and 1 more means four......and 1 more

Silent Sunday

2012-01-22T10:18:00.001-08:00

Turning the air blue

2012-01-18T10:57:00.001-08:00

'friggin hurts, friggin hurts mummy'

Once I'd picked my jaw off the floor after hearing this from my two year old, I calmly dealt with what was causing this 'discomfort'

To be honest I'm not a big curser, I swear occasionally when the situation calls for it. I hate the c bomb and the f word only comes out in dire need. I'm
Guilty of using a lot of shit (the word) and I'm not bothered about a bit of arse (also the word) but 'frigging' isn't really in my vocab.

Anyway I made sure I didn't laugh because I knew she'd say it more and more, I don't fancy her telling her nursery teacher that something is 'frigging' annoying.

I asked her What hurt she just kept saying 'friggin, friggin' and waving her hand at me. Then came the point from the other hand at the offending pain... Her index finger bless her.

It seemed that 'friggin' was actually her toddler word for FINGER!!!!

It was so funny though and she has no clue, apparently as a toddler I used to say 'fuck' for slug...

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree :) xx

Silent Sunday

2012-01-15T02:38:00.001-08:00

Getting back on track.....or pavement

2012-01-09T12:27:00.001-08:00

So my lovely hubs had a fab idea today that I was ready to start running again. I haven't ran since October so I will be glad to get back into my running trainers and re start my training for this years race for life.

Last year as you may remember I broke my ankle during the race but not this year lol.

I'm really looking forward to pounding the pavement again, I'm hoping it will help me to achieve one of my new years resolutions which was to relax more.

Exercise does help me unwind and relax, I always feel more clear headed after getting all hot and sweaty.

So wish me luck, hopefully it will help me lose some pounds too and tone up as I really want to feel a bit better about myself this year.

In other news mr Fred is taking some steps on his own which is very exciting!!!!!! My little man is growing up :)

So happy new year to all and here's to healthy 2012 xxx

A few words

2012-01-01T14:52:00.001-08:00

A year ago on the 2nd January I lost my grandad, where the last year has gone I have no clue, most of it in a blur to be honest but as a quiet memorial i have posted what I wrote to read out at his funeral.

My grandad was a great man, there is no other way to describe him. Everything he did involved thinking of those around him. He always had a present stashed away for someone or a card ready for any occasion. If you needed something he would help you and if couldn't help you he would do his dam hardest to find someone who could.

I was trying to find an old answer machine message the other day and i came across one of his old ones, his voice echoed around the room. When i heard that message for the first time i never knew it would be the last time i would ever hear his voice. But that was grandad he always was caring, he would do anything for me and the children, he loved his grandchildren dearly and i'm happy they got to know him.

There were days where i'd pop round to see him just to make sure he was ok, i'd make him a drink and a snack and we'd chat about the lastest news or the weather, our conversations would start with.. 'you know that peter couch fella....' he always got the names of footballers wrong, it was a private joke and it always made me cry laughing hearing it, i'd give anything to hear that now.

Even me being 25 he reminded me to watch out reversing out of the drive, to take care on the roads, to tell me to wear a coat ....grandad i'm 25 it's ok i know to wear a coat...but you've not got one on..it's in the car grandad....you need it to cover your back in this weather...i know grandad, i know...

When i was little i called him gramps or bill, he didn't mind either, he'd play all day with me in the garden with my nan, we'd go to the park. Play on the swings and sing daisy as he pushed me back and forth.

Nan and grandad were and still are everything to me, it was like i had two sets of parents...i'm glad they are back together now..but i'd rather them be here with me.

Sleep well grandad one day we'll meet again and one day i'll wear my coat when it's too cold.

New year

2011-12-30T11:36:00.001-08:00

I'm childfree for the first time in seven years tomorrow so I'm hitting the shops with the hubby for a mooch then bringing in 2012 with a bang.

So as usual I'm going to make a few new years resolutions

1) To lose weight

-yes you've heard it all before but this year will be my back to pre baby year.

2) To relax more

-difficult with 5children but I had a patch of me being stressy and miserable and I want to try and enjoy the smaller things in life more.

That's it really!! not that extensive but hoping I will achieve them.

So I wish you all a happy new year and I hope 2012 brings you everything you aim for and more

Xxxxxx

Christmas hangover

2011-12-26T15:50:00.001-08:00

Well another Christmas has come and gone in a blink of an eye. It was enjoyable and all the children have had a fantastic time. But wow I'm tired!!! Cooking Christmas lunch and all the excitement has really took it out of me and in a good way, it's a good tired feeling like I used to feel after I went running.

I could do with a day of rest but I'm
Back to work tomorrow serving the British public. I'm looking forward to it and my shift should go quickly I hope.

as I write this from the comfort of my duvet I'll take a bit of time to digest the weekend, from the looks of joy on my children's faces to the look of despair on my parents' faces after I smashed their light fitting after a far too exuberant swing of a wii remote.... I'll never live that one down...I didn't even get the bloody ball in the net!!!!

Anyhow as I try to sleep off my Xmas hangover I wish you all a very happy holiday period and please share any mishaps you've had..... It can't be only me who's gone crazy with a wii remote lol xxx

Things I have said this week..

2011-12-22T07:27:00.001-08:00

'seriously I never knew you could get baubles that big'

'men do tend to shave themselves down there to gain an extra inch..'

'no no no no it doesn't go in there it goes here...'

'it's ok I'm used to dealing with bodily fluids'

'if you just go down there sir you'll find exactly what you want'

'don't panic there will be more extra large tin foil in soon'

'actually after five children it hasn't made much difference...no really not bucket like at all'

'yes, yes that's it, a bit harder, a bit further up, aaaand yes I've got it'

'i know I wouldn't wear those leggings either'

'its very popular this time of year, yes I agree, I enjoy a nice stuffing too'

Merry Christmas all xxx

Silent Sunday

2011-12-18T08:59:00.001-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2011-12-14T09:18:00.001-08:00

Where is this month going??? Only 14 days till Christmas and I have no wrapping paper eeeeek!!!!

I mean I have the children's presents a few things for the adults but nothing for hubs I'm thinking a late Christmas eve shop with the kids....yes I'm crazy lol.

I just had 6yo school play today it was fantastic but I had to take my three youngest children with me. I came prepared with snacks (bribery tools) a few apps and drinks but they still were noisy and I had to take them into the entrance hall and watch from the door in the end.

Parenting is such a juggling act a fine line between insanity and taking a deep breath. I face that choice s lot recently an taking the calmer approach is helping my stress levels. Thankfully I got to see my 6yo perform and I was very proud of her.

This week and next week I'm mostly working to bring in some extra pennies for the new year. I worked 10hrs last night 5pm till 3am and I'll be doing the same on Thursday too.

Next week I'm working mon, tues, thurs and Friday but I'm thinking of the extra money that will bring in the new year on a happy note.

Apart from work the baby bunnies are now 3 and a half weeks old, eating rabbit food and are looking amazing :)

Hope you are all ok, what have you got left to do for Christmas?

Ice ice baby

2011-12-05T10:58:00.001-08:00

Well the cold weather is on it's way, today I was officially freezing waking up at parents house after the works Xmas do.

It was a great night and I thoroughly enjoyed it apart from slipping in my stilettos in the hail/sleet that was falling as we left (wasn't anything to do with the booze...honest)

Anyway in good mummy tradition I bought the children all new hats,scarfs and mittens so they're all cozy warm as the weather changes.

I do love a frosty crisp morning, anything for the excuse to cuddle up more and there's nothing nicer than snuggling under the duvet when it is so cold.

So wrap up warm everyone and share a hot chocolate with me xxx

Silent Sunday

2011-12-04T07:40:00.001-08:00

Mud facial

2011-12-02T13:28:00.001-08:00

Oh relaxing you're thinking.....no, no it wasn't.

3pm school run time and i'm strolling down to the school with mr Fred in the buggy, 4yo and 2yo trotting along side.

We get into the playground and 2yo does her favourite thing of running off *rolls eyes* but this time she really goes for it.

I do the 'come here sweetie, not too far now' call....she looks at me and carries on. I follow her but she goes into full sprint towards the school gates!!!!

I'm running with the buggy still calling her and running like a mad women through the reception class parents (embarrassing much) she carries on and goes through the gate!!!

I stomp the break on the buggy and sprint to her as she runs out of the school gates and into the car park. I'm petrified more than angry now, I manage to grab her hand....on a muddy grassy slope...

Yes you guessed it, I slipped and went arse over tit in front of the head teacher and various other bystanders....

The little sod kept on going and i managed to grab her hand and yup... Slipped again as i picked her up...

To be honest I was more glad to have got her than cross but jeez I was red faced and muddy as I walked back through the reception class parents firmly looking at the floor.....

After a stern talking to we went home via the sweetie shop....mistake

Cue a massive wait, 6yo telling a boy he was too young to drink coke and telling the girl in front to 'hurry up as we've been here ages' *hides face again*

Anyway after the assault course of the school run we made it home and I tried to resist swigging out the bottle of prosecco in the fridge :)

Silent Sunday

2011-11-27T07:00:00.001-08:00

Christmas, markets, cinemas and toilets

2011-11-21T09:58:00.001-08:00

A big thank you to all those of you who commented on my last post. It really means a lot to me and I appreciate every word you type.

This weekend I managed to get a bit of time to myself and saw the wonderful Breaking Dawn at the cinema.

What a fab film!!! I am an unashamed Twilight fan (team edward all the way) I love the books and Breaking Dawn was fantastic I even cried at the wedding scene, yes I know I need to get a life but hey it's beautiful to see love like that :)

Anyway after a fabulous evening I was abruptly awoken to my tummy misbehaving at 4am and unfortunately I suffered with the stomach flu all morning. But I wasn't going to let it ruin my Childfree day so hubs and I hopped on the train and went to the Manchester Christmas markets.

As usual they didn't disappoint and I recommend them to anyone who hasn't been before or not been for a while. It's a fantastic atmosphere with so much to eat and drink and also to buy.

It was so much fun being snuggled together in the winter chilly air with mugs of baileys hot choc and yummy hog roast sandwiches steaming as we ate them.

The stomach flu didn't leave me alone in fact it's only been today where I've managed to eat more than one meal.

But on the whole it was fantastic with some much needed r&r which was throughly enjoyed.

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend, what did you get up to?

Xx

Snap, crackle and sob

2011-11-14T10:35:00.001-08:00

Today I sat in my car and cried in the car park of my local supermarket.

Pitiful you're thinking? Yep me too. Rewind to this morning and the usual school run morning whirlwind/chaos, hubs had a sore back so I ran upstairs and got dressed.

I came down stairs and it's 8:40 we have to leave and 6yo and 5yo have no shoes on, no coats on and have no clue where their bags are etc.

I'm met with a shrug of shoulders and a 'so what' attitude. I run around looking for the items I'd already dug out this morning and now we're looking at it being 8:50.... I cried like a big girl.

Crazy I seem, maybe but I guess it was the straw that broke the metaphorical donkey's back, we had to do the walk of shame through the main entrance of the school where the 'late/can't be arsed to get my kids there on time' parents go.

A quick hop over to nursery to deliver 4yo and I walk home dazed and huffy.

You see my to do list is longer than Katie price's hair extensions, here's a snippet...

Do food shopping
Do washing up
Put washing machine on
Tackle mount everest of clean washing pile.
Make three beds
Tidy the girls bedroom
Etc etc etc

I guess my brain just went 'nope not happening to much pressure' and gave up in the form of car park tears.

I so wish I could just have a couple of days to just take stock and de frazzle an impossibility as a working mum of 5 but I can dream.

It's been a busy month and as usual I've ploughed on through like I do with a smile on my face and I've got to a stage where I'm a wreck, tired and emotional.

Hopefully it will pass and i'm just being a self loathing drama queen with a too loud inner monologue telling me that I should be doing better etc

Funnily enough i had a good day yesterday, I took the girls to a remembrance church service in my parents village.

Grandad would have gone, so this year I went for him.

Xxxxx

Silent Sunday

2011-11-13T04:47:00.001-08:00

Silent Sunday

2011-11-06T07:51:00.001-08:00

Tantrum toils

2011-11-03T02:24:00.001-07:00

It seems at the moment I'm getting tantrums from both sides of fence. We're still in the grip of the terrible twos with pud and now we seem to be getting back tantrums from the 6yo.

For example this morning we had the daily hunt for hair bobbles. Time and time again I tell her if she doesn't want a bobble in after school to give it me. She doesn't do it and so we're going through around 15 bobbles a week!!!!

It's not on and to make things worse nits are going around the school again so it's important we try to keep all their hair up.

So she couldn't find a bobble, I had run out again and she sat on the sofa and refused to get her coat on. So i packed up the other four and said goodbye and waited for her outside.

