZRjpPCxtiq0Mp_7SsDpP15SEnPV1hO94CYPEL7VWiopVf6wARwNzkB066i4u8EU41d_WFE1qXFZ8dIvOVWJtldNnbesbWcYQ1_U85VsoTOa4GLVtWLX/s1600/P1040048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif58OEfv2PpxHKQeHcvY0T4d4kbZRjpPCxtiq0Mp_7SsDpP15SEnPV1hO94CYPEL7VWiopVf6wARwNzkB066i4u8EU41d_WFE1qXFZ8dIvOVWJtldNnbesbWcYQ1_U85VsoTOa4GLVtWLX/s200/P1040048.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Nton8XTT3P_VGoz0kt94XJylHEYyv2PSJ0OScoZrQc-aKgN0LeMb9xnNE_Oz5qzdqu8i66EPHfPgGtRWEz6SvBaAuYNIhDk_QBMrvbJPyGHcZk993EIlNSOPDDwyaSEeVbf1oAXrIjqd/s1600/P1040047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Nton8XTT3P_VGoz0kt94XJylHEYyv2PSJ0OScoZrQc-aKgN0LeMb9xnNE_Oz5qzdqu8i66EPHfPgGtRWEz6SvBaAuYNIhDk_QBMrvbJPyGHcZk993EIlNSOPDDwyaSEeVbf1oAXrIjqd/s200/P1040047.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br />
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It was an amazing event. The actual wedding took place at St Denys Church which is impressively large. Rach is a musician so had friends playing organ, trumpet and piano during the service. She looked stunning and her Dad looked very proud. Little i took some arty pics of the church.<br />
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The best part, as far as I was concerned, was the fact that she managed to get our whole group of school friends together again. One of whom, I'd totally lost touch with but discovered that she's moved back into the area a year ago so we've swapped details again. She also invited our old year 7 form tutor, Miss Outram. It must be 20 years since we saw her last but she hadn't changed a bit.<br />
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After a few photos the party moved to Stoke Rochford Hall. I had no idea it was going to be so grand!<br />
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It's the location of the NUT conference centre which is just off the picture to the left. The NUT building is a hugely ugly pre-fab, given that there's such a beautiful hall just ahead! There were more photos as is always the way with weddings but armed with a glass of bubbly for us and a bouncy castle for the kids, everyone was happy. Especially little i who managed to bouncy for an hour solid.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2VhAyDiw2RrRwYPizL4v8gIcbEzlfO8p3G6pv9zoAEgLH3TYS2RzGFd67FrVUH84H-Z9-cXlsP64Uygv9tL3SgAsPc0mKKbV_TZJMu6z7niAu7SerPVGFCG98RIKbxXh6IDlXNrFFOOY/s1600/P1040109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2VhAyDiw2RrRwYPizL4v8gIcbEzlfO8p3G6pv9zoAEgLH3TYS2RzGFd67FrVUH84H-Z9-cXlsP64Uygv9tL3SgAsPc0mKKbV_TZJMu6z7niAu7SerPVGFCG98RIKbxXh6IDlXNrFFOOY/s320/P1040109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
After the wedding party received the guests we went into the dining room and found our seats. We were on a table with another good mate from school with her partner and little boy, and one of the grooms friends with his family which included another 2 year old girl and a 10 month old boy. Each child had a party bag at their seat which had individual presents in. Little I got a colouring book, craft set and bath toy. Little m got a book and bath toy. It was a lovely thoughtful touch and kept the kids amused while we were waiting for the meal. Which was lovely!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEusk6kIWKTCIxZYQB2Vo03Yf2W3J3xFjJoH5ILV9_FTdGmFL7ixS2yAez6px1xyG4nBo9MtccALJE8rPLwFaOZ-uDxTtikZFMAy59n49TZT2A0SpqhU2y7o7xGXn_-s1QrbxMLRysH9PX/s1600/P1040115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEusk6kIWKTCIxZYQB2Vo03Yf2W3J3xFjJoH5ILV9_FTdGmFL7ixS2yAez6px1xyG4nBo9MtccALJE8rPLwFaOZ-uDxTtikZFMAy59n49TZT2A0SpqhU2y7o7xGXn_-s1QrbxMLRysH9PX/s320/P1040115.