Wednesday 13 July 2011

Middle of the night non-sleepiness

Following a series of complaints about leg pain, knee pain and bad lobster dreams (yes, lobsters!!) the house, which was already clean, now has an extra shine to it. Of course, this will be destroyed once the small boy has awoken and wreaked mayhem and chaos wherever he goes!!

It has been a busy few weeks with evenings out, seeing friends (old and new!), kid's parties and the Sleep Walk!! Busy is good, I like busy but sometimes, I long for a chilled evening with good company and good wine. I have realised that my Facebook status updates might make me seem like a proper old lush sometimes and I'm really not that big a drinker - it just seems like that at the moment. In a moment of madness, I bought some Martini and Lemonade which was my tipple of choice last night and it has made me have rather vivid dreams about sword fighting and ghosts!

Rhys and his little friend were having a rather full and frank discussion about their weight earlier and, of course, spiders and bugs and other such stuff. As I was observing them, it made me think that adults could learn a lot from kids sometimes. Kids just say what is on their mind, literally straight out with it. Us adults tend to dither and beat around the bush and wonder whether we've said the right thing and what the other person might have thought about that etc etc Now, of course, things can be misinterpreted and one person may have thought the other meant something deep and heavy when, in fact they were just saying what was on their minds. When I've had a drink or when i'm feeling really relaxed, I tend to revert back to this childhood way of doing things and will, quite often, just say what I'm thinking without realllllllly thinkign about it...........although I do mean what I say if that makes any sense. Oh, and I waffle - boy do I waffle!!! lol

Right, time to try and grab some sleep now that the small boy is snoring away quite happily. Hopefully no more bad dreams about shellfish for him!! :-S

Sunday 12 June 2011

I have a 5 year old!!!! :-D

So, my little man is now 5!! If anyone knows where the last 5 years have gone, could you please let me know!!!

I cannot believe that he is 5, it feels really strange to say that i'm the mum of a 5 year old!! I'm sure he's grown overnight lol!! When I think of all we've been through together in his short life, it seems amazing to think that we're at this point now.

The presents have been opened and he seems really happy with what he's got; his favourite present is his DS, although he's currently building a monster fort with an action figure he got!! He was not interested in sleep last night and we had a very long 'chat' about dinosaurs, meteorites and animals just before midnight. Some of the words and the terminology he uses amazes me sometimes. Of course, he's probably no different to most 5 year old boys lol!! I was awake long before him today and waiting impatiently for him to wake up. Of course, when he did, he was instantly charging downstairs to open his presents!!

He was a little disappointed that he has to go to school today but cheered up somewhat when he realised he was taking some little cakes in for his friends and he'd get to wear a badge :-D His request to dress as a Power Ranger for the day was, of course, denied (although it was tempting as the teachers' faces would have been a picture!!) heehee He is looking forward to his birthday tea later this evening with Chloe, although whether they'll behave remains to be seen.

It would have been nice to see some sunshine on his special day, but it's not looking hopeful so far. We shall see..................:-S

Fingers crossed!!!!

Saturday 11 June 2011

Muuuuuuummmmmmmmm..............................

Rhys has had a friend for a sleepover and has been somewhat excitable :-S After settling them in front of a Ben 10 DVD last night, he came downstairs with a variety of excuses for not settling including, but not limited to...,"Mum, we're hungry and thirsty!!"........,"Mum, we're tired!!!".................,"Mum, we're sad!!"...........,"Mum, James is asleep!!" His delaying tactics are, indeed, something which has to be seen to be believed!!! I kid you not!! His little friend has displayed exemplary behaviour and could not have behaved better :-)

He got a Bronze Award yesterday which his teacher informs me is for good communication, listening and behaviour. A proud Mummy moment indeed.............I only wish he's use his skills outside the classroom a little more :-S

The birthday is fast approaching now. I can't believe he'll be 5 already, even though he seems a lot older sometimes it is still hard to believe. Hopefully he'll be pleased with his presents, although his request for a Disneyland birthday will not be met :-S

And, a busy weekend awaits us. One party today, followed by dinner at a friend's house and another party tomorrow, followed by a barbecue. Then birthday madness on Monday - let the madness commence - Bring it on!!!!!!!

Over and out for now..........................

Thursday 9 June 2011

If I only had a brain........................

As the Lion (?!) said!!