She still didn't come so I closed the door and gestured to the others we were going. She was up like a shot and with a face on her stomped to school now really late thanks to her mood.

Apparently it's my fault blah blah blah but I've tried to get her to take ownership of just one thing and I'm fed up of spending so much money on bobbles!!!!!

So after that torrid walk to school pud decided to run off smiling at me as she disappeared round the corner. It's something I've pulled her up about before, it's a really busy road and it scares the life out of me when they run off.

So I held her hand all the way home, much to her disgust, she even decided to throw herself on the floor in the middle of the road in protest??!!!!

I don't like being a shouty mum I hate it I've even said this to the children but why is it they only look at me and laugh when I use my stern voice? Why must I shout at them to get them to realise I'm cross??

I guess both of them are going through a battle of wills phase again but I'm exhausted and outnumbered.

Funnily enough daddy never gets any of this behaviour it's saved for me (yay) it probably seems worse since I was up all night with mr Fred teething the poor thing.

Roll on the weekend and the wine.

Feeling beautiful and Regis hair

2011-11-02T12:41:00.001-07:00

Pampering isn't something I get anymore my beauty regime involves a quick wipe and the odd bit moisturiser here and there. Basically anything that is as quick as possible is best in my book.

The same speed and care has unfortunately been taken with my mop of hair. I've not had it cut for over a year so when Regis Salons decided to get in touch about their celebrity announcement in exchange for the opportunity to have my hair professionally cut I said a big fat yes.

Here's a small video about the celeb who will be promoting them from now on and also there is a chance for you to win a £50 Regis voucher by tweeting

3 x £50 vouchers from @RegisUK! For more prizes visit http://ow.ly/7bIDA RT & follow to enter. #FaceOfRegis #EmmaWillis

And a big comp over on Facebook too have a look at this link and I hope you can win something.

www.Facebook.com/RegisUK

So have a look who is the new face of Regis salons and I hope you all have a lovely pampered day.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T06:39:00.001-07:00

Hope you all have a great evening we're off to a party after school can't wait!!!

In a blink of an eye

2011-10-26T10:39:00.001-07:00

So unfortunately non of the baby bunnies survived :( I got a call from hubs whilst I was at work that another had slipped away, I so wished I had been at home so had to do the rest of my shift with a horrid dread in my tummy.

Finally I got to my break and a text on my phone said it all....'non left'.

I know they're only animals and all that but I've not felt loss like that since my grandad passed in January.

I got home and saw the poor little ones and shed a few tears again, it was so sudden that we'd found out about them and now 4nights later they were all gone.

I felt and still feel numb, it's not been the best week and i think the children know I'm under strain as they have been a bit naughty especially my eldest. Obviously they have took the news to heart fortunately I did warn them that they make not make it so the news was easier to understand.

But all I've had all week from my eldest is 'I want, I want, I want' and it's really tiresome. I guess it's a phase she's going through and I'll get through it.

Such a mixture of emotions have raged through me this week

Guilt
Sadness
Anxiety
Stress
Love
Hope
Guilt
Worry
Guilt
Guilt
Guilt

I may have said guilt more than once, I just wish I could do things better, I hope things perk up towards the end of week x

At it like rabbits

2011-10-24T11:46:00.001-07:00

You all know that I've got two gorgeous boy bunnies that I adore. They are fab I let them hop round the house and they are well loved by the children.

Anyway we go to give them their morning fuss in the hutch and hubs opens the door, then he makes a massive gasp noise and yells for me to come here.

I'm thinking the worst, he says 'there's baby bunnies in here!!!!!'

I'm like WHATTTTTT??!!! we have two boy bunnies....but obviously not and we are now the proud owners of 5baby bunnies.

Panic sets in I have NO clue how to look after animal babies, I race around and google everything I possibly learn about baby bunnies or kittens as they are called.

The weather is cold and windy so I brought mum and babies inside and hoped for the best.

Well night one I couldn't sleep, I was worried about them, about mummy bunny i tossed and turned all night.

I checked on them in the morning and found one baby outside the hutch. I quickly put it back in the hutch and googled some more.

Night two I slept better the babies were all moving and warm.

Day 3

Now I'd read that this was make or break time for the babies so I checked them more. All seemed ok.

I put my children to bed and something told me to check them. I found one of them separated from the rest, cold and motionless. I picked it up and cuddled it into me....crazy I know but I'm a mum I can't ignore it....I then warmed a towel on the radiator and snuggled him into it, nothing happened :(

So I went in to check the others, the next one I found was scrawny like the poorly one and also cold, I scooped him up and popped him next to the other cold one. They moved a little and then froze, my heart broke, my eyes filled with tears and i sobbed my heart out.

I had to check the others next up was a mass of movement and a lot fatter than his siblings, he's fine i thought, next up another round bunny moving well, last was another small one :(

Now he was still moving and warm so I
Hope he pulls through, I will check on him in the morning.

So we now have 3babies left I can't help feel sad i know it's nature's way but omg it's such a shame.

Its been a one hell of a shock finding out they were there and now loosing two.

Fingers crossed for the others my heart can't take anymore sadness xx

Birthday yay!!!

2011-10-20T01:00:00.001-07:00

Yes today is my birthday I'm very excited the grand old age of 26 :D

A big thank you to all my birthday wishes on twitter and Facebook.

So as 50cent says....

'go shorty it's ya birthday, gonna party like it's ya birthday'

Xxxxxx

Princes breakfast giveaway

2011-10-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I did a bit of promo work for Princes, the people who make tinned fruit and juices etc. Basically I took part in an interesting fun study to see how stressful breakfast was. We measured our heart rates and actually found that breakfast was the most stressful time of the day.

Now having 5 children i agree with this but its not just the stress of getting everyone out of the door on time, it's making sure that the children go to school after a nutritious breakfast feeling satisfied and hopefully full to face the day ahead.

Me and the lovely Nickie went to a local studio to be interviewed by around 10 different presenters and different radio stations talking about the importance of a healthy breakfast and the effect of stress on us mums.

The results of the stress test showed that 30% of the mother's tested had a heart rate rise of over 100%!! during the breakfast routine, that is equivalent to vigorous exercise!!

Princes wanted to show how some simple store cupboard essentials can help make breakfast time easier and provide a bit of variety to the choice of breakfasty meals.

We had a fantastic time recording the interviews, some were live and that required some lightning quick thinking and trying really hard not say 'erm' all the time. I *may* have said 'arse' on the radio at some point but no one noticed....i hope.

Anyway to say thanks Princes have supplied me with a breakfast box to giveaway to one lucky reader.

Its a fab box filled with nice goodies, table mats, children friendly bowls, cups, a nice relaxing candle for you, other fab things and of course some of the princes products :)

So if you want to win just:

Leave a nice comment

Tweet the comp with the link and #princesbrekkie so i can see your tweet

If you are feeling really adventurous leave a top breakfast tip and i will give you FIVE entries!!!

uk only

Giveaway will end on the 28th October

Good luck all!!!

Silent Sunday

2011-10-16T00:18:00.001-07:00

Homework yay or nay?

2011-10-12T11:31:00.001-07:00

So it's another wet damp school run and I'm greeted by a flying, flapping 6yo telling me she's got homework to do. After I remove the paper she's waving from my left eyelid I have a glance at this weeks offering of educational bliss.

Some addition of money plus what looks like a booklet of times tables of some sort. 5yo wafts her summons under my nostrils.... It might be a long evening....

After putting their siblings to bed we unleash the homework, apparently 6yo didn't fully finish last weeks so the teacher in her own words was 'very cross she hadn't done it'

No pressure there then?

This weeks gem was a 7page 2x times table booklet, we got stuck in but I was a bit taken back by these sums...

(6x2)+3 = ?

Now i know that's not hard but for a 6yo....they have to learn it's a two part sum, brackets first etc but seriously I didn't remember doing things like this till I was in high school!

Now don't get me wrong I'm all for helping our children to learn and i have no objection to reading etc but I do have a problem with my children being put under pressure in years 1and2.

I don't want them worrying about doing homework I want learning to be fun and for them to have a stress free childhood. My plan is to let them enjoy the innocence of being a child for as long as possible.

What are you're thoughts on homework for young children?

I'd love to hear your thoughts xx

Breakfast Clubs - a better start to the day

2011-10-12T05:24:00.000-07:00

97% of teachers said that better concentration was a key benefit of eating breakfast.

84% said students who eat breakfast are better behaved

I am lucky, the school that my children go to have a breakfast club for the children to go to every morning. It opens at 8:15am and it serves a variety of breakfast choices from fruit juice to cereal to fruit toast.

And the best thing about the breakfast club that it is really cheap. 5p for a piece of toast, 25p for a bowl of cereal. It is always busy every morning, full with either children who have walked to school themselves to grab a bite to eat or children that have come with their parents.

Parents are welcome to stay and on cold, rainy mornings it is a hive of chatter, a homely atmosphere with the smell of hot buttered toast in the air.

I often take my two eldest girls when they want to go, it is run by the teachers, they sign in and they stay in the hall until the bell goes. I guess it also a form of childcare for parents who need to go to work early and it must be a godsend for them knowing they can drop their children off early and know they will have decent breakfast and have fun with their friends.

The school has seen the punctuality and absence improve by the children after the promotion of the breakfast club.

I think it is something every school needs and this is where kelloggs come in.

Kelloggs have a fantastic campaign starting called 'Help give a child a breakfast'.

Basically for every packet of kelloggs cornflakes that are bought they donate 3p to the Kelloggs breakfast club trust. Their target is to raise a minimum of £300,000 which equates to one million breakfasts for children by the end of 2012.

Their idea is to help support and fund start ups for breakfast clubs in schools around the country to help children get a better start to their day and also to provide breakfasts to those children who go without breakfast every day.

44% of primary school children skip breakfast because they have no time in the morning.

By having breakfast clubs in schools it would help children get something to eat at school and to give them a healthier start to the day.

Keep an eye out for the campaign and maybe tell your child's primary school about the campaign even if they already have a breakfast club. The school can apply for a Give a child a breakfast grant of £400..... all the information is here at http://www.giveachildabreakfast.co.uk/

We send our children to school for the best start in life, lets help those around us who might not have a lot get chance to have a lot more.

Silent Sunday

2011-10-09T06:52:00.001-07:00

Back up and running

2011-10-04T05:08:00.001-07:00

After a few torrid months off with my broken ankle and getting back into the swing of things, I went for my first run in ages on Sunday.

It felt so good being back pounding the Tarmac. I've missed it so much, the freedom, the head space and most of all the feelings I get from running.

I love the determined feeling I get as I run, hearing my app counting the minutes going by and listening to music.

I love loosing my thoughts in the surroundings just enjoying the wind whistling through my hair, the odd autumnal leaf blowing past me and the crunch crunch of the seasonal carpet beneath my feet.

This morning the air was crisp, the sun was out and my legs were aching after nearly 6weeks out of running. But I pushed through and had a enjoyable time.

After a run the positive feelings last all day, I feel brighter, more cheery, more eager to face the day and all round a happier person. Even hubs commented on that I'm a different person when I'm running.

So 'touch wood' my ankle is holding out and it's business as usual, it's my birthday in a few weeks so hopefully October is going to be a fab month.

Silent Sunday

2011-10-02T07:30:00.001-07:00

Silent Sunday

2011-09-25T08:46:00.001-07:00

Material girl?

2011-09-24T02:26:00.001-07:00

I put my highchair on eBay the other day as a buy it now for £25 and it was snapped up straight away.

Today the buyers came to pick it up and they drove up in a very shiny new looking Audi estate. Very nice I thought, the occupants got out and they looked like they had a bit of money. It was 9:30am and she was in full make up and some sort of designer pant suit, he was in designer jeans, t-shirt etc. As they got out of the car I could see them eyeing my road disapprovingly.

I live on an unadopted road so it isn't tarmaced it's bumpy and gravel like, I also live in a terraced house *the horror* one thing I've always loved about my road is that it's quiet and anyway my house is bigger inside than it looks on the outside.

Anyway I digress, I could see them making snap judgments about us already, it made me think about why do we make quick judgments on what people are like, by seeing what possessions they have.

Does it really matter that I don't live in semi?

Does it matter that I don't have a conservatory?

Does it matter that i don't have a driveway or a huge landscaped garden?

All I know is that if you fancy a cup of tea I'll have you round, if you need help I'll gladly help. I'll always be there for my friends/family and surely that's what we should all be judged on?

I've never been a material girl, i've always believed that thought counts more than presents, a few nice words on a card can go a long way further than a designer bag or an expensive gift.

I know I'm bringing up my children to look at others with respect and to look deeper than just what their friends own.

