I was just wondering if I have a story in me this week. I’m sure I can rustle up something, but it’s hard with a pounding headache and NO it isn’t a well deserved hangover. It appears my body has an aversion to being good! I have stuck to my diet, walked those 10000 steps a day, got to bed early, drunk galleons of water (okay litres, but it sure felt like galleons) and no alcohol has passed my lips (I haven’t taken it intravenously either for the record) but I feel dis-gust-ing ( this should be denoted a la Craig Revel Horwood) Result = my body is screaming at me (very dramatically)

“ What are you doing to me?!!”

It doesn’t really help that I can’t see! I started noticing that I couldn’t read labels or cooking instructions and someone sensible, probably my friend Lou or my work wife Helen, suggested I get my eyes tested. So off I went for my eye test, just before Christmas and yes indeedy-doody, I do need glasses. Well I was quite excited about the door being open to a whole new range of accessories which amused the optician as he said that people usually instead got depressed about getting old. I told him there was gin for that and to lead me to the store! I was in an exceptionally good mood as some random old chap in the street had told me I looked beautiful! Okay, he looked slightly dishevelled and maybe bordering on the drunk side, but I’ll take it!

Talking of beautiful things, there was the most stunning pink to red sunrise the other morning. Of course I took it as a big fat hello from my mum in heaven and as many photos as are humanly possible. Turns out I was so completely immersed I forgot to pay for parking on my app and got walloped with a £25 parking fine! My lovely manager told me the photos were worth the £25 and I felt all happy again, she’s so good at making you feel better!

Ooh I have to tell you about Harry! When I was collecting him from school the other day his teacher, the wonderful Mrs Backler (if Carlsberg made teachers they would make them like her!) made a point of saying to me that she loved Harry more every day and the teaching assistant was quick to back her up. How lovely is that? He also won star of the week! What a way to start 2022! As a prize, he won him and Ollie Kindle Fire time and not even in the education app, the games app!

Grandad very generously bought them each a Kindle Fire for Christmas as they needed them for school. Having an older brother and sister they already know about Roblox so it’s nice for them to play as well as a treat every now and then. Harry was delighted last night to find a room where he can make a cartoon baby throw up on anything he chose! Well, at least he wasn’t beating up old ladies! Plus Lee has sat with them both religiously watching what they are playing and making sure they are safe online, he’s so good at keeping us all safe and happy, I’ve definitely got a good one there!

We struggled with the technology thing for a while. Do we let the Twinkles get immersed or do we keep them from that world a little longer? After much deliberation we decided that they do live a very outdoorsy, social, active life and they need to be well rounded and it’s winter and it’s teaching them some fabulous skills. Ollie, of his own volition, watched a YouTube video on how to make Peppa Pig cupcakes. If they didn’t have older siblings, maybe we could have shielded them for a little longer, but they do, so we haven’t and they seem to be doing okay whilst adding technology as another string to their bow! Music next for sure! Ollie has already told me he would like to play the drums! He is definitely going to need to continue painting random stones to charm our next door neighbour with!

Gosh, I did have a story in me after all and a much needed cup of tea! Right, best get ready for work!

Love and hugs, kisses and wishes xxx

So off we went to Sand Bay yesterday for a bimble and much needed breath of sea air.

The others tend to frantically run up and down the sand dunes, but Tilly, my four legged fluffy friend, and I happily amble along at our own pace generally taking photos. Well I take the photos on account of Tilly not having oppossable thumbs and being a dog.

I noticed Harry had lagged behind so sidled up to him to check he was okay.

Me “ what you up to Harry?”

Harry “ I’m trying to cut this rock open with this stick to see what’s inside”

Me “ I don’t think it’s possible to cut a rock open with a stick”

Harry “ it is, bits are coming off”

Me “ that probably means it isn’t a rock, but a piece of mud or seaworn poo”

Harry still cutting “ nope it’s definitely a rock and I want to see inside”

Me “ Harry do you remember the time daddy picked up the rock to show me how smooth it was and I pointed out it was some old horse poo that had been eroded by the sea? Do you think this might be the same?”