I really wish there was a way to make some money from Rhys's....erm......Rhysisms!! Yesterday he told me that there was a bungalow in the sea and it was going to erupt!! I was very confused and then he corrected himself and said volcano instead!! This morning he has come out with a very profound statement indeed......*insert drum roll here*........,"Mum, if you don't have a brain, you don't have an idea or a plan, do you?!" Of course, this was prompted by a cartoon (Monsters and Aliens) but I may well be looking at a future academic (although he tells me he wants to be an army (an entire army all on his own!!), a racing driver, a train driver and a policeman!! Who knows?! As long as he's happy, that's all that matters. I guess it's impossible to predict what they will be when they're older!! :-)

And so the great birthday bash approaches :-S I hope he enjoys it and I survive the day too!! Each year, I say to myself never again, never, ever again and each year, it gets bigger and bigger!!! Still, they're only 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 etc once eh?! lol

He has a little friend to stay tonight which he is looking forward to, so there will be 2 small boys running amok around the place!! :-D

Loving my new phone (Blackberry) and just trying to get to grips with a non-touchscreen one after 2 and a half years of having an LG. It's very different!!

Now, what will the day bring......................................

Tuesday 7 June 2011

Ah.....................boys!!

So, off he went on his school trip, carrying a rucksack on his back that made him look like he was going to topple over any minute. He reassured me that he'd...,"be okay Mum!!" and went off with as much spring in his step as his backpack would allow him.

Of course, the original intention was to clean, tidy and do other mundane but necessary stuff around the house, but my inner cake eater got the better of me and off I went for scones and biscuits in my friend's garden, complete with tea in a proper teapot. I must tidy my house this week, I really must (yes, keep telling yourself that Clare!!! :-|...) I've never been a tidy person and I face an ongoing battle with my inner slob every day.

2 small boys were collected from school and taken first to the park and then to McDonald's for their tea. When it came to pudding, they insisted on sitting half way across the restaurant from me, which gave me chance to observe them. When they realised they were being watched, they immediately reverted to face-pulling etc but when they were unaware of my perusal, they were as good as gold and deep in conversation (probably about Goop or Jetray etc) I wish I had more chance to see how he is when i'm  not there (fly-on-the-wall style)

Kids..................they're great but I couldn't eat a whole one!!

Monday 6 June 2011

Is God in the clouds??

Apparently so, as my 4 year old (going on 27) informed me earlier!!

It is actually pretty hard to explain, as I don't want him to believe everything he is told without questioning it, but on the other hand he does go to a church school!! lol Then I remember I am talking about Rhys, who questions anything and everything he is told.

He also seems to think that he could look after himself all day on his own. He would have Rice Pudding for breakfast, 2 yoghurts for lunch and pasta for dinner, which he would cook in the oven (pasta bake) He assures me he would not leave the house, except to play in the street on his scooter. Needless to say, I will NOT be putting this to the test :-S

I literally cannot believe he will be 5 very, very soon!! Surely my tiny baby isn't that old?! When did it happen?? Where the hell does the time go? I'm scared to blink in case he is on his way out to his prom!!!

Ah kids?! We never stop worrying about them ever, even when they're at school, they are always on our minds. There is nothing we wouldn't do to keep them safe and sound. Of course, having said all of this, they frustrate the HELL out of us and try our patience a lot more than we would like. But, that's the beauty of having kids :-) NEVER a dull moment to be had...ever!!!

Monday 14 March 2011

Monday, Monday.................da dah...................da da da dah

It's Monday morning, and yet again, the weekend has flown by in a haze. Mind you, it has been a busy one. Rhys gallivanted off to a sleepover, although he did wake my friend up at 05.50am. His summer body-clock appears to have re-appeared. This is not a good thing, as he now sees anything from 05.30am onwards as time to rise; when he wakes up, it's instant and he's leaping and bounding around before I've had chance to even yawn!! Don't get me wrong, it's great that he has energy, but sometimes I long for even a small lie-in :-S

I am feeling slightly lost this morning. I can't quite put my finger on it and it's nothing specific, but I do have a sense of just drifting along at the moment waiting for things to happen. I am sure it will pass and I am off this week, so plenty of opportunity to reflect and relax!! I know I only work part-time and do have a fair amount of free-time with Rhys being at school full-time but, despite this, I always seem to be busy and rushing around.....and tired!!! lol I thing I may need to invest in some multi-vitamins of some kind?!! I do sometimes wish I had Rhys's enthusiasm and energy!!

I need to escape the house today. I did have great intentions of tidying and sorting, but I feel the need to get out and about and see people. The tidying can wait until another day. I am seriously lacking in motivation and self-discipline, so hats off to those of you with tidy and organised houses :-D

Now, I must buy some hot-cross buns.

Sunday 13 March 2011

Return of the blog.............................this time, it's personal ;-P

Good Morning,

I was so determined to stick at doing the blog every day, but sadly life took over, as it often does. Plus, i did become quite lazy with it and kept thinking,"I'll do it tomorrow..........." I'm sure we've all had those moments when a day turns into a week, turns into a month etc...................life eh?!!