Material things have a warranty that expires eventually, whereas there is no warranty on kindness and friendships, there's no warranty on respect and there's definitely no warranty on love.

Silent Sunday

2011-09-18T06:12:00.001-07:00

On ode to a tumble drier

2011-09-16T03:04:00.001-07:00

Three years ago we met at speed
Thrown into my kitchen without much need
You sat there giving me a glare
I would cherish the time we share

You dried well at the start
Until my clothes smelt of fart
Hours to wait until you were done
It turned out not to be much fun

Your door catch gave up snapped in two
I had to prop the door closed with a shoe
a chair and tool box sometime even a door
Don't really think I could take much more

But the other day you really shone
All the heat you blew out was gone
My sons blankets soggy and damp
All my other clothes that smelt like tramp

That was it out you go
A pain in the ass as well you know
Goodbye now you piece of crap
Shut the door behind you and don't come back

women don't inflate tyres....

2011-09-12T05:17:00.001-07:00

Sunday is my solo day with the children so i decided to go to the trafford centre with all of them to shop for daddy's birthday present.

On the way i needed to put diesel in the car so i decided to check the tyres, now my dad and hubby have always got me involved with cars, DIY etc so checking the tyre pressure isn't a big deal to me i just do it.

So here i am squatting down, hose in hand doing all the tyres and a man comes up to me...

'Is the machine working ok?' In a manner that suggests i'm doing something terribly wrong..

I reply 'yes no problem i've only got another two tyres to do'

he quicky says 'that's ok take your time' he walks over to the machine and yells 'its set to BAR is that right? is that what you need?'

I'm getting a bit peed off at the this point as he's stood watching me with fear in his eyes...obviously i'm a damsal in distress, inflating my tyres to disatrous blimp sized porportions with the wrong setting....i casualy say

'oh that's right the citroen pressure is in BAR' and i explain that my last car was in psi

he doesn't believe me, i've got it wrong i'm a women so.... you know women don't inflate tyres... obviously he tries again

'is that the maximum load you're setting it too?'

I'm fed up now, the wind is blowing my dress around my ears, and i'm willing the air machine just to fill the dam tyre so i can slap him with the hose and trot off in my heels. I shoot him a look of 'really?' He decides that i am ok, i'm not going to blow up my tyres and goes for

'terrible weather we're facing today aren't we?'

I nod and the machine beeps.. thank god i screw the cap back on the valve hand him the hose and say goodbye.

Thank god i wasn't doing anything else risky like filling up my windscreen washer water *rolls eyes*

Silent Sunday

2011-09-11T01:05:00.001-07:00

peepo new term

2011-09-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

Well it was the first day of a full week of school today for the big three girls in our house, i did the usual line up photo of them all. I was so proud of them stood there in their uniforms my wonderful little ones growing up *wipes tear from eyes* After an uneventful drop off at school, a nice catch up with school run mum, a visit from the insurance man to inspect the damage from out little kitchen fire we had a few weeks and hubs dispatched to work it was time for the other man in the house to pipe up.

Little F is beyond funny, his favourite game at the moment is peepo, he'll play it all day and giggle away, well today he's being playing peepo with the contents of his nappy....it's a case of clean nappy on and....peepo its full of toxic waste.

Honestly that boy can dump...much more than the girls and after explosion number three i thought he was done for the day.....i was wrong.

After popping to the loo i came down to a wall of smell that made my hair stand on end and to see him happily bum shuffling around giggling. He was obviously proud of this nappy filling and as i tickled his stinky feet and whipped off his jeans i realised why......it was all down his legs....*dry heave*

As i grabbed a handful of wipes in defence he of course decided to bicycle kick his legs sending more radioactive waste down his legs and all over my hand whilst lifting his bum for good measure....well i was shrieking at this point nooooooooooo! too late i had to just grab an even bigger hand full of wipes, whip off the nappy and tackle it head on.....it was everywhere and he wriggled and squirmed and rolled as much as possible..you can picture it..wipes,legs,poo everywhere and me shell shocked and wrist deep in nastiness.

Finlay i finished cleaning him up, popped a clean nappy on him and he rolled over, sat up and shuffled off saying 'tinky mama'....cheeky sod...

Not knowing myself x

2011-09-02T14:52:00.000-07:00

I wrote this in 2009, I never published it, but now 4 years on I think I can, and instead of feeling ashamed I can now look back and think how strong I was to get through the dark times xxx

Exactly 1year and a day after my first baby was born i was back in the delivery suite giving birth to my second child. It had been a long year being a first time mum just managing to sort everything out learning to look after a baby and being a parent, i was lucky she was a good baby with a bit of a temper but she was my world. Suddenly i was pregnant again having to deal with all these emotions of being a new mum and having another baby so soon. My second baby burst into the world screaming the place down, even the midwives commented on her loudness. She was handed to me but unlike my first who settled immediately she continued to scream. No matter what i did she kept crying, i tried my hardest to settle her but nothing i did made any difference, panic hit me, could i manage, will i know what to do with her? I only stayed 6hours at hospital and i made my way home sore and tired and washed in a feeling of guilt. My first baby who was still only a baby had now a sister that was going to need my attention As well. I tried to not think of the guilt but i couldn't help it, fortunately she didn't mind her sister in fact she started to sleep better and became the most perfect little toddler you could imagine, she was clever and loving and was well behaved.

My husband was only able to have a week off with me so i had to learn quickly how to feed, clothe, satisfy, entertain and put 2babies to bed. I loved her deeply but she pushed me away, she wasn't one for cuddles, she liked to be rocked to sleep in a pram and screamed the house down if i held her when she was tired, i had 2feed her in a bouncy chair because she wouldnt let me feed her in my arms. I felt unloved and in turn that changed to me thinking that she didn't want me as a mother. For endless nights i would put them both to bed and be followed around by a cloud of sadness, a feeling that i wasn't doing a good job, feeling ashamed that i felt this way and thats why she pushed me away.

It got to the point that i believed that someone was watching my every move and if i was seen to be not attending to her well enough that she was going to be took away from me. Crazy i know, a halucination in my mind but a terryfying one. Looking back now and after doing a bit of research i believe i was in the tight grip of post natal deppression. I never spoke of it as i thought people would see me as being week or that i couldnt cope. I often phoned my mother in tears and spoke to my partner crying and after i would feel ashamed of being such a failure, a bad mother for not coping, a bad mother for not feeling the way i should. I started to feel empty inside, i'd lost myself i didnt know who i was but to everyone else they had no idea. I appeared happy, coping very well, loving being a parent and doing a good job i loved the fact that my partner and parents were proud of me doing so well but i couldnt see it, inside i was screaming, crying and in dispair. I was an empty shell, a robot going through the motions, i felt like i was floating above myself watching everything i did.

I dont know how i snapped out of it but i managed on my own, i love my girls so much and i realised that most of my feelings were because i didnt believe in myself, i didnt have enough faith in my own abilities. My second baby was a screamer but she slept through by 8weeks, she didnt sleep much in the day and it was stressful but she was beautiful. I look at her now and i still feel a bit guilty for the way i was when she was small, shes still a screamer but thats the way she is, she comes to me when she needs me and i understand that now. I understand that she is different to my first and her sensitivity and independence is what makes her her. We are close and when she tells me she loves me, i look into her beautiful eyes and i know i love her and i know that i've always done my best by her so i should not feel guilty. By knowing and realising this it made me a better mother, it made me stronger, more determind to cope and raise my girls as well as i can. Since then i have added 2more girls to my brood and i love all 4with all my heart, they are my life, my world and i thank god that i made it through and found myself once again x

Justin's House!!!!

2011-08-27T13:53:00.000-07:00

6 year old and I were very lucky to be invited to a screening of the new cbeebies programme airing in october called 'Justin's house'. We raced our way to the BBC's new home in media city in Salford, i don't know who was more excited her or me??!!

What a fantastic building it is we spent most of the time oooohing and ahhhhhing and following the signs for 'Justin's house's audience'. We arrived to an amazing colourful lobby filled with balloons and fun activities for the children. 6 year old was in her element, I was pretty amazed too and i very much enjoyed chatting to the wonderful people who make cbeebies and cbbc.

I was even lucky to shake hands and have a conversation with Kay Benbow who is the person in charge, the big cheese as you may of cbeebies. After meeting up with the lovely @cheshire_claire, @carafreckles and @sfrproducreviews we eagerly made our way to the studio to watch the star of the show Justin in action.

He is AMAZING!!!!!! The show was LOL funny and 6 year old loved every minute of it, there was singing, dancing and plenty of giggles. Justin put 110% into the whole show and he really is the father christmas of the children's TV world.

After the show we got to meet all the characters including robert robot and dee livery. When Justin came out to see us the children flocked to him but he was gracious and posed for a photo with every single one of them. I waved like a loon when he stood with 6 year old and she was just over the moon meeting him.

It was an amazing event and it will stick with us for a long time.

Make sure you all tune in to cbeebies in the autumn for Justin's house, it is fantastic and in everyway as good and even better than his other shows.

Finaly A big thank you to @kazzaS73 who is the publicist for cbeebies a lovely lady and someone who i hope we will all see again soon.

Car insurance hell

2011-08-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

I know I've read all the hype about premiums going up this year, and when my renewal dropped onto my doormat and dented the floor I knew it wasn't looking good. I had a bit of hope with the fact that we've not claimed for two years but alas it was not to be and our renewal had gone up by £50 a month??!!!

There's no way I could afford that, that's like a whole week of petrol!!! So I phoned then up and asked for an explanation of why it's increased so much. I was met with the 'everyone's premiums have gone up' speech. And a basically if you don't like it leave.

So I fired up the meerkat and that annoying singing bloke and found quite a few cheaper quotes but I needed at least a £200 deposit. So I'm stuck between a rock and hard place thanks to my insurer bending me over and taking advantage of me.

Also just to finish me off my renewal is due on the 30th aug and my final payment for the policy is on the 28th aug. They of course want the whole payment for two whole days of car insurance.......I am blood red with rage at this point.

So in total my car insurance is going to cost me £338 this month....... I feel sick.

When did customer loyalty stop meaning anything to anyone? I've been with my insurer 8years and for nothing, they wouldn't even put my name on the policy without creating a new policy and wanting a deposit off me??!!!

Having to say I'm not impressed and I wish you all good luck with your car insurance renewals *grumbles off to sulk and throw darts at a direct line advert*

mummy malfunction

2011-08-16T18:35:00.000-07:00

Monday was an odd day for me, i seemed to wake up with the darkest, nastiest cloud over my head that didn't want to shift at all all day.

I think mainly it was down to lack of sleep as my little darlings have been not going to bed straight away, messing around and then still getting up at the crack of dawn.

Add that to working 24 hours and week until 2am, 3 nights a week and a full weekend of childcare and maybe a lairy works night out on Friday night, may have caused a bit of a burn out from my end of things.

I was moody, grumpy and very down and i find it hard to claw my way out of the abyss when I'm feeling like that. Everything always seems to much effort and i succumb myself to failure. Not very positive at all and very unlike me but sometimes all the responsibility in my life and all the pressures build up and explode into the day i had on Monday.

It wasn't helped by the fact hubs had to be out of the House at 7:30 am to go to course that turned out to be cancelled, waisting his morning and then finding out he had to do his usual shift of 2pm till 9pm as well. Not cool.

So after a day of miserableness and feeling sorry for myself i ended up having a fantastic nights sleep and waking up refreshed and all blue skies and rainbows.

Hopefully i won't have another day like that for a while and things will keeping ticking over nicely for last couple of weeks of the summer holiday. We've got a nice family long weekend away coming up which I'm very much looking forward too :)

keep smiling parents....only two and a bit weeks to go.... i know I'll miss the long lazy mornings but the children are already asking when is it time to go back to school. bless them.....now go to sleep for mummy you little wotsits!!!!!!!

:) xx

Dental dilemma

2011-08-10T09:45:00.000-07:00

There is a downside to having lots of children, apart from the obvious exhaustion, stress and occasional breakdown, getting all their date of births correct.

Now it's not that i'm a terrible mother and I don't know them, it's just when it comes to saying them in numbers I.e 06/07/05 I start to sound like a bumbling fool.

Today was one of those days booking in all my five children for a dental check up.

Receptionist: can you confirm all the DOB for your children.

Me: yes of course

06/07/05
07/06/06 oh no wait sorry that's wrong it's 07/07/06
16/10/09 no wait (I count the years on my fingers quickly) I mean 16/10/07
23/02 erm....... Hang on..... (I'm starting to sound like an idiot now)... 2009
And finally 12/06/2010

I make a feeble excuse about too many sixes and sevens and then the receptionist audibly rolls her eyes and stamps the appointment with 'imcompitant mother'

What's ur worst forgetful parenting moment? Xx

Work, decorate and play

2011-08-07T12:39:00.001-07:00

This week was my first week back at work after being off with my ankle, I was nervous but after my first shift I slid back easily into being a working mama.

