Sunday 30 May 2010

Sorting, planning, tidying - have so many different lists!

Lots of things are changing, well only one major change in our routine really, and that's Mike starting a new job next week,but I have lots of plans to change things in our home life, home schooling and home toddlering (although now James is 3 I think he is classed as a "pre-schooler" - or pre-homeschooler!!).

Since Mike's redundancy 3 months ago, he had planned to get lots of jobs done around the home, also since Mike's redundancy, we have had lots of lovely weather, so we have spent lots of lovely family time out in the garden, at the beach, the park and down by the river.

Consequently, not all jobs planned have been done.  So he has been busy these last few (very rainy) days DIYing. 

We almost have the house "sorted" - there are still  things that need doing (it is 150 years old, and we bought it for a bargain price as it needed lots of work ) mainly the decor, but as we have three kids who are home schooled, decor will just have to wait!

We now have a lovely little corner for James in the Living Room |(Montessori style), and our Dining Room which is also their |"classroom" has two new large bookcases, and another little space for James, with his art easel and little drawers for his art and craft (although he still goes to Becky and Danny's drawers and uses their materials as well!).

Becky's room is all complete,apart from her dressing table - we found this in a charity shop, but it needs painting, so that is the only job that needs to be done in her room.

Danny's room (or Danny's dirty room as James calls it) is almost done.  Yesterday afternoon Mike fitted laminate flooring, now Danny just needs to sort his stuff, which he is quite keen on doing at the moment as he wants it organised for when his stick insects arrive.

Now I just need to sort the bookcases, so all the subjects are together so it doesn't take me 10 hours to find a book.

Home Education - Been a bit slack with this - had good intentions at the start of the new school year (September 09)  but then James being diagnosed with Epilepsy in November but our lives on hold ,only really starting to live "normally" again in Feb this year.  Then Mike has been home, which has meant we have been in holiday mode. 

Lots of learning has still been taking place of course, and our approach to Home Teaching is primarily Child Led, but we do like to have a bit of structure, and some planning and routine is required, and this is what we haven't been doing.

So a list is being done for education for the next term, as well as trying to sort out social groups and trips for them to attend.

With Mike going back to work I will not only miss his company, but his cooking skills too, so have planned to be more organised and am working on a weekly menu planner.

Next list -  activities to keep James occupied - have tons of jigsaws which he loves to do, and got loads of stuff from the scrap store - wooden corks, plastic bottles, buttons, lids etc so will create a space for these. Have yet to make an area for him in the kitchen, so that can go on my to do list.

On to today - day of rest - well not for my mum as she is cooking us a roast dinner :-] watching football at my parents(should be able to watch all of it as it is during James's nap  time) then home for a traditional Sunday Tea.

Have a good weekend.
Lou x

Sorting, planning, tidying - have so many different lists!

Lots of things are changing, well only one major change in our routine really, and that's Mike starting a new job next week,but I have lots of plans to change things in our home life, home schooling and home toddlering (although now James is 3 I think he is classed as a "pre-schooler" - or pre-homeschooler!!).

Since Mike's redundancy 3 months ago, he had planned to get lots of jobs done around the home, also since Mike's redundancy, we have had lots of lovely weather, so we have spent lots of lovely family time out in the garden, at the beach, the park and down by the river.

Consequently, not all jobs planned have been done.  So he has been busy these last few (very rainy) days DIYing. 

We almost have the house "sorted" - there are still  things that need doing (it is 150 years old, and we bought it for a bargain price as it needed lots of work ) mainly the decor, but as we have three kids who are home schooled, decor will just have to wait!

We now have a lovely little corner for James in the Living Room |(Montessori style), and our Dining Room which is also their |"classroom" has two new large bookcases, and another little space for James, with his art easel and little drawers for his art and craft (although he still goes to Becky and Danny's drawers and uses their materials as well!).

Becky's room is all complete,apart from her dressing table - we found this in a charity shop, but it needs painting, so that is the only job that needs to be done in her room.

Danny's room (or Danny's dirty room as James calls it) is almost done.  Yesterday afternoon Mike fitted laminate flooring, now Danny just needs to sort his stuff, which he is quite keen on doing at the moment as he wants it organised for when his stick insects arrive.

Now I just need to sort the bookcases, so all the subjects are together so it doesn't take me 10 hours to find a book.

Home Education - Been a bit slack with this - had good intentions at the start of the new school year (September 09)  but then James being diagnosed with Epilepsy in November but our lives on hold ,only really starting to live "normally" again in Feb this year.  Then Mike has been home, which has meant we have been in holiday mode. 

Lots of learning has still been taking place of course, and our approach to Home Teaching is primarily Child Led, but we do like to have a bit of structure, and some planning and routine is required, and this is what we haven't been doing.

So a list is being done for education for the next term, as well as trying to sort out social groups and trips for them to attend.

With Mike going back to work I will not only miss his company, but his cooking skills too, so have planned to be more organised and am working on a weekly menu planner.

Next list -  activities to keep James occupied - have tons of jigsaws which he loves to do, and got loads of stuff from the scrap store - wooden corks, plastic bottles, buttons, lids etc so will create a space for these. Have yet to make an area for him in the kitchen, so that can go on my to do list.

On to today - day of rest - well not for my mum as she is cooking us a roast dinner :-] watching football at my parents(should be able to watch all of it as it is during James's nap  time) then home for a traditional Sunday Tea.

Have a good weekend.
Lou x

Sorting, planning, tidying - have so many different lists!

Lots of things are changing, well only one major change in our routine really, and that's Mike starting a new job next week,but I have lots of plans to change things in our home life, home schooling and home toddlering (although now James is 3 I think he is classed as a "pre-schooler" - or pre-homeschooler!!).

Since Mike's redundancy 3 months ago, he had planned to get lots of jobs done around the home, also since Mike's redundancy, we have had lots of lovely weather, so we have spent lots of lovely family time out in the garden, at the beach, the park and down by the river.

Consequently, not all jobs planned have been done.  So he has been busy these last few (very rainy) days DIYing. 

We almost have the house "sorted" - there are still  things that need doing (it is 150 years old, and we bought it for a bargain price as it needed lots of work ) mainly the decor, but as we have three kids who are home schooled, decor will just have to wait!

We now have a lovely little corner for James in the Living Room |(Montessori style), and our Dining Room which is also their |"classroom" has two new large bookcases, and another little space for James, with his art easel and little drawers for his art and craft (although he still goes to Becky and Danny's drawers and uses their materials as well!).

Becky's room is all complete,apart from her dressing table - we found this in a charity shop, but it needs painting, so that is the only job that needs to be done in her room.

Danny's room (or Danny's dirty room as James calls it) is almost done.  Yesterday afternoon Mike fitted laminate flooring, now Danny just needs to sort his stuff, which he is quite keen on doing at the moment as he wants it organised for when his stick insects arrive.

Now I just need to sort the bookcases, so all the subjects are together so it doesn't take me 10 hours to find a book.

Home Education - Been a bit slack with this - had good intentions at the start of the new school year (September 09)  but then James being diagnosed with Epilepsy in November but our lives on hold ,only really starting to live "normally" again in Feb this year.  Then Mike has been home, which has meant we have been in holiday mode. 

Lots of learning has still been taking place of course, and our approach to Home Teaching is primarily Child Led, but we do like to have a bit of structure, and some planning and routine is required, and this is what we haven't been doing.

So a list is being done for education for the next term, as well as trying to sort out social groups and trips for them to attend.

With Mike going back to work I will not only miss his company, but his cooking skills too, so have planned to be more organised and am working on a weekly menu planner.

Next list -  activities to keep James occupied - have tons of jigsaws which he loves to do, and got loads of stuff from the scrap store - wooden corks, plastic bottles, buttons, lids etc so will create a space for these. Have yet to make an area for him in the kitchen, so that can go on my to do list.

On to today - day of rest - well not for my mum as she is cooking us a roast dinner :-] watching football at my parents(should be able to watch all of it as it is during James's nap  time) then home for a traditional Sunday Tea.

Have a good weekend.
Lou x

Sorting, planning, tidying - have so many different lists!

Lots of things are changing, well only one major change in our routine really, and that's Mike starting a new job next week,but I have lots of plans to change things in our home life, home schooling and home toddlering (although now James is 3 I think he is classed as a "pre-schooler" - or pre-homeschooler!!).

Since Mike's redundancy 3 months ago, he had planned to get lots of jobs done around the home, also since Mike's redundancy, we have had lots of lovely weather, so we have spent lots of lovely family time out in the garden, at the beach, the park and down by the river.

Consequently, not all jobs planned have been done.  So he has been busy these last few (very rainy) days DIYing. 

We almost have the house "sorted" - there are still  things that need doing (it is 150 years old, and we bought it for a bargain price as it needed lots of work ) mainly the decor, but as we have three kids who are home schooled, decor will just have to wait!