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Being a veggie, this is what I had but the meaties had lamb. I found this mildly amusing as everyone had aw'ed over the little sheepies in the field on the way in and then they ATE them. Anyway - the meal was very nice with the best bit being the cheesecake. I always love a cheesecake but this one was particularly nice and creamy. The other girl seemed to approve as well as she demolished it, literally, leaving a mountain of crumbs and then scoffed the blueberry garnish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The kids had a great time running around after each other but sadly, for me, we left just before the speeches because it was getting late and we didn't want some very tired girls disturbing things. Although I know Rach's Dad will have done her proud. She's one of the nicest people I know and I'm chuffed to bits that she's found such a nice bloke who'll make her happy for the rest of her life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUr6OkpSr92feN1sgm5ua1kq9UCoGLs-atn-9ZDPAftqZtuIylleGrhTpRmrWrEAcxIEoEKvopKNw_1yRY6tpDqeQcw2rTJAO3HnwWqzWqEzSrpuUk4a6kzZdmCBTaXkCfQerj-Cqm9JL/s1600/P1040116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUr6OkpSr92feN1sgm5ua1kq9UCoGLs-atn-9ZDPAftqZtuIylleGrhTpRmrWrEAcxIEoEKvopKNw_1yRY6tpDqeQcw2rTJAO3HnwWqzWqEzSrpuUk4a6kzZdmCBTaXkCfQerj-Cqm9JL/s320/P1040116.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-39593975870599932542011-04-19T15:11:00.002+01:002011-04-19T15:20:12.185+01:00Trip to Skegness 15th AprilI have to admit, I was not in the best of moods for our trip to Skegness due to having been woken every hour during the night by one child or the other. So when we walked over the sea wall to the beach to be faced by a blooming GALE I was none to impress. But little i was in her element and immediately started digging up the beach.<br />
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She would get a spade full of sand, run towards the sea and throw the sand at the water. At which point the wind blew the sand back up the beach. Rob was in charge of putting up the sand tent while I wrapped little m up in about 15 layers to keep out the chill.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8sI2y21MTmjal8gSALoP34IX7hPRKmySHtvGaUUhHrDhBUkbgghrNUkOk0gxgrpsvGkMzyPLkDgkhomXGQ0so94xT8DJldDbP0sCLeSlg5E7-sCZzWuhGeXo6U3KYshIbdxvWiM_HoqV/s1600/P1030998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8sI2y21MTmjal8gSALoP34IX7hPRKmySHtvGaUUhHrDhBUkbgghrNUkOk0gxgrpsvGkMzyPLkDgkhomXGQ0so94xT8DJldDbP0sCLeSlg5E7-sCZzWuhGeXo6U3KYshIbdxvWiM_HoqV/s320/P1030998.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Rob then set about the sandcastle, which was the sole aim of going to Skegness. Little i had hoped for a paddle but I can't honestly say that the water looked inviting.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hJbgm7B3shLbP3k98XuwzDyy7AESEwUESXrhyCyMg8GrkV7GZ3vx50HPEIrqcr74fYtk7wHNbNxRyN38XGCrXhdJNgUCF7oH2oM2RuhyphenhyphenCoIKvvDgfj8whJpnyYZY-KsTSW5ik6gP3LmV/s1600/P1040004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hJbgm7B3shLbP3k98XuwzDyy7AESEwUESXrhyCyMg8GrkV7GZ3vx50HPEIrqcr74fYtk7wHNbNxRyN38XGCrXhdJNgUCF7oH2oM2RuhyphenhyphenCoIKvvDgfj8whJpnyYZY-KsTSW5ik6gP3LmV/s320/P1040004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Eventually, little m got fed up of the tent and wanted to touch the sand, while little i worked on the wind swept look.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfQ5ZETo3IOChJiIpd_mGvv1blru0axG-N59A1wmzhUfEJAPDqBU9QtlEw6blcYtAMCmSUHQXxGmZqixYcMIPjil45kO07R6yXa7ZDGGIv5UvYZm5dYphPrPq4ydXQdzmIP77V3jEFbPV/s1600/P1040008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfQ5ZETo3IOChJiIpd_mGvv1blru0axG-N59A1wmzhUfEJAPDqBU9QtlEw6blcYtAMCmSUHQXxGmZqixYcMIPjil45kO07R6yXa7ZDGGIv5UvYZm5dYphPrPq4ydXQdzmIP77V3jEFbPV/s320/P1040008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> A tumble weed blew past, which didn't help with my mood but there were some marginally more interesting things to be found on the beach, like this star fish - who knew there was actual wild life in the seas near Skeg?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz26fBwEy3v5o9qtSeiBBDuNnq2I6TOZ7xPiT4f2iWv_eOL78PcwDNwp_88LTUZpP6YbznZGRvTCLxYDXVKrAi_LfESV1IHXm3Nngr3NjMvkUwpzLaGhTPLE7EfqNFebH3w0yA2RDDIruP/s1600/P1040010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz26fBwEy3v5o9qtSeiBBDuNnq2I6TOZ7xPiT4f2iWv_eOL78PcwDNwp_88LTUZpP6YbznZGRvTCLxYDXVKrAi_LfESV1IHXm3Nngr3NjMvkUwpzLaGhTPLE7EfqNFebH3w0yA2RDDIruP/s320/P1040010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> But i and m enjoyed themselves and if they're happy, I can be happy. Freezing, but happy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNdfilT3GVBSLnPii5rRW-zhOqn5Gnh7OD9A9I5bKgzdmqgvavAlmNJrdC0LIRSI1KBmdF_wzy8z8WxDDYShcwcYCg1tpoW1Os-FoWF4xs1-hNPjTMwvOxkVAuuAHMEEq3ttOfCDxGvAX/s1600/P1040014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNdfilT3GVBSLnPii5rRW-zhOqn5Gnh7OD9A9I5bKgzdmqgvavAlmNJrdC0LIRSI1KBmdF_wzy8z8WxDDYShcwcYCg1tpoW1Os-FoWF4xs1-hNPjTMwvOxkVAuuAHMEEq3ttOfCDxGvAX/s320/P1040014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Little i then continued to be happy with a strawberry ice cream. I would have been happy with a hot chocolate but it was forgotten.