I loved seeing all my work friends again and it's nice to have adult interaction for at least 8hours, maybe not some of the adults of the general public but never mind!!

Whilst working this week I decided it was time to decorate the girl's bedroom as their new bunk beds had arrived for the older two girls. So Friday morning after I got up after my night shift I donned my tools and paintbrush and got to painting two feature Walls a lovely pink colour.

first job was dismantling pud's cot and clearing out everything that was under it....then I dismantled 3yo's peppa pig toddler bed to make room for little f as this is now going to be his own room *sob* he has slept with us in our room from his first day into the world and after 15months he is now in his own room. I will miss him but I will also enjoy being able to read in bed again which I've not been able to do without worrying about disturbing him.

All my girls are now in one room with a set of bunks each and the bedroom has turned out really well I'm really proud of it. There is even a decent amount of floor space too I'm lucky my main bedroom is a big one.

I'll add some pictures tomorrow as at the moment they are all sleeping, I wish I had a bigger house but for now we are managing, they all have nice comfy beds and plenty of toys,books and love to go round and I hope one day we will get a lucky break and move into a bigger house.

So tonight I'm toasting myself for another mummy achievement *cheers* everyone!!! Xxx

Win a family ticket to go aboard the HMS Belfast

2011-08-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of museums and educational days out so this is a fantastic prize for anyone who feels the same way. My Grandad served on a ship in WW2 so i was always fascinated by his stories and his wonderful pictures.

HMS Belfast, a branch of the Imperial War Museum, is a great day out for all the family just a short walk from both London Bridge and Tower Bridge.

On board visitors can explore all nine decks of the large light cruiser which saw action in both the Second World War and the Korean War.

Imagine how sailors once hurried up and down ladders, or take a look at the mess desk where her 950-strong crew ate and slept.

A mixture of historic spaces, displays, temporary exhibitions and special events all help bring to life the ship’s history and the exciting stories of those who served on her.

This summer they have a new experience the GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE

This summer visitors to HMS Belfast can get a feel for what it would have been like to fight at sea in the thrilling new Gun Turret Experience: A Sailor’s Story, 1943. This permanent addition to the historic ship uses lights, imagery, sound, smoke effects, movement and smells to recreate the atmosphere and conditions of a cramped Gun Turret with its crew at action stations.

This should be a fantastic day out for the children and all the family, a must for everyone, all you have to do to enter to win a family ticket is watch this clip and answer this question...

WHAT WAS THE YEAR THAT HMS BELFAST SANK THE GERMAN BATTLECRUISER?

Leave a comment with the answer below to enter

Tweet the link after you've left a comment mentioning me for another entry

UK only

Tickets will be sent by the PR.

Winners will be drawn a week today by my eldest daughter

And just for even more fun here is a fun activity sheet to print off for your little ones to entertain them for a little bit.

Good luck!!!!

solo with children weekend break

2011-08-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

Wow the school holidays have gotten off to a good start and I've been super busy trying to keep 5children entertained is no mean feet i tell you! But it's been good and stressful at points but i can't really complain.

Anyway the lovely Emma invited me to go and stay with her in Portsmouth for the weekend i obviously said yes!!! But i decided to drive down on my own with all the children (hubby was working) Yes i realise i must be mad and to be honest the night before i left i was questioning my sanity but i can honestly say the drive down wasn't too bad. It took me four hours and i left at 6am, we made one stop for a potty break and the rest of the journey was spent watching dvds (my in car dvd players are a godsend a must for any long journey!!)

I arrived at 10am feeling very proud of myself being able to manage a hefty drive and the children alone, i don't often blow my own trumpet but hell i did a little 'yay for me' jig in my head lol!! Anyway we proceeded to take over emma's house and settle in and i started to enjoy being away from home and the company of a great friend.

Vic came to stay with us too so we had 8 children asleep at one point which i think is amazing!! We had wine, a BBQ and a lovely pudding made by Emma.

The day after we went off to the beach where i watched my little ones playing in the sea and have such a great time, it was lovely seeing them enjoy the sun and the sea, i felt totally free and relaxed sitting there with the sun beaming down and a welcome sea breeze dancing around the shore.

The sky was clear and all you could hear was the sound of children playing and the occasional plane and boat going by. If i could have bottled that moment I so would have. After the beech it was a quick play in the park and that back home to a paddling pool to cool down the little ones. All that excitement was too much for them and they wouldn't sleep bless them so i thought instead of a bad night with them i drove home to leave Emma and Oli to have a nice relaxing evening.

The drive home was good everyone slept and i crawled into my house at 11:15pm totally and absolutely shattered but happy.

Today has mostly been spent relaxing and enjoying a pj day with the children who were tired also.

So there you have it, I did it!!! I managed a weekend away on my own travelling and looking after 5children and actually enjoyed myself. And i think a toast is in order too *clink* happy hoildays everyone xxx

Pass the Love Picnic from Persil and Netmums

2011-07-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

Today we held our Pass the Love Picnic with a few of my children's friends and their mums.

The whole idea was to get some friends together, bring some unwanted teddies that have plenty of cuddles left in them and wash them in Persil's new 2in1 with comfort so they are ready to donate to Oxfam.

We got the picnic started with a few snacks and the children had a few fun games which involved hide and seek and fun in a tent!

We collected up the teddies and popped them in wash and added the new Persil 2in1. It smelt nice when i opened the bottle, a nice subtle fragrance which wasn't overpowering or overbearing.

Next the teddies went for a nice soak in the washing machine and came out smelling fresh and soft. After a stint on the washing line in the lovely weather we had today, they were ready for the oxfam bag ready to send to children who need a bit of happiness in their lives.

All in all we had a fantastic day and it felt even better knowing that we were doing a great thing for not so fortunate children.

The Persil 2in1 did a fantastic job and the fact that you only use a small amount even in a large wash is impressive and economical. I'm also looking forward to doing the rest of my washing in it and looking forward to not buying washing liquid and softener which i normally do, which should hopefully save me some money too.

I am a member of the Netmums Parent Bloggers Network, a unique community of parent bloggers from around the UK who have been handpicked by the Netmums team from our database to review products and brands on their behalf. I am paid an expenses fee to cover my time (and childcare if the fee is big enough!) but Netmums have no editorial control whatsoever about what I blog about. Being a member of the Netmums Blogging Network means that I get to try out products and brands and get my expenses covered but that I retain full editorial integrity.

The beginning of the end

2011-07-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

After 6months the headstone is now onmy grandparents grave with my granddads details on it. I went to see it today and it seemed to cause a fresh wave of grief.

It's gorgeous where they are buried in knutsford, a picture perfect church off a main road surrounded by fields and woods. The sun was shining and the wind was blowing the leafy green trees causing it's rays to dance around the branches like fireflies, it so quiet there, the sound of the breeze dusted the air as we made away the soft lush grass. The headstone looks fantastic yet I was overcome with emotion....that is it....its all over. The headstone is the final nail in the coffin as odd as that sounds. They are gone forever and I guess it hit me again today.

I stood there for a while whist pud danced around the other graves watching the clouds float across the icy blue sky, her laughter drifted around the cemetery and I wished my grandparents could be part of their great grandchildren's lives.

We moved to a bench as she toddled around, the sun warmed my skin and my mind swirled with random memories of them, I looked at the church, I'd be going alone to the Christmas service this year as grandad and I went most years together, this year I will still go and then put a nice wreath on the grave.

In light of the tragic events with Norway, china and the sudden passing of Amy winehouse it's easy to forget how fragile life is.....we should enjoy life to the full and I know I'll be holding my loved one that little bit closer tonight and every night from now on.

Much love to you all xxxxx

Dog tired

2011-07-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

*twitter party has been postponed due to the tragic events of Norway, china and the sudden passing of Amy winehouse, I think we should all hold our loved ones a bit closer tonight, much love to you all, Amy xxxxx*

This week has been busy, I've done a lot for the first time since I broke my ankle I think I feel back up to speed. I've been driving, walking and getting stuck into the housework. My ankle has complained but I've pushed through and with another week left of my sick note I'm sure I'll go back to work without having to worry about pain...hopefully.

My extra activity has come at a price......I'm shattered!!! Every night I've been going to bed feeling like I've worked a 20hrs day, I fell asleep on the sofa the other night and hubby had to wake me up and send me to bed.

Like I say I've done lots sorted out the house and generaly acted like I have a fixed ankle so I'm bound to feel tired or maybe it's because I'm approaching 26....to the wrong end of my twenties....I'll be closer to 30 than 20 soon eeeeek!! That was a slight joke I am just dog tired.

So tonight I'm child free and I'm blooming well putting my feet up!!! I'm picking up the babies at 12:30 tomorrow so I'm have a big fat lie in and tea and toast in bed!!

I hope you all have a fab weekend, a couple of my tweety friends and I are having a twitter party at 8pm till 10pm saturday night all you have to do is answer the question......

What is the funniest thing you have done after a #bucketofwine ? Tweet using the hashtag or leave a comment the funniest will win a bottle of wine!!!!

Have fun and let me know your silly drunk stories xxxx

Tesco Beauty awards and a holiday

2011-07-20T10:14:00.000-07:00

Sponsored/paid post

I don't know about you but i could do with a holiday and by telling Tesco about your favourite beauty products you will be entered into a fantastic draw to win a holiday in Antigua!!!

All you have to do is click this link and cross your fingers!!

http://www.tescomagazine.com/beauty-campaign.html

All my beauty treatments are quick and easy. I use an all over body moisturiser so i can just smooth it on after i hop about the bath. All my makeup lives in my makeup bag in my handbag so i can apply it in the car/ wherever i get 5 minutes to pop it on!!

I'm a fan of miniature products so i can just pop them in my bag and away i go, being a busy mum of five speed is essential, so i use make up remover wipes and anything that i can use whilst i have a baby on my hip!

Good luck to all the entrants and i hope your suggestions bring you some well needed sunshine

End of term and the unknown

2011-07-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

End of term is nearly here in our household and to be honest I think the children are ready for the break. They are tired, grumpy and moody something that some time away from school might help with. In September my eldest moves up to year 2, my other daughter into year 1 and 3yo has another term in nursery because she doesn't turn 4 until October.

3yo has just finished a 6week one to one speech therapy course and she is improving slowly, we have been referred to the welfare team to apply for DLA (disability living allowance) I hadn't thought of this before, I didn't even know about the benefit until I spoke to a very nice lady who thought that 3yo would qualify for it due to her deafness.

I've never claimed for anything other than tax credit and child benefit so all this is new to me, i have a welfare lady coming round on Friday to fill out the application form for me whilst I go and collect letters and reports showing 3yo diagnosis and other needs.

I have mixed feelings about applying for the benefit

Positives

1) if we get extra money I can start her private speech therapy again.
2) I may be able to think about dropping a shift at work so I'm around more to give her more support at home
3) apparently it can open doors up to other things that she will benefit from

Negatives

1) I don't want people to think I'm just trying to live of the state....I never have or will

Any advice about going down this route would be appreciated

Do you or your child claim DLA?

All I know is that I want to get her the most support I can give/supply her with and if this helps then it can only be a good thing.

Once again I'm stepping into the unknown but for my 3yo I would do anything to make her life easier xx

Silent Sunday

2011-07-17T06:14:00.001-07:00

Money money money, must be funny, in a rich mans world

2011-07-15T10:18:00.000-07:00

Money is always something I'm going to worry about. I remember living at home and getting my first pay check and it was £74 I thought I was rich!!! All that money just to spend on myself i was in heaven.

After college i decided to work full time and I enjoyed being paid a full time salary and just enjoying the money, whether it was going on holiday or buying myself clothes.

Today most of my money goes on food shopping and diesel for my car. I might go out for dinner maybe once a month and treat the children now and again but that's about it. I've not increased my debt for nearly two years now and I don't live off credit cards yet we only just scrape by.

The day I get paid a week later it's all gone on direct debits, yes I know it's life and we all do it but damn its depressing.

My congratulations goes out to the lucky couple who won the £166m euro millions I hope they have a fabulous life, I did a couple of lines in hope of a win, I'm not greedy I would have settled for just 100k just for a fresh start lol.

Sometimes I think life would be far more enjoyable without money and I know we can still enjoy life with the things that come for free like love and our children but right now I'd love to sit back and not count every penny.

What would you do if you won the lottery? I always said that if I won a silly amount I would clear my friend's mortgages and set them up for a carefree life.

With the school holidays looming I know we're planning as many free activities as possible with the children, do share your best tips I'll be very grateful for them.