Harry “ yes that was funny, daddy picked up poo, but this is definitely a rock!”

With that Harry’s attention was caught by Lee who was having a race with Holly the dog.

Harry shoving the “rock” in to my pocket frantically “ Mum can you please keep this for me for later I want to run with Daddy and Holly now”

Me “ Harry this isn’t a rock!”

Harry “ that’s okay Mum I’m wearing gloves!”

Me “ well I’m not and it’s in my pocket!!!!”

Harry walking off “ well that’s what you get!”

Which reminds me, I still have a serviette containing Ollie’s phlegm shoved in my bag!

Would my pockets and bags still be a box of delights if we’d had girls I wonder?

Love & hugs, kisses & wishes xxx

You know how you sometimes have to lift long garments up to get them out the way? I’m currently having to do that with my waist! I am so ready for dry January, Joe Wickes, My Fitness Pal and my Fitbit to do a number on me! Note to self, must read this blog post at 11:05 1st January 2022 when I’m trying to glug down my first litre of water whilst getting my walking shoes on. I mean, seriously, even my leggings are started to make me feel like a sausage!

I was feeling a little poorly last night. Might have been over indulgence, might have accidentally poisoned myself with a touch of gluten but all I wanted to do was sleep. Lee took over the evening duties of getting the boys ready for bed whilst I reclined on our bed. He told the Twinkles I wasn’t feeling brilliant and they covered me with cuddles, blankets and teddies to “love” me better. I did lap up every moment and thought over and over to myself how incredibly lucky I am.

This morning Ollie was playing with his new globe from Nanny Shirley. It asked him about Europe.

Ollie “ Europe?”

Me “ we live in Europe”

Ollie “ yes and Countdown is by Europe and my favourite song!”

Not much you can say to that really!

The boys are into Lego. They have bought Lego with their Christmas money and also been bought Lego by family, friends and Santa. Harry asked me to help him put together his ice cream van this morning. This consisted of him watching Power Rangers and me building it, all of it, all one hundred and whatever pieces! Don’t tell him, but I quite enjoyed it! Found it therapeutic! Definitely less fear inducing than the stunt scooters they’ve ordered with the rest of their christmas money!

Right, I’d best dislodge myself from the bath! Nowadays makes the sound like when you take slime out of a pot! Those with children will know the noise I mean!

Love and hugs!

So if the boys had mobile phones, they don’t, they’re only 5! Wait, does that make me a bad Mum? The way things are going future mums will be getting WhatsApp’s from their uterus!

I digress.

If the boys had mobile phones, my ringtone for them would be David Guetta “Bed”.

For those of you not in the know, it goes a little something like this,

“I’ve got a bed but I’d rather be in yours tonight”

I woke up the other morning sardined between the two of them on the guest bed in their room! I want to complain, but actually it was rather nice. Especially watching the under the sea theme projection going round the room that Grandad gave them.

I woke up there again this morning with Ollie at 04:34. Keeping him in bed for those extra two hours were like trying to hold an avalanche of happy Christmas tidings back!

The boys have really surprised me a few times this week.

We went for a breakfast with Santa and our old childcatcher Karen. Ollie was well up for it, but things didn’t bode well when I found Harry hiding under a bar stool. He was reluctant to say the least.

On the ride home he told me that he didn’t want to see Santa because he thought he was supposed to be a secret. The conversation went like so,

Me “ if Santa is supposed to be a secret then he is the worst kept secret in the history of time, everybody knows about him!”

Harry “ what even in far away places like, like, like Scotland?”

Me “ yes Harry”

Harry “ what even in places that have a dessert?”

Me “ yes Harry”

Ollie “ what about animals? Do they know about Santa?”

Me “ yes Ollie”

Harry “ what about bugs?”

Me “ yes Harry”

Ollie “ but how do they know if they don’t talk and can’t write to send letters?”

Me “ this is going to be a very long drive home!”

We were watching love monster later and he was playing the air guitar.

Ollie “ look Mum, he’s playing um, um, oh ….”

Me “ the guitar?”

