Wowsers

I still read everybody else's blogs. I don't know what made me click on my own tonight. But I read. And I couldn't remember that person. That person whose husband had just been made redundant and who was filled with hope and positivity. Wow. It made me aspire to getting that 'me' back. Maybe blogging might help. Maybe not. But it might be worth trying. If anyone is still there would you let me know? I'll try a proper post tomorrow, maybe a recap of my year.

mummy

Sorry, it's been a while and it may be a while longer.  Bear with me.  At least the sun was shining today.  It rather perks things up doesn't it?

job offers?!?!

Today I braved the local toddler group.  Is is only me who finds these 'gatherings' rather challenging?  Surely not.  I must admit we should have started going a while ago.  Little lady seems to be quite a sociable little thing (well compared to the other two) and seeing as she has no siblings close in age to play with during the day toddler groups and the alike really are a must.

But I really shy away from them.  It is quite scary to walk into a room full of women who know each other, who you dont know.  When eldest lady was a baby I remember clearly trying one such group and feeling like such an inept, socially backward individual I never returned after the second go.  When she eventually started pre-school she was ever so shy and timid I really felt bad that I hadn't tried harder.  But sitting on your own for a few hours when everyone around you is in a cosy clique really is soul destroying and confidence zapping.  Especially when you are new to an area so therefore don't really know anyone at all anyway.

I did throw myself into preschool life though, I joined the committee and that really was the turnaround for me.  I met quite a few friends that way, friendships that have grown over the years and friendships that have given me confidence again.  I slowly got my self esteem back.

Having number three with such a big gap in between though has made me feel like I am doing everything for the first time again.  Meeting new people, making small talk, hoping to find some mum similar to you so your child can begin to form a bond with their child (life is so much easier if you enjoy spending time with your playdates mum).  

Of course its also hard because so many children that go to toddlers are with their childminders.  And although lovely to talk to it's not the same.  They are not the ones who will be inviting your child to the birthday parties, inviting your child over for tea and wanting to arrange playdates.

And so its very rare to meet and make new friends when you are a mum.  

I tell myself I HAVE to go at least every other week for my childs sake.  Not for my sake.  Its not about me.

I already have super special friends.  And I hope that although all their kids are growing up very quick now, they will accomodate baba and me, have patience with us.

Children grow up far too quickly.

Only tonight I found myself epilating eldests legs after putting youngest down in cot.  A bizarre contrast.

However, at least I can now say 'I put baby to bed'.  Never used to be that easy.  And now we have an evening with the other two important children in our lives.  Tonight I taught them how to play clock patience. A very simple addictive card game.  They both managed to 'get it out' once! Achievement.  Makes it so much more enjoyable.

Of course the game was played with vintage cards.  What else?!

and finally, loving on Pinterest . . . . . . .

Happy Wednesday

xx

zip wires and mini waffles

The end of another holiday.  Another holiday where we really have been busy doing nothing and busy trying to Not Spend A Lot.

Not Spend A Lot is our motto at the moment.  Not Spend A Lot is a sign of the times.  Not Spend A Lot is the result of husband losing job at a time that really was rather unexpected.

I'm trying to stay positive.  Things happen for a reason don't they?  I mean in five weeks time when the last pay slip comes through the door husband may have another job lined up.  Life is rather on hold at the moment, waiting for things to happen, waiting, waiting, waiting for a new day to bring new hope.

Of course the most important thing is that we all love each other very much.  We will always be a family.

Cross your fingers for us.

In five weeks time we may need to move in with the in-laws.  Poor them.

On the crafty front I'm still on with the Marigold Sweater from Interweave Knits.  Back done, left front work in progress.  A very enjoyable knit so far.  Unfortunately the finishing off requires me to do the dreaded picking up of stitches for the border.  I always think its a very messy way to finish off, or is that just me?  Probably.  Definitely.  HeHe!

Today I wore a knit that I made a few years ago.  Have only worn it once previously.  It is one of the rare items that I will actually wear.  I always start off by knitting ' the next most wearable item' and finish with 'an item that sits in the wardrobe waiting to be worn'.  It's rather disappointing really but have come to accept it as a fact of my life.  Everything I knit for the kids seems to have the same problem attached too.  Made my two girls matching cardigans for youngests Baptism.  Needless to say they have only been worn the once.

And finally am loving on Pinterest

Little milk bottles of pink milk :))

A must to copy.

Happy Monday

xx

8 hours sleep

I know it's reeeeeeeally bad but I couldn't help but be a bit starstruck.  Last night the middle man met Gracie.

Gracie from Take me Out.

In the chip shop!

I cannot believe he didn't dare to ask her out!

Anyhow, see that lovely little ornament below?

My lovely big daughter made it for me.  We went to a pottery cafe last weekend, just me and her.  It was really really fantastic to be just the two of us.  Havn't done that for a very long time.  We each chose the item that we wanted and the other painted it.  So, I chose the unicorn and big D painted it for me.  She's only 10 so I think it's a very good effort, don't you?

And no, I'm not showing you mine cos it's really bad.  As much as I love all things crafty I must admit pottery painting is not one of my talents.

I have almost perfected my dutch braided headband though! Not easy doing it for yourself.

Happy weekend

xx

Bakery Story Addiction

My button ball.  A totally useless but fabulous use for the button stash.  Now I can admire them everyday.

Thank you Pinterest for yet another lovely source of inspiration.

Take 1 polystyrene ball

1 length of grosgrain ribbon

Many many glass headed pins

and many many buttons

oh and a bit of Copydex just to make sure they stay put.

If you adore buttons you'll be making one of these very soon.

On another entirely different note, OMG.

How aaaamaaazing are these legs?

I know I'm mad but I cant help admiring such beauty.  Youth, what a lovely thing it is.  Bet she doesnt really appreciate them.

talk again veeeeeeerrrrrryyyy soooooon

x

I'm a big monkey

No flowers, no chocolates, no card, no diamonds. Just a wonderful lunch out with my wonderful family. I don't really 'do' valentines day. We love each other 365 days a year. With much love and hugs to my precious husband and trio. Happy Valentines Day xxxxoo