Hope you all have a great non expensive weekend xx :)

the one where i had my cast off

2011-07-11T11:06:00.000-07:00

So yes I am cast free yaaaaay, well it's a yay and a nay really, i'm still in quite a bit of pain with the dam ankle.

It was interesting getting it removed though.. firstly the fracture clinic is in the lower ground floor of the hospital miles away from the entrance, must have been a man who designed that..anyway i arrived to find there was an hour delay for everyones appointment....turd.

So i pulled out my book and started reading, i was summoned around 45mins later into to the plaster room. Unfortunately its just a big room where you get your limbs frozen in colourful bandage,,not a room made of plasters....anyhoo.. i hop onto the bed to be presented with a large tool that looked like a mini saw.

'it doesn't hurt at all' said the nurse as she brandished it like jason from halloween...
'look it just vibrates to break away the fibres..see i can touch it with my hand' i winced hoping that she wasn't lying..i didn't fancy a one handed nurse cutting my cast off..this wasn't the case and it did just vibrate like one of ann summer's finest.

So she starts cutting the cast off and the vibration are quite intense..it makes me giggle as i have ticklish feet and legs...after the cutting she whips out some scissors that are well..scary

she wrestles with the bandages and the scissors and runs them up my shin
'ouch' i yell
'it's ok it's just a sharp end...see' she points at the end of the tool that has a rubber protection thingy on it..not my blood....honest.

Finally its off and OMG my leg resembles a yeti...hairy isn't the word and it looks pale and scrawny. she leaves the yeti leg out whilst she goes to find a wipe to clean my leg whilst the rest of the nursing staff get a good look at my hairy leg. Once she wipes it i pull down my leggings super fast and limp out of there as fast as my one leg can take me.

the consultant said it's fine treat it as a sprain now and keep moving it..and off i went two legged into the world again.

So here i am foot loose and fancy free...i can dance..i can sort of walk and steps are still very painful but hopefully in 3weeks i'll be back to running...... :) xx

Birthday week

2011-07-04T12:06:00.000-07:00

This week my two eldest girls turn 6 years old and 5 years old.

It's always a busy fun packed week because their birthdays are on the 6th and 7th, i couldn't have planned that if i had tried and both were born at 38+2 weeks gestation too.

They have always been close and it's been a joy watching them grow together, seeing them at school and knowing they always have a friend in each other is just lovely. Of course they fight like cat and dog but they also are so lovely together, chatting on the top bunk of their beds until late, playing games together even helping each other with writing and reading.

I'm so proud of my little big girls and i always get all emotional and blubby around this time. I always remember being very pregnant in the blistering heat just waiting to meet my babies.

6years ago i was only 19 and i look at how far i've come i feel really proud. I hope i am doing a good job of being a mum and raising my children well.

So on wednesday and thursday i'll spend the day with a tear in my eye..one of joy and pride and one of sadness of my babies growing up so fast.

Bedtime stories

2011-06-29T10:28:00.000-07:00

I always read a bedtime story to my children it;s just one of those routines that i love doing. We have a vast library of books here from cardboard books to lovely picture books classics like the gruffalo.

We get the bookstart scheme at our sure start centre and i remember getting 3 year old's 2 year check pack and it came with a wonderful book that really sparks up some serious emotions for me.

It's called ten little fingers and ten little toes by Mem Fox

It's a simple book with lovely words and wonderful pictures. The story is about babies that are born in different places around the world and in different circumstances, but also shows that even though they are born in different places they are all basically the same.

As soon as i start reading the story it makes me think about how special I felt when i was handed each of my children when they were first born, seeing their ten little fingers and toes and realising that this bundle was mine.

I remember going through such worry and anxiety with my 3 year old at that time with finding out she had speech problems and finding out about her deafness. It was a stressful time and a time that knocked my confidence of being a good mum.

I remember picking this book out of the pack and reading it to her at bed and by the time i had finished i was crying.

My favourite lines of the story are:

'The next baby was truly divine,
a sweet little child that was mine all mine,

and this little baby as everyone knows,
has ten little fingers and ten little toes'

I guess the story just said to me 'hey not everything is always the same but it's OK because no matter what happens, that baby means everything to you.'

Every time i read the book I'm washed over with the feeling of being a new mum, how special it is, how exciting it is and how lucky i am to have all of my 5children.

I know i won't ever be a new mum again which is fine, my family is complete but for around two minutes every time i read this book i can feel those feelings all over again, from the pang in my tummy where my babies grew, to the ache in my heart knowing my baby days are finally over.

Cybermummy11 : have crutch will travel

2011-06-28T11:02:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been fab, i did my yearly jaunt down to London for the fantastic cybermummy11 blogging conference. I was kindly sponsored by Kelloggs and given a gorgeous mamamibychet bag to parade around with too. (review to follow shortly)

The first night involved a nice meet and greet meal with the lovely sandy calico, it was filled with other fab bloggers and we all had a fab time....until i decided i didn't feel well. Being the drama queen that i am my leg with the broken ankle felt tingly so i put it up on my friend's leg....then i felt dizzy..then i decided to get some air and faint in the middle of the restaurant. Embarrassing wasn't the word..even when i was picked up by two random blokes who assumed i was pissed...i wasn't i can assure you. So after a blast of london air and about 2pints of water i was back in the land of the living. I went to sot down and i felt funny again, i think it was a mixture of too much heat, too little water and touring london with a broken ankle. Anyway i went back to the hotel had a few drinks and retired to my room with monica (mum on the brink)

During the night i was called from home to be told my children had been overrun with chicken pox...(pleasure/pain theory i think) so i worried about that for a while, managed to get back to sleep and then woke up at 6:30 ready for the big day ahead.

I t was all very exciting and so much more glam than last year, the venue was fantastic and the atmosphere was electric. The excitement of everyone was audible and mine escaped me by hugging the giant green butlins dinosaur....he was very cuddly!

Next stop a mooch around and then the introduction followed by some guy from facebook (yawn) and then the lovely sarah brown who is surprising normal and just like us. I sat in the middle with a huge table filled buy just three of us, monica, the darling kez lewis and me...with my foot up.

After being released from the introduction i wandered freely enjoying chatting to anyone who plaked within 5ft of me and enjoying finding out about the sponsors who were there. M favs had to be the Naked wine stand and the ubisoft games stand, both delivered yummy treats and fun times :)

I didn't go to any of the sessions at all, i socialised and talked the hind leg of a donkey, i spent most of my time in the recharge room relaxing and meeting great people, also watching the yummy Micheal Douglas cut hair like a star struck fool.

lunch was hoovered up and so was pudding followed by coffee and more chatting (surprised i've got a voice left!) I left early to gleek out with my fellow bloggers Emma, Vic, Jen, Sally, Tim and cass at the o2 area with E.ON.

We had out own hospitality box to watch glee live, free bar and food, amazing seats i sang and screamed the night away like a teenager. What an amazing end to an amazing weekend.

A big thank you to everyone who came to say hi, i think i managed to chat to loads of you this time from emily MTJAM (my inspiration) to liz Jarvis (journalist extraordinaire) to suzanna (BMB queen) and jay (dildo/photographic genius) to my BFFs Emma, vic, kez, monica, jean, kate, sandy...the list goes on.

I can't wait to see you all again :) hope you've all recovered i just have about...i think *falls asleep* lol xxxx

Bath time and bye time

2011-06-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

My little F is a cheeky little thing and the dirtiest grubbiest baby i have ever met. At the end of the day he is filthy and requires an overhaul before bed. This is a bit of an issue when he absolutely HATES baths.

His first bath after he was born was filled with tears and screaming...it's ok he'll get used to it... and a year later and he still screams the bathroom down like i'm performing water torture not a soothing scrub!

I've tried everything, bath toys, letting have his dummy whilst he's sat there, cooler water, warmer water, singing songs, funny faces.....nothing works.

I probably could have a gold medal for Olympic speed baby bathing (if there was such a sport) i hate seeing him cry and get all upset, it breaks my heart, so i do it as fast as possible. Even when i get the towel ready he's reaching for it, i wrap him up in the snugly towel and he cuddles and clings on to me for dear life.

I do love his post bath cuddles they are lovely, but its safe to say he hates the bath..or being clean in general..must be a boy thing. God help me when he's a teen i'll be decontaminating his bedroom and isolating his underwear!!!

A positive of the bath is his cute Mohawk he gets from his beautiful Blondie locks :)

I love my little man he is wonderful and i'm going to miss him and his sisters a lot whilst i'm away this weekend at cybermummy. This is the longest i've ever been away alone without the children or hubby. I'm so excited but also a bit nervous too.

Mummy will be back soon my sweethearts and i will miss you all loads xxx

cybermummy meet and greet

2011-06-20T11:23:00.001-07:00

So on saturday other fabulous bloggers and I will be making our pilgrimage to cybermummy and to follow tradition here is a bit about me in case you fancy saying hello :)

So a few things about me:

Northern lass so watch out for manchester/lancashire accent

Probably constantly chatting so if there is chatter it'll probably be me.

Not sure what i'm wearing yet TBC..probably leggings and dress

I look like that picture but probably wearing glasses as i will be concentrating....

The biggest giveaway will big the fluorescent pink cast on my right ankle...

and a crutch..not crotch LOL

Please say hi i can't wait too see old faces and new ones too!!!

See you all on friday (I'm staying at the travelodge friday) if you're coming early like me or i'll see you (saturday night i'm in the hoxton) saturday morning :) xx

so excited!!!!!

Fathers day

2011-06-18T23:53:00.000-07:00

It's the first fathers day without grandad...it feels odd.

Happy fathers day to all the daddies out there and to all those who may have a bitter sweet tang to the day like me today.

i've put my foot in it

2011-06-14T14:06:00.001-07:00

So..i said i hurt my ankle doing my run on Saturday thanks to a rabbit hole. Basically i ran through the grass didn't see the hole my foot slipped, my ankle went one way my leg the other and i heard a crack. It hurt but i hopped and little and carried on running. By the end of the race it was sore and swollen. Obviously a sprain. So i went home got changed and went out for dinner with hubby.

Sunday it was still sore and the same on Monday but today after the nursery school run i was in some serious pain. I got hubby to finish work early so he could do the school run and i could go to A&E to get it checked out.

I took a book because i knew I'd be there a while, saw the assessment nurse and she sent me for an x ray as my ankle was very tender.

I still didn't worry, i knew it was a sprain. Had the x ray, read my book and then got called in by the doctor.

He walked in and said 'what was wring with such a beautiful girl like me' ......i liked him, he was very kind :)

I explained the whole rabbit hole story he prodded it and bent it this way and that...it hurt, he said it looked like a very bad sprain but he was going to check my x rays just in case.

I'm still sat there on the bed feeling glad about the sprain, not too serious just a bit of rest needed and i'll be fine.

Nice Doctor comes back looking solemn.....

'i'm afraid Amy, its a fracture'

'NOOOOOOOOOO' was my reply, he must be kidding!!!

he was deadly serious it was broken, he threw words around like 'cast' and 'crutches' whilst i laughed with nerves.

Next thing i'm lying on my front having my ankle put in a cast, told to come back on friday to the fracture clinic for a more detailed discussion about the healing process and the possibility of a new cast.

My head was spinning...i've BROKE my ankle running for charity....i have 5children.....i'm fooked.

Neverless i'm sat here with my pot foot up feeling sorry for myself, fingers crossed for friday and a quick recovery xx

Race for life I did it!!!!!

2011-06-11T12:43:00.001-07:00

Today i ran my race for life at tatton park and it has to be the best thing i have done for a long time.

If you have been following me on twitter/facebook i started training for the run about 11 weeks ago, i couldn't even run for 2minutes, i am a total running novice.

Week after week i saw my fitness improve and my time increase and eventually got to running 30minutes.

Today was the accumulation of all my efforts and it was amazing.

We got there early to avoid the queues and to soak up the atmosphere, it is a glorious venue and the weather was spot on too.

We all bunched together and has fun warm up session that got the blood pumping and the energy flowing.

Even hubby got involved as they were short of marshals, he got to be number one so he was the first one i would run past and the last one just before the finish line.

We all gathered at the start line and the race began.

The route was all off road grass, mud. gravel you name it ran through it. The first 2k was all uphill and on spongy grass it was hard going and really tough on the legs, i unfortunately slipped down a bloody rabbit hole, my leg went one way and my ankle the other, i hopped a bit, hobbled and carried on there was NO way in hell i was stopping.

3k was lovely running past the river and it started to rain so i put my hood up and knuckled down and ran. As soon as i saw the 4k sign i got really excited, i was nearly there, next up was 500m sign and i was so happy i ran with a huge smile on my face, next i saw hubby and i waved and whooped at him.