It's been a period of rapid development for Rhys, who was described by his teacher last week as 'exemplary' He is making great progress with his literacy and numeracy and seems way more grown up than his 4 years sometimes. Of course, as with all 4 year olds (and indeed their elder peers) he can go from being mature and seeming quite grown up to quite childlike within seconds. At least life is never boring and monotonous with kids!!

He is currently on a sleepover at a friend's house and due to be collected at 10am. The house seems very quiet indeed without him and although I don't miss the constant requests for food and drink, I certainly wouldn't want it to be this quiet all the time. Life would be every boring indeed without my little fellow!!

I am determined to give the house a good blitz this week - that's the intention anyway! It remains to be seen whether I will stick to it or get distracted by the lure of coffee at a friend's. I am very easily distracted, so I wouldn't be surprised if it came to Friday and I have achieved nothing. It will certainly be made easier by the fact that there won't be a small figure desperately retrieving binned toys and hiding them at a rate of knots! Why do they do that?! There will be a broken, completely non-working car/robot/figure and they will work themselves into hysterics when they haven't played with it since they were tiny?!! Kids!!

Now, I do need encouraging to keep this up, so all gentle nudges weclome!!!

xx

Sunday 6 February 2011

Hello, i'm back!

Now, I feel a little ashamed that I have gone almost a week without blogging, especially when I had set my self what I thought was a reasonable target to do it every day!! Life has taken over a little of late, but I am hoping to re-boot myself and start doing it again every day.

It has been a strange couple of weeks in one way and another. My worrying side has come back and has led to me feeling rather stressed. Now, I know, I know - I shouldn't worry, I have a good group of friends around me and Rhys is happy, which is really all that matters. BUT, the people that know me best will know that my worrying is part of me, so it is inevitable from time-to-time that I will have 'one of my phases'. It mainly seems to be around what people think of me and whether I am liked etc.

Rhys is thriving at school, which is a relief for me. He seems to have stopped being quite so emotional, which is an even bigger relief. He keeps coming home with weird and wonderful creations (models etc) and came home with a book he'd made, in which a tiger, a cow, a farmer, a dog and some aliens did battle with each other. Has he seen the future, I wonder?!!!! He does sound very strange, and somewhat phlegmy, when he is practising his letters. I have only just gotten past the fact where I think he's ill when he's doing this!!! lol

Onwards and upwards I go, the neverending cycle of worrying and stressing about insignificant things will no doubt rear it's ugly head again soon!! You have been warned!! Good job i'm so lovable, aye?????

;-D

Sunday 30 January 2011

The tumbleweed has been cleared.............

It's been a funny week in one way and another. I have been feeling rotten this week on and off, plagued by a sudden and unexpected attack of vertigo. Never having had it before, it was a strange feeling and the medication to control it is utterly vile. Still, hopefully it was a one off!

So, Saturday night came and it was time to lose our inhibitions and confront the unknown as some friends and I attended a Burlesque evening in Torquay. It was so much fun and certainly opened our eyes. Although one of the performance acts was not strictly Burlesque, it was entertaining nonetheless. There was much talk about nipple tassels, underwear and........well........sex!! A new business idea was suggested. Let's just say it involved....erm......appendage decoration!!! Mimi Le-Rouge, Fifi Le-Bon, Miss Lilac and Heaven-Lea were well and truly entertained. Nice to dress up and meet some new faces too!! Perhaps next time, I may brave a corset - no promises though!!!

I still have lingering tiredness from feeling poorly hence the decision not to drink last night. Rhys stayed over at a friend's house and was reasonably well behaved with some mild to moderate lunacy thrown in (well, it is Rhys, let's face it!!) We attended a 6th birthday party this afternoon and, apart from one screaming episode (about sausages) there was good behaviour. As usual, I over-analysed my actions and started to question how i'd handled it. I just need to look at Rhys and how sociable and popular he is to realise I must be doing something right (doesn't stop the doubts completely though)

Sunday 23 January 2011

n, n, n, n, n, n, m, m, m, m, m, m,...................................

Letters are being learnt at school and in the space of a few weeks, he is writing his name and doing drawings that actually resemble something! This is great, but we are getting through so much paper, it's untrue!!

He received a compliment on his behaviour in Wetherspoon's today. When I heard the words, "what a lovely little boy!", I turned and searched for the aforementioned angel child and saw no-one before realising the man was talking about Rhys! Considering any visit to an eatery or 'drinkery' of any sort normally results in him having things confiscated, this was a welcome change indeed! The lady in the newspaper shop we had visited just prior to Wetherspoon's looked a tad alarmed when he loudly said that we, "are off to the pub now!!" :-S

Kids, eh?! They can make us go from wanting to tear our hair out to wanting to smother them with kisses in a nanosecond. No wonder they say being a parent is the hardest job there is. I can only hope that I am providing him with the right tools to equip him well for adulthood. only time will tell, but I do know one thing; whatever this child chooses to do in the future, it won't be 9 to 5 and will undoubtedly involve adrenaline!!