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiT8kfzHazkV4eksjvMBkvlekqThDfBqiGTW3eVmOw2XWzp9zK-ArdVMmzfbo8TDChQ9i37fWwFMQoOvCm-XR5T8FPgE7xS2E1fAw3w-4stvGOdguuCHujV2z4RxzHt1GrLWOf47CgTAJb/s1600/P1040019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiT8kfzHazkV4eksjvMBkvlekqThDfBqiGTW3eVmOw2XWzp9zK-ArdVMmzfbo8TDChQ9i37fWwFMQoOvCm-XR5T8FPgE7xS2E1fAw3w-4stvGOdguuCHujV2z4RxzHt1GrLWOf47CgTAJb/s320/P1040019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So then we went to the <a href="http://www.skegnessnatureland.co.uk/">seal sanctuary</a>. Little M if you remember from <a href="http://slightlyoutofstep.blogspot.com/2011/02/baby-swimming-lessons.html">a previous blog</a> is a swimmer and although this feat is only achieved under water so she found the seals endlessly amusing.</div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7tthm-zgwz6VROv9tAQoyms5pPQL0HJoZiHV268WoC7nDjchKaichdb2d8RZS82lerzDbVSkYrVs_TRWpU-WWW3FnLNdtYzlDA6YTZpak3_Mol13ZAABuebS2btAf4uwiefFSB0ZNK89/s1600/P1040027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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</div> On the way back to the car, Rob decided to take little i to see their sand castle one last time. Unfortunately, the tide had come in and the castle was gone. This taught i an invaluable lesson about the tides and that was the end of our trip to Skegness.trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-39817399214252998792011-04-17T20:27:00.000+01:002011-04-17T20:27:48.608+01:00Things to come of things that have beenThis weekend has been/is being a mammoth undertaking. On Friday we went to Skegness for the day, yesterday we went to the wedding of an old school friend, today we had little i's birthday party and tomorrow is little i's actual 3rd birthday.<br />
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During the course of next week I shall do a blog for each of the days but for the time being, I have a MOUNTAIN of food left over from the party in the kitchen and 2 men in the garden trying to assemble a trampoline!<br />
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Here are a few sneeky peeks<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaIXAnBaYFT0C1Pgeztmxu1LTy2ELa8k8e0a53SjE5_vw7k-XGyh2TtYkUqNe2LCZRBNWVSI65bqSe_LT6tNN05ZLwKw0MHnawFh4ObDLNw4EG-Dx_k4C6SPJR1mNq2_OryfCGDqtLDEr/s1600/P1040017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaIXAnBaYFT0C1Pgeztmxu1LTy2ELa8k8e0a53SjE5_vw7k-XGyh2TtYkUqNe2LCZRBNWVSI65bqSe_LT6tNN05ZLwKw0MHnawFh4ObDLNw4EG-Dx_k4C6SPJR1mNq2_OryfCGDqtLDEr/s320/P1040017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiDc9PBxPXSkeduWEpwrcaXlPZJcdAi17-fdtkYwXbFYl1LN0xrtfifjtdUGn_8fTT5MXuVgYM_9qNdCQt2LF0F_OZ0wkIZw_RHpjgOMdNOBKLT1hC-aP9btOLMRg5d8Mkpi0TFLHlMN3/s1600/P1040039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiDc9PBxPXSkeduWEpwrcaXlPZJcdAi17-fdtkYwXbFYl1LN0xrtfifjtdUGn_8fTT5MXuVgYM_9qNdCQt2LF0F_OZ0wkIZw_RHpjgOMdNOBKLT1hC-aP9btOLMRg5d8Mkpi0TFLHlMN3/s320/P1040039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhbTa4WEgqgbkhBRTeJA21QQdAsKLjjQQ3HjnhQ0tB-YKn8FQFUXooHzXxOJAQswFqQAb6kb0LWJ3c-pcZvGi_J_ZZW3V0NbNanBFB_391r51m-rkko4koNkHMrpLLMPppKQGPAae7elN/s1600/P1040107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhbTa4WEgqgbkhBRTeJA21QQdAsKLjjQQ3HjnhQ0tB-YKn8FQFUXooHzXxOJAQswFqQAb6kb0LWJ3c-pcZvGi_J_ZZW3V0NbNanBFB_391r51m-rkko4koNkHMrpLLMPppKQGPAae7elN/s320/P1040107.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYAut4QUNkhViyf1a5Zp8836CaZ8ZM_bAQZx3Pe4mfEtN7XB8W2odOEHbNn_SEGXaZr66ZCmoT42mjsEuGkUxYnzrZ7weEX2oppnqqOs5ZjCNF1ei_6pkpOJIRnFwqs0XRrP0GNEM19JD/s1600/P1030994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYAut4QUNkhViyf1a5Zp8836CaZ8ZM_bAQZx3Pe4mfEtN7XB8W2odOEHbNn_SEGXaZr66ZCmoT42mjsEuGkUxYnzrZ7weEX2oppnqqOs5ZjCNF1ei_6pkpOJIRnFwqs0XRrP0GNEM19JD/s320/P1030994.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-6462718458092926672011-04-08T16:09:00.000+01:002011-04-08T16:09:20.133+01:00The curse of the sunny weatherI'm beginning to wonder if I'm the only person in the world who doesn't really like the sunny weather? I prefer winter clothes, long dark nights and snow or rain or wind. You know, the kind of weather that people describe as bad. I like that weather.<br />