We now have a lovely little corner for James in the Living Room |(Montessori style), and our Dining Room which is also their |"classroom" has two new large bookcases, and another little space for James, with his art easel and little drawers for his art and craft (although he still goes to Becky and Danny's drawers and uses their materials as well!).

Becky's room is all complete,apart from her dressing table - we found this in a charity shop, but it needs painting, so that is the only job that needs to be done in her room.

Danny's room (or Danny's dirty room as James calls it) is almost done.  Yesterday afternoon Mike fitted laminate flooring, now Danny just needs to sort his stuff, which he is quite keen on doing at the moment as he wants it organised for when his stick insects arrive.

Now I just need to sort the bookcases, so all the subjects are together so it doesn't take me 10 hours to find a book.

Home Education - Been a bit slack with this - had good intentions at the start of the new school year (September 09)  but then James being diagnosed with Epilepsy in November but our lives on hold ,only really starting to live "normally" again in Feb this year.  Then Mike has been home, which has meant we have been in holiday mode. 

Lots of learning has still been taking place of course, and our approach to Home Teaching is primarily Child Led, but we do like to have a bit of structure, and some planning and routine is required, and this is what we haven't been doing.

So a list is being done for education for the next term, as well as trying to sort out social groups and trips for them to attend.

With Mike going back to work I will not only miss his company, but his cooking skills too, so have planned to be more organised and am working on a weekly menu planner.

Next list -  activities to keep James occupied - have tons of jigsaws which he loves to do, and got loads of stuff from the scrap store - wooden corks, plastic bottles, buttons, lids etc so will create a space for these. Have yet to make an area for him in the kitchen, so that can go on my to do list.

On to today - day of rest - well not for my mum as she is cooking us a roast dinner :-] watching football at my parents(should be able to watch all of it as it is during James's nap  time) then home for a traditional Sunday Tea.

Have a good weekend.
Lou x

Sorting, planning, tidying - have so many different lists!

Lots of things are changing, well only one major change in our routine really, and that's Mike starting a new job next week,but I have lots of plans to change things in our home life, home schooling and home toddlering (although now James is 3 I think he is classed as a "pre-schooler" - or pre-homeschooler!!).

Since Mike's redundancy 3 months ago, he had planned to get lots of jobs done around the home, also since Mike's redundancy, we have had lots of lovely weather, so we have spent lots of lovely family time out in the garden, at the beach, the park and down by the river.

Consequently, not all jobs planned have been done.  So he has been busy these last few (very rainy) days DIYing. 

We almost have the house "sorted" - there are still  things that need doing (it is 150 years old, and we bought it for a bargain price as it needed lots of work ) mainly the decor, but as we have three kids who are home schooled, decor will just have to wait!

We now have a lovely little corner for James in the Living Room |(Montessori style), and our Dining Room which is also their |"classroom" has two new large bookcases, and another little space for James, with his art easel and little drawers for his art and craft (although he still goes to Becky and Danny's drawers and uses their materials as well!).

Becky's room is all complete,apart from her dressing table - we found this in a charity shop, but it needs painting, so that is the only job that needs to be done in her room.

Danny's room (or Danny's dirty room as James calls it) is almost done.  Yesterday afternoon Mike fitted laminate flooring, now Danny just needs to sort his stuff, which he is quite keen on doing at the moment as he wants it organised for when his stick insects arrive.

Now I just need to sort the bookcases, so all the subjects are together so it doesn't take me 10 hours to find a book.

Home Education - Been a bit slack with this - had good intentions at the start of the new school year (September 09)  but then James being diagnosed with Epilepsy in November but our lives on hold ,only really starting to live "normally" again in Feb this year.  Then Mike has been home, which has meant we have been in holiday mode. 

Lots of learning has still been taking place of course, and our approach to Home Teaching is primarily Child Led, but we do like to have a bit of structure, and some planning and routine is required, and this is what we haven't been doing.

So a list is being done for education for the next term, as well as trying to sort out social groups and trips for them to attend.

With Mike going back to work I will not only miss his company, but his cooking skills too, so have planned to be more organised and am working on a weekly menu planner.

Next list -  activities to keep James occupied - have tons of jigsaws which he loves to do, and got loads of stuff from the scrap store - wooden corks, plastic bottles, buttons, lids etc so will create a space for these. Have yet to make an area for him in the kitchen, so that can go on my to do list.

On to today - day of rest - well not for my mum as she is cooking us a roast dinner :-] watching football at my parents(should be able to watch all of it as it is during James's nap  time) then home for a traditional Sunday Tea.

Have a good weekend.
Lou x

Friday 28 May 2010

This week -

James Birthday

Didn't quite go as planned, he was under the weather,bit of a tummy ache, slight temperature, so we didn't go out for the day as originally planned.

He opened his presents from us in the morning, was a bit strange as he was subdued, not like our little Jamsey at all. But we plodded along with the day, the rest of us feeling sorry for him, and going over the top to try and make it a special day for him.
Becky had made him a lovely cake, with the help of Danny, and he had a small slice -  it tasted gorgeous.

We decided to go for a short drive to the river, look at the swans and ducks, which he likes to do, then a request from James to go to Macdonalds, which he didn't eat, a sure sign he wasn't well.

Back home after he had a nap, we played in the garden, then my parents visited with more presents.

On Wednesday he seemed a little brighter, so we took him to the HE group where he had a mini party and opened some more presents. It was a sunny day, so lots of playing in the park.

We got home late afternoon, James had fallen asleep in the car,so there we both stayed while the others went in with all the presents and left over cake.

Mike came out to the car with a cup of tea for me, and with the good news that he had been offered a job! So he starts training next week for three days (job is Community Care Outreach Worker) and then will start is shift the week after (will shadow someone). So we are all very pleased, although it will be strange as he has been home now since the end of February.

Not much else has happened this week, normal group stuff, netball, football, Exeter Chiefs went up, James got a mini England football kit,has his name on (really cute) Danny got just the top (his choice), we have eaten out a lot (I have still been sticking to my diet though - well kind of!) and spent a lot of time in the garden.

So onto Bank Holiday weekend, not sure really of our plans only that Mike will be laying a new floor in Danny's room, visiting both sets of parents, watching England friendly at my parents, and hoping that we will get some nice weather on Monday and Tuesday before my darling husband has to start back working again. Feel a bit sad. But happy and relieved (very relieved).

We have not been doing much HE at the minute, what with James's birthday, and him not feeling well (and when a toddler is unwell, the whole house feels it!).

It will be the schools half term next week, and we usually have a break too, so will extend the break we are having now for another week. I think that because  Mike has been home we have not really settled into a home learning routine, and even though he will be on different shifts, I think it will be easier to try and get on with HE, mainly because Mike being home has felt like a bit of a holiday.
So will spend a few days planning for next term, lots of ideas, new routines, but still sticking to the semi-structured , mainly child led approach, so basically eclectic home teaching.

Going to start my planning now (after having a nose on facebook of course).

Lou x
This week -

James Birthday

Didn't quite go as planned, he was under the weather,bit of a tummy ache, slight temperature, so we didn't go out for the day as originally planned.

He opened his presents from us in the morning, was a bit strange as he was subdued, not like our little Jamsey at all. But we plodded along with the day, the rest of us feeling sorry for him, and going over the top to try and make it a special day for him.
Becky had made him a lovely cake, with the help of Danny, and he had a small slice -  it tasted gorgeous.

We decided to go for a short drive to the river, look at the swans and ducks, which he likes to do, then a request from James to go to Macdonalds, which he didn't eat, a sure sign he wasn't well.

Back home after he had a nap, we played in the garden, then my parents visited with more presents.

On Wednesday he seemed a little brighter, so we took him to the HE group where he had a mini party and opened some more presents. It was a sunny day, so lots of playing in the park.

We got home late afternoon, James had fallen asleep in the car,so there we both stayed while the others went in with all the presents and left over cake.

Mike came out to the car with a cup of tea for me, and with the good news that he had been offered a job! So he starts training next week for three days (job is Community Care Outreach Worker) and then will start is shift the week after (will shadow someone). So we are all very pleased, although it will be strange as he has been home now since the end of February.

Not much else has happened this week, normal group stuff, netball, football, Exeter Chiefs went up, James got a mini England football kit,has his name on (really cute) Danny got just the top (his choice), we have eaten out a lot (I have still been sticking to my diet though - well kind of!) and spent a lot of time in the garden.

So onto Bank Holiday weekend, not sure really of our plans only that Mike will be laying a new floor in Danny's room, visiting both sets of parents, watching England friendly at my parents, and hoping that we will get some nice weather on Monday and Tuesday before my darling husband has to start back working again. Feel a bit sad. But happy and relieved (very relieved).

We have not been doing much HE at the minute, what with James's birthday, and him not feeling well (and when a toddler is unwell, the whole house feels it!).