Ollie “ Dangerzone”

Ollie had skipped way past the instrument and on to the actual song and decided upon Highway to the Dangerzone from Top Gun, good choice!

I know there have been other things, but I think my brain has been fogged up with cheese! If it wasn’t the cheese then it might have been the port that went with it. Last night! Not this morning! It’s only 10:09 so I’m on the Baileys coffee! What? It’s Christmas!!

So, on that note. Happy Christmas you lovely lot x x x

We made it! (Now I’m singing “through the wilderness”, I swear my head is a karaoke machine! There aren’t many things that people can say to me that don’t trigger off a song, at least it doesn’t come with an accompanying dance or people would think I was really weird! Thank heavens for small mercies! So if ever you’re talking to me and I seem distant, I am listening, I’m just singing along in my head.)

Anyway, as I was saying, before I rudely interrupted myself! We made it through the first term of big school and it was a long one!

The boys have made some lovely friends and opened a treasure trove of new friends for Lee and I ( as in their parents!)

Harry has a girlfriend call Daisy, well he doesn’t think so, but she does and she might be small but she’s fierce! Her Mum happened to say it in passing as we were hurtling down the school alley after our children. All I knew about Daisy before was that she was the one who had given Harry the scratch on the chin! Don’t worry for him, he wears his scab with pride! Like the time he tried to get the dog to scratch his forehead so he could have a scar like Harry Potter!

Ollie is taking his phonics very seriously and you can hear him sounding words out most the time which is very cute and incredibly positive. “Can you wipe my bum please Mum? B..U..M.MM, M..U.U.MMm!”

I’m loving them being five! I had a whole realisation of firsts this morning. They’d never seen the GOONIES!!!

It’s cold and wet outside and still super early, great excuse to snuggle up on the sofa under a fluffy blanket, in front of the twinkly Christmas tree and watch it.

I thought I was being super clever with their breakfast, but might have been a touch too much sugar for Ollie who struggles to sit at the best of times!

Harry and I melted down a load of Paw Patrol chocolate Christmas treats (got to get through them somehow) and added a slosh of milk. Then I cut up some pears and strawberries and voila a chocolate fondue which is less guilt ridden as it contains a lot of fruit, balanced! Harry also tried dipping his vitamin chew in it, each to their own.

When the Goonies happened upon One Eyed Willy on his ship in skeleton form sat round the table with his crew (for those who haven’t seen it, why???) Harry turned to me and said something about One Eyed Willy and his party friends!! It did make me chuckle, bless his little cottons.

2 days in to the holidays and we’re already on the road to recovery and looking forward to Christmas.

On our way back from watching the sunset on the beach, off the cuff, we drove to Chesham Road, as recommended by one of the delicious Milton Mums. It was magical, like a mini Vegas with each house trying to out do each other with lights and reindeers, snowflakes and icicles and even a whole light up nativity scene. That does it, I told Lee, after Christmas, come the sale, I’m buying me some light up tat and I will not rest until I find a 6 foot inflatable Santa and snowman. He’s not entirely on the same page, but I have a year to convert him and believe the Twinkles will be solidly on my side!

I should go steady on Lee, I can hear him outside building me a wooden recycle box stack fully equipped with room for a herb garden on the top. I’m not sure why people put herbs on top of them, I saw it in Bristol, but I like it, a doff of the cap to being eco friendly!

Love and hugs, kisses and wishes xxx

So I’ve just been to see the Twinkles first Nativity play and it was wonderful! I had the forethought to take plenty of tissues and a few happy tears were shed.

I’d asked the boys for weeks about their upcoming play and they didn’t even know if they were in it, but they were able to tell me they had been on the stage. If it was supposed to be a secret it was a well kept one!

Oopsie Daisy Angel as dictated by the title was about a clumsy angel.

The boys had also been cast as angels much to Harry’s annoyance and Ollie’s glee!

Harry came barging in and slammed himself down on the floor, clothed in a white robe with tinsel stuck in a halo on his head. Ollie came skipping in merry as can be practically farting glitter and rainbows.

