Silent Sunday 25.8.13

Silent Sunday

 

Love You.

The nerves are kicking in, I cant sleep, cant think straight for any more than a few minutes.......Its there in the front of my head.............Its nearly Thursday.....................................Almost time for The Teenager to get her GCSE results......................

Why the hell I am so nervous is anyone's guess, I suppose its because I know how much hard work, blood, sweat, tears and tantrums we have endured over the past year. I know how much she wants to do well and how happy she will be if she gets the results she wants. I have no training in this type of situation and no clue how to deal with the outcome if it isn't great (fingers crossed and knocking on wood it wont come to that).

She has asked me to come with her instead of going with her friends to open that dreaded envelope and I have told her that I would be honoured to go along as long as she doesn't feel embarrassed to have me there.............Her words to me will stay with me forever "Mum......Of course I want you there. These are your results as much as they are mine. We did this together". The lump in my throat swelled up to the size of an orange as I choked back the tears.

All the time and patience, endless cups of tea, snacks and shopping trips to relax are hopefully going to pay off and we can relax for a couple of weeks before she begins another adventure. Its so strange watching your eldest embark on yet another chapter in her own story book, its like she's turning the pages far too quickly for me to keep up with and I want to scream "STOP"......"WAIT"......."I'M NOT READY FOR YOU TO TURN THE PAGE YET". I know I cant and I just have to speed read or else get left behind in all her exciting plans for the future.

So, here we go folks..................Another stage in a Teens life for me to write about, cherish and advise anyone that wants some pre-knowledge about the life cycle of a Teen.

Good luck to all those kids opening that big white envelope on Thursday. And a special Good Luck to my gorgeous daughter who continues to make us proud every day of her life. You are as always the biggest achievement I have ever made.......................Love You xxxx

Just One Wish

The Whirlwind had one wish on his Summer Bucket List.......Just one.................I worried about how I was going to make it come true.................................I fretted about him being disappointed if he didn't get to do it.........................His one wish was to do Falconry...................................................

As we planned our activities at Centre Parcs a certain adventure jumped out and smacked me on the nose...................FALCONRY Ages 12 and up........................Yipppppeeeeeeee!!!!!

We said nothing to him and carried on the week as normal. On Wednesday morning we headed off telling him we were going to do Archery, little did he know as we cycled over hills and round past the Archery turning he was about to get a huge surprise. Suddenly it was upon us and he skidded to a halt almost crashing into the back of me "Mum.....Mum.....Look.....It says Falconry"............................"I know, come on" I replied.

It was at this moment my heart almost melted, his eyes glistened as the realisation hit him....."Am I doing it"? His little voice sounded "Yep" I said.

What happened after was probably one of the most magical moments in his and our lives, we sat and listened to the trainer who was fascinating. Two little birds sat on stands waiting to show off and The Whirlwind looked on in complete silence and awe.

He stood while the Kestrel flew to his arm and smiled the biggest smile I had ever seen. He waited while the next one (slightly bigger) did the same and again grinned like a Cheshire Cat.


We sat behind taking pictures and smiling with him like it was contagious, then words that slightly alarmed me "You will all need a bigger glove now" said Alison the trainer.................A bigger glove......................What the heck was coming out from behind that curtain....................................

The Whirlwind took it all in his stride and gave me a cheeky wink as the curtain went back (I think he had seen what was coming).................Then the biggest bloody bird I have ever seen came out on Alison's arm..........................I took a sharp intake of breath as it glared at me almost mocking my fear.


Now, I am not a religious woman but I actually crossed myself in the small hope that God was looking down and would pardon my sudden need to do this. Mr DG looked at me in horror, the other parents all looked at me then back at the bird and The Teenager lent across and asked if she could have his room as a walk in wardrobe.....Charming.

