House Party

Our friend Allie had a party for her birthday this weekend, so of course I had to take the camera along to catch people in various embarrassing states of inebriation. It was fun. I stayed up til 6am. Yes, I am regretting it now.

Allie & Sam doing belly dancing




Vicki & Sam


Pete watching James mixing


Me & Vicki


Pete and James taking a break from their hardcore partying


The girlies!


Nils on the decks


It was about here that everything started to go a bit hazy...


Pete and Sam, I actually think she may be propping him up


A few people thought Vicki and I were sisters, which was pretty mad. We'd never met before, but had a lot in common. Pete took some pictures of us pulling the same faces.


Pete and James finally gave up the fight...




I finally gave up and left this lot to it. When I woke up at 10am they were still up and watching Lost. Nutters!

Musical Monday...

I haven't done one of these for a while as I could never think of a song to post. I'm really enjoying this song at the moment, which is weird as I've never really been a fan of this band.

The Smiths ~ How Soon Is Now

Thieves

Well, Ryan had his brand new BMX stolen from school yesterday. He's only had it for two months, and it only cost £200. /sarcasm.

I did warn him when we bought it not to get such a flash one as it wouldn't last five minutes. We can't afford another one, so it means he'll have to walk his paper round every day, and it also mean his schoolbus will cost us £15 extra a week. Marvellous.
So, if you are in the Basildon area and someone tries to flog you this bike, it's stolen so don't buy it!


We are having our new kitchen fitted at the end of March. I can't wait for it to be done. Just cooking on a real gas hob will be such a luxury! Here is the kitchen, sorry the picture is so tiny.

We've both got the last week in March booked off so we can clear cupboards and get stuff done. I'd quite like to start decorating the lounge that week too. I love dark and rich colours, trouble is when you will be renting out you have to have cream everywhere, so it's going to be a boring decorating session, painting over the top of my reds, aubergines and blues.

I had a trip to do at work on Tuesday to the Tutankhamun exhibition at the O2 Arena. My Mum was coming anyway, but there were two spare seats so I took the boys too. Yes, they missed school for the day, but it was educational so who cares! We had to leave at 7am so it was an early one. We had a cruise down the Thames to start the day, which was the best bit. I really enjoyed it. The weather wasn't as miserable as it looks, the windows on the boat were tinted.





We weren't allowed to take photos in the exhibition, which was a bit rubbish, so this is the only picture inside the dome.



Of course, the early start that day, teamed with working all week this week, means I'm absolutely shattered now. I was asleep by 8pm last night. How sad. Never mind, I'm taking the kids swimming in a few hours, then we are at a house party tonight for Allies birthday. I can't wait to be sociable and let my hair down for a few hours.

Spring

Well, spring has definitely sprung. I can't wait to get out there and plant my spuds and onions this week. I'm just waiting to see what the weather does. Aren't we due to have gales or something this week? I promised myself that I wouldn't sow too many seedlings indoors this year, and so far I've been true to my word. I may try some out in the little greenhouse this week. I have some rocket seedlings popping up in the salad bed where they must have self seeded last year. I won't move them, I'll wait a bit then eat them while they are still young. I had something else planned for that bed this year so they can't stay long term.

Ryan started his new school on Tuesday. He had some entry tests last week, which he was pretty nervous about, but he aced them all and has been placed into all top sets. He's always been a high achiever at school, but it's nice to know his standards haven't dropped by spending six months at home learning. He said there were lots of things in the tests that he wouldn't have known if it weren't for work we'd done at home. He's really enjoying it, has made stacks of friends already, and all the girls in his year are fighting over him. Quite literally.

I have a busy week next week as I'm working full time at the moment to get extra money for the house renovations. I'm doing a trip on Tuesday to the Tutankhamun exhibition, which I'm really looking forward to. The 7am start isn't something that fills me with joy though. Taylor is due to have his cast off next week too, so that will be more rushing around.

Today I'm going to visit my old friend Lynne, whom I haven't seen for years. She contacted me on Facebook. She keeps horses, and I'm going to see a friend of hers about sharing her horse part time. It seems more worthwhile than paying £100 a month for me and all the kids to get an hours ride each at a school, when we could be paying the same and all riding twice a week. I'm a bit scared of all the work though, especially working more hours now. Am I mad?

Award for being...umm...special?

Many thanks to Dan over at 0ddness, who for some XXtraordinary reason thinks I am worthy of the XXtraordinary Blogger Award.

I too, like many others who have been honoured with the award previously, thought the XX part stood for something naughty, but alas it's just because I am special, or troubled, or a little bit mental, or something.

Well, it has certainly brightened my day, and my otherwise shitty month that I've had, so thank you very much. :D It has also given me something to do this morning, as sorting out the tags for this post has taken me bleedin' ages.