It will be the schools half term next week, and we usually have a break too, so will extend the break we are having now for another week. I think that because  Mike has been home we have not really settled into a home learning routine, and even though he will be on different shifts, I think it will be easier to try and get on with HE, mainly because Mike being home has felt like a bit of a holiday.
So will spend a few days planning for next term, lots of ideas, new routines, but still sticking to the semi-structured , mainly child led approach, so basically eclectic home teaching.

Going to start my planning now (after having a nose on facebook of course).

Lou x
This week -

James Birthday

Didn't quite go as planned, he was under the weather,bit of a tummy ache, slight temperature, so we didn't go out for the day as originally planned.

He opened his presents from us in the morning, was a bit strange as he was subdued, not like our little Jamsey at all. But we plodded along with the day, the rest of us feeling sorry for him, and going over the top to try and make it a special day for him.
Becky had made him a lovely cake, with the help of Danny, and he had a small slice -  it tasted gorgeous.

We decided to go for a short drive to the river, look at the swans and ducks, which he likes to do, then a request from James to go to Macdonalds, which he didn't eat, a sure sign he wasn't well.

Back home after he had a nap, we played in the garden, then my parents visited with more presents.

On Wednesday he seemed a little brighter, so we took him to the HE group where he had a mini party and opened some more presents. It was a sunny day, so lots of playing in the park.

We got home late afternoon, James had fallen asleep in the car,so there we both stayed while the others went in with all the presents and left over cake.

Mike came out to the car with a cup of tea for me, and with the good news that he had been offered a job! So he starts training next week for three days (job is Community Care Outreach Worker) and then will start is shift the week after (will shadow someone). So we are all very pleased, although it will be strange as he has been home now since the end of February.

Not much else has happened this week, normal group stuff, netball, football, Exeter Chiefs went up, James got a mini England football kit,has his name on (really cute) Danny got just the top (his choice), we have eaten out a lot (I have still been sticking to my diet though - well kind of!) and spent a lot of time in the garden.

So onto Bank Holiday weekend, not sure really of our plans only that Mike will be laying a new floor in Danny's room, visiting both sets of parents, watching England friendly at my parents, and hoping that we will get some nice weather on Monday and Tuesday before my darling husband has to start back working again. Feel a bit sad. But happy and relieved (very relieved).

We have not been doing much HE at the minute, what with James's birthday, and him not feeling well (and when a toddler is unwell, the whole house feels it!).

It will be the schools half term next week, and we usually have a break too, so will extend the break we are having now for another week. I think that because  Mike has been home we have not really settled into a home learning routine, and even though he will be on different shifts, I think it will be easier to try and get on with HE, mainly because Mike being home has felt like a bit of a holiday.
So will spend a few days planning for next term, lots of ideas, new routines, but still sticking to the semi-structured , mainly child led approach, so basically eclectic home teaching.

Going to start my planning now (after having a nose on facebook of course).

Lou x
This week -

James Birthday

Didn't quite go as planned, he was under the weather,bit of a tummy ache, slight temperature, so we didn't go out for the day as originally planned.

He opened his presents from us in the morning, was a bit strange as he was subdued, not like our little Jamsey at all. But we plodded along with the day, the rest of us feeling sorry for him, and going over the top to try and make it a special day for him.
Becky had made him a lovely cake, with the help of Danny, and he had a small slice -  it tasted gorgeous.

We decided to go for a short drive to the river, look at the swans and ducks, which he likes to do, then a request from James to go to Macdonalds, which he didn't eat, a sure sign he wasn't well.

Back home after he had a nap, we played in the garden, then my parents visited with more presents.

On Wednesday he seemed a little brighter, so we took him to the HE group where he had a mini party and opened some more presents. It was a sunny day, so lots of playing in the park.

We got home late afternoon, James had fallen asleep in the car,so there we both stayed while the others went in with all the presents and left over cake.

Mike came out to the car with a cup of tea for me, and with the good news that he had been offered a job! So he starts training next week for three days (job is Community Care Outreach Worker) and then will start is shift the week after (will shadow someone). So we are all very pleased, although it will be strange as he has been home now since the end of February.

Not much else has happened this week, normal group stuff, netball, football, Exeter Chiefs went up, James got a mini England football kit,has his name on (really cute) Danny got just the top (his choice), we have eaten out a lot (I have still been sticking to my diet though - well kind of!) and spent a lot of time in the garden.

So onto Bank Holiday weekend, not sure really of our plans only that Mike will be laying a new floor in Danny's room, visiting both sets of parents, watching England friendly at my parents, and hoping that we will get some nice weather on Monday and Tuesday before my darling husband has to start back working again. Feel a bit sad. But happy and relieved (very relieved).

We have not been doing much HE at the minute, what with James's birthday, and him not feeling well (and when a toddler is unwell, the whole house feels it!).

It will be the schools half term next week, and we usually have a break too, so will extend the break we are having now for another week. I think that because  Mike has been home we have not really settled into a home learning routine, and even though he will be on different shifts, I think it will be easier to try and get on with HE, mainly because Mike being home has felt like a bit of a holiday.
So will spend a few days planning for next term, lots of ideas, new routines, but still sticking to the semi-structured , mainly child led approach, so basically eclectic home teaching.

Going to start my planning now (after having a nose on facebook of course).

Lou x
This week -

James Birthday

Didn't quite go as planned, he was under the weather,bit of a tummy ache, slight temperature, so we didn't go out for the day as originally planned.

He opened his presents from us in the morning, was a bit strange as he was subdued, not like our little Jamsey at all. But we plodded along with the day, the rest of us feeling sorry for him, and going over the top to try and make it a special day for him.
Becky had made him a lovely cake, with the help of Danny, and he had a small slice -  it tasted gorgeous.

We decided to go for a short drive to the river, look at the swans and ducks, which he likes to do, then a request from James to go to Macdonalds, which he didn't eat, a sure sign he wasn't well.

Back home after he had a nap, we played in the garden, then my parents visited with more presents.

On Wednesday he seemed a little brighter, so we took him to the HE group where he had a mini party and opened some more presents. It was a sunny day, so lots of playing in the park.

We got home late afternoon, James had fallen asleep in the car,so there we both stayed while the others went in with all the presents and left over cake.

Mike came out to the car with a cup of tea for me, and with the good news that he had been offered a job! So he starts training next week for three days (job is Community Care Outreach Worker) and then will start is shift the week after (will shadow someone). So we are all very pleased, although it will be strange as he has been home now since the end of February.

Not much else has happened this week, normal group stuff, netball, football, Exeter Chiefs went up, James got a mini England football kit,has his name on (really cute) Danny got just the top (his choice), we have eaten out a lot (I have still been sticking to my diet though - well kind of!) and spent a lot of time in the garden.

So onto Bank Holiday weekend, not sure really of our plans only that Mike will be laying a new floor in Danny's room, visiting both sets of parents, watching England friendly at my parents, and hoping that we will get some nice weather on Monday and Tuesday before my darling husband has to start back working again. Feel a bit sad. But happy and relieved (very relieved).

We have not been doing much HE at the minute, what with James's birthday, and him not feeling well (and when a toddler is unwell, the whole house feels it!).

It will be the schools half term next week, and we usually have a break too, so will extend the break we are having now for another week. I think that because  Mike has been home we have not really settled into a home learning routine, and even though he will be on different shifts, I think it will be easier to try and get on with HE, mainly because Mike being home has felt like a bit of a holiday.
So will spend a few days planning for next term, lots of ideas, new routines, but still sticking to the semi-structured , mainly child led approach, so basically eclectic home teaching.

Going to start my planning now (after having a nose on facebook of course).

Lou x

Monday 24 May 2010

Few days to catch up on -

Friday - Went to the coast to meet up with a local HE Photography Group (first time in 10 months since we have been on a HE Trip - big big deal!)

The weather was gorgeous, and we met up with about 15 others on the beach, to watch the ships come in on the high tide, and take photos,with the intention of going to the park afterwards. Well, the ships didnt come in, but we all had a lovely time at the park, all made some new friends and got a bit sun burnt!

So that was the end of a good week for us all - promising interview for Mike, new friends, lovely weather, drama classes going well,and netball seems to be a success, and our first trip out for a while. And we survived it.

Saturday - a scorcher predicted, so we packed up a picnic, rugs, sun tent, football,tennis, frisbys wet suits, kitchen sink etc etc and headed to the beach.

We had such a lovely time. Last year James was scared of the sea, so I thought this would be good for us now, as he isnt allowed to go swimming until he has been seizure free for at least 3 months (Doctors orders) which will be middle of June. But he got into his wet suit, got his body board (as he had to have the same as the other two) and headed straight into the sea. Thankfully it was only at the sea edge, but he had a great time, splashing over the waves and pretending to surf.
Becky and Danny love the sea and spent most of the time there in it, and as the tide was coming in they had a fun time with their boards on the waves. Mike and I went in too, bit cold, but refreshing as it was boiling hot.