This beast was called Ed (like that would make me feel any better about him) he had the biggest set of claws I had ever seen and was about to fly at my little boy and land on his arm...................."What does he eat" someone from the crowed asked....."Small horses, goats, deer" she replied "they pick them up, and usually drop them over a cliff to kill them. Takes all the hard work out of it " she said whilst laughing..........................................WHAT !!!!! My child weighs less than any of those animals and could easily be lifted up and dropped off a cliff...............................

The Whirlwind stood there holding his arm up as the horse with wings swooped in and landed (gracefully I have to say) on his arm. Veins in his neck popped as he struggled to keep his arm still "OK....Ed........Lets have you" Alison said. I have never felt such relief in my life as it completely ignored my son and once again gave me a look that said "Chill out Mumma......If I wanted a good feed I would of come for you love"......................................

Needless to say that The Whirlwind couldn't of smiled any harder and almost combusted as we left the arena. To say it was the best day of his life was an understatement and he is still talking about it now.

There really is nothing like the feeling of making a dream come true for your kids is there? Lets hope he's satisfied now and doesn't feel the need to go diving with sharks next..............................


Lots Of Love
Me
xxxxxx

Whats The Story.

I've linked up with the gorgeous Charly over on the POD Cast What's The Story Link Up. Pop on over and have a look at some of the beautiful photos and stories.

 

 

I took this picture when we were in New York in April. At the time it was just a picture of a bridge but the more I sat and looked at it the more it got me thinking. How many people had walked across this bridge, how many had stopped and looked at the view from there and how many had arranged to meet a loved one on this very bridge.

It was such a beautiful day in Central Park that I got quite caught up in the whole romance thing. I was very quickly snapped out of this dream like state when my youngest announced in a very loud voice that someone was round the back having a wee...................Romance killed in 4 seconds flat.

Silent Sunday 18.8.13

Silent Sunday

 

BritMums Book Review

I was super happy when I received my book from The Brit Mums Book Club. The Buddha In The Attic by Julie Otsuka was the most moving and beautifully written book I think I have ever read, it was not my usual style of book at all as I tend to stick to well known authors rather than venture off the track.

I loved the way it was written in the style of "We", "Some of us" and "They". It gripped me from the first page until the last and I became so engrossed in it I even found myself wiping a tear away at one point. I don't want to give anything away as I feel everyone should read this wonderful book.

The blurb on the back is as follows :- Between the first and second world wars a group of young, non-English-speaking Japanese women travelled by boat to America. They were picture brides, clutching photos of husbands-to-be whom they had yet to meet. Julie Otsuka tells their extraordinary, heart-breaking story in this spellbinding and poetic account of strangers lost and alone in a new and deeply foreign land.

Thank you Britmums for giving me the opportunity to read such a life affirming book.

Saturday Is Caption Day

 'Saturday is Caption Day' is fast becoming one of my favourite moments of the week. I love looking at all the photos and trying to think of something funny to go with it.

 

Here is my attempt for this week................Taken at Longleat Safari Park on the boat......................He was called Sammy and was the loudest Sea Lion I have ever heard.

 

 

 

 

Summer Bucket List Update

Its officially 3 weeks until the kids go back to school....Yes...........3 weeks...............Where the heck has that time gone????

As you all know I compiled a Summer Bucket List at the start of the holidays with many things I wanted to complete by September. I thought I should do a midway update of my achievements and failings................................

Things I have completed.........
.
1. Crazy Golf Yipppppppeee.............We did this at Centre Parcs and it was great fun.
2. Taking loads of photos........I mean loads.............Kids are sick and tired of me shoving a camera in their faces.
3. Bike riding..................Big tick for this activity...........Centre Parcs again.
4. Decorated Female Teens bedroom...See Blog Post.....Shut Up And Paint
5. Planted something edible....Chilli's...........Not sure if we will actually get any but the thought is there.