He has produced a variety of weird and wonderful drawings today, the best being 'portraits' of his Nanny and Grandad! If his drawings were, in fact, representative of their subject matter, Grandad would be about 9 feet tall with 6 fingers on each hand and the strangest face ever and Nanny would be wobbling on unequal legs!!

Gotta love 'em!!

Saturday 22 January 2011

Iggy Pop?!!!

Iggy Pop advertising car insurance?! What next?! The queen endorsing HP sauces (oh, hang on........................) I have to say, Iggy's caricature figure is a marked improvement on the man himself ;-) Iggy - like your music but tight leopard print trousers on a man of pensionable age??????

Today has been a day of hyperactive Rhysing. This includes, but is not limited to, running away, bellowing, giggling whilst running away, shouting, dragging along the floor and not listening. Perhaps the sweets I let him choose and pay for (with his own money) played a part in this lunacy?!!! :-S

He became rather animated after a 2 and a half hour nap when he awoke to find that Star Wars (Episode 3) was on. Although suggesting alternative methods of fighting (without using light-sabres) and liking Darth Vader whilst willing him to kill Obi-Wan Kenobi was unexpected to say the least!!

As a result of the long afternoon sleep, the young fellow is still up and still reasonable lively. I am hoping that this means he will have a long lay in in the morning, but i suspect another 5.15 - 5.30am wake up call may well be on the cards! The joy!! Is there a secret to getting them to sleep in?! We've tried wearing him out, hot chocolate and stories, proper wind-down routine etc but to no avail. It wouldn't be so bad if he crept in delicately and fell asleep next to me, but bouncing and whooping seems to be the preferred method!!

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwnnnn :-S

Friday 21 January 2011

The one with the Halo......................

No, my only beloved child has not sprouted wings or changed his name to Gabriel, don't worry. He LOVES the Beyonce song of the same name and has watched it on YouTube a few times since we got back. He is, without doubt, a unique child. Certainly never boring.

I am, yet again, feeling very tired indeed this evening. I have, however, managed to blitz the house and change the beds today so I don't mind feeling a little tired lol. I do seem to spend a lot of time rushing round - always busy. I had the idea that when Rhys went to full-time school, I would be bored stiff and sat at home twiddling my thumbs all day. Far from it; I am always busy and always have things to do. This is good but quite, quite exhausting!!

Rhys is happily playing with his new Lego box, making all sorts of whirring and boinging sounds and, for once, he hasn't made a gun or a weapon of any sort! What is it with young boys (it may be girls too lol) that makes them playfight with guns/swords. I really eblieve that you could take a child that has never watched television etc before to a playground and they'd be turned instantly into a mini soldier!! It's embedded in them (maybe it's genetic?! lol) I do think that we could learn something from our kids; how much fun would it be for all the parents at the school,playground to run round chasing each other whilst whooping madly?! I'd draw the line at suggesting the parents use pretend weapons though as that would somewhat spoil the moment!

On Monday, I expect to see lots of Facebook statuses saying that you've all instigated a whoop at school/work etc.........................

Go for it!!!

Thursday 20 January 2011

Beads, bread and sausages.............................

The above, in case you're wondering, refers to my day. I made some beaded creations (simple phone charms) for some friends and was treated to a sausage sandwich (with home-made bread) and a thoroughly enjoyable session of putting the world to rights. The girls were on top form today!! I am quite sure that if I gathered together all of my closest friends we'd have more than enough creativity and forward-thinking to rule the world!!The 2 smallest girls at today's gathering appear to have hit it off fabulously aswell and will, no doubt, be terrorising the young men of Torbay in years to come!! I find it quite therapeutic messing with beads and would like to be able to make some money from it, but we shall see...........

The intention was to tidy the house this week, and as we're now hurtling towards the weekend at breakneck speed, it is becoming increasingly more likely that I shall not achieve this goal. Maybe tomorrow????? Depends whether I get tempted away with the offer of a latte in Costas or a Nescafe (or other leading brand ;-) ) in someone's house!!!!! If someone mentions a hot beverage, it would NOT be a close-run contest with the cleaning languishing right back at the starting line!!!

Rhys is quickly turning into a mini-teenager complete with one syllable answers/grunts as responses. He sighs rather dramatically when asked to do something and makes an Everest out of a small mound!! He has been a bit emotional today (not sure why) and would make an excellent thespian in years to come with his amateur dramatics! I'd much rather have a lively, energetic child than one who is shy and reserved but, BLIMEY, he's hard work sometimes!!! :-S

Tuesday 18 January 2011

Take a sip.....................