We came home in the afternoon, out in the garden and later we had a BBQ.

On Sunday we had planned to go to the beach again, but tummy bugs kept us at home, feeling better by lunch time though. My parents came round for the day and we all spent our time out in the garden.

Today

Were out of the house by 8.30am, Mike, Becky and Danny on their bikes, James with his scooter (well, in his pushchair with the scooter balanced on the back).

Went to the park, they all rode their bikes, James and I stayed in the park. Later Danny and Mike had a quick game of football, then we paid a quick visit to the library,then home to wait for our shopping delivery.

Out in the garden then for most of the day, got the hose out on a couple of occasions to cool us all down.

HE - Usually we have English and Maths on a Monday, but as they were both settled in the garden with their noses in their recently borrowed library books, we decided to leave it. Well, reading is still English obviously, so my routine hasnt totally gone out of the window!

And tomorrow - JAMES WILL BE 3! It feels a bit strange,as I have always felt a little sad on the week leading up to the childrens birthdays, as I always think that they are that much older, growing up, and I end up saying silly things like - this will be the last Monday (or whatever day) that you will be 2 (3, 5 8 whatever) and this is the last time you will do this as a whatever year old - you get the picture. Feeling nostalgic about the year just gone by.
This year I have not felt this AT ALL. Today when we talked about it we both realised that it was because we want to move on from him being 2. 2 was when he was diagnosed with having Epilepsy. When he was 2 some of those days were the worst days of my life. Today I looked at him, and I felt so scared for him, for his future, and yet his innocent little eyes are just that - innocent and unaware of what he has. It was then that I cried, because when I really think about it, I cannot deal with it, cannot come to terms with it, wonder why he has it.
But then I am comforted by my husband and eldest two children, and am thankful for what I have, and that what James has is controllable (hope and pray it is) and that there are so MANY worse things out there, and that we can all deal with this together.

I pray for my son James, I pray with all my heart that he will not have this for ever,and that he will not come to any harm because of it.

Well, on a lighter note (and I think that is needed right now) at the time of my bawling, Mike had received a phone call which was a job update, to tell him that they were just waiting back for the second reference, his former employer, and could he possible in a very polite way, hurry them up. Good news, but as he came out to tell me, I was having a "moment" so the poor man had to wait half an hour for me to calm down and sort myself out before he told me

So, it is now approaching 10pm,I am in bed next to a very tired 2 year old, soon to be 3 year old boy. Mike and Danny are watching the football (England are winning) and putting balloons and banners up for James. Becky is making him a birthday cake.

Looking forward to tomorrow.
God Bless
Lou x
Few days to catch up on -

Friday - Went to the coast to meet up with a local HE Photography Group (first time in 10 months since we have been on a HE Trip - big big deal!)

The weather was gorgeous, and we met up with about 15 others on the beach, to watch the ships come in on the high tide, and take photos,with the intention of going to the park afterwards. Well, the ships didnt come in, but we all had a lovely time at the park, all made some new friends and got a bit sun burnt!

So that was the end of a good week for us all - promising interview for Mike, new friends, lovely weather, drama classes going well,and netball seems to be a success, and our first trip out for a while. And we survived it.

Saturday - a scorcher predicted, so we packed up a picnic, rugs, sun tent, football,tennis, frisbys wet suits, kitchen sink etc etc and headed to the beach.

We had such a lovely time. Last year James was scared of the sea, so I thought this would be good for us now, as he isnt allowed to go swimming until he has been seizure free for at least 3 months (Doctors orders) which will be middle of June. But he got into his wet suit, got his body board (as he had to have the same as the other two) and headed straight into the sea. Thankfully it was only at the sea edge, but he had a great time, splashing over the waves and pretending to surf.
Becky and Danny love the sea and spent most of the time there in it, and as the tide was coming in they had a fun time with their boards on the waves. Mike and I went in too, bit cold, but refreshing as it was boiling hot.

We came home in the afternoon, out in the garden and later we had a BBQ.

On Sunday we had planned to go to the beach again, but tummy bugs kept us at home, feeling better by lunch time though. My parents came round for the day and we all spent our time out in the garden.

Today

Were out of the house by 8.30am, Mike, Becky and Danny on their bikes, James with his scooter (well, in his pushchair with the scooter balanced on the back).

Went to the park, they all rode their bikes, James and I stayed in the park. Later Danny and Mike had a quick game of football, then we paid a quick visit to the library,then home to wait for our shopping delivery.

Out in the garden then for most of the day, got the hose out on a couple of occasions to cool us all down.

HE - Usually we have English and Maths on a Monday, but as they were both settled in the garden with their noses in their recently borrowed library books, we decided to leave it. Well, reading is still English obviously, so my routine hasnt totally gone out of the window!

And tomorrow - JAMES WILL BE 3! It feels a bit strange,as I have always felt a little sad on the week leading up to the childrens birthdays, as I always think that they are that much older, growing up, and I end up saying silly things like - this will be the last Monday (or whatever day) that you will be 2 (3, 5 8 whatever) and this is the last time you will do this as a whatever year old - you get the picture. Feeling nostalgic about the year just gone by.
This year I have not felt this AT ALL. Today when we talked about it we both realised that it was because we want to move on from him being 2. 2 was when he was diagnosed with having Epilepsy. When he was 2 some of those days were the worst days of my life. Today I looked at him, and I felt so scared for him, for his future, and yet his innocent little eyes are just that - innocent and unaware of what he has. It was then that I cried, because when I really think about it, I cannot deal with it, cannot come to terms with it, wonder why he has it.
But then I am comforted by my husband and eldest two children, and am thankful for what I have, and that what James has is controllable (hope and pray it is) and that there are so MANY worse things out there, and that we can all deal with this together.

I pray for my son James, I pray with all my heart that he will not have this for ever,and that he will not come to any harm because of it.

Well, on a lighter note (and I think that is needed right now) at the time of my bawling, Mike had received a phone call which was a job update, to tell him that they were just waiting back for the second reference, his former employer, and could he possible in a very polite way, hurry them up. Good news, but as he came out to tell me, I was having a "moment" so the poor man had to wait half an hour for me to calm down and sort myself out before he told me

So, it is now approaching 10pm,I am in bed next to a very tired 2 year old, soon to be 3 year old boy. Mike and Danny are watching the football (England are winning) and putting balloons and banners up for James. Becky is making him a birthday cake.

Looking forward to tomorrow.
God Bless
Lou x
Few days to catch up on -

Friday - Went to the coast to meet up with a local HE Photography Group (first time in 10 months since we have been on a HE Trip - big big deal!)

The weather was gorgeous, and we met up with about 15 others on the beach, to watch the ships come in on the high tide, and take photos,with the intention of going to the park afterwards. Well, the ships didnt come in, but we all had a lovely time at the park, all made some new friends and got a bit sun burnt!

So that was the end of a good week for us all - promising interview for Mike, new friends, lovely weather, drama classes going well,and netball seems to be a success, and our first trip out for a while. And we survived it.

Saturday - a scorcher predicted, so we packed up a picnic, rugs, sun tent, football,tennis, frisbys wet suits, kitchen sink etc etc and headed to the beach.

We had such a lovely time. Last year James was scared of the sea, so I thought this would be good for us now, as he isnt allowed to go swimming until he has been seizure free for at least 3 months (Doctors orders) which will be middle of June. But he got into his wet suit, got his body board (as he had to have the same as the other two) and headed straight into the sea. Thankfully it was only at the sea edge, but he had a great time, splashing over the waves and pretending to surf.
Becky and Danny love the sea and spent most of the time there in it, and as the tide was coming in they had a fun time with their boards on the waves. Mike and I went in too, bit cold, but refreshing as it was boiling hot.

We came home in the afternoon, out in the garden and later we had a BBQ.

On Sunday we had planned to go to the beach again, but tummy bugs kept us at home, feeling better by lunch time though. My parents came round for the day and we all spent our time out in the garden.

Today

Were out of the house by 8.30am, Mike, Becky and Danny on their bikes, James with his scooter (well, in his pushchair with the scooter balanced on the back).

Went to the park, they all rode their bikes, James and I stayed in the park. Later Danny and Mike had a quick game of football, then we paid a quick visit to the library,then home to wait for our shopping delivery.

Out in the garden then for most of the day, got the hose out on a couple of occasions to cool us all down.

HE - Usually we have English and Maths on a Monday, but as they were both settled in the garden with their noses in their recently borrowed library books, we decided to leave it. Well, reading is still English obviously, so my routine hasnt totally gone out of the window!