I now have to nominate five of my blogging friends for this award;

Firstly I'm nominating Shirl, who's not had a great start to the year, after sadly losing her brother.

Secondly, my blogging buddy Thursday, for no reason other than seeing her photographs and reading about her escapades brightens my day.

My next nominee is Bree, because along with her husband and three children, she is living the dream. They have packed up and are wandering across North America for six months. I don't suppose she'll get to see this, as her Internet connection as she travels isn't great.

Next is Raisin'Cookies, another poor soul trying hard to retain the last vestiges of sanity whilst raising three children.

And my final nominee for the award is Kitchen Witch, who regularly makes me laugh out loud with her writing style.

Stolen from Dan...

I tried this blogthing with my married surname first, and weirdly none of the comments fitted me at all, but were my husband to a tee! So I've stuck with my maiden name to get a true meaning. The only bits that aren't me are "You don't get worked up easily", and "You try hard not to rock the boat". Not true, at all!

You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily.
You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind.
A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable.

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.
You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.
Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.
You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.
You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.
You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.
You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.
You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

Here is Pete's, it's all very true, except for the "flaky and irresponsible" part, that's my job not Pete,s.

You are influential and persuasive. You tend to have a lot of power over people.
Generally, you use your powers for good. You excel at solving other people's problems.
Occasionally, you do get a little selfish and persuade people to do things that are only in your interest.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life.
You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home.
You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble.

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.
You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.
You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong.
You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know.
You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do.

You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated.
You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want.
You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way!

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.
You have the classic "Type A" personality.

Me...1987

I found this picture at my Grandads bungalow and brought it home. Look at those teeth! Thankfully they straightened out on their own a few years after this was taken, but I still had to have a brace at 14 as I had eye teeth like a vampire.

My Grandad was an artist, so we all had a painting each to keep. I just need to frame mine. I had some really strong memories of the little bungalow, and one of them was listening to a vinyl of British bird song with my Grandad in their dining room. I had a good chuckle about it. I mean, who has an LP of bird songs? I mentioned it, my Dad rummaged through a drawer and found it! That will have pride of place in my House and Techno vinyl collection.

The funeral was good, as funerals go. My cousin drove his 4X4 into the back of the hearse, which made everyone laugh. The wake in a local pub was fab, everyone was smiling (the free bar helped), and the food was nice. My Dad told me as we left that I'd been left £500, which will help with the house renovations. I was very shocked, I totally didn't expect that. I was just happy with my painting.

Taylor managed to go to school yesterday, mainly because Pete was able to drop him off. I think doing the walk(hop?) twice in a day is a bit much, but just walking home is fine. He has stayed home today, but will be back in tomorrow. I suppose his attendance will be a bit erratic until the cast comes off. I've been doing some work on Ancient Egyptian mythology and history with the boys today, at their request, which is handy as it's my 'thing'. I have books on it coming out of my ears. We've written our names out in hieroglyphics, and they have some work to do on deities this afternoon. Ryan finally has an appointment at his new school tomorrow, just to fill out paperwork, then he has to sit some entry tests on Friday. I suppose we'd better start thinking about the dreaded school uniform shopping.

It's been a bit of a crazy week this week. We had a man round last night to measure our kitchen, he's coming around again tonight with the quotes for fitting the two we've picked out. Hopefully, it should be done by the first week in April. I can't imagine what it's going to be like, I've lived with this pit of a kitchen for such a long time. It's got to crisis point now, all the drawer fronts and doors fall off, there is mold growing under the sink, the floor tiles are cracking. It's just way past it's sell by date. We have never had a real hob to cook on in this house, so I can't wait to get a new cooker. I didn't expect to be here this long, so I've made do with a small, two ring portable electric hob for 8 years.

My Dad called last night while the builder was here, to tell me that my Grandad has died and his funeral is on Thursday. Talk about short notice. I was rather annoyed he hadn't told me sooner(he actually died 12 days ago), as I'd arranged to do a day trip at work on Thursday. Thankfully my boss is understanding, so I'm able to go. I haven't been able to visit my Grandad for years, because he would get too confused. None of the grandchildren have been able to see him, it would overwhelm him and freak him out. I'm glad he's finally gone, he's been ill with dementia and emphysema for years and years, and he was ready to go. He's been without my Nan for too long, it's been about 14 years since she died suddenly, and he must have missed her terribly all that time.

Catch up

What have we been up to...not much to be honest! Stuck indoors with Taylor really. He's hoping to hobble to school tomorrow, so it'll be nice to get him out of the house. Ryan has been staying in Portsmouth with family for a week, so we went and collected him yesterday, so we are back to a full house now, and back to doing school work tomorrow.