I was so lucky where I was sat. Even though I was a few rows back I had a direct eye line to Ollie and Harry. The chap right at the front was not so lucky when Ollie got carried away with the razzmatazz and lifted his dress right up to display his pants. He’s lucky he was wearing pants!

One of the teachers had to calm our little Ollie down a few times. He was jumping and waving and frolicking and putting his all in to each of the song moves. Well there wasn’t room to swing a cat, not sure why you’d want to, but he could have had someone’s eye out with those bony little elbows of his.

Meanwhile Harry was not best pleased. I wasn’t sure if he was just grumpy or sleepy as I’m sure he nodded off a few times. He took a break from that to stick his fingers up both nostrils at one point. Give him his due he did mouth along to some of the words and swing around a bit.

I’m looking forward to hearing what they thought of it all! Right, best go and collect them, they’ve had time to change!

Love and hugs, kisses and wishes xxxx

So, it’s been a while my dear friends and, not going to lie, I was tempted not to write this evening either because I’m running on fumes and not just Baileys! What? It’s December! Baileys is a Christmas right of passage like a matching accessory!

Anyway, I just had to tell you about the Twinkles starting Mega Kickers Monday. They were so excited and looked delicious in their red and white football kit. It wasn’t until they were mid play that I realised Ollie had his shorts on back to front, but hey, start as we mean to go on.

I found the place okay, first job completed. It took a while to get in as coach couldn’t get the key to work, keys can be so technical these days. Needless to say, I liked him straight away, a decent human being!

The boys obviously felt at ease as they’d already run off with other boys, well, Ollie more skipped. Harry actually squared up to the biggest one, practically had to stand on tip toes to look him in the eye and said “alright big fella?!” And that was those two off to being best friends for life.

There were times they had to sit on little discs whilst listening to instructions from coach. Ollie seemed to use these times to hold a tea party with other willing players, we did have a chat about him honing his listening skills. He got away with it because he kept running up to the coach, sticking his thumb up, giving him a wink and saying “alright mate” which seemed to tickle him.

Whenever there was any action, Ollie kept sticking his arms out and shouting “hey, hey, hey” like the crabs in Finding Nemo. Shouldn’t complain really as at one point, little gangly Harry picked up the ball and ran with it quite a way. When called out by the other players and the coach he shouted at them that he was just trying to get it in the goal and really seemed quite disgruntled about it.

Harry’s friendship with Ricardo blossomed through the hour although he did insist on calling him Avocado. When he came over for a drink he informed me with a big smile that he just wanted to eat Avocado because he was just so big and squishy. I wasn’t completely sure how to take this piece of information seeing as I happened to be sat next to his mother but luckily it made her chuckle.

You know how gyms can make fabulous auditoriums? At one point, when it was so silent, a stray ball came hurtling towards Harry’s head requiring him to duck. Unfortunately his voice came out loud and clear when he exclaimed “shit the bed that nearly hit me straight in the face!” We had words about that and it won’t be happening again or Christmas will be cancelled!

Somehow the boys still managed to make a good first impression and the coach said as we were leaving that they’d done really well. I’m not sure why but I shouted back to him that he’d also done really well! Guess the other parents have an inkling where Harry and Ollie get it from!

9 more sleeps until the holidays and maybe I can start feeling human again.

Love and hugs, kisses and wishes xxx

So I’m glad to report that as of this morning, our happy, helpful little Harry is back, as opposed to the ‘he devil’ we’ve seen this week. Okay, he’s been tired and full of bogies, but still!

The Twinkles have a friend at big school, Oliver, they hero worship him. Every afternoon at pick up they cuddle the bejesus out of him and they are literally devastated if we leave without Oliver as they cherish the extra 30 metres they get to walk with him, it’s not like they’ve just spent the whole day with him at school or anything?!

I’ve taken to standing near Oliver’s Dad, might as well, but I sometimes struggle with small talk with him as he’s happy to stand in silence. I even told him out of nowhere we were going to have jacket potatoes for dinner the other day and he simply nodded and said “nice”. His son isn’t much of a talker either, but I have managed to get a few smiles out of him.

So as the children queued up to come out yesterday, Mrs Backler beckoned me over. “Uh oh” I instinctively said.