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Bad weather to me is the kind that can burn you and can give you heat or sun stroke. I always have to take time off work during the spring. I think I get SAD but at the opposite time of year to everyone else.<br />
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I don't like having to worry about whether my girls will get sunburnt.<br />
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That's about it really. I don't see the point of going on about it because there's nothing I can do but sit tight for autumn and go ice skating every so often. It would be nice to know I wasn't the only freak in the world, secretly wishing that it might just rain tomorrow.trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-27529124637258894282011-03-16T14:00:00.000+00:002011-03-16T14:00:24.027+00:00Putting people into boxesWhy does this happen? Why if someone is a teacher, do people think - washed out, uninspiring, rubbish, can't control classes? Why if someone chooses to breast feed or aim for as little medical intervention during birth as possible, do people think - hippy? Why if someone was once a pop star, do people think they can't do anything else with their lives?<br />
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Now, obviously two of those scenarios are about me. I'd let you guess which one isn't me but I'm about to talk about the ex-pop star, so it's not much of a game.<br />
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Today on twitter, Professor Brian Cox of 'Wonders of the Solar System' and 'Wonders of the Universe' fame had a bit of a rant at Sarah Vine. This lady is a columnist in the Times. Unfortunately, the Times is hidden behind a pay wall on t'internet so you can't see her column unless you pay for it. I did pay for it today and read a long ream about how the 'Wonders' programmes were too popularist and Cox was too attractive to be proper science programmes and anyway, she goes on, the topic is too complex for the kind of people who'd be interested in a programme presented by an ex pop-star. It was actually quite rude on a number of levels and I have to say, I agree with Prof Cox's rant on twitter.<br />
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I was also surprised that this lady would chose to tackle the topic in this way. She's married to Gove (the careerist in charge of education at the moment) so she should have a little knowledge of how kids interact with education - or maybe not. I shouldn't make that assumption because, obviously in her world, you can only be one thing. She would appear to be a columnist and therefore, not a supportive wife. So either they don't talk about each others work or she doesn't listen!<br />
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To be perfectly honest, the kinds of people who she is suggesting are too thick to understand Astrophysics are also unlikely to know that Prof Cox used to be a pop star, it was quite a while ago now!<br />
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Now, both Rob and I work in secondary modern schools, in areas with grammar schools so our kids are not the 'cleverest' grapes in the bunch (I say that in inverted commas because I believe in multiple intelligences but I don't think Sarah Vine does) but these kids are really inspired by 'Wonders'. They are coming into Robs science department and asking questions about what they've seen. As my kids came to me to ask questions on a geographical front after Wonders of the Solar System. So this programme is not only engaging them with the science but inspiring them to find people in their every day life who would also know about this kind of stuff. They're engaging with education!<br />