Things I have almost completed.....
1. Have managed to try 9 flavours of Ben & Jerry's ice cream......I cant decide which one I like best so may have to try them all again.
2.. Have made cakes twice.............Even wrote a blog about it Here's Some I Made Earlier...................Haven't made any this week due to feeling sick from all the ice cream.
3.Ate breakfast outside a total of 4 times..........................Bloody kids don't get up until 11am so its been more like lunch.
4. Am happily on track with my reading list..........Think I am on book 5.
5. Movie night once a week was going well until the builders arrived and now The Female Teen is staying at Mums and me and Hubby are rushing around. Hopefully back on track next week.
6. Booked tickets to go up to London to see Wicked with The Teenager and her bestie.

Things I haven't even attempted. started or began yet..........

1.Its looking unlikely that I will buy a sewing machine. Might have to admit defeat on this one,
2. Haven't said "Yes" for a day yet......Its coming......I promise.
3. Haven't been barefoot for the whole day yet due to building work and many nails, plaster and various tools lying around.
4. Have not taken Tween to cinema yet to see Robot film.............Must do this next week.
5. Board games in the garden has been done twice....Wind got up and blew counters over the fence.....Think I might rethink this and take it indoors.
6. Am hoping to go Charity Shop shopping soon and find that all important restoration project.

Number 20 was to try and make a difference to someone's day, even if its just a smile. Think I have managed this a couple of times...............In fact after a party at a good friends house on Friday night I know I made someone smile with my 80's dancing and singing skills..........I cant say anymore................Or I would have to kill you.................................

Good luck with all of your lists.......

Lots of Love
Me
xxxxxxx

Our Centre Parcs Adventure.

Well, we are back from our fabulous week long holiday to Centre Parcs at Longleat. We have never stayed  a whole week before and I would thoroughly recommend it. I could write a blog that might go on for several weeks but thought I would do something a little bit different this time by giving you a photo montage blog with little descriptions underneath this time. I will of course write a couple more blogs about the funny things that happened along the way.

Hope you enjoy them xxxx

Very comfy and super clean lodge, both rooms had en-suite which was great.



 Constant wild life which kept the kids amused all day.

 

 

We all enjoyed the Crazy Golf.

 

 

 The Falconry experience was just amazing (blog post coming soon).

 

 

There were loads of places to eat.....Right up my street.

 

 

The new Tree Houses.....If I win the Lottery this is where we will go.

 

 

Our little home for the week. So lovely and relaxing.

 

My Ultimate Summer Driving List.

I've been tagged by the rather lovely and totally gorgeous mama mummy mum to complete this brilliant Ultimate Summer Driving List meme.

It's no secret that I love music and even better is the music in my car, I can be found at many locations singing my little head off to anything and everything. Of course I think I sound like Adele......I'm not sure my kids, Hubby or passes by would agree..............................

So without further ado, here is my top 5 tunes to rock it too in the car.

1. Kelly Clarkson - Miss Independent - Remember speaking to a friend on the phone once and forgetting to hang up properly, she then listened as I belted out this rather head bopping song.

 

2. Lady GaGa - Born This Way - Mainly due to The Teenager leaving her CD in the car, nearly crashed into a hedge as I shut my eyes to sing the chorus.

3. Maroon 5 - She Will Be Loved - Who doesn't love the sultry tones of Adam Levine, and quite frankly he can love me any day of the week.

4. Steps - One For Sorrow - I am not ashamed to say that I am a huge Steps fan.....OK, OK.....Stop shaking your heads now.....I just love them and think I can confidently say that I know most of the words to most of their songs.

5. Adele - Someone Like You- I am actually an Adele tribute act.........OK....I'm not really......But.............I could be................Well.................In my head.

There you go then, my 5 top songs that I just love to screech sing in my car. Now I have to tag 5 other people to keep it going. Lynne (SentWivLove), Just A Normal Mummy, Pink Oddy, Cold Tea & Smellie Nappies and Mummy Shambles you have all been tagged with this meme.  Its not compulsory guys, just a bit of fun.
xxxxxxxxxxx

What's The Story

I've linked up with the gorgeous Charly over on the POD Cast What's The Story Link Up. Pop on over and have a look at some of the beautiful photos and stories.