And tomorrow - JAMES WILL BE 3! It feels a bit strange,as I have always felt a little sad on the week leading up to the childrens birthdays, as I always think that they are that much older, growing up, and I end up saying silly things like - this will be the last Monday (or whatever day) that you will be 2 (3, 5 8 whatever) and this is the last time you will do this as a whatever year old - you get the picture. Feeling nostalgic about the year just gone by.
This year I have not felt this AT ALL. Today when we talked about it we both realised that it was because we want to move on from him being 2. 2 was when he was diagnosed with having Epilepsy. When he was 2 some of those days were the worst days of my life. Today I looked at him, and I felt so scared for him, for his future, and yet his innocent little eyes are just that - innocent and unaware of what he has. It was then that I cried, because when I really think about it, I cannot deal with it, cannot come to terms with it, wonder why he has it.
But then I am comforted by my husband and eldest two children, and am thankful for what I have, and that what James has is controllable (hope and pray it is) and that there are so MANY worse things out there, and that we can all deal with this together.

I pray for my son James, I pray with all my heart that he will not have this for ever,and that he will not come to any harm because of it.

Well, on a lighter note (and I think that is needed right now) at the time of my bawling, Mike had received a phone call which was a job update, to tell him that they were just waiting back for the second reference, his former employer, and could he possible in a very polite way, hurry them up. Good news, but as he came out to tell me, I was having a "moment" so the poor man had to wait half an hour for me to calm down and sort myself out before he told me

So, it is now approaching 10pm,I am in bed next to a very tired 2 year old, soon to be 3 year old boy. Mike and Danny are watching the football (England are winning) and putting balloons and banners up for James. Becky is making him a birthday cake.

Looking forward to tomorrow.
God Bless
Lou x
Few days to catch up on -

Friday - Went to the coast to meet up with a local HE Photography Group (first time in 10 months since we have been on a HE Trip - big big deal!)

The weather was gorgeous, and we met up with about 15 others on the beach, to watch the ships come in on the high tide, and take photos,with the intention of going to the park afterwards. Well, the ships didnt come in, but we all had a lovely time at the park, all made some new friends and got a bit sun burnt!

So that was the end of a good week for us all - promising interview for Mike, new friends, lovely weather, drama classes going well,and netball seems to be a success, and our first trip out for a while. And we survived it.

Saturday - a scorcher predicted, so we packed up a picnic, rugs, sun tent, football,tennis, frisbys wet suits, kitchen sink etc etc and headed to the beach.

We had such a lovely time. Last year James was scared of the sea, so I thought this would be good for us now, as he isnt allowed to go swimming until he has been seizure free for at least 3 months (Doctors orders) which will be middle of June. But he got into his wet suit, got his body board (as he had to have the same as the other two) and headed straight into the sea. Thankfully it was only at the sea edge, but he had a great time, splashing over the waves and pretending to surf.
Becky and Danny love the sea and spent most of the time there in it, and as the tide was coming in they had a fun time with their boards on the waves. Mike and I went in too, bit cold, but refreshing as it was boiling hot.

We came home in the afternoon, out in the garden and later we had a BBQ.

On Sunday we had planned to go to the beach again, but tummy bugs kept us at home, feeling better by lunch time though. My parents came round for the day and we all spent our time out in the garden.

Today

Were out of the house by 8.30am, Mike, Becky and Danny on their bikes, James with his scooter (well, in his pushchair with the scooter balanced on the back).

Went to the park, they all rode their bikes, James and I stayed in the park. Later Danny and Mike had a quick game of football, then we paid a quick visit to the library,then home to wait for our shopping delivery.

Out in the garden then for most of the day, got the hose out on a couple of occasions to cool us all down.

HE - Usually we have English and Maths on a Monday, but as they were both settled in the garden with their noses in their recently borrowed library books, we decided to leave it. Well, reading is still English obviously, so my routine hasnt totally gone out of the window!

And tomorrow - JAMES WILL BE 3! It feels a bit strange,as I have always felt a little sad on the week leading up to the childrens birthdays, as I always think that they are that much older, growing up, and I end up saying silly things like - this will be the last Monday (or whatever day) that you will be 2 (3, 5 8 whatever) and this is the last time you will do this as a whatever year old - you get the picture. Feeling nostalgic about the year just gone by.
This year I have not felt this AT ALL. Today when we talked about it we both realised that it was because we want to move on from him being 2. 2 was when he was diagnosed with having Epilepsy. When he was 2 some of those days were the worst days of my life. Today I looked at him, and I felt so scared for him, for his future, and yet his innocent little eyes are just that - innocent and unaware of what he has. It was then that I cried, because when I really think about it, I cannot deal with it, cannot come to terms with it, wonder why he has it.
But then I am comforted by my husband and eldest two children, and am thankful for what I have, and that what James has is controllable (hope and pray it is) and that there are so MANY worse things out there, and that we can all deal with this together.

I pray for my son James, I pray with all my heart that he will not have this for ever,and that he will not come to any harm because of it.

Well, on a lighter note (and I think that is needed right now) at the time of my bawling, Mike had received a phone call which was a job update, to tell him that they were just waiting back for the second reference, his former employer, and could he possible in a very polite way, hurry them up. Good news, but as he came out to tell me, I was having a "moment" so the poor man had to wait half an hour for me to calm down and sort myself out before he told me

So, it is now approaching 10pm,I am in bed next to a very tired 2 year old, soon to be 3 year old boy. Mike and Danny are watching the football (England are winning) and putting balloons and banners up for James. Becky is making him a birthday cake.

Looking forward to tomorrow.
God Bless
Lou x
Few days to catch up on -

Friday - Went to the coast to meet up with a local HE Photography Group (first time in 10 months since we have been on a HE Trip - big big deal!)

The weather was gorgeous, and we met up with about 15 others on the beach, to watch the ships come in on the high tide, and take photos,with the intention of going to the park afterwards. Well, the ships didnt come in, but we all had a lovely time at the park, all made some new friends and got a bit sun burnt!

So that was the end of a good week for us all - promising interview for Mike, new friends, lovely weather, drama classes going well,and netball seems to be a success, and our first trip out for a while. And we survived it.

Saturday - a scorcher predicted, so we packed up a picnic, rugs, sun tent, football,tennis, frisbys wet suits, kitchen sink etc etc and headed to the beach.

We had such a lovely time. Last year James was scared of the sea, so I thought this would be good for us now, as he isnt allowed to go swimming until he has been seizure free for at least 3 months (Doctors orders) which will be middle of June. But he got into his wet suit, got his body board (as he had to have the same as the other two) and headed straight into the sea. Thankfully it was only at the sea edge, but he had a great time, splashing over the waves and pretending to surf.
Becky and Danny love the sea and spent most of the time there in it, and as the tide was coming in they had a fun time with their boards on the waves. Mike and I went in too, bit cold, but refreshing as it was boiling hot.

We came home in the afternoon, out in the garden and later we had a BBQ.

On Sunday we had planned to go to the beach again, but tummy bugs kept us at home, feeling better by lunch time though. My parents came round for the day and we all spent our time out in the garden.

Today

Were out of the house by 8.30am, Mike, Becky and Danny on their bikes, James with his scooter (well, in his pushchair with the scooter balanced on the back).

Went to the park, they all rode their bikes, James and I stayed in the park. Later Danny and Mike had a quick game of football, then we paid a quick visit to the library,then home to wait for our shopping delivery.

Out in the garden then for most of the day, got the hose out on a couple of occasions to cool us all down.

HE - Usually we have English and Maths on a Monday, but as they were both settled in the garden with their noses in their recently borrowed library books, we decided to leave it. Well, reading is still English obviously, so my routine hasnt totally gone out of the window!

And tomorrow - JAMES WILL BE 3! It feels a bit strange,as I have always felt a little sad on the week leading up to the childrens birthdays, as I always think that they are that much older, growing up, and I end up saying silly things like - this will be the last Monday (or whatever day) that you will be 2 (3, 5 8 whatever) and this is the last time you will do this as a whatever year old - you get the picture. Feeling nostalgic about the year just gone by.
This year I have not felt this AT ALL. Today when we talked about it we both realised that it was because we want to move on from him being 2. 2 was when he was diagnosed with having Epilepsy. When he was 2 some of those days were the worst days of my life. Today I looked at him, and I felt so scared for him, for his future, and yet his innocent little eyes are just that - innocent and unaware of what he has. It was then that I cried, because when I really think about it, I cannot deal with it, cannot come to terms with it, wonder why he has it.
But then I am comforted by my husband and eldest two children, and am thankful for what I have, and that what James has is controllable (hope and pray it is) and that there are so MANY worse things out there, and that we can all deal with this together.

I pray for my son James, I pray with all my heart that he will not have this for ever,and that he will not come to any harm because of it.