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Which brings us back to the idea that all teachers are crap and kids have no respect for them. Why come to us to help them understand TV if they don't respect us? It's just that some of them have funny ways of showing it sometimes!<br />
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There's so much of her column that I could argue with but then I got to thinking and this is what I thought.'OMG, this kind of clap trap is worthy of Jeremy Clarkson. Hold on, I don't find Clarkson offensive (usually) I just laugh at the bollocks he comes out with.' So, I've decided that this column was meant to be funny but as she's a columnist and not a comedian, it didn't work very well. In just the same way as Prof Cox is an ex pop star so can't present science programmes. Or I'm a teacher so can't be interesting or inspiring.<br />
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What is really written in Sarah Vines column is a confession. I wonder if her husband knows. What Sarah Vine was really saying is that she, personally, is too busy oggling Prof Cox to pay attention to what he's saying.trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-31015143460509611762011-03-14T15:39:00.001+00:002011-03-14T15:40:37.995+00:00Problems we're lucky to haveI was sat in the pub this lunchtime reading 'i', the baby version of the Independent newspaper and this small article caught me attention. Basically, it was all about the problems that drive us crazy in he developed world and how, actually, we're so lucky to be able to whinge about what we do. I only disagree on one small point - I wouldn't lump everyone in the developed world together.<br />
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I was sat in the pub because my car wouldn't start this morning, which was mildly annoying but nothing out of the ordinary any more! I needed my car to start because I wanted to get to breastfeeding group as I had mastitis 2 weekends ago. I had mastitis 2 weekends ago because I'm exhausted. I'm exhausted because I'm tandem feeding both my girls.<br />
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I am lucky. I am feeding 2 children when most women in the developed world don't get the chance or support to feed 1. I have two health children without any problems conceiving, carrying or delivering them. I have an annoying car that loves to break down but only when I don't have to drive into work everyday. I'm lucky because I have a car and I have a car I love. I'm lucky because I have a job, even though I'd rather stay at home with my girls, I have a job and a job that I enjoy. I moan about my job too much.<br />
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I'm lucky because I won over £100 on scratch cards this weekend. I am lucky because my world wasn't destroyed and washed away in an earthquake and tsunami.<br />
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I am lucky and I really really appreciate that.trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-13894270819600376572011-03-06T13:25:00.000+00:002011-03-06T13:25:10.290+00:00bom bom ching - one for the educationalistsI had a dream last night. I was giving a starter activity to a class which was to eat a slice of melon.<br />
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There's a gag in there, it took me a while to spot it after I'd woken up but it keeps making me giggle now.trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-46617429699731403812011-03-05T11:44:00.001+00:002011-03-05T11:48:40.682+00:00A tortoise with a death wish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbSyNhWr2FbcDAYr5NfRgLzfeIOeSJhDmJ0yhWfxwQ4KproK07UKC-69JjV0JqHhv7rGIuSIRwrIpDH1QdLA9j96V-0hCrhRvRuehoaMxA9Q5IUv76aIh2f577geuatOrNaMnAVa6hyphenhyphenxZ/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbSyNhWr2FbcDAYr5NfRgLzfeIOeSJhDmJ0yhWfxwQ4KproK07UKC-69JjV0JqHhv7rGIuSIRwrIpDH1QdLA9j96V-0hCrhRvRuehoaMxA9Q5IUv76aIh2f577geuatOrNaMnAVa6hyphenhyphenxZ/s320/076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>My tortoise has a death wish or she's an adrenalin junky, I'm not sure which. For the past 2 days, I've been stopping her climbing the guard rail of the balcony in her pen. Her pen is split level and has a very nice ramp for her to walk up and down on. But she's decided that she'd rather take a more direct route - over the wall.<br />