Having watched Sex and The City 2 last night (fabulous film) there was a scene which jumped out to me. It is the scene in which Miranda and Charlotte make some parenting 'confessions to each other. I was nodding in agreement with every single one!! There must be many things we think and feel as parents that we would never dare utter to each other for fear of receiving a reaction of shock in return (I know I have!!) Perhaps I shall reveal some as time goes on ;-)

Rhys has been extremely excitable since getting home from school. We did the dreaded shop before, ad he was blatantly NOT in the mood for shopping at all. He ran off giggling and messing round and so was unceremoniously bundled into the child seat on the trolley. For Rhys, who is insistent that he is a ,"big, grown-up boy" this is akin to me making him walk naked into school (this is NOT a parenting confession, I hasten to add!! lol)


I am exceptionally tired this evening and in need of an early night. At a friend's last night, Rhys was introduced to the world of the XBox 360 Kinect and had great delight in boxing (he actually won a round!) I very much doubt he'll be taking it up as a career though, unless there is a market for comedy child  boxers who whoop and whirl round (marketing idea, anyone?!!!) whilst roaring excitedly. He could always overcome his opponent by making him laugh himself unconscious, I suppose?!

A busy day, of sorts. I have decided to make the house look nicer by getting some pictures and rugs etc to brighten the place up. It needs it, I feel.

Sunday 16 January 2011

My child, my rules!

I'm sure that all parents have experienced the moment when you can feel a stranger's eyes burning into you whilst you are attempting to discipline your child. You can just tell, without turning around, that the look is one of disapproval (there will probably be a shake of the head to go in conjunction with it) You can deal with this sort of situation in several ways, and though it is tempting to challenge the person (I have done this a few times), I find ignoring them is a better option (whilst my face is going increasingly redder) There was an incident today where I was on the receiving end of a filthy look from an older lady who appeared to think I was cruel for not letting my 4 year old son have the 3-litre bottle of fizzy pop he was struggling under the weight of (either that or she thought I was buying it FOR him lol) I am, albeit very slowly, learning to develop a thicker skin in relation to other people's thoughts on my parenting.

Rhys has been in bed for an hour; with extreme reluctance and after demanding 7 stories (he had 5) he was under his covers by 6.30. A brief rebellion happened at 6.45 when a shout for cake was heard above Dancing on Ice. It was dutifully ignored and he appeared to realise the fruitlessness of this as there has been blissful silence since. We had a milestone moment this morning when he wrote his name himself for the first time ever. He appeared completely nonplussed by my reaction (whooping) and carried on writing more letters as if he's been doing it for years!! School is suiting him methinks!!

I only wish I had half his energy. How on earth do small children keep going for so long?! If only I could bottle it, i'd be a millionaire...............this time next year Rodders...........................!!

Saturday 15 January 2011

All partied out.....................

Today was a day of rushing about. Rhys had 2 parties, which overlapped one another slightly. After some dashing about, he was still able to eat 2 lots of party food (this was after eating a big portion of lasagna at lunchtime) He was concerned (he expressed this very vocally) that his energy was running out and therefore he had to eat lots of food!! Any excuse!! ;-)

Sitting and watching the children all rushing about today, I was aware of how much my own attitude towards children has changed since having Rhys. Prior to becoming a mum, I was very much of the opinion that anyone who's child had a public tantrum wasn't using effective parenting skills and would, without thinking, express displeasure if there were noisy children around. Now, I would almost dare a stranger to comment when Rhys has a tantrum.

Having a child changes you incredibly and this also got me thinking about the unofficial Parenting Code of Practice. Now, we've all read the ones that pop up about parenthood being a 24 hour job, unpaid, being a nurse, taxi driver etc etc which are, of course, very true, but I think we need our own, more alternative, guide  to follow. This needs careful consideration, so expect to read more in the next few days!! ;-)

Friday 14 January 2011

The one with the campaigning........

I am part of a campaign to save my local Homestart Playgroup and have e-mailed the local MP and set up a Facebook group to help with this. In fact, I am referred to in one local paper as 'a parent' - that's meeeeeeeee!!!! lol So part of the day was spent brainstorming (I have brain-ache now!!!)

