I started back at my Parenting class today and found this session to be the most informative to date.  It was really nice to work with some of the other mums whom I'd not met before.  Martha was upset this morning at being left in the creche in the adjoining room (I think she was still funny about yesterday's fall, unsurprisingly!) but settled down within 10 (very long) minutes.  She emerged at the end happy having made a fabulous witches hat and pumpkin face plate.  We collected Lauren from playgroup and headed home to share lunch and start getting things ready for our Halloween Party tomorrow.

 

The three of us had great fun making paper laterns, Lauren folded and held bits together, I cut and Martha was in charge of sticky tape!  We made 7 using beautiful handmade paper from India, that Auntie Laura had bought Lauren for her birthday.  We then stretched some silver curling ribbon across the room and used it to suspend them from the ceiling.  Later that night, once the girls had gone to sleep I decided to make things a bit more "spooky" and made and coloured a paper pumpkin, cut out some skeletons and ghosts and I've added them to the line and they look fabulous!!!  I also carved my second pumpkin and I'm really happy with this one!!!

 

I am thoroughally enjoying the book "Promise Me" and have zoomed through to Page 364 of 454!!

I can't believe it's nearly the end of October!  It's been a rotten day today, Lauren was building a tower of Mega blocks and Martha must have interfered (I was making dinner in the kitchen), when I heard a big thump followed by Martha screaming.  I ran into the living room to discover blood pouring from Martha's mouth.  It appears that Lauren pushed her, she then fell forward onto the TV cabinet (solid wood) and burst her bottom lip open.  The amount of blood was awful, I went into panic mode (this is a horrible remnant from the crash that I'd definately do without - I used to be calm in a crisis, or at least a lot more than I am now!).  I took her straight into the bathroom and applied as much cold water on loo roll as I could.  She is now sporting a massively swollen bottom lip which opened again as she tried to eat her dinner - I feel so, so bad for her.  It's horrible when your children fight, I feel like my heart is being torn in two, it's heartbreaking.  Lauren tried her best to make it up to her by "making Martha laugh" which worked to a point. 

 

I carved our first pumpkin this afternoon and Lauren & Martha are overjoyed (as Peter & I are too!).  It looks really good and I think the Pumpkin Carving Kit for £1.98 was a bargain!!!  I had a plan to make pumpkin cake and pumpkin soup until I discovered that I need to keep the flesh inside to give the skin support - doh!! I'll have to buy some smaller ones to cook with!

 

Peter left after dinner to drive to Birmingham for a course tomorrow.  He got stuck in really bad traffic on the M6 with the football fans leaving Liverpool after the Arsenal match.  He's had so much travelling this last few months, it's rotten.

 

My friend Julie came up this morning to collect some Silver Birch saplings that we have. Thank goodness Peter was here to help get them out, we'd still be there at lunch if not!!!

 

We decided (wrongly!) that as we needed food, to go to ASDA with the girls.  I had the brainwave of getting Martha in her pushchair rather than trying to keep her in the trolley seat, and it worked really well but obviously can only work if Peter is with us to push the trolley!  It was absolutely mobbed, there were hardly any parking spaces, the aisles were jam packed, and every checkout had at least 3 customers on it. It took us 2 hours but at least we have food and brilliantly we found a twin pack of HP Toner for half price!!!

 

After the girls had their dinner and bath, Peter & I enjoyed a nice Indian that we bought at the supermarket (it was reduced!) and we were really surprised at how nice and "authentic" it was.

 

About an hour ago 1930hrs, Tractor finally passed away.  I feel so awful for Lauren and the fish - I now think that I may have accidently killed them by installing a filter.  I didn't know that it would have that affect, obviously, I was trying to make their environment nice and clean and think it's backfired big time.  I'm trying to convince Peter to let us get a couple more but this time from somewhere reputable (not the fair!) just in case.

We were up early this morning and feeling fresh I decided to make some fairy cakes to take with us when we spent the morning and lunch with our friend Demelza and her two youngest children, Ben & Alistair.  We arrived to find Ben already outside calling for Lauren as soon as we pulled up.  Ben started school in September and I wasn't sure the friendship between Lauren & Ben would be the same now that he's moved onto big school.  I needn't have thought about it as the new photos in the October album prove.  Martha & Alistair are at the funny stage of rough play with each other and spent most time on their own but am sure their friendship will develop, they will be going to playgroup and school together so it will be nice for them to spend time together.