Being of a kind nature she whispered to me that Harry had punched another boy in the face and when questioned about it had said he hadn’t seen him there. She reminded him about kind hands and to keep them by his sides and said we should do the same at home. I apologised, then thanked her and then apologised again for good measure.

If I thought I was embarrassed then, it only went on to get worse, much worse.

As I walked back to Oliver’s Dad, my Ollie came running up to me,

“ you’ll never guess what Mum, Harry punched Oliver in the face and made him cry”

Ground open up and swallow me whole and spit out the remnants!

I looked at Oliver’s Dad who either a) pretended he didn’t hear, b) didn’t know what to say or c) a mixture of the above.

I decided to put my big girl pants on and tackle the situation head on.

I relayed the information to Oliver’s Dad who seemed surprised. I probably shouldn’t have responded that I was also surprised and that there were plenty of other children in his class I’d have thought he’d want to punch first.

We agreed that he’d talk to Oliver and I’d speak to Harry over the weekend and exchange notes Monday.

In fairness to Harry, the three of them still ran up the alley together and I couldn’t see a mark on Oliver.

As soon as I got Harry strapped in the car the Spanish Inquisition started.

From all accounts it was actually an accident and Harry had immediately apologised and felt awful and it wouldn’t happen again.

Ollie chipped in that it was an accident so hopefully this is the same story that Oliver’s Dad is getting.

It’s still going to be a long old walk up that hill for collection Monday.

As I said though Harry has his ‘it’s nice to be nice’ socks firmly back on.

We had Uncle Joe over last night and the boys adore him and made sure he was very aware of it. They completely filled his happy tanks back up with oodles of love.

I slept in the boys room as Ollie has a nasty head cold and woke up to Harry climbing in to bed with me, giving me a big cuddle and telling me that he loves me. Shortly after he asked me to take him for a poo, but I still lapped up those first few delicious moments.

It’s a good job I’ve ordered some kindness elves. I never really bought in to Elf on a Shelf on account of the naughty elves freaking out my stepmonsters the first year we got them. The elves not my extended family! Kindness elves appear for the 12 days of Christmas and set daily task for the children to complete like baking cookies for friends, donating clothes and toys to charity, litter picking and it comes with a storybook. It’s a lovely little family business and I will obviously be talking about it very loudly in the playground on Monday to make up for last weeks shenanigans.

Looking forward to a relaxing, quiet, family weekend. We have the boys birthday weekend next week and that is obviously going to be a little crazy!!

Don’t forget to hug your loved ones, you never know how much that cuddle could mean to them. A little cuddle goes a long way, xxx

Gosh it’s been a while! A whirlwind in fact. I’ve kept meaning to write, but the pesky pandemic still keeps foiling my plans.

The boys have managed their first ever school half term without being expelled. Quite the contrary in fact, Harry was described as a natural leader with a studious quality and Ollie a sunny disposition and possible architect in the making? I resisted the temptation to check she was actually talking about my children or to inform her how they are at home. She did however recount how other parents use her as a threat “I’ll tell Mrs Backler if you don’t eat your peas!” Surprising really as she’s a walking ray of sunshine.

We filled our half term week with delicious things like seeing friends, countless soft plays, going out on the scooters (the boys are really good! Me not so much, so bad I don’t even own one, so not much chance of improving) steam trains, coffee and cake outings ( no coffee for the boys although you’d think they’re high on something and they are sure to tell everyone they drink it, think it makes them feel all grown up)

Oodles of germ riddled places and needless to say, we got the Covid.

The boys didn’t really fancy going back to school on Tuesday and feigned illnesses. We’d taken a few lateral flow tests during the week with different ailments and because they do funny faces when sticking the wotsit up their noses. What? They do worse to me! Trust me! All negatives. So when Ollie said he had a “headache” I gave him a dose of Calpol and a kiss on the forehead. He was slightly warm to the touch, but only at 37.5 on closer inspection so off we went.

Still the embarrassing call came at just before lunch to say Ollie was “eyey” and just not himself. That’s the problem with having a happy child, it really shows when they’re not. I spoke to my boss (I have been blessed with a super supportive one) finished up my business and made my way over to the school.