We took his friend this morning, and during the journey there was a conversation about everything from how they would drive when they were ,"big tall grown up boys" (beware in 13 tears time!!) to whether they'd be tall Daddies or little Daddies (Rhys appears to think he'll be as tall as our house :-S)

There were playground shenanigans earlier on!! Rhys wanted to be first into his classroom (his friend who is in a different classroom) and descended into wailing hysterics when he had to go to his classroom second. He sat down in the middle of the playground and started making incomprehensible noises, but soon realised he would develop a very wet bum, so was carried under my arm into the classroom. The teacher had a rather puzzled expression on her face! There was much scowling and harrumphing when I said I was going, but when I looked back seconds later whilst walking past the window, he had grabbed Jamie and was making him play with the Lego! If only adults could recover that quickly from an emotional episode, the world would be a much better place (although the extremes of happiness would be quite irritating after a while as we'd be walking round like kid's television presenters!!!)

I am awaiting his return as he has gallivanted off for a post-school play session with his little friend (there is much twiddling of thumbs going on here!)

Twiddle.................................................

Thursday 13 January 2011

a...a...a...a..is for duck?!

Rhys has been learning about letters today, and indeed for the past week. In his self-appointed role as class clown, he seems to think he's being hilarious by saying things wrong! Thankfully, it appears to be in fairly short bursts as his teacher assures me he is progressing brilliantly!! Phew! Make a note of the name Rhys Sallery as he will either be famous or infamous in the future!

The full-time school tiredness has well and truly settled in now and he cut a very forlorn figure dragging his heels around Sainsbury's earlier on. He was disgusted that he had to go down to the nursery earlier on (he seems to have aged himself by about 5 years and looks down on the nursery as if they're very much younger than him, not just a few months!!!)

Met some friends today for coffee and paninis whilst (their) kids played. I am enjoying having more time to myself and starting to feel a little less lost/abandoned, but it still feels very strange to say that I have a child in full-time school!

I'm afraid i'm lacking in inspiration today and have a total lack of motivation this evening (my plans to pull the furniture out and hoover behind it have been pushed to one side for now) but I do have cake, so all is not lost!! :-D

p.s. The cake is chocolatey and gooey, or should I say it WAS!!!! heehee

Wednesday 12 January 2011

Unleashing the beast inside!! ;-)

Okay, so you're thinking.......what?!!!! Beast?! The above quote can be attributed to my good friend Mrs R, who came out with it at lunch today (ladies who lunch, don't you know!!) I hasten to add that there was no rudeness involved (that's what she said and she appears to be sticking to the story!!) Myself and Mrs T have our own theories on the subject however!! The other Mrs T was sorely missed as some thorough putting of the world to rights was done over 2 meals for £10!! ( a cheeky shandy was also consumed - ooh the indulgence!!!)

I am enjoying having a little more time to myself and meeting up with good friends. I can relax a little more and worry a lot less about Rhys at full-time school after this morning's playground antics! Upon arriving in the school playground, I had assumed that Rhys would not join in with the gaggle of boys that were charging round. I couldn't have been more wrong as he hurled his coat at me and ran whooping towards the throng with a vigour I can only describe as astounding. He proceeded to whoop and bellow his way round the playground, and was more than able to keep up with his peers. Hence the conscious decision to worry a lot less about him whilst he's at school!

I also managed to catch up with 2 other friends and hold 2 of the cutest babies ever, both of whom are developing into real characters despite their exceptionally young ages. I was smiled at in the most lovely of ways by baby Fayth; ALMOST made me feel broody (but not quiet - you won't be seeing diary of a yummy mummy or suchlike anytime soon!!)

Tuesday 11 January 2011

The cars are out...........

There are cars everywhere, as far as the eye can see!!! There was very brief hiatus in the post-school energy rush whilst some wailing and screaming took place in town and on the journey home, but the energy rush has returned with a vengeance now!!

The aforementioned wailing/screaming took place due to my refusal to buy him a toy from the pund shop. He was told that, if he kept asking, there would be no toy. Approximately 65 requests later (sadly, I do NOT exaggerate) and after much ignoring on my part, his fate was sealed and I told him, in no uncertain terms, there would be NO toy today!! What followed was possibly the most annoying sound ever (yes, even more so than hearing music being played that is just audible, from phones and the like, on public transport) It was what can only be describes as a cacophony of raucous and high-pitched bellowing and wailing. Passers-by had a variety of reactions from, "bless him!!" (wtf?!!) to,"well done" (to me for ignoring it) He attempted some more high-pitched wailing on the journey home, but gave up when I told him there'd be no pudding if he carried on (thos child would sell his soul for food!!)

On a positive note (yes, there is one :-D), he has learnt the letters A and S today, although saying,"A...s...s...spells ass" in town was not his finest moment!!

What a colourful patchwork my life is eh?!

Monday 10 January 2011

The lessons we learn.....................

The determination to stay calm and not get angry with Rhys is paying dividends as he is definitely starting to listen better and pay more attention to what I say. It's a long road, and I don't expect a quick fix (although it would be nice) so i'll keep slogging away.