Its been 8 years since my beloved Grandad (or Dangrad) as I used to call him passed away. He and I had one of the most special relationships I think I have ever had in my whole life. When I was small we would go on the most amazing adventures involving hiding from giants and leaving gifts for Fairies at the bottom of our garden. As we arrived home my Mum used to look at us and shake her head in disbelief at the state we were in, but all we did was laugh as we told her of all the things we had done that day.

My Dangrad was quite the hero too, he was in the SOE during the II World War. I love telling my kids that their Great Grandad was a real life James Bond.

I miss him every day and know that he is looking down and smiling at the fun I have recreating some of our adventures with my kids.

Silent Sunday 11.8.13

Silent Sunday

 

 

 

 

 

Silent Sunday 4.8.13

Silent Sunday 4.8.13

 

 

Good Hearts Gift Review.

As many of you know it was The Teenagers Prom last month, it was all very emotional and we got some great pictures to treasure. I had decided even before the big day that I wanted a full sized picture of her from the evening in a large frame.

As if by magic my wishes were answered and I was asked if I would like to review something from the gorgeous company Good Hearts Gifts. I obviously jumped at the chance and sat for ages trying to decided which one of their beautiful products to choose. After much deliberating and changing of mind I finally settled on this gorgeous silver frame, as if I wasn't thrilled enough they even engraved it for me with Prom 2013.

When it arrived it was beautifully packaged up and all in one piece. The Teenager absolutely loved it and it now has pride of place in her brand new bedroom which we have recently decorated.

I have a few special occasions coming up and will be going straight back to the website and trying to once again make the very difficult decision on which item to buy. We have a christening in October so I have been looking at their Christening Page .I am still undecided which gorgeous gift to go for but think I may settle on the either the Silver Star Paperweight or the Noah's Ark Money Box.

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This is a product review. All views are my own.

Here's Some I Made Earlier!

It was decided in an attempt to bring harmony to the house of Teens a little bit of cupcake decorating was to take place today.  I mean come on......Chocolate Cupcakes - Goood.........Vanilla and Choc Frosting - Gooood.........Many, many toppings - Gooood..........................

This exercise was delivered by the super human being known as "Mum" and involved forcing the arguing Teenage species to come together and try to get along. To be fair the Female Teen has been off school for 7 weeks already due to GSCE's finishing and the Male Almost Teen is hot, bothered and not winning at his new Xbox game........

Tensions are running high as the competitors take their places behind the table, Mum signals that should any chocolate frosting get on her new carpet they will both be disqualified and all cakes with be consumed by her. They are on starters orders and.......Their off......................Male Tween grabs at frosting bag forcing Female Teen to put her elbow in her cake, this results in the first of many scuffles as Mum holds up the first yellow card up of the day.

With harmony resumed they begin again this time with a piping bag each and 5ft of table between them. Female Teen is taking this all very seriously and decorates with precision causing Mum to comment on how lovely her cakes look.....Unfortunately this results in Male tween slamming his frosting bag down and accusing her of favouritism. Mum steps in again to threaten advise Tween of repercussions should he not play nicely. Male Tween manages to put every type of topping on his cake and then decides he isn't going to eat it as it "looks too sickly".

After 55 minutes patience and concentration are at an all time low and Mum calls time on the activity due to both kids wanting to shove each others faces into frosting and Mum wanting to have a Gin & Tonic (purely medicinal). Both have made a good attempt at decorating cakes if only they could just get along for the duration of the activity.

In true Teen style they disappear and all clearing up is left to the super human being without a cape known as Mum. She takes this opportunity to lick every spoon, knife and frosting bag clean of any evidence and then eat her entire body weight in cupcakes until she feels sick.............................

Here are some I made earlier.........................There are none left now.

Teenagers for sale! Eye rolling, back talking, temper tantrums and I already know everything attitude included..............All sales are final!!!