As i ran down the final straight it really started to rain but i didn't care, i ran through the finish line with my arms in the air...omg i did it....i ran 5k.....what a feeling!!!!!

I'd like to thank everyone who left me message on facebook and sent me lovely tweets and a bog thank you to everyone who donated too. i couldn't have done it without your support.

5k in 39mins i'm so happy i could burst :)

Men men men menly men men

2011-06-06T10:39:00.000-07:00

I love men

erm....that sounds wrong..but i do :)

I've always loved being friends with men, there's something great about them (apart from the obvious things *cough*) but even at primary school my best friend was a bloke, he was lovely we had laughs, we played together and he stuck up for me in times of crisis.

When i played in many brass bands there were a lot of men there too and i used to love having giggle with the blokes and chat about anything and everything. I used to play a euphonium which was mostly played by men so my Principal player would normally be of the male character. I had an amazing friend who i did a duet with and i loved him dearly.

Starting work once again i fitted in well with the 'boys' and my job at night is mostly male dominated too, i get called the 'sheridan fella' at work.

Before you think i'm butch or anything like that i'm so not, i'm a typical girlie girl who loves cars, football, gaming, computers, planes, bikes, films etc Get me talking about cars and that's it and i can hold my own when it comes to football too.

I've always had men in my life, infact i've always had more men in my life than women i've always found it hard to gel with women and i've struggled with friendships all through school, i have one really close girl friend and the rest of my girl friends i've found on twitter and all of them rock!!

My female work colleagues are cool but put me with a bloke and its even more fun, yes i'm an outrageous flirt but its makes the time pass quicker and nothing is funnier than a string of sexual innuendos.

My hubby is the same as me except the opposite (that sounds odd..nevermind), he has always got on better with girls, the majority of his friends have always been women so we make a good match really :)

I couldn't imagine my life without men no matter how much they drive me crazy LOL

So tell me about your male friends or do leave the boys with the boys?

*pops on a re run of top gear*

silent sunday

2011-06-05T01:09:00.001-07:00

Me apparantly

2011-06-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

According to my fellow work colleagues who i worked with on Tuesday night this is me.

Now instantly i was concerned about the roundness here and I said 'is it because my hair is the same colour'....yes they said.

I couldn't get away from the roundness TBH but 'it's because the dog is cute like me'.....hmmmm

I was Still not convinced by the roundness 'you are squidgy and cuddly' ......nice

At this point i was ready to move on from the similarities so i walked off and carried on, i had to cover someones break and to my horror noticed my colleague was walking around with 'Amy' under his arm.

It was funny, made the night pass quicker even when i was told that the dog was 'soooooooo cute just like you' .....I blushed like mad.

Even funnier was the fact that they bought it at the end of the night :) So now 'Amy' is living on my welsh dresser. Makes me grin a lot :)

wandering wanderer

2011-05-30T13:56:00.000-07:00

3 year old is doing really well with her hearing aids and has got used to them being in, her speech has improved too which is great. But my problem with her getting up in the night is still going strong. I've now put her in her own room to see if she will settle better but she is still getting up and wandering into her sisters bedrooms and just causing chaos.

I am really at a loss, she can open the baby gates, she opens her bedroom door, i lead her back to bed and desperately try to figure out what she wants but still to no avail i am getting up 4 times a night at least.

I'm tired and also frustrated, i don't know what else to do really and it's starting to make me on edge. Every night i put her to bed knowing at some point she will be up.

I hope she will eventually grow out of this phase.

I'm a bit at sea at the moment with work and life really, i'm bobbling around like a cork hoping i'll end up at a decent destination.

It's hard work sometimes this grown up life of mine, i look around at others the same age as me going out having fun every night not having a care in the world and it's odd that i live such a different life like i'm poles apart from them.

I'm going to stop moaning and tidy up.....so rock and roll LOL

coil fitting..and no i can't pick up radio stations

2011-05-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

So after a while of deliberating and suffering the most horrendous monthly episodes after having little f I decided to have a mirena coil fitted.

It seems that ever since i had my little man, my body is making up for having 5 babies by reducing me to a tired, bloated, miserable mess every time the painters are in. I mean i know its part of being a women blah blah blah but seriously i get a week of pre period bloating followed by really bad tiredness then when it finally shows itself i get a week of terrible tummy ache and down right miserableness, not even to mention the heaviness of them too. It's just beyond a joke!

I went to the GP and she suggested the pill, i've never been good with the pill, i got pregnant twice whilst taking it, i also always forget to take the blooming thing and i suffered a lot with headaches and sickness too.

I did originally go the contraception drop in clinic a few weeks ago (what fun that was!) basically you turn up between 1pm and 3pm and wait to be seen, great i thought and since i'm busy i can just pop in and get some advice. Oh no no no, this was not the case, i arrived, took a number like you were buying something off Morrison's deli counter and waited to tell a randomer about your sex life etc.

I was seen quite fast and i was pleased until i was told to wait in the waiting area of doom again?? this was just a quick consultation then i had to see a nurse. So i sat and waited, i did have both my littlest ones with me too, who were becoming increasingly bored. It was now 2:30 and i had to get back for the school run, i asked if i was going to be seen soon, i got a glazed expression so i left with no advice nothing...utter pee poor service to be honest.

Anyway i gave up and found the hospital near me has a department for that sort of thing, simple, made an appointment and this morning at 8:30 went to get it fitted. As usual my luck was not favourable.. the doctor had to be called to ward so i had to wait 1hour and 45 mins.

The best part of it was lying in stirrups again (ahhh memories) the whole process wasn't that uncomfy but i guess after having 5children i'm used to all that malarkey up there.

So here i am all implanted and such hoping that after the settling in period i will be without as much pain and discomfort every month..oh and for you funny people..no i can't pick up radio or T.V channels..and no the dials aren't in my bra *rolls eyes* xx

bum shuffling babe

2011-05-23T10:27:00.000-07:00

Well its taken a whole year but little f is finally mobile!! As usual he puts his own little take on this and has decided to give the whole crawling thing (too much effort i think) a miss and just shuffle on his bum.

It's the cutest thing i've ever seen!!! All my girls crawled and then walked so this is brand new, he sort of hops on his bottom and uses his arm for direction..very clever i think!!

He's got some speed on him though, he went from the lounge into the kitchen to come and see what mummy was up too (cradling coffee) he gives me the cutest grins it impossible not too smile at him and pick him up after all his bum effort to get to me.

I'm moderately worried that he's going to wear out all the bums in all his trousers and jeans lol I'm so proud of him :) and all the girls thinks it amazing watching him shuffle around..in fact yesterday pud and 5yo were shuffling behind him, too cute for words.

So here's to baby skid marks around the house...not actual 'skid marks' eeeew xxx

Silent Sunday

2011-05-22T05:16:00.000-07:00

M.I.A

2011-05-18T10:34:00.000-07:00

Sometimes being a mother of 5 can be..well..exausting. Yes i hear you cry... you chose to have that amount of children so stop your moaning and get on with it. Yep i know i've heard it all before, yep i'm moaning but fook me i'm tired.

I'm tired from just the school runs 3 times a day

I'm tired from the amount of housework that is never ending.

I'm tired from my 3yo STILL getting up 5,6 times a night

I'm tired from working 3nights a week, getting in a 2:30am and then getting up at 8:30am

and you know what..i'm tired from fighting against all of the tiredness to actually enjoy life.

At the moment i'm missing in action, i've got lost behind the sofa somewhere whilst retrieving a drinky cup or other child related product.

You'll have to go on without me, i know most people don't leave a good man/women behind but i think it's for the best.

I'm sure i'll dig myself out at some point but for now leave me there, lost, dusty and alone.

now you see them.....now you don't

2011-05-16T10:54:00.000-07:00

Last week we had 3yo long awaited hearing aids fitted. They are great and the ear moulds are in pink glitter which she loves. We had the usual tears putting them in but i left them in to walk home from the hospital with her. She calmed down and started to listen to the world around her, she was quicker to repspond to me when i called her name and seemed far more focused being able to hear everything around her.

Seeing this happy more confident little girl was amazing i felt so proud and felt like we had finally got somewhere adter a year and a half of tests and unanswered questions.

We got to the morning after f's birthday and the hearing aids had dissapeared. Every night i pop them in a special box and put them ontop of my wlesh dresser as part of her routine. But for some godforsaken reason they were not there. I was greeted to the scene of the footstool pushed up to the dresser, alarm bells began to ring. 3yo has a habit of wnadering around the house in the mornings so it became obvious that she had got them. The search began.....could we find them NO.

Reluctantly i had to send her to nursery without them in as we carried on the search..still nothing. Up until this morning we were still looking for them, i even spend the whole of sunday looking for them too. Low and behold we moved a sofa cushion and the box was there!!!!! Now we'd ripped the house appart, ripped every cushion of every surface... so to find them here was a shocker!!

Hubby and i did a little dance aroung the lounge in celebration, how they got there i have no clue....but i'm bloody happy we found them!!!!!! xxx

Little F is one Today!!!

2011-05-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

Well how fast has this year gone??!!! Feels like yesterday i was just announcing my pregnancy!! It's been a wonderful year with my little man, he is and has always been a blessing to me.

From the moment i saw that blue line i knew my freddo froggo was a boy, finding out i was having a son at Christmas was the best present ever and holding him at 2:10am on the 12th May for the first time what such an amazing feeling.

From the moment i held him i knew this baby, my son was the best decision i'd made for a long time. I'm so pleased i tried one last time i couldn't imagine not ever having him in my life.

We successfully breastfed for 9 wonderful months, a wonderful gift that he gave me to experience the joy and satisfaction of breast feeding. I feel like our bond is very strong but he is independent too, he's an outright flirt and loves the ladies!! He has the cutest giggle and the most gorgeous eyes, thinking about him make me go all gooey and i know many ears will be shed today as we celebrate his first birthday.

So happy birthday my little man, i love to bits, your sisters love you to bits and so does your daddy. You have made our family complete and i hope you have a great day.

Silent Sunday

2011-05-08T00:59:00.001-07:00

F's birth story

2011-05-06T12:02:00.000-07:00

Since my darling little man is one next week *sobs* i thought i'd share his birth story again :)

As you all know i planned for a home birth but as we know not everything goes to plan!

After having a false start AGAIN the night before i was in a bit of grump so i sat down on the sofa and put on the Naked gun trilogy, i love a good laugh. So there i was, feet up laughing my head off and suddenly my waters go!

I was very excited since it was only 1 day before my due date and i knew that since my waters had gone my baby would be here sooner rather than later.

I jumped up and tried to stem the waters that seemed to leak with every movement, i hadn't had any pains yet so i text my bestest friend @aandemummy that things were happening. She was round like a shot and we giggled excitedly about my son's birth. I got my mattress out and all the waterproof pads, i sat on my ball and waited for the pains to come.

They came slowly but surely but were still quite erratic going from 4mins to 7 mins apart then back to 4mins. By the time we phoned the midwife she came and examined me and i was 5cms! I was very pleased and i hadn't even had a drop of gas and air yet.

The pains started to get stronger and longer and i adopted a very comfy position of sitting on my ball and resting on the back of a chair. One of fav moments of the labour was @aandemummy telling me i needed to eat, it had been a good 3 hours now so she made me some toast whilst i waddled upstairs to use the loo between contractions. I came down and she'd cut my toast into little triangles like she does for her lovely sons. (we mummy's are always on duty) We couldn't stop giggling at that and it is a great memory!

Things were picking up and i was now on all fours leaning over my ball using my breathing techniques that the lovely @tums2mums taught me to help me stay calm and focused. I moved onto the gas and air and the contractions started coming back to back.

A new team of midwifes cam to my house and they started to check me and baby over and over again. I was given another internal which hurt A LOT i could have swung for that midwife, she wasn't too friendly either. It turned out i was still only 5cms and now it had been 9hours and everyone really thought he was nearly here.

I got really disheartened by the lack of progress, the midwife told me to stand up and walk around, i stood up and my labour stopped dead. My contractions went back to every 10mins and i was distraught. I sat on my ball in the kitchen away from everyone with only my husband and @aandemummy holding my hand and drying my tears. I was exhausted, it was 11pm now i had been in pain for nearly 10hours and nothing to show for it.

Things started to pick up again but my gas and air started to run out. With the tiredness and the increasing pain i asked what were my options. I was told they would leave me for another hour and see how i was doing.

In my labour ridden state i announced that i wanted to go into the hospital for some more pain relief so i could relax and try to sleep since nothing was happening. ( i was in a bad mood now) I was so glad i had two birth partners because they really fought my corner to let me go into hospital as the midwives weren't too fussed.

An ambulance was called and in that time from getting in the ambulance to the hospital i found that i couldn't walk as i was having pains back to back again.