Well, on a lighter note (and I think that is needed right now) at the time of my bawling, Mike had received a phone call which was a job update, to tell him that they were just waiting back for the second reference, his former employer, and could he possible in a very polite way, hurry them up. Good news, but as he came out to tell me, I was having a "moment" so the poor man had to wait half an hour for me to calm down and sort myself out before he told me

So, it is now approaching 10pm,I am in bed next to a very tired 2 year old, soon to be 3 year old boy. Mike and Danny are watching the football (England are winning) and putting balloons and banners up for James. Becky is making him a birthday cake.

Looking forward to tomorrow.
God Bless
Lou x

Thursday 20 May 2010

Fairly quiet day, we were supposed to have visitors today, but this was cancelled,but we had an unexpected visit from a friend from our Church in the morning ,so that was nice (typical the morning that there were still breakfast dishes out!)

Anyway, I hadnt planned any HE for today, as I orginally thought that the children would be playing with their friend,so we decided that we would just chill, read and cook!

Danny made a delicious lemon meringue and Becky made a sponge cake - equally delicious.

James slept until late afternoon, then we went out into the garden, then headed out to the hideous store called Toys R Us (even the spelling annoys me).

We have been holding out on buying James's main present as he keeps changing his mind, said he wanted a garage (already has one,but not as big as the one in ELC), then changes his mind. So as the garage in ELC is £50, we thought we would leave it, in case he discards it minutes after opening it.

We ended up getting him a "My first Scaletrix" Becky has got him Postman Pat and his bike (Postman Pat has a bike! I mean really!)and Danny bought him some coloured Moon Sand (ugh more mess) this all out of their own money too.
We have also got him lots of jigsaws, as he loves them AND they keep him occupied. Oh, and a Sportacus Space Hopper - cool.

We then stopped off for some fried chicken(very unhealthy) then headed home. James also wanted to know when we got home, if we got him his garage for his birthday from the toy shop - typical.

Blessings
Lou x
Fairly quiet day, we were supposed to have visitors today, but this was cancelled,but we had an unexpected visit from a friend from our Church in the morning ,so that was nice (typical the morning that there were still breakfast dishes out!)

Anyway, I hadnt planned any HE for today, as I orginally thought that the children would be playing with their friend,so we decided that we would just chill, read and cook!

Danny made a delicious lemon meringue and Becky made a sponge cake - equally delicious.

James slept until late afternoon, then we went out into the garden, then headed out to the hideous store called Toys R Us (even the spelling annoys me).

We have been holding out on buying James's main present as he keeps changing his mind, said he wanted a garage (already has one,but not as big as the one in ELC), then changes his mind. So as the garage in ELC is £50, we thought we would leave it, in case he discards it minutes after opening it.

We ended up getting him a "My first Scaletrix" Becky has got him Postman Pat and his bike (Postman Pat has a bike! I mean really!)and Danny bought him some coloured Moon Sand (ugh more mess) this all out of their own money too.
We have also got him lots of jigsaws, as he loves them AND they keep him occupied. Oh, and a Sportacus Space Hopper - cool.

We then stopped off for some fried chicken(very unhealthy) then headed home. James also wanted to know when we got home, if we got him his garage for his birthday from the toy shop - typical.

Blessings
Lou x
Fairly quiet day, we were supposed to have visitors today, but this was cancelled,but we had an unexpected visit from a friend from our Church in the morning ,so that was nice (typical the morning that there were still breakfast dishes out!)

Anyway, I hadnt planned any HE for today, as I orginally thought that the children would be playing with their friend,so we decided that we would just chill, read and cook!

Danny made a delicious lemon meringue and Becky made a sponge cake - equally delicious.

James slept until late afternoon, then we went out into the garden, then headed out to the hideous store called Toys R Us (even the spelling annoys me).

We have been holding out on buying James's main present as he keeps changing his mind, said he wanted a garage (already has one,but not as big as the one in ELC), then changes his mind. So as the garage in ELC is £50, we thought we would leave it, in case he discards it minutes after opening it.

We ended up getting him a "My first Scaletrix" Becky has got him Postman Pat and his bike (Postman Pat has a bike! I mean really!)and Danny bought him some coloured Moon Sand (ugh more mess) this all out of their own money too.
We have also got him lots of jigsaws, as he loves them AND they keep him occupied. Oh, and a Sportacus Space Hopper - cool.

We then stopped off for some fried chicken(very unhealthy) then headed home. James also wanted to know when we got home, if we got him his garage for his birthday from the toy shop - typical.

Blessings
Lou x
Fairly quiet day, we were supposed to have visitors today, but this was cancelled,but we had an unexpected visit from a friend from our Church in the morning ,so that was nice (typical the morning that there were still breakfast dishes out!)

Anyway, I hadnt planned any HE for today, as I orginally thought that the children would be playing with their friend,so we decided that we would just chill, read and cook!

Danny made a delicious lemon meringue and Becky made a sponge cake - equally delicious.

James slept until late afternoon, then we went out into the garden, then headed out to the hideous store called Toys R Us (even the spelling annoys me).

We have been holding out on buying James's main present as he keeps changing his mind, said he wanted a garage (already has one,but not as big as the one in ELC), then changes his mind. So as the garage in ELC is £50, we thought we would leave it, in case he discards it minutes after opening it.

We ended up getting him a "My first Scaletrix" Becky has got him Postman Pat and his bike (Postman Pat has a bike! I mean really!)and Danny bought him some coloured Moon Sand (ugh more mess) this all out of their own money too.
We have also got him lots of jigsaws, as he loves them AND they keep him occupied. Oh, and a Sportacus Space Hopper - cool.

We then stopped off for some fried chicken(very unhealthy) then headed home. James also wanted to know when we got home, if we got him his garage for his birthday from the toy shop - typical.

Blessings
Lou x
Fairly quiet day, we were supposed to have visitors today, but this was cancelled,but we had an unexpected visit from a friend from our Church in the morning ,so that was nice (typical the morning that there were still breakfast dishes out!)

Anyway, I hadnt planned any HE for today, as I orginally thought that the children would be playing with their friend,so we decided that we would just chill, read and cook!

Danny made a delicious lemon meringue and Becky made a sponge cake - equally delicious.

James slept until late afternoon, then we went out into the garden, then headed out to the hideous store called Toys R Us (even the spelling annoys me).

We have been holding out on buying James's main present as he keeps changing his mind, said he wanted a garage (already has one,but not as big as the one in ELC), then changes his mind. So as the garage in ELC is £50, we thought we would leave it, in case he discards it minutes after opening it.

We ended up getting him a "My first Scaletrix" Becky has got him Postman Pat and his bike (Postman Pat has a bike! I mean really!)and Danny bought him some coloured Moon Sand (ugh more mess) this all out of their own money too.
We have also got him lots of jigsaws, as he loves them AND they keep him occupied. Oh, and a Sportacus Space Hopper - cool.

We then stopped off for some fried chicken(very unhealthy) then headed home. James also wanted to know when we got home, if we got him his garage for his birthday from the toy shop - typical.

Blessings
Lou x

Wednesday 19 May 2010

Managed to get their History done this morning before we headed out to the local HE Group:-

Becky - Read Chapter 2 West Against East from the Story of the World (Modern Age).
Review Questions - Japan re-opens and The Crimean War. Mapwork - China, Korea, Russia and Japan. Practical - Florence Nightingale medical sheet to complete - using Danny as her "patient" recording his height weight etc, pulse rate while sitting down, then after doing 50 star jumps (poor Danny).

Danny - Read Chapter 5 Warlords of Japan from The Story of the World (Early Modern Times).
Review Questions - Hideyoshi - Japans Great Leader. Mapwork - China, Japan, Russia and Korea.
Practical - to act out a Sumo Wrestle. He did this with Mike, stuffed cushions up there tops, performed all the pre sumo rituals, lots of stamping, pushing and laughing! Of course James and Becky had to join in with this. I was watching on anxiously!
I chose Japan as a topic for History today as they received a post card from Japan as part of their Post Card Swap.

Went to the group, met up with all of their friends, played in the park, then came home.

Thankfully I had already prepared Ratouille this morning, and that was all cooking nicely in the slow cooker when we arrived home.

Now the children are playing "pizza delivery" with playdough, using James's mini skateboard as transport - in our living room - still all three of them are occupied and quiet - gotta leave them when they are like that.

Have a good evening
Lou x
Managed to get their History done this morning before we headed out to the local HE Group:-

Becky - Read Chapter 2 West Against East from the Story of the World (Modern Age).
Review Questions - Japan re-opens and The Crimean War. Mapwork - China, Korea, Russia and Japan. Practical - Florence Nightingale medical sheet to complete - using Danny as her "patient" recording his height weight etc, pulse rate while sitting down, then after doing 50 star jumps (poor Danny).

Danny - Read Chapter 5 Warlords of Japan from The Story of the World (Early Modern Times).
Review Questions - Hideyoshi - Japans Great Leader. Mapwork - China, Japan, Russia and Korea.
Practical - to act out a Sumo Wrestle. He did this with Mike, stuffed cushions up there tops, performed all the pre sumo rituals, lots of stamping, pushing and laughing! Of course James and Becky had to join in with this. I was watching on anxiously!
I chose Japan as a topic for History today as they received a post card from Japan as part of their Post Card Swap.