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Well today she managed to get to her tipping point and hurled herself over the edge. It's a good foot drop onto a flag stone. Rob and little i heard the thud and went running to her assistance. Thankfully, she was ok. In the words of little i 'shes saying sorry to herself' - I think she means 'feeling sorry for herself'.<br />
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We've raised the guard rail and you would have thought the experience would make her more reticent but no - I've had to stop her from attempting to go over the top twice more. So I gave in and brought her out of her pen to wander around the house. But even then this tortoise with a death wish isn't happy. I've just had to stop her eating little i's crumpet - crumpet is not good for tortoises. Neither is sticker, oats, egg cups or playdoh. We have fed her this morning but I've just given her a little bit more. Either 1) She has a death wish 2) Is ravenously hungry or 3) Is trying to point out that our house needs cleaning.trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-42713749537569462342011-03-01T21:22:00.000+00:002011-03-01T21:22:03.992+00:00Heating (eon saga continues) and injectionsSo I was told that E-on would be here between 8 and 10am. So I get up even though I was woken 5 times in the night between the two girls. Waited and waited. At 10 I rang E-on. They have some lovely people on the phone who were disgusted to hear that me and my 2 young children had been made to go through 2 nights without heat but the guy was actually due to visit between 8 and 1.<br />
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So I waited and waited. 1pm came and still no Mr E-on. I rang again. Apparently he's running late. At this point I start complaining that we've been made to wait so long and we're meant to be priority customers. They assure me that we are priority customers (I'd like to know how long we'd have to wait if we didn't have kids) and that if someone had rung me to say that the man was going to be late, I wouldn't be as angry. Erm, sorry Mr E-on phone guy - you were very nice but I would still be angry. 2 nights without heat, having to get up early and stay in all morning and then for the guy to be late is not good. Even if you had rung to tell me. AND little m was due for her jabs this afternoon. He asked me to wait in - erm NO, it's her jabs for goodness sake.<br />
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Anyway - the e-on technician arrived at 1.45pm. He diagnosed the problem and then 30mins later discovered that he needed to order a part. Not a problem coz he could get us heat back but would need to return on another day. So he fixes it, turns the heating on and the boiler starts pissing with water. This is a completely unrelated problem apparently but will need 2 guys to come and take the boiler off the wall to fix it.<br />
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At 3.30 I have to boot the guy - a very nice guy - out of my house so I can get to the Dr's on time. 2 different guys are booked to come on Thursday morning to fix the boiler. It'll take 2 hours. They better not ruin my whole day again.<br />
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I was the Dr for little m's 8 week check (yes, she is 10 weeks - never mind) 20mins after the appointment time. 5 mins with the Dr and we're back out into the waiting room for the jabs. An hour after our appointment time we finally get into the nurse. Little m is such a laid back little human. She was gurgling and smiling away then bam, jab - jab. She was inconsolable. She wouldn't feed. I had to carry her back into the waiting room crying her face off. She had a catnap in the car and was mostly settled this evening but cried alot getting to sleep. I'm just so not used to hearing her cry.<br />