I made it in just under 40 minutes from initial contact, but still felt guilty when the head tutor brought them up from the lunch hall. I’d reasoned that I needed to take Harry too or Ollie would be made to line up out the school for collection time. I was told to do a PCR test and decided to take the boys straight to a walk in centre, because I like to treat them.

By now Ollie was really floppy so I felt awful when I dropped his test on the floor and he had to complete another. Harry was just along for the ride.

I got them home and tucked them up under some blankets and in front of a fire and movie. Luckily we always have popcorn on hand, it’s a staple in our house.

I reasoned with the boys and found activities for them to do over the next few days so I could get chunks of work done from home and complete my diary whilst waiting for the PCR test results . I didn’t have to, but having just had a week off I still wanted to contribute to my work team.

You could have knocked me down with a feather when Harry’s test came back positive?! He was the well one!! Ollie’s was negative as expected.

After completing security with each customer I did inform them I was self isolating with 4 year old twins and 2 bouncy dogs and they were all very agreeable. It was stressful to valance and manage, but the Twinkles helped me make it work for a short time and there was only one leak when Ollie interrupted my call to ask me if it was true I was going for a poo later and when I responded that was not the case he ran out of the room laughing and Harry bellowed that he’d told him to do it. There was a proper belly laugh from the customer the other end of the phone and luckily it made their day. I have still taken today off and with isolation ending Sunday will be back to work as normal Monday.

Ooh yes and there was also that time the boys were being REALLY good and quiet and turned out they were drawing on their faces with sharpies! Oh and when Harry stuck googley eyes to his face with really good. Well, it’s still a form of arts and crafts I suppose.

Whilst I feel like I’m travelling from one whirlwind to another with only Lee and my Dad to ground me, I’m still trying to make the most of things in between and create happy memories. After all, happiness is a journey and not a destination.

You can tell I’ve had some sleep!!

Love & hugs, kisses & wishes xxx

Let me set the scene for you if you will.

It was last night, early evening, Ollie was downstairs playing Paw Patrol with Daddy and I was perched on the toilet spending some quality one on one time with Harry who was luxuriating in a bubble bath.

Out of nowhere, well at least not to my knowledge, Harry looked up at me and perfectly clearly with wonderful pronunciation exclaimed,

“Shit the bed!”

He then leaned in to me and conspiratorially asked if he could tell me something.

Still somewhat flummoxed but his earlier outburst I simply nodded.

“ well, I was playing outside with Alfie at big school and I threw a ball and it went all the way in to the little schools grass green but and I shouted shit the bed and a teacher told me to sit on the floor because I couldn’t sit on the naughty step because someone had weed on it and then I said NO and ran away”

Right, there was a lot of information and he hadn’t stopped for a breath, so I decided to tackle the simplest issue first.

“Harry you should do what the teacher asks you to do”

Harry “why? They’re not the boss?”

Me “ actually Harry when you’re at school they are the boss and you should do what they say”

Harry “ Mummy I was only joking”

Me, somewhat relieved “ so you didn’t shout something rude and then not do as the teacher told you to?”

Harry “ well I did shout something rude but no one heard me and it was really funny.”

Me “ Harry that really is a very naughty thing to say and you definitely shouldn’t say it at school! You have such a wonderful mind you can say other funny things without then being naughty”

Harry “ okay Mummy, sorry “

I considered this to be a massive win because he has been quite fractious recently and let’s face it, hard work!

Me “ thank goodness, we’ve got our first parents evening next week”

Harry wide eyed “ what’s that?”

“ When we go to your school and the parents tell us how you are doing”

Harry “ you mustn’t tell them what I said, I will get in trouble!”

Me “ of course I won’t tell them as long as you promise not to do it again, deal?”

I had a mini Snoopy diary when I was little, Dad found it.

There was an entry when I was about 7 on one day about Mum and Dad going to my parents evening. The next day the entry in the journal merely said, this is the worst day of my life!

You reap what you sow my dear friends!

Love and hugs, kisses and wishes xxx