Went to the group, met up with all of their friends, played in the park, then came home.

Thankfully I had already prepared Ratouille this morning, and that was all cooking nicely in the slow cooker when we arrived home.

Now the children are playing "pizza delivery" with playdough, using James's mini skateboard as transport - in our living room - still all three of them are occupied and quiet - gotta leave them when they are like that.

Have a good evening
Lou x
Managed to get their History done this morning before we headed out to the local HE Group:-

Becky - Read Chapter 2 West Against East from the Story of the World (Modern Age).
Review Questions - Japan re-opens and The Crimean War. Mapwork - China, Korea, Russia and Japan. Practical - Florence Nightingale medical sheet to complete - using Danny as her "patient" recording his height weight etc, pulse rate while sitting down, then after doing 50 star jumps (poor Danny).

Danny - Read Chapter 5 Warlords of Japan from The Story of the World (Early Modern Times).
Review Questions - Hideyoshi - Japans Great Leader. Mapwork - China, Japan, Russia and Korea.
Practical - to act out a Sumo Wrestle. He did this with Mike, stuffed cushions up there tops, performed all the pre sumo rituals, lots of stamping, pushing and laughing! Of course James and Becky had to join in with this. I was watching on anxiously!
I chose Japan as a topic for History today as they received a post card from Japan as part of their Post Card Swap.

Went to the group, met up with all of their friends, played in the park, then came home.

Thankfully I had already prepared Ratouille this morning, and that was all cooking nicely in the slow cooker when we arrived home.

Now the children are playing "pizza delivery" with playdough, using James's mini skateboard as transport - in our living room - still all three of them are occupied and quiet - gotta leave them when they are like that.

Have a good evening
Lou x
Managed to get their History done this morning before we headed out to the local HE Group:-

Becky - Read Chapter 2 West Against East from the Story of the World (Modern Age).
Review Questions - Japan re-opens and The Crimean War. Mapwork - China, Korea, Russia and Japan. Practical - Florence Nightingale medical sheet to complete - using Danny as her "patient" recording his height weight etc, pulse rate while sitting down, then after doing 50 star jumps (poor Danny).

Danny - Read Chapter 5 Warlords of Japan from The Story of the World (Early Modern Times).
Review Questions - Hideyoshi - Japans Great Leader. Mapwork - China, Japan, Russia and Korea.
Practical - to act out a Sumo Wrestle. He did this with Mike, stuffed cushions up there tops, performed all the pre sumo rituals, lots of stamping, pushing and laughing! Of course James and Becky had to join in with this. I was watching on anxiously!
I chose Japan as a topic for History today as they received a post card from Japan as part of their Post Card Swap.

Went to the group, met up with all of their friends, played in the park, then came home.

Thankfully I had already prepared Ratouille this morning, and that was all cooking nicely in the slow cooker when we arrived home.

Now the children are playing "pizza delivery" with playdough, using James's mini skateboard as transport - in our living room - still all three of them are occupied and quiet - gotta leave them when they are like that.

Have a good evening
Lou x
Managed to get their History done this morning before we headed out to the local HE Group:-

Becky - Read Chapter 2 West Against East from the Story of the World (Modern Age).
Review Questions - Japan re-opens and The Crimean War. Mapwork - China, Korea, Russia and Japan. Practical - Florence Nightingale medical sheet to complete - using Danny as her "patient" recording his height weight etc, pulse rate while sitting down, then after doing 50 star jumps (poor Danny).

Danny - Read Chapter 5 Warlords of Japan from The Story of the World (Early Modern Times).
Review Questions - Hideyoshi - Japans Great Leader. Mapwork - China, Japan, Russia and Korea.
Practical - to act out a Sumo Wrestle. He did this with Mike, stuffed cushions up there tops, performed all the pre sumo rituals, lots of stamping, pushing and laughing! Of course James and Becky had to join in with this. I was watching on anxiously!
I chose Japan as a topic for History today as they received a post card from Japan as part of their Post Card Swap.

Went to the group, met up with all of their friends, played in the park, then came home.

Thankfully I had already prepared Ratouille this morning, and that was all cooking nicely in the slow cooker when we arrived home.

Now the children are playing "pizza delivery" with playdough, using James's mini skateboard as transport - in our living room - still all three of them are occupied and quiet - gotta leave them when they are like that.

Have a good evening
Lou x

Becky and Dannys Artwork




Becky and Dannys Artwork




Becky and Dannys Artwork




Becky and Dannys Artwork




Becky and Dannys Artwork




Photos of our little Garden Allotment

Photos of our little Garden Allotment

Photos of our little Garden Allotment

Photos of our little Garden Allotment

Photos of our little Garden Allotment

Yesterday we had planned on going into Exeter, trip to Sainsburys, into town to look at Fancy Dress stuff for James's party and onto a HE Group.

In the end, we stayed at home. James had a bit of a temperature, and ended up sleeping all afternoon, seems ok now, so hoping to make it to another group today.

So yesterday there wasnt any planned HE, but Danny's day was taken up with Nature Study as he found a beetle by the front door, it was huge, one I had never seen before. So his time was taken up with looking in our Nature book and online to try and identify it - found it eventually and it was a Male Cock Chafer beetle! He took lots of photos and studied it for ages.

Becky was busy gardening, which she seems to be enjoying lately,and in the afternoon during James's nap, I asked them to look at the artwork of Georgia O'Keefe for Artist Study, and then try and reproduce the same effect in their own paintings. (will post photos of their efforts later).

So that was our day really,didnt go as planned, but James is better now, so will attempt to teach the children History this morning, as well as a visit to Mikes parents and and then onto the HE Group.

Its good for the garden but its not good for going to the park - pouring with rain here at the moment. Old weather lore - rain before 7 fine by 11! We will see!

Have a good day
Lou x
Yesterday we had planned on going into Exeter, trip to Sainsburys, into town to look at Fancy Dress stuff for James's party and onto a HE Group.

In the end, we stayed at home. James had a bit of a temperature, and ended up sleeping all afternoon, seems ok now, so hoping to make it to another group today.

So yesterday there wasnt any planned HE, but Danny's day was taken up with Nature Study as he found a beetle by the front door, it was huge, one I had never seen before. So his time was taken up with looking in our Nature book and online to try and identify it - found it eventually and it was a Male Cock Chafer beetle! He took lots of photos and studied it for ages.

Becky was busy gardening, which she seems to be enjoying lately,and in the afternoon during James's nap, I asked them to look at the artwork of Georgia O'Keefe for Artist Study, and then try and reproduce the same effect in their own paintings. (will post photos of their efforts later).

So that was our day really,didnt go as planned, but James is better now, so will attempt to teach the children History this morning, as well as a visit to Mikes parents and and then onto the HE Group.

Its good for the garden but its not good for going to the park - pouring with rain here at the moment. Old weather lore - rain before 7 fine by 11! We will see!

Have a good day
Lou x
Yesterday we had planned on going into Exeter, trip to Sainsburys, into town to look at Fancy Dress stuff for James's party and onto a HE Group.

In the end, we stayed at home. James had a bit of a temperature, and ended up sleeping all afternoon, seems ok now, so hoping to make it to another group today.

So yesterday there wasnt any planned HE, but Danny's day was taken up with Nature Study as he found a beetle by the front door, it was huge, one I had never seen before. So his time was taken up with looking in our Nature book and online to try and identify it - found it eventually and it was a Male Cock Chafer beetle! He took lots of photos and studied it for ages.

Becky was busy gardening, which she seems to be enjoying lately,and in the afternoon during James's nap, I asked them to look at the artwork of Georgia O'Keefe for Artist Study, and then try and reproduce the same effect in their own paintings. (will post photos of their efforts later).

So that was our day really,didnt go as planned, but James is better now, so will attempt to teach the children History this morning, as well as a visit to Mikes parents and and then onto the HE Group.

Its good for the garden but its not good for going to the park - pouring with rain here at the moment. Old weather lore - rain before 7 fine by 11! We will see!

Have a good day
Lou x
Yesterday we had planned on going into Exeter, trip to Sainsburys, into town to look at Fancy Dress stuff for James's party and onto a HE Group.

In the end, we stayed at home. James had a bit of a temperature, and ended up sleeping all afternoon, seems ok now, so hoping to make it to another group today.

So yesterday there wasnt any planned HE, but Danny's day was taken up with Nature Study as he found a beetle by the front door, it was huge, one I had never seen before. So his time was taken up with looking in our Nature book and online to try and identify it - found it eventually and it was a Male Cock Chafer beetle! He took lots of photos and studied it for ages.