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So all in all, cold house and upset baby.trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-48556659115609239082011-02-28T10:32:00.000+00:002011-02-28T10:32:53.859+00:00A contract with E-on is worth NOTHINGSo, after the discovery of the broken heating yesterday, E-on rang us back today and said that they can fit us in tomorrow. According to E-ons contract we are priority customers because we have children under 3 years old (one only being 10 weeks old). However, being a priority with E-on means that they might wander out to see you 48 hours after being contacted. FOURTY EIGHT HOURS.<br />
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We have rung them twice to highlight that we have a 10 week old and they just say that they don't have any available 'engineers' in the area. Well, I thought the idea of priority was that you went before other people who were not priorities. If I had an elderly relative who was paying £192 a year for this service I would be seriously concerned for their health.<br />
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And this appointment tomorrow is to LOOK at the boiler, it may not even be fixed then - depending on the problem.<br />
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So E-on, be warned. i'm going to carry on like this until you get the bloody heating fixed. Given that it was only serviced last week, I'm a tiny bit annoyed that it's bust so quickly in the first place. AND your 'engineer' managed to break our tumble dryer while he was here. We've got another 'engineer' coming to fix that today.<br />
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By the way - I thought 'engineer' was a term which implied a degree level qualification in engineering. I doubt if any of these technicians have that, especially ones from Eon as they appear to be crap.trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-85575954213251535492011-02-27T20:07:00.001+00:002011-02-27T20:07:34.254+00:00E-on you failWe had our boiler serviced on Monday. While the guy was here he managed to break our tumble dryer by opening it while it was working. We have the tumble dryer fixers coming tomorrow.
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<br>We've just returned from a weekend away to find that our boiler is bust. The house is freezing.
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<br>Apparently the earliest E-on can fit us in was tuesday - until we said we had a ten week old baby and a toddler under 3. Then they said they would 'try' to fit us in tomorrow. They blooming well better. Sleeping bags and duvets all round for us tonight.
<br>Sent using BlackBerry® from Orangetrillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-34713858642094485552011-02-25T21:41:00.001+00:002011-02-25T21:41:18.624+00:00Ice skating - So proud!We took little I ice skating for the first time today. Her feet are only just big enough for the boots and we weren't sure what she'd make of it.
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<br>She's been excited about it all week but at lunchtime she said she just wanted to watch. So we said we'd get her some skates, just incase she changed her mind.
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<br>She wasn't happy putting the boots on but she had a go walking in them and was abit happier. Then she saw everyone going round in circles and that was it - she wanted to go round in circles too!
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<br>Rob took her round the first time and held her under her arms while I stayed with little m. Then I took her round, holding her hand but I'm not very confident to begin with and I think the instructors on the ice took pity on me coz when little I asked for a penguin (kids push them around to help them balance) they found her one.
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<br>After they showed her how to use it there was no stopping her! We were away from the side and having races (slow races obviously) round the rink. By the end she was trying to leave the penguin behind and skate on her own. She fell a few times at this point but it didn't phase her at all. Not bad for a 2 year old.