Life feels like a slog sometimes; the same routine day in, day out, so it's important to set goals, make plans and have aspirations so that there is always something to look forward to.

Having a chat with a work colleague today made me realise some things, and reiterated to me the things I would like to change and develop about myself. I need to stop worrying and being paranoid about what people think of me. It is a completely futile and fruitless exercise, and I shall end up miserable if I carry on down this path. It is, of course, far easier said than done and, no doubt, will be a long and continuing battle that I will face.

Rhys is on fine form as usual this evening. He chatted non-stop around Sainsbury's, remarking on 'manky' and 'scary' fish at the fish counter (they were neither!!) and was passing me things, although he was going for the brand named stuff (not soft, that boy!!!) As I write, he is 'chatting' to my feet (yes, you DID read that correctly!!)

Must go, the soaps are 'a callin'

x

Sunday 9 January 2011

The boy with limitless energy........................

Despite a VERY long (muddy) walk, a play on the park and lots of kicking a football around, the small person is NOT tired!!! He did say to em earlier on that he had lots and lots of energy!! :-S

Walking, even with a 4 year old chattering incessantly at your side, is quite therapeutic. I did feel good afterwards, though the walk failed miserably to fulfil it's promise of tiring him out!! Lots of thinking done again today and lots of ideas to mull over. I've never been good at making decisions, so deciding whether to go to University and do my nursing training will probably take me at least another year!! I have started on my UCAS application though, so we'll see!!

I'm hoping for an early night, or a chilled out night at the very least. I have work for the next two days, so have only actually collected and taken Rhys once since he started full-time school. That's the sacrifices of being a working mum though. I take my hat off to those that work full time and have young children; it must take incredible organisation! I don't think I could ever be a full-time mum, and that's another job I tip my hat to!! A bit of both works well for me, and Rhys is happy, which is the main thing.

I'm going to be making more of an effort to catch up with some of my older (in length, not in age!! lol) friends over the next few weeks, and it will be interesting to see the changes with them.

I'm actually starting to yawn......and the potatoes will be boiling over very soon, so i'd better be off.

Arriverderci!!

Saturday 8 January 2011

These are the days of our lives...........

And they pass so quickly; in the blink of an eye it seems sometimes!!

I've had a bit of a square peg in a round hole feeling today, not with relation to anything i've done today or anyone i've seen, but something that's been on my mind for a few days. I am determined not to let how other people act, or what other people do, impact on my life so much any more. Doubtlessly, I will have many a crisis of confidence over this, but i've reached a point in my life where it just doesn't matter (or it shouldn't matter!! lol)
I'm feeling more confident in my own skin of late, a lot of which is due to the great circle of friends I have around me. The people i'm closest to, mostly, are people i've only met in the last few years, and the fact that I can be myself around them means more to me than they will ever realise. I've fought for too long to try and be friends with people who aren't a healthy influence and who don't actually care about my friendship.

I feel my bond is great with Rhys at the moment, despite the fact he seems hell-bent on destroying my one remaining nerve! Long may it continue.

A busy day in lots of ways, so i'll say over and out. Tune in tomorrow for the next instalment!!

Ciao xx

Friday 7 January 2011

The weekend is here!!!

Not that the weekend brings with it a wild night out, but we are attending a friend's daughter's party tomorrow afternoon.

He made it to the 3rd day of full-time school before he lost his coat; I suppose that's about average really. I charged down to the school ready to unleash hell (it was only afterwards that I realised this would have been totally unreasonable lol) only to meet his teacher. She not only told me what a pleasure it was to teach him, but what a lovely child he was too! The angry bubble popped instantly and a proper, full-on proud mummy moment took it's place. I think it's all too easy sometimes to see the 'worst' bits of your child's character and forget the good bits, so a lesson has well and truly been learnt today.

An evening of watching television beckons. I am unreasonably tired today (I only work 2 days a week, so that can't really be used as an excuse!! lol) Plus, I am mulling over a few different career prospects at the moment and weighing up the pros and cons of each - if I have the energy!!

Oh, and we found the coat !!

Thursday 6 January 2011

We're BOTH yawning today!!!

It's Tiredsville down here as one of us has been at work all day and the other has been at school. He proudly presented me with another model today, which consisted of 3 cardboard boxes taped together. He informed me that he hadn't chosen what it was going to be,"at the moment Mum!" Now, I may sound lile a cow here, but when you've been presented with different variations of cardboard every school day, it's fairly hard to muster up much enthusiasm. It's an act of secrecy to try and sneak them (demodelled) back into school without him noticing, I kid you not! It is interesting to see which cardboard other parents donate. I did see a foreign beer packet had snuck past the watchful eye of Mrs S!!