@aandemummy grabbed me a wheelchair and pushed me into the delivery suite where i crawled on the bed, punched the wall a few times and nearly broke hubby's hand whilst they got me some gas and air and some pethidine.

Soon after the jab little f's heartbeat started to fall and it was all too familiar to pud's birth. I was examined again and i was still only 6-7cms, they wheeled me straight into another room and put a clip on his head to monitor his heart beat, broke the remains of my waters and waited whilst they decided what they were going to do with us.

I was clutching @aandemummys hand at this point and all of a sudden his heart beat sprang back up and i could feel my labour changing. I felt him move down and i grunted. I remember hearing @aandemummy shouting 'she's pushing!!!!' the midwives hadn't even got any gloves on and the fab student midwife chucked hers on and in two massive pushes little F was born.

He was perfect, i couldn't hold him straight away the cord wasn't long enough but hubby cut it and he was given to me all gooey and gorgeous at 1:24am after an 11hour labour.

I fed him straight away and we bonded, it was amazing to hold my son for the first time and i wouldn't have been able to have my 5th natural birth without the wonderful support from @aandemummy and my hubby. xxxxx

nits........my luck ran out

2011-05-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

I've had the school letter countless times informing me that some child has brought the dreaded filthy buggers into school, they make my skin crawl and i've sauntered around nit free for nearly 6 years.

Today my luck ran out, my 5yo came down stairs this morning with her hair all over the place, i asked what the matter was she said her head was itchy. Alarm bells rang but she hadn't been anywhere to catch them apart from the MIL. I though maybe it was a change in shampoo as MIL bathed them all on Saturday night. The poor love kept scratching her head and i hollered hubby to help me investigate. I've never seen the cretins before so we had a mooch and there on her beautiful long hair was the filthy thing looking at us and waving (not actually waving it wasn't that big) i stayed calm grabbed my bag and drove to sainsburys to load up on the nit killing stuff.

Bloody hell its not cheap is it??!! £7.40 for four treatments??!!! jeez i bought two bottles so we could all be done. I started with my darling 5yo she was as good as gold as i rubbed it in, she was bouncing they were falling off her i had to hoover her back i felt so guilty :( after the 10minutes i combed it through 3times she had a fair few but now she is free. 4yo had a few so she was done, 3yo had some they were zapped and the pud was done too for precaution.

That left hubby and i....he had one...i had two eeeeeeeeek it was horrid but i can say after boiling all the bedding we are nit free yay.

All in all a lovely..itchy bank holiday :)

sleeping whilst awake: silent sunday

2011-05-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

There's something lovely about watching people sleep, now I'm not talking about any old tramp here I'm saying that if you love someone watching them sleep has to be one of those things that really pulls at my heartstrings.

I remember when i first met my husband (boyfriend) and shared a bed for the first time, just to sleep, it was an amazing moment. Sleeping with someone is very intimate, if you don't feel comfy then neither of you are going to sleep but if you both drift off in each others arms then i can't think of anything better.

I remember looking up at the ceiling listening to the sound of his breath going in and out, my head rested on his chest and i could hear and feel his heart beating slowly and calmly. Such a calming rhythm it was, i closed my eyes and i relaxed safe in the sounds of his silence.

Is this what love feels like....like a warmth in the chest..like a weight that is inside you that isn't uncomfortable..the feeling of knowing that it feels so right...so natural.

That foggy part of sleep washed over me, my mind was slipping into the warm waters of my dreams, the heartbeat was fading from my ears but i knew it was still there, i could hear our breaths as one and in my mind we were walking in the sun, i could feel the sunshine on my face and i could feel his soft touch. I could smell the grass and feel the breeze in my hair, the sky was baby blue, not a cloud tainted it, our eyes met for a brief second and i was whole, i felt complete, as one in my mind and in my heart.

My sleep fell deeper, i was awake whilst sleeping...

Pud escaped!!!!

2011-04-28T10:11:00.001-07:00

There is an art to taking out 5children it involves doing a few things:

Having eyes in your arse

Doing a head count every few minutes

Today was one of those examples. Pud my darling two year has suddenly got bossy and stroppy (its not from me honest ;) ) anyway she refuses to go in the double buggy, if you manage to actually get hold of her to go in it she either A) goes stiff so she cannot be bent B) kicks the living hell out of your shins with flailing arms and legs.

I didn't fancy any of those examples today so i let her walk.....yes a mistake i may hear you gasp but she was doing ok, she listened but when it came to the dreaded hand holding to cross a Car park all hell broke loose again....you're getting the picture right?

Hold hand=ear piercing screams

Let go of hand =giggles and smiles

you do the math...anyway, daddy decided to take 4yo and 3yo for a toilet break, i was sitting in the sun with little F, pud and 5yo.

You can see it now...daddy disappears..pud takes off after him...'PUD' i yell...i get up to run...but then i have to leave f and 5yo alone to grab her...what shall i do. I phone daddy. He's already in the toilet with the girls and now Pud has taken off on her jollies...shit.

I pick up the skirt of my maxi dress, grab onto my sunglasses and run. I take three steps and she appears from around the corner looking all nonchalant with a 'what mummy' expression on her face'. I go to pick her up and i'm greeted with 'NO....DADDY' and a point of the finger.

As i mumble totally non offensive swear words under my breath daddy reappears..pud is happy everyone goes to play..as i rock on the floor clasping my chest. LOL xxx

My week off :)

2011-04-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

I've been off from work since Saturday and i can honestly say that it's been lovely. We had a great Easter weekend at my parents house were we ate copious amounts of food and plenty of booze. The weather was awesome and it was so much fun!

My running is going so well that i have entered the ballot for the London marathon.....a bit adventurous you might say but i'm going to give it my best shot, i ran for 40mins last Friday and i can do my 5k now so i'm pushing my distance now.

I feel so good running, i've always had dreams about running and in my dreams i'm running effortlessly, hopefully i'm heading towards what my mind wants me to do, i am a big believer of dream interpretations and i think they play a big role in your life. (sceptics turn away now lol)

i've not blogged as much but i'm enjoying time with my family...i'll be back soon i hope you all have a fantastic royal wedding weekend. love to you all xxx

Silent Sunday

2011-04-24T03:18:00.000-07:00

The Gallery: My blog

2011-04-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

My blog is like this stream, it started out as a little calm place to just babble on about the stuff that goes on in the my life, then suddenly it became something that picked up pace.I made new friends, i became part of a community i felt that i've finally found friends that understand me and are the best friends I've ever had.

Like the stream it doesn't always go smoothly i have months when i can't write and sometime the words spill over me flowing out faster and faster and crashing down into the calm below.

The great thing about a stream that it is a place of beauty, a place that you love to be and a place that from it great things grow and are nurtured. I feel exactly the same about my blog. My blog is me, here i can be Amy, this is me you can;t get more real than the words i write here. Here i can say whatever i want, I'm free just like the stream.

I love my blog, I love this picture and hopefully i will never be washed away with the current xx

Mrs Lister's Q&A

2011-04-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

So i've been tagged by the wonderful liz to do a great meme from the lovely Mrs Lister

Which living person do you most admire, and why? I haven't got a clue....to be honest i admire lots of people for the things they do too many to list.

When were you happiest? When time stood still, when nothing else mattered, just me and you in our own little world, for that time i was content, it felt so relaxed, so natural and i never want to forget that feeling ever.

What was your most embarrassing moment? *gulps* I went for a pregnancy spa treatment for my birthday a couple of years ago, for some reason after the massage i had a bit of tummy ache and i felt faint. I didn't pass out....I had an unexpected *cough* reaction that required a change of underwear...the shame....

Aside from property, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought? My car.

What is your most treasured possession? My five children, without them i wouldn't be the person who i am today.

Where would you like to live? In a lovely not too big but comfortable house in the hills, away from the hustle and bustle of the town but not so far away i couldn't just nip to the shops lol

What’s your favourite smell? Freshly baked bread

Who would play you in the film of your life? hmmmmmm liz hurly

What is your favourite book? Twilight

What is your most unappealing habit? Biting my nails and picking the skin around them i only do it when nervous/stressed etc

What would be your fancy dress costume of choice? cat women

What is your earliest memory? not going to bed one night because i'd lost my toy seal..i used to call him see seem :)

What is your guiltiest pleasure? Eating..i love eating i can think of nothing better than a yummy meal

What do you owe your parents? Too much money

To whom would you most like to say sorry, and why? My nan, i'm sorry i didn't spend more time with you when you were ill, i couldn't face it and it was selfish of me, you died alone and i was out shopping.

My grandad, if only i'd phoned you earlier in the day, if only we knew you were as ill as you were maybe you'd still be here, i hope you heard my answer phone message as you lay there, i hope you heard my voice for the last time and thought good of me. I'm sorry i couldn't get to see you in hospital before you died..as usual i was too late.

What or who is the greatest love of your life? My children, i never knew love like it until they were born

What does love feel like? Indescribable

What was the best kiss of your life? When i kissed my boyfriend (hubby) for the first time.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Do you know what i mean?

Totally

At the end of the day

That was SO funny

OMG that (insert word) was WELL good (still a teenager in disguise)

What is the worst job you’ve done? er......working on the shopfloor in court shoes and holdups when i thought i was sitting down for the day

If you could edit your past, what would you change? I'd be better with money.

What is the closest you’ve come to death? Giving birth to my third daughter...watching the hospital lights on the ceiling zoom but not actually being able to hear anything just seeing foggy images..feeling my husbands tears on my hand as i lay there.....wondering if this was the end and would it be quick...

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Being a 25year old mum of 5children

When did you last cry, and why? Oh i cry all the time I'm a soppy sod

How do you relax? twitter, reading, writing, seeing friends

What single thing would improve the quality of your life? lottery win

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

Life can be too short sometimes...sometimes you have to focus more on what you want instead of pleasing others.

Feel free to tag yourselves as i know lots of people have already done it xxxx

Silent Sunday

2011-04-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow.. Gallery Post

2011-04-14T02:54:00.000-07:00

Well this topic this week has caused me a lot of thinking, when i say tomorrow it makes me think of the future.

So i started thinking about the future and i realised that at the moment my future is not clearly layed out, but i guess who's future really is? Who really knows what is around the corner? You can plan and plan and plan and organise and set targets etc but at the end of the day no one can prepare you for something that you don't expect.

My grandad dying in January changed a lot of things for me, i realised that i need to live my life the way i want to, death can catch us sometimes and it can really make you think about your life, would you feel happy with everything if your candle suddenly went out on your future for good?

When i saw him lying there in the hospital bed my childhood died with him, he was my last glimpse, my last thread of memories of being a child and being someones grandchild.

I feel now i'm 25 going on 26 that my adult life is ahead of me....i am an adult. Sometimes i feel like i'm just pretending to be an adult and a mother..surely someone is going to notice one day that i am just playing these roles really well...is this really me? Of course this is me and sometimes i still feel like the teenager i was when i had my daughter, i feel like i've had a lot to prove being a young mum and finally i can let down my guard because i work my hardest to do a dam good job.

My picture is simply a question mark made out of a few things that have an impact on my life. Money (pound coin at the bottom), work (my name badge), the children (calpol and milk bottle), my marriage (wedding ring) and finally me (wine glass and my bracelet).

My future is a question mark...my tomorrow isn't set out yet....but i like this....deep down i know what my tomorrow could be but getting there will be a journey that i'm very much looking forward too xx

Netmums LPS Hamster playground review

2011-04-12T01:45:00.000-07:00

We love the littlest pet shop here in our household, we have already got lots of the little animals and several of the other playsets too. What really excited me about this playset was the size. It is a nice compact size but it is packed full of fun things to play with too.

My 5 year old could fit it into her back pack with ease which she loved, this meant it could go with her to grandmars house and have hamster fun there too.

The hamster ball at the top of the playset come apart so you can put the hamster in there and roll him around, this was by far my daughters favourite part she loved it.

The exercise wheel to the left is also fun too it spins round whilst the platform that the pet sits on stays straight, my daughter loved exploring all the fab details on the playset the room was filled with oooh and ahhhhs.

The playset comes with two very cute pets and a number of acessories that are a bit small and would be lost eaisily but they complument the playset perfectly.

We love this toy and we will be buying another one for my other daughter as she loved it too. It's another great addition to our LPS collection i would recommend it as a gift for any LPS fan xx

This is sponsored post but all opinions are of mine and my children.

Highlights of the weekend

2011-04-11T12:10:00.000-07:00

5 yo lost her first tooth yay

Hubby got very badly sun burnt but now looks very nice for it :)

We had the first BBQ of the spring/summer

It was my mum's birthday...i think she was 63 ;)

We decided what to write on my granddad's headstone

I ran for 25 minutes

I reduced the size of the washing pile by a foot

I managed to break another bloody casserole dish....i think they're scared of me and commit suicide by throwing themselves out of the cupboard.