 

After a bit of play whilst Demelza and I enjoyed a coffee, we went out for a lovely walk.  We ended up probably about half way between our houses at a place called Pack Horse Bridge where Peter used to play when he was younger.  I remembered whilst there that there was a geocache in the area (I searched but couldn't find it or even remember exactly where it was!).  I explained to Demelza what it was and as she likes walking and I NEED to start walking, I decided to look on eBay for a GPS receiver so we could search together with the children.  I found one and won it for £17 (incl. p&p), I think it's quite old but I don't think that matters for what really is an experiment.  I've made a decision not to let next doors wild dogs put me off taking the girls down the lane to start our walk (I just need to carry a big stick, or perhaps my air rifle - only kidding!!!!).  I hate uncontrolled dogs, they spoil things for people, especially like me who's slightly cautious/nervous.

 

Peter arrived home around 2100 armed with folders upon folders of work and the disappointing news that he has to stay in Birmingham on Sunday evening.

Peter's mum watched the girls this morning whilst I drove over to the Ripon house to clear wallpaper strippings in preparation for the decorators coming on Wednesday.  I went via Burton Leonard to collect the fireplace surround/mantle I "won" from Freecycle.  It looks perfect, although we have to get some more stone to extend the hearth at the top to make it a "T" shape for the legs to sit on.  I managed to get loads done in a relatively short space of time and was back home for 1215 and very grateful to Jenny as I'd never been able to accomplish that with the girls in tow.

 

I'm really grateful that the girls are now really good at settling at bedtime, it makes it so much easier when I'm on my own.  I actually managed to start reading a new book that Jan (thank you Jan!) gave to me via Peter, called Promise Me, by Harlan Coben.  I've only read a couple of chapters so far but am enjoying it.

Peter left this morning for a few days d'arn South for the office meeting.  We're going to miss him as usual, but have a few things planned this Half-Term Week so at least we'll be kept busy!!

Lauren & I went to the 0900hrs service this morning at Christ Church in Darley.  The adjoining hall has just been completely refurbished and looks fabulous, although I didn't know quite what it looked like before.  I was keen to go here as Lauren's potential ballet class takes place in the hall so it was great for both of us to have a look around.

 

After the service, we drove home to collect Peter & Martha to take them out for lunch.  We met Julie, her mum, Emma and Phoebe at The Bridge Inn for their famous carvery lunch.  All four girls behaved well considering that they were all very tired and hungry.  Afterwards, Peter headed over to Ripon to finish wall paper stripping whilst we all spent a nice hour in the park in Pateley.  We decided to call it a day when the Lauren & Emma started bickering and Lauren (and Martha) fell asleep on the 10 minute drive home.

 

Once at home, I decided as it was such a lovely Autumnal day that we would spend the remainder of the afternoon raking leaves and burning them on my mini firepile (the big one is getting bigger for bonfire night!).  I filled to breaking point 4 barrowloads and was really pleased at how the lane looks, only 3.75 acres left to go!!!!  I think I'm going to get Lauren to help rake leaves on a regular basis as she fell asleep before Martha tonight!!!

 

I enjoyed watching Dirty Dancing on Five tonight - own up, who else did?!?!?!

Julie had offered to look after the girls this afternoon to allow Peter & I to get the wallpaper stripped at our rental house.  I was a bit nervous about the whole thing as only Peter's mum and my mum have looked after the girls before but I realised that we'd be stripping walls for a long time if I didn't do it and to be honest we don't have the time and it was really good for both myself and the girls.  Julie came up to collect them after lunch and I waved goodbye to a car full of happy smiling faces, waving madly, so drove over to Ripon more relaxed than expected.

 

Peter & I worked really hard and managed to get a lot of work done (thank you so much Julie!!) meaning that we could go to the ball, well Sunday carvery the next day!  I drove to Julie's to collect the girls at 1700hrs to find Martha very at home in Phoebe's highchair tucking into beans and toast!!  Lauren had enjoyed her time with Emma and they'd had all sorts of fun.  They'd gone to pick Julie's mum and her dog up and both the girls enjoyed playing with Amy, the cocker spaniel.  After a nice coffee with Julie & her mum whilst the girls finished their dinner, I took them home where they both fell asleep very quickly.