Becky was busy gardening, which she seems to be enjoying lately,and in the afternoon during James's nap, I asked them to look at the artwork of Georgia O'Keefe for Artist Study, and then try and reproduce the same effect in their own paintings. (will post photos of their efforts later).

So that was our day really,didnt go as planned, but James is better now, so will attempt to teach the children History this morning, as well as a visit to Mikes parents and and then onto the HE Group.

Its good for the garden but its not good for going to the park - pouring with rain here at the moment. Old weather lore - rain before 7 fine by 11! We will see!

Have a good day
Lou x
Yesterday we had planned on going into Exeter, trip to Sainsburys, into town to look at Fancy Dress stuff for James's party and onto a HE Group.

In the end, we stayed at home. James had a bit of a temperature, and ended up sleeping all afternoon, seems ok now, so hoping to make it to another group today.

So yesterday there wasnt any planned HE, but Danny's day was taken up with Nature Study as he found a beetle by the front door, it was huge, one I had never seen before. So his time was taken up with looking in our Nature book and online to try and identify it - found it eventually and it was a Male Cock Chafer beetle! He took lots of photos and studied it for ages.

Becky was busy gardening, which she seems to be enjoying lately,and in the afternoon during James's nap, I asked them to look at the artwork of Georgia O'Keefe for Artist Study, and then try and reproduce the same effect in their own paintings. (will post photos of their efforts later).

So that was our day really,didnt go as planned, but James is better now, so will attempt to teach the children History this morning, as well as a visit to Mikes parents and and then onto the HE Group.

Its good for the garden but its not good for going to the park - pouring with rain here at the moment. Old weather lore - rain before 7 fine by 11! We will see!

Have a good day
Lou x

Monday 17 May 2010

Botany, party planning, interviews,and tantrums.

This morning seemed to be a bit of a mix of tantrums, strops but also very productive.

Got all the houseworky stuff done by 9 (well not everything,but we limit ourselves to only spending so much time cleaning the house in the morning,as it does seem endless).

James was in Daddy mood, so I sat with Becky and Danny and looked at our Exploring Creation through Botany - first lesson Taxonomy.

Then we went onto Maths and English. By this time James had climbed onto the table where we were working and insisted on grabbing us around our necks. So I left the elder two to finish up, then took James out in the garden to plant his Cress which he got free from his CBeebies magazine that he conned Mike into buying him this morning.

His interest in this lasted all of a minute, then a battle for him to keep his hoody on, as it was quite cold this morning, despite the sunshine. I think in the end I did give in (having read several books on toddlers and their tantrums, the advice is to sometimes give in on things that are not that important) so I decided (probably a bit too late) that I would just let him take the darn thing off!

The other two were really good at this age I have to say, so this is quite a shock. I dont think it is his meds as some have suggested (which the doc said if it affected his behaviour it would be all of the time) as I remember him starting to be like this in September last year. We attended the Green Fair, we had a home ed stall, and I distinctly remember running myself ragged trying to look after him, and not spending any time at all at the stall.

According to an article in Time Magazine - the youngest child is like a "loose cannon" and also the youngest tends to get bored quickly,amongst other things (been reading about birth orders!).

Anyway, after the shopping had been delivered,Becky and Danny came out into the garden and continued their learning with tree identification - in the end I had to leave them to it, and took James upstairs to settle him, felt like he had a slight temperature which would explain his behaviour (he always seems hyper, but when unwell there is a nasty edge to it).

Mike then went off to an interview, which went well and looks quite promising, and the poor neglected elder children had to fend for themselves and get their own lunch, (left over buffet food from evening before). They were kind enough to put a plate of food back for me to, bless them.

They then watched Blitz Street, programme about WWII, then it was free time for them.

James finally settled down, I caught up on my emails, arranging James birthday party, booking HE trips etc and then Mike arrived home, James woke up and we all went into the garden again.

It was relatively warm, so we stayed out there for a while, James helped Mike pick some lettuce and spinach to go with our evening meal,then we went in when it started to get a bit chilly.

So quite a good day, despite me getting incredibly stressed this morning, alls well that ends well.

Lou x

Botany, party planning, interviews,and tantrums.

This morning seemed to be a bit of a mix of tantrums, strops but also very productive.

Got all the houseworky stuff done by 9 (well not everything,but we limit ourselves to only spending so much time cleaning the house in the morning,as it does seem endless).

James was in Daddy mood, so I sat with Becky and Danny and looked at our Exploring Creation through Botany - first lesson Taxonomy.

Then we went onto Maths and English. By this time James had climbed onto the table where we were working and insisted on grabbing us around our necks. So I left the elder two to finish up, then took James out in the garden to plant his Cress which he got free from his CBeebies magazine that he conned Mike into buying him this morning.

His interest in this lasted all of a minute, then a battle for him to keep his hoody on, as it was quite cold this morning, despite the sunshine. I think in the end I did give in (having read several books on toddlers and their tantrums, the advice is to sometimes give in on things that are not that important) so I decided (probably a bit too late) that I would just let him take the darn thing off!

The other two were really good at this age I have to say, so this is quite a shock. I dont think it is his meds as some have suggested (which the doc said if it affected his behaviour it would be all of the time) as I remember him starting to be like this in September last year. We attended the Green Fair, we had a home ed stall, and I distinctly remember running myself ragged trying to look after him, and not spending any time at all at the stall.

According to an article in Time Magazine - the youngest child is like a "loose cannon" and also the youngest tends to get bored quickly,amongst other things (been reading about birth orders!).

Anyway, after the shopping had been delivered,Becky and Danny came out into the garden and continued their learning with tree identification - in the end I had to leave them to it, and took James upstairs to settle him, felt like he had a slight temperature which would explain his behaviour (he always seems hyper, but when unwell there is a nasty edge to it).

Mike then went off to an interview, which went well and looks quite promising, and the poor neglected elder children had to fend for themselves and get their own lunch, (left over buffet food from evening before). They were kind enough to put a plate of food back for me to, bless them.

They then watched Blitz Street, programme about WWII, then it was free time for them.

James finally settled down, I caught up on my emails, arranging James birthday party, booking HE trips etc and then Mike arrived home, James woke up and we all went into the garden again.

It was relatively warm, so we stayed out there for a while, James helped Mike pick some lettuce and spinach to go with our evening meal,then we went in when it started to get a bit chilly.

So quite a good day, despite me getting incredibly stressed this morning, alls well that ends well.

Lou x

Botany, party planning, interviews,and tantrums.

This morning seemed to be a bit of a mix of tantrums, strops but also very productive.

Got all the houseworky stuff done by 9 (well not everything,but we limit ourselves to only spending so much time cleaning the house in the morning,as it does seem endless).

James was in Daddy mood, so I sat with Becky and Danny and looked at our Exploring Creation through Botany - first lesson Taxonomy.

Then we went onto Maths and English. By this time James had climbed onto the table where we were working and insisted on grabbing us around our necks. So I left the elder two to finish up, then took James out in the garden to plant his Cress which he got free from his CBeebies magazine that he conned Mike into buying him this morning.

His interest in this lasted all of a minute, then a battle for him to keep his hoody on, as it was quite cold this morning, despite the sunshine. I think in the end I did give in (having read several books on toddlers and their tantrums, the advice is to sometimes give in on things that are not that important) so I decided (probably a bit too late) that I would just let him take the darn thing off!

The other two were really good at this age I have to say, so this is quite a shock. I dont think it is his meds as some have suggested (which the doc said if it affected his behaviour it would be all of the time) as I remember him starting to be like this in September last year. We attended the Green Fair, we had a home ed stall, and I distinctly remember running myself ragged trying to look after him, and not spending any time at all at the stall.

According to an article in Time Magazine - the youngest child is like a "loose cannon" and also the youngest tends to get bored quickly,amongst other things (been reading about birth orders!).

Anyway, after the shopping had been delivered,Becky and Danny came out into the garden and continued their learning with tree identification - in the end I had to leave them to it, and took James upstairs to settle him, felt like he had a slight temperature which would explain his behaviour (he always seems hyper, but when unwell there is a nasty edge to it).

Mike then went off to an interview, which went well and looks quite promising, and the poor neglected elder children had to fend for themselves and get their own lunch, (left over buffet food from evening before). They were kind enough to put a plate of food back for me to, bless them.

They then watched Blitz Street, programme about WWII, then it was free time for them.

James finally settled down, I caught up on my emails, arranging James birthday party, booking HE trips etc and then Mike arrived home, James woke up and we all went into the garden again.

It was relatively warm, so we stayed out there for a while, James helped Mike pick some lettuce and spinach to go with our evening meal,then we went in when it started to get a bit chilly.

So quite a good day, despite me getting incredibly stressed this morning, alls well that ends well.

Lou x

History

Colonising America and India The Lost Colony of Roanoke Island Jamestown Pilgrims The East India Company Making Money ...