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<br>Yet again, it just reminded me of what an amazing little human she is :)
<br>Sent using BlackBerry® from Orangetrillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-40623391237537581352011-02-24T20:58:00.000+00:002011-02-24T20:58:22.422+00:00Living fastI think I have two insomniacs for daughters.<br />
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Little i has never needed a huge amount of sleep at night. 10 hours is more than enough for her and that will be split by waking 3-4 times, even now. She's very hit and miss when going to bed as well. We used to sit with her until she fell asleep but can't do that now coz of the new baby so are training her into looking at her books or playing her ds. She loves playing peppa pig before going to sleep. Tonight it worked a treat and was asleep within 15 minutes of us leaving her. Last night was a different story. Even at 9.30 she was coming down telling us that she didn't want to go to sleep because 'it's boring'. Then she woke more times than I can remember during the night and got up for the day before 6am. I think the longest block of sleep I got was 1 hour 10 minutes.<br />
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Little m obviously still needs to wake in the night for feeds. She's quite good usually and only wakes once but last night it was more than once - I honestly couldn't tell you how many times more though coz my brain went to mush. She doesn't particularly like going to sleep at night though. Even now, she is lying next to me shouting. She even managed 2 solid hours of baby AND toddler music today. She looked so shattered by the end but was to nosy to go to sleep - she's only 9 weeks for goodness sake.<br />
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Rob wonders how we managed to get children who don't need sleep but then I think about myself. I have to be reading or playing on my phone or ds before I can drop off and little i is doing exactly the same. So I suppose it's my own fault. It's Rob I feel sorry for. On the whole, I can cope quite happily with out much sleep but he needs his sleep. Poor bloke.<br />
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We're off on our travels again tomorrow so it's back to blogs from the phone and no twitter adverts but I'll still do my one a day, hopefully!trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-3482739929734474272011-02-23T21:47:00.000+00:002011-02-23T21:47:43.195+00:00A caching triumph after a, not so unexpected, bombshellToday we went to the dentist and I got it confirmed that I need a filling. The dentist had to take an x-ray but I knew that there was something wrong. I've never had to have anything done to my teeth before but I suppose that's just another price you pay for having been blessed with kids. I'm quite laid back about it coz I have no idea what having a filling involves and I don't have to have it until April.<br />
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Anyway - to make up for this bombshell, we decided to do a few more <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/">geocaches</a>. 10 caches in fact! There is a series of caches that run from Skegness in Lincolnshire - the county in which I come from, to Ness in the Wirral - close to where Rob comes from (although he says he's from Cheshire and Ness is in Merseyside lol). so we did a few of them plus a few more nearby. We have had a spate of DNF's (did not finds) but we got every single one of these. I was very chuffed, although I was also chilled to the bone. It took me 3 hours to warm up again and most of the distance we covered today was done in the car! We just jumped out to find the caches. Anyway, I really enjoyed it.trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-8370579190474989992011-02-22T20:17:00.000+00:002011-02-22T20:17:06.491+00:00A good day all roundRob took delivery of our new washing machine. If ever a washing machine could be a boys toy - this on is. It has computerised programming and flashing stuff and the like. He's been fiddling round with it whenever he gets the chance.<br />
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Little I made up with her best friend after a bust up over 'the boodine' - whatever that is - yesterday. We took her to the local soft play centre after nursery. We stayed until we were the last people there and then witnessed a first class toddler strop when we had to leave - always a sign of a good time.<br />
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I performed my first solo massage on little m today and she has settled herself to sleep a good hour before she usually drops off.<br />
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And I got to find 4 caches today.trillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370251325930935642.post-71812023374742120572011-02-21T22:39:00.001+00:002011-02-21T22:39:31.514+00:00Another test - pics<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsq1Mc0oYMuo1rvAm_kHWMjf6fscUrHzGeqG81LsWg0VuSJt0pqF0udhHDTeQ2TpEAwDZplkw7eK7SPYwoYVyLtsVFCT33guZVnLu20zL3ZTbG6For0gldLQpCaIlVa71oR3hEYxf7fLMd/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDAwMDYtMjAxMTAyMTgtMTU0NC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-771520"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsq1Mc0oYMuo1rvAm_kHWMjf6fscUrHzGeqG81LsWg0VuSJt0pqF0udhHDTeQ2TpEAwDZplkw7eK7SPYwoYVyLtsVFCT33guZVnLu20zL3ZTbG6For0gldLQpCaIlVa71oR3hEYxf7fLMd/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDAwMDYtMjAxMTAyMTgtMTU0NC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-771520" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576276183126600290" /></a></p>Can I post pics to the blog from my phone?
<br>Sent using BlackBerry® from Orangetrillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245757613064438251noreply@blogger.com0