After dropping Lauren off at playgroup, I had an unplanned trip into Pateley Bridge with Julie & Phoebe.  We then enjoyed a cup of fresh coffee in the cars whilst waiting for playgroup to finish.

 

In the afternoon, I drove the girls and myself over to my friend Jayne's house where we enjoyed lunch and cooed over how big Harry was getting (he's definately changed in just a week!) and a lovely walk afterwards.  We all had great fun trying to skim stones in the river (Jayne won - mine which was certain to be the winner failed because it hit the wall !!!).  We then took Lauren, Martha and Harry to the park where Harry enjoyed some milk and the girls had fun on the play equipment.  Sadly the afternoon ended too quickly and we headed home.

I have been having great fun with a new-found website Jib-Jab, I have spent far too long on it but it has made me laugh so much it has to be good for my health!!  Thank you Ninja Pilot for the indirect link (through Beks!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you all enjoy them as much I do!!!

 

 

I spent a nice morning at Julie's house with Martha getting to know another mum from playgroup.  We planned to have an informal coffee morning group and as Julie had some workmen coming we decided to meet at her house.  Next time we'll be at Alison's then mine, when I'm going to invite a few other mums that I know would appreciate the company after dropping their child/ren off at playgroup. 

 

The house is like Mother Hubbards and as I've not been too organised in the last week, I thought I'd venture into Asda to stock up.  I decided it was too stressful to take both girls and as Martha is likely to be asleep, I asked Peter's mum to watch her whilst Lauren & I went.  Lauren insisted on taking her shopping basket, shopping list, paper and pencil...

 

 

She stopped every few minutes and made "notes" on her paper and kept checking things off her list, thankfully, she'd chosen a list that actually contained most things I needed (peppers, bread, bacon, apple juice, pasta and washing powder).  She was brilliant and it was such a joy to do the shopping in-store for a change.  When we'd  loaded the groceries in the car, I said to Lauren "thank you for all your help, it's been fun hasn't it?" to which she seriously replied "no, it wasn't fun, I wasn't on the swings" - I couldn't really reply to that!  One of my purchases was a freeview box and Lauren was rewarded with the cBeebies for 30 minutes whilst I cooked dinner - she loved it!  I'm looking forward to investigating what paranormal stuff I can watch!  The other items I purchased were matching Peppa Pig pyjamas for the girls - they look adorable in them and I've added these photos on too.

Peter left this morning after dropping Lauren at playgroup for Scotland - we really miss him and as he's been at home this past week, we're going to feel it more than usual.

 

This afternoon Lauren & Martha have been playing wonderfully together dressed as ballerinas and fairytale characters.  We all wandered over to the stables to get some stuff out of the freezer with Lauren and Martha still dressed up.  Peter's dad caught sight of them and came out of the house armed with his camera closely followed by Jenny.  Lauren invited them both over to a "show" which I knew nothing about!!  Five minutes later, the 3 of us were sat on the sofas whilst the girls "performed" - I have posted photographs of the event.  It was very impressive how Lauren performed in accordance to each piece of very different classical music, however after 10 minutes, Martha was fed up and squabbling returned!!

 

This evening, I was elected as Secretary of the Playgroup Management Committee.  I am really looking forward to the role and playing an active part in Lauren & Martha's early education.  I also love being part of the community as living where we do, it's quite isolated so being involved means that I HAVE to leave the place and see people as no-one simply pops in as they're passing (don't get me wrong, it can have it benefits!!!)