Isobel had to dress up at school on Friday for book week, the childminder Jane dressed her up as Little Bo Peep. She did have a hat and a crook at some point, but here she is in her dress looking cute:


I went out to a cheesy nightclub with the girls last night so am feeling a little worse for wear today. I've just had an afternoon snooze, which was marvellous.

Broken bones

Well, we've had our first incident of broken bones in this house amongst the kids this week. Taylor went to a school friends birthday at an indoor playcentre on Sunday, and bent his foot right back jumping into the ball pit. We thought it might just be a sprain, so for the first three days of the school half term Taylor hopped around with some crutches that we still had from my ankle sprain two years ago. When he still couldn't put weight on it 3 days after the event we sent him for an X-ray, and yes he's broken two metatarsals and is in a cast up to his knee. He has to wear it for 6 weeks, so it looks like I'm homeschooling another child for the foreseeable future!
Taylor went to his Dad's yesterday(finally, only a week after his birthday!), and came back with "Mission Complete: No School!" scrawled on his cast. It did make me chuckle.

Valentines Day

February the 14th is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day, and as my friend Dan sadly lost his Daughter Bethy to CHD, I'd like to just show my support.

Cloverfield

Pete and I went to see Cloverfield at the cinema on Saturday night. After seeing the trailer I just had to go and see it. I'd heard about people getting motion sickness due to the jerky camera work, so was a little nervous as I get mild car sickness if I try to read whilst travelling. I'm fine if I look out of the window though, and I don't think I've ever actually been sick.

Well, the film itself is spectacular, but yes, it made me feel sick. Very, very sick. It is the only movie I've ever considered walking out of, because I actually went green. It is that bad, even for a mild motion sickness sufferer like me. I started to feel icky about 30 minutes in, by 40 minutes in I was praying for the end to come and had to keep closing my eyes, and by the end I'd got used to it and was almost enjoying myself again through the nausea.

I truly did love it, the monster is terrifying, and want to buy it on DVD, but am not sure I can sit through it again. I still feel ill this morning.

Castle

As it was such a nice day yesterday we decided to go for a walk and catch some sunshine straight after go-karting. We went to Hadleigh Castle as we hadn't been for a while. As we drove down the lane we noticed that the old farm there, which is owned by the Salvation Army, were having a religious event of some kind and the whole place was swarming. Not quite the peaceful country walk we intended, but they eventually went back to the temple to do whatever it was they were doing and left us to it. The light was lovely, after months of grey, so I took a lot of photos.













I like this one, these two little trees look like they are kissing. :)

Go Karting

We went Go Karting yesterday, which although it was Taylor's birthday this weekend, the karting was actually Ryan's birthday treat. Taylor had his birthday treat two weeks ago, they went to watch Portsmouth play an FA Cup match. We were secretly interested to see how Taylor did, as his ambition is to be either a pit mechanic or the young boys favourite, a motor sport driver. He had a slower kart than Ryan because of his age, but he could've easily handled the faster one. Ryan span off a lot to start with, but got the hang of it eventually. They both did really well! Taylor is in the blue suit and Ryan in the black.

Happy Birthday Taylor

Taylor is nine years old today. Where has that time gone? This time nine years ago I had a baby son who was just 3 hours old. Having him was one of the hardest things I have ever done, I'm still incredibly proud of myself for making that choice to have him alone, and he's grown into a lovely boy. He's eccentric, inventive and a little bit mad, but we love him.

Brighton

Pete took me away for the weekend to Brighton on Friday night after work. Unfortunately my Mum ruined the surprise, as she loves to do(it isn't the first time), by calling me at work and asking me if we still needed her to have the kids for the weekend. As it turned out, Pete had got our childminder to have all three from Friday to Sunday, so I got home, had a bath and off we went. Normally I have to pack everyones bags, and have the stress of making sure they are all ready, but he'd done it all for me.
We got to the hotel at about 8pm, then went straight out to eat at an Italian restaurant once we'd got changed. When we got back I had a nice suprise as Pete had put rose petals everywhere and bought me a bottle of champagne. My favourite tipple in the world. Romance isn't dead after all!



On the Saturday we went out for a wander and to go shopping, I struggled quite a bit with the walking because of my hips. Painkillers are my friend! I only took a few pictures, my camera is so big it's taking a bit of getting used to. I really do love Brighton, oh how I wish we could move there one day!

Saturday night we went out for an Indian, and were supposed to be going clubbing, but we ended up drinking in a pub until the early hours. I just wasn't up for clubbing at all. I think age is catching up with me, I just couldn't face the aftermath all week this week. On the Sunday we went down to the beach, and I've honestly never seen waves like it, not even in Jamaica in the middle of a category 4 hurricane!




These young lads were all running into the sea in shorts, they didn't stay in for long! While Pete and I were watching them a huge wave came up the beach and soaked both of us up to our knees, we laughed for ages.


This was my shoes afterwards. I took most of the beach home with me.