How lovely to be greeted with a grunt when I collect my one and only child from the childminder's. I was treated to an array of non-specific responses when asking him about his day. Apparrently, if he is to be believed, nothing happened, no-one was there and he was sat on his own all day. Thankfully, I know the reality is different. It's amazing what information a packet of crisps gets you!!

Over and out.........for now!!

Wednesday 5 January 2011

Day 1, and after a full day's schooling, he's still NOT tired :-S

Day 1 of full-time school has been completed. The excitement levels this morning were at an all-time high!! With the exception of Christmas Day, it's the most excited i've seen him for some time! Quite what he was expecting, I don't know - lol!

There was an embarrassing moment for me, of course. He made himself a paper tube and put it on his arm and insisted on referring to it, very loudly, as his, "arm bastard (plaster)". He would NOT be corrected, despite loudly whispered pleas from me and had the few parents that were in earshot in absolute stitches!! Thanks son!!

We were very early,and therefore the first ones in the classroom. I felt I ought to stay for a while, and felt a little bit strange when all parents started disappearing and I was one of the only ones left! Normally, i'm quite happy to leave him, but I found myself feeling quite emotional today (there were almost tears, I kid you not!!) He, on the other hand, was practically urging me to leave!!


I'm quite sure i'll get used to the extra free time that I now have, but I did spend a rather melancholy hour wandering fruitlessly round the shops sighing to myself for no particular reason. I definitely think it affects the parents more than the children!!

This day is quite a milestone in his personal and social development, and one i'll remember for a long time. Where did my little boy go?! It appears he has gone forever and been replaced bu a streetwise, talkative wannabe 14 year old!!

Tuesday 4 January 2011

Full time school tomorrow!!

I can't believe that Rhys starts full-time school tomorrow. He says he's excited and looking forward to it, and I should imagine i'll be far more nervous than him!!

Where on earth does the time go?! One minute, we're up all night feeding/comforting them and the next we're out buying size 11 school shoes. In one way, i'm looking forward to the break, and in another i'm nervous as hell for him! Anyone who knows Rhys will know that I really needn't be nervous, but it's a natural mum instinct!! lol

At times like this, when you're wondering where the last 4 and a half years have gone, it's natural to analyse their lives and remember some of the funnier moments. Now, with Rhys, there are so many!! From charging up the street in his pants (clutching a crisp £20 note, I might add!!) towards the ice-cream van to covering himself in Vaporub (ALL over) whilst I was having a short doze (and had thought he was sleeping too) Waking up to a naked, shining child was a somewhat strange moment, I have to say!!!

I can only hope that life, and me (I hope), have given him enough tools to be able to hold his own in school and not get lost in the tide. I'm pretty confident he shall emerge victorious and unscathed from his first day, but it won't stop me from worrying!!

Thought for the day - How much has' nature' contributed to his character and how much have I 'nurtured' him?!

Over and out for now!!

Monday 3 January 2011

HOW long til school goes back then?!

Now, I really don't mean the above sentence as harshly as it may sound, or do I?!

I guess that i'd kind of got used to having some free time to myself, and the Christmas holidays and the stress it naturally brings with it has left me feeling a bit aaaaaaargh, tear my hair out kind of stressed!!! Plus, i've been poorly with flu, so that hasn't helped much. I don't cope very well with being poorly - I tend to want to sleep a lot, which isn't the easiest thing to do with a small, very inquisitive, very lively young boy to look after!!

I did manage a couple of snoozes here and there, but if I do drop off I run the risk of Rhys eating everything in his sight, as he did the other day when I found the very meagre remains of a large chocolate fudge cake that we'd eaten some of the night before. I could write a book on this child's exploits, I really could!!

New Year's Resolutions are going okay so far. I have made one to keep the house as tidy as possible, and it's pretty tidy today - so far!!

Day 2 over and done with!!

Sunday 2 January 2011

Taking the plunge and starting this blog......

This is something i've felt like doing for a while, so i'm glad i've taken the plunge finally!!

So, 2011 is here and what will it bring, I wonder?!

Rhys starts full time school next Wednesday (January 5th) I really can't believe it!! He is definitely ready, and I am looking forward to the break, as horrible as that might sound. But........the mum worries are settling in. Will he be okay? Will he be as confident as he has been up to this point, or will he become shy? Worries, worries, worries (quite normal for me)

As for New Year's Resolutions, i'm trying to keep it easy this year. Lose weight, be healthy, be happy! Sounds easy, but breaking the stresshead habit will be my biggest challenge by far! I've spent 33 years stressing, so expect it to take a while to say the least. Still, it's good to have a challenge eh?!

The first blog entry!!!

Over and out!!

xx