Pud is wanting to potty train....this involves puddles and poo incidents..yuck

5yo made up a new word...marvelicious...i love it!!!

4yo announced that i am a nice mummy when i let them have sweets *rolls eyes*

I only said the f word a few times...and that was when i stood on an upturned plug

I only had 3..maybe 4 glasses of wine :)

I haven't eaten one Easter egg yet

and finally......hubby declared that my arse is much smaller than it used to be *high five*

Silent Sunday

2011-04-10T00:59:00.001-07:00

Mother Love: Gallery

2011-04-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

That is one thing that is not in short supply around my house. Even with 5 children i like to make sure i spread as much mummy love around as i can.

Making my children feel loved by me and to make sure they know it too is very important to me, i want them to look back at their childhood with fond memories of me and them.

Picking a photo that shows this is, well.... difficult! I have gazillions of pictures but i will use one that shows me as a mummy for for the very first time.

The moment i went from Amy/Girlfriend/friend/employee/daughter to Mummy/Amy/girlfriend/employee/daughter.

First ever bump

New young mummy i was 19

Getting more settled

Simple pleasures

2011-04-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

After having a really great mother's day i've come to realise that i really enjoy the little things in life. I think experiencing the simple pleasures of life can sometimes be ignored, the drive to have more and more stuff and to have more and more money tramples over the simple things that makes life worth living.

The lovely cards that my daughters made me for mothers day was one of these. Who needs to spend £4 or more pounds on a store bought card when you can have one that is handmade by love? I have three cute cards, two written by my eldest daughters, nothing says i love you mum than having it written in your little ones handwriting :)

Having breakfast in bed was also fantastic! Brought in by my mum and my girls was such a lovely thing, the smile on my face was just unremoveable, that one gesture is better than any priced present. Other things that have made me feel fab:

The lovely bits of sunshine that we've had recently, the sun always makes a day that little bit more special.

Managing to run for 20 minutes, i cannot explain the high i got from achieving that, what a feeling!!!!

Getting a lovely message, nothing brings a smile out of me more than lovely words.

Music that i enjoy to listen too, great memories and great new memories made too.

Driving, i love to drive i always have, nothing feels like the freedom of getting behind the wheel of a car and going where the road takes you. Country roads are my fav, zooming around in the hills with just the sky and the road to keep you company..perfect.

Talking, i love it, either face to face or on the phone, i'll talk the hind legs of a donkey but i love it.

Laughing, i just love to laugh nothing makes you feel better than a good giggle.

Three simple words....'I love you'.....that makes me feel instantly better too.

What simple things have made you happy recently? xxx

Silent Sunday

2011-04-03T02:18:00.001-07:00

The Gallery: Hairy Situation

2011-03-30T04:51:00.000-07:00

So I'm going for a bit of embarrassment for this weeks photo, since the theme is hair i thought i'd share one of my best haircuts inflicted on me as a child. I always had short hair, from uber cropped pixie to short at the back and long at the front. As soon as i had a choice i grew the dam thing out and i've long/ mid length hair now since i was around 15/16. So stand back and enjoy this barnet from my primary school days.....am i girl or a boy? You decide!!!! (i'm the child in the very nice orange t shirt *rolls eyes*)

spots, stress, and sunshine

2011-03-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

Last week was..well...crap. 3yo started with an odd rash on Monday, it looked like prickly heat all around her hairline and neck. She went to school and came home an it had spread allover her back and tummy. I gave her some piriton and she went to bed. gfgfgf hdhd In the morning she woke up and the rash had become bobbly and was everywhere even in her lady area which was making her very uncomfy, so off to the drs we went to be told she had rubella (German measles) and we have to keep her inside for 4days. I panicked obviously, she is due her 2nd dose of her MMR at the end of the month so it must have snuck in before. hdhd She was still happy and cheery as usual so the dr told us to keep an eye on her and sent us on our way. I had work that night and so did hubby, i had to leave her with my Brother in law. I worried for most of my shift but i phoned regularly and she slept fine. bvjc On Wednesday she woke up very tired and lethargic, her appetite had gone and she spent most of the day lying on the sofa watching her favourite dvds. The rash was now all over her face and was really irritating her lady parts i felt helpless all i could offer was calpol and cuddles. I had to work again on Thursday but thankfully she was sleeping well at night which made a big difference. dkjd She slowly improved and on Sunday she had a great day playing outside at my parents house in the sunshine. Today she was back at school as happy as anything. I have never been as worried, add that to 24 and a bit hours of work, housework, looking after the other 4 children, an argument and minimal sleep i am very happy to see the back of the week. Lets hope this week is better xxx

Silent Sunday

2011-03-27T09:04:00.000-07:00

2am

2011-03-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

I like 2am. It's a good time of day for me because:

I finish work at this time
I tend to do most of my thinking around this time too

There is something peaceful about 2am, not a lot of people are awake at this time so the roads are quiet and so are the towns. I love my drive home from work, the other night the sky was crystal clear and the moon was shining brightly. It was gorgeous with no wind and everything was still around me. I could see the street lights in the hills and everywhere was so peaceful, the country was sleeping and it felt like it was just me tip toing down the motorway.

As i put my key in the door sometimes i can hear some very early birds chirping away, but mostly i hear nothing, not a car, not a voice, nothing. I do live in quite a built up area but it is so silent at night you can hear the church bells chiming all the way from the roundabout which is a fair way away from my house.

Sitting in my house when i get in around 2:30am is lovely, the sound of my 5 sleeping children wafts from upstairs with the odd snuffle or cough or even a dreamy giggle or chuckle accomplying it. I have a drink and some crumpets, i love crumpets its the perfect snack after 8hrs of work, i always have 3, 2 isn't enough and 4 is just greedy lol.

I sit down and check my emails, read some of the days news and sometime write a blog post like i'm doing now. It's so quiet all i can hear is the tap tapping of my fingers on my laptop, my sky HD + box whiring away and my breath. My babies are all asleep which is great, i do love working nights because i don't miss out on the children. My 5 yo said to me the other day 'mummy i don't like it when you work, it gives me a tummy ache' i felt the guilt of a working mother hit me but i explained that working at night lets me see them more.

2am is perfect, it's silent, it's calm, it's peaceful and it's the end of my day. So excuse me whilst i go to bed, my next 2am will be here very shortly but i'll enjoy it like all the others xx

The gallery: Education....School and all the other bits

2011-03-23T09:28:00.000-07:00

Ah my school years.

They were a mixture of good and bad, school for me didn't really take off until i was in year 9, up until then i had been bullied about my weight (i look back i wasn't even fat!) anyway it was a miserable time. I plodded my way through the early years trying to keep my head down. I got to year 10 and lost some weight and acquired some confidence.

I'm lucky enough to still be in contact with a few old school Friends like Laura at YMFT, she's posted a few pictures of us together, those were the good old days spending the sunny lunchtime around H block chatting about boys, lesson, clothes etc. We still do that on twitter now which is fab :)

Here are a selection of my best bits of high school:

Getting my first boyfriend and walking around holding hands.
Going to my first sleepover.
Getting the bus home with my friends.
Getting into a few girl fights and winning :)
Playing netball
Playing in the school brass band.
Lying on the field watching the blue sky on a summers afternoon.

Being chased off the field for smoking (Laura you might have been there lol)
Being caught drinking at 9am with a few friends at the end of year 9 :O
Kissing a boy in the middle of the corridor whilst there was no one around.
Shaking a coke can and then stapling it.....
Sharing a slow dance at the school disco.
The school prom
Study days where we would do our exams then go en mass to a friends house and chill out all day.
Getting good results for my GCSEs
The redonculous hangover i had after the school prom.

Great times i was a bit of a naughty girl at times..so lets get to the fun stuff..the pictures!!!!

We started young eh Laura ;)

Band Uniform

Angry 'bring it' face

Summer's day

Prom!

Make sure you go and check out the other entires xxx

Silent Sunday

2011-03-20T02:28:00.001-07:00

A man's best friend....not a dog

2011-03-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

Since i had my son i have the joys of all things boy shaped to come my way.

I've already had the golden arch that greets me when his nappy gets took off, this has allowed me to learn how to change a nappy in a time than usain bolt would be proud of.

Recently I have noticed that little f had found his *cough* boy bits...

Now i know how fascinating men find their under department, it's like it's got it's own mind....i've heard that speech before ;) anyhoo i did the old nappy whipping off manoeuvre and this time it was a little different. The air hit that department and f though 'hmmmmm what IS that down there'

In a flash of sheer speed his hands were down there seeing what all the fuss was about.

He seemed to 'know' that this was interesting and after a few hard tugs and grabs he decided that being rough may not be a good idea.

I left him to it as the girls went through the same realisation and once they figured out what was there they didn't really do it again. He seemed very pleased with himself and a big cheesy grin was on his face.....typical bloke....I removed his hands and put the nappy on before i got anymore surprises.

Ever since the 'first contact' he won't leave it alone now, as soon as that nappy is off its discovery time there's no stopping him and i guess this is the beginning of a life time obsession with himself.

I guess i can save this story for when he's in his teens and his discovery is more *cough* active.

So yes the boy has landed in this house with a big grin on his face....god help me xxx

Three by Nine Meme

2011-03-18T01:45:00.000-07:00

Wow another cool meme!! This one is the three by nine meme created by the gorgeous Cheshire mum. I have gratefully been tagged by her and our newbie blogger Monsal Massive to answer the questions so my readers can find out a bit more about moi.

So here we go:

Three names I go by: Amy, Aims/AMS, one more means five
Three places I’ve lived: heald green, gatley, ashton under lyne
Three places I’ve worked: Sainsburys, Street crane, erm......no where else lol
Three things I love to watch: Films, My children, snow fall
Three places I have been & love: Paris, Chatsworth House , York
Three people that email me regularly: PR's, Cheshire Mum, random notifications
Three things I love to eat: Chocolate, Crumpets, pizza
Three people I think will respond: Jen, Vic, Jay
Three things I am looking forward to: Works night out , Easter, cybermummy!!!!

I'll pass this onto Jay, Jen and Vic

The one word meme

2011-03-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

So I've been tagged by a few lovelies to do the one word meme from Mummy from the heart she created this meme and she explains why here. The gist of it is basically to describe me in one word....... hmmmmm i'm opening myself up here but what the heck!!

It's hard to describe someone in one word but the whole idea of this meme is to be positive and i do like positivity it make me smile.

So finish this line in the comments below:

I think Amy from and 1 more means four and 1 more is.................

I will spread the love to anyone who hasn't done it yet as i don't like setting restrictions on spreading a smile..you want to do it go for it..just give me a nudge that you have.

Happy describing :) xx

The Gallery: Trees

2011-03-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

I do love trees, they are gorgeous in winter or summer and especially in autumn. There used to be an apple tree in my nan's back garden, i used to climb it evey time i went round and sit up there for hours watching the birds and planes fly by. I loved it, it was like a little adventure every time i went up there, i could be anyone i wanted to be and let my imagination run wild.

Imagination is a wonderful thing and its not something that goes away as you get older. When we had the last dollop of heavy snow round here the streets were so quiet, they were littered with thick white drifts, it was like we were living in a magical snowy hill top village.

As we ventured outside for the first time in days we walked down the road where the children's school is, it was beautiful, just look at the trees.

It took my breath away....nature is beautiful but also deadly as we have learned from the events in Japan. xx

3 year old's hearing update

2011-03-14T13:19:00.000-07:00

Today I went to another hearing appointment for my 3yo, her doctor has now moved into the new building of the hospital and they have some brand new equipment, all the hearing tests are now wired to the computer for more accurate readings which is fantastic.

3yo whizzed through her tests as usual she is such a good girl so patient and well behaved. Her attention wavered at the high pitch noises but this is expected as she has a high frequency deafness in both ears.

We got the results printed out and the results were shown to us, her hearing is well below the average for the high pitched sounds, we also found out that her left ear is significantly worse than her right.

The Doctor was really pleased with the development in her speech, attention and understanding and she said the only thing that may hold her back is her hearing so she we are pushing forward with her hearing aids.

She had the moulds taken and shes having them in pink glitter!!!! how cool!!!

I'm pleased we've got a concrete diagnosis, we can concentrate on moving forward, she is an amazing little girl, so caring so kind and just perfect. It breaks my heart that this is something that will stay with her forever but it's not going to hold her back. I'll do anything and everything for her.

It's been another emotional day but a flash of her smiling baby blue eyes and her cheeky grin wipes away all my sadness, she's my little angel, her middle name is 'hope' and i think it was well chosen. She fills my heart with hope and i will not stop to give her all the support she needs xxx