Decided to go to the 0900 church service this morning.  It was the last of the Harvest Festival services which I really enjoy.  I decided to take Martha with me so as Peter could get a lie in.  She loved it although it was really hard work with her running up and down and chatting loudly, I was very conscious of disturbing things but from the comments made to me both during and afterwards, it was only me that was bothered so roll on next Sunday!  My friend Alison who is the vicars' wife, runs a junior church session in the vicarage after the first hymn and today we helped the children all make bread which they really enjoyed.  We returned to the church to "share the peace" and were invited to stay for a continental breakfast (as part of the Harvest celebration) but Julie & I were so exhausted by our children we decided to return to my house for a coffee instead.  We did manage to stay a little while afterwards and talk to people which was lovely.  It's a very welcoming church and I really enjoy going.  Lauren made me (and the people around her) laugh unknowingly, I'd blogged a week or so back how Lauren holds the Service book and tries to sing along with the hymns, well today she must have some new-found confidence and was singing along at the top of her voice.

 

This afternoon, Peter hung some of my beloved paintings on the walls that I've missed since we moved - it's fantastic to see them hanging again.  One in particular is very precious as it is was by my late friend and is a beautifully captured image of a flower bursting into bloom - it looks perfect in our hallway.  I've also brought the wooden TV stand back in that matches the rest of the furniture, the lounge looks more complete again. 

 

Peter leaves for his monthly week of work in Scotland tomorrow, we're going to miss him a lot.

Decided to go across to my sister in laws this morning to get her to cut my hair.  When we arrived she had all the horses out in the exercise arena and her daughters and their friend were riding really well.  After a while we came indoors, where brother in law had been out to the butchers for sausage and bacon and he made us all lovely rolls for lunch.  Lauren & Martha had a lovely time playing with their cousins but sadly both Lauren and Peter were affected by the horsehair.  I think it had to do with the fact there were 5 people in the house who had been riding all morning and didn't get changed.  Anyway, Amanda cut my hair and it looks really nice (and very short!) and she and her friend were complimenting my hair colour.  I think in all honesty, it's not too much of a disaster had I chosen that colour to start with, I think it was just that I was expecting different results and got a fright. 

 

We arrived home early afternoon and Peter & Lauren had perked up not long after leaving which was a relief.  My sister Jan had kindly sent me an e-mail advising what to do about my hair which I'll share with you all in case it happens to you...

 

"Wash your hair using a cheap, full of rubbish shampoo but whatever you do, DON'T USE CONDITIONER"

 

Thank you very much Jan but I'm afraid the advice was wasted on me as I'd already washed and conditioned it with Clairol Herbal Essences!  I was amazed at how much colour keeps coming out (I've washed it a few times!). 

Peter took Lauren to playgroup this morning - she was very, very excited to be showing Daddy around.  I stayed at home with Martha and lazed around for a while in my pj's which I've not done for ages and ages!  We needed to return some paint and brushes to Focus and I thought I'd better check the receipt - thank goodness I did, today was the 28th day ie you can't get a refund beyond this. 

 

I tracked Peter & Lauren down who had decided to take an impromptu walk around the fields and headed off into Harrogate.  We exchanged the paint and brushes for some log edging (I have a plan!), coat hooks, picture hooks and polyfilla.  I am hoping that we can hang some paintings up tomorrow and make the place feel a bit more like home!

 

I tried to make scones this afternoon, I really fancied one!!  I was disappointed when they didn't rise and thought it was because I've not made them for years and years.  Whilst I was putting the flour away, I realised it was out of date - that's probably why and that's the reason I'm sticking to!!!!

 

We had a better night tonight getting Lauren to bed using my new technique and she was asleep (along with Martha) at around 1930!  I hope this was the start of her getting back into her routine again.

 

 

Attended the second session of my "Postive Parenting" course this morning.  It was really good and nice to get into the session compared to last weeks' "getting to know each other" one.  Martha settled well into the onsite creche facilities but became a little unsettled towards the end due to needing a nap.  Peter got called out and had to collect me a few minutes earlier but I didn't miss much.

 

We had Lauren and Martha's favourite dinner tonight - salmon, minted new potatoes and vegetables.  Lauren helped me prepare the vegetables and was very proud when Peter complimented her.  She then told Peter "say thank you to Mummy too" which resulted in Peter declaring that Lauren is getting to be as bossy and impatient as me - not a great sign I'm going to have to watch myself I think.  Martha has started saying (if you can call it saying!) "yum, yum" and "mmmm" during mealtimes which always makes me happy to know she is enjoying her food - I discovered tonight that she LOVES rice pudding!! Mmmmm Rice Pudding!!!