My mind has been a nightmare this week probably due to stress and lack of sleep!  I decided not to take Lauren to playgroup today as we had a dentist appointment and she is still not 100% so didn't think it was a good idea to take her for 45 minutes, leave for 30 minutes, then take her back for an hour.  We turned up, Martha was well behaved for about 5 minutes then decided she was bored and started running around the place wildly, Lauren played really nicely by herself and even tried to engage with Martha.  The Dental Nurse came in to start her shift as we were waiting and came down about 5 minutes later with the appointment book - doh!  I have the appointment tomorrow - what a waste of time and energy!!  Oh well, I suppose it was a practice for tomorrow - at least that's what I told the girls!!!!

We all woke at 0810 when Peter called to see how Lauren was.  I don't think we've ever slept that late before, it was an indicator of how rough a night it had been!!!!  Lauren was such a  different girl this morning, she was cheerful, her cough had loosened and she was being a monster!!!  We got dressed really late and headed into Pateley to get some bits and fresh air.  Whilst Martha had a nap, Lauren & I decided to put some lights on a little decorated (1.5 foot) Christmas Tree that my friend Kath gave us.  Lauren was thrilled to see it all lit up and as it was such a miserable, dark, grey day it made the entrance seem very cosy and welcoming.

 

I made Lauren's favourite tea, stovies, which we all enjoyed and I have spent the remainder of the evening playing Scrabble on the computer (I really love it!) and doing some work for the playgroup.

Martha and I enjoyed a lovely morning with my friend Tanya at her house.  She has two children the same ages as Lauren & Martha and Lauren and Ben go to playgroup together so it's nice for Martha and Lydia to get to know each other too as I they will both be joining playgroup next Summer (scary thought!!).  Sadly, I received a phone call from playgroup asking me to go in to get Lauren as she was coughing badly and they were concerned.  When I left her that morning, she had a runny nose and bit of a cough but nothing that particularly abnormal so was quite surprised.  I could hear her in the background and she sounded dreadful. 

 

Thankfully Tanya is a doctor and grabbed her bag and we all drove to Playgroup to collect her and check her out - after her first and only asthma attack in the summer it's something that I just have my brain looking out for now.  I was so grateful that Tanya was with me as she looked dreadful.  She checked her out fully and although the coughing was very severe, her breathing was functioning normally so I was a bit more reassured especially with Peter being away all week.  I brought her home, gave her some Calpol which worked wonders for a few hours but as bedtime approached things took a downward turn. 

 

The girls went to bed and Lauren had some more medicine as her coughing and discomfort were coming back and I tried to settle them down at around 1900 - at 1945, Lauren was violently sick as a result of the coughing and this continued for probably 2 hours on and off.  She had about 30 minutes sleep and woke saying she was hungry so I gave her a very small amount of ready brek - she had about 5 teaspoons, said she'd had enough and went back to bed only for it all to happen again, she was really upset this time and I felt so very bad for her.  She managed to get some more sleep but at around 0100 she was getting distressed again and I decided to bring her into our room.  Peter suggested earlier in the night on the telephone that I bring her mattress and covers and place them on the floor - I have to say this was a brilliant idea and she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow and hardly coughed all night.

Lauren & I went to the 1045 Church Service this morning and it was great fun!  Matthew had us impersonating Elvis, playing instruments and generally having a good time.  We sang probably one of my favourite hymns, Amazing Grace, and afterwards we listed to a modern electric rock guitar type version.  I nearly panicked when I was asked what Lauren was wearing to this afternoons' Pirate Party for her friend Tom's 4th birthday - fancy dress, pirates what?!?!  I seriously hadn't clicked when I read the invite but never fret where there's a craft box, internet, printer and colouring pens, you can create anything in less than 2 hours!!!  See the result for yourself in the updated photo album!!

 

I took her to the party for 1500 and stayed for about 45 minutes when, as all the other parents had left, I thought I'd try it too.  Lauren had a great time, didn't miss me one bit and I managed to get some chores done that I didn't think I'd do - result!!  She was really happy in her costume eventually and continued Pirate talk all night long - I need not have worried about the costume as she was only 1 of 2 who had dressed up properly, never mind, she had a great time and everyone loved her pirate sword and parrot!!!

 

We had a surprise visit this evening from our very good friend Martin and we all enjoyed watching Top Gear and Long Way Round/Down together.

 

 

We drove over to Peter's sister's house again today and got our hair cut (except Peter).  Lauren's look very sweet as I asked her to lighten her fringe slightly.  Martha just had her fringe cut (it was mad!) and I've been shorn again - afterwards on the way home, Peter declared that he wanted me to try growing it a bit longer - a bit late don't you think!?!?!

 

We popped into a Co-op on the way home as our house could give Mother Hubbard a run for her money at the moment!  I bought a lot of really nice things and was surprised how tasty their stuff was, just wish there was one closer!!!

Spent the day sorting out bedroom out again!  I've managed to get all the furniture in the places I think they really do belong and it's sooooo much better!!  Peter's away all next week in Scotland so I'll have loads of time in the evening on my own to sort out the last remaining bits that never get finished and usually snowball into bigger mess.

 

Peter & I enjoyed an Indian takeaway but Peter was mad as they'd messed the order up and it's a 15 minute drive to the nearest town/Indian (Pateley Bridge) to sort it out.  I thought the extra effort made us enjoy it all more, unfortunately I couldn't get him to agree!!!

This afternoon we paid a visit to my friend Kath before she leaves for a 2 week trip to America.  She is getting all her house ready for leaving and part of the preparations were getting her Christmas tree up so it's one less thing for her to think about upon her return.  The girls enjoyed a lovely couple of hours and we had great fun playing hide and seek, Lauren hid in the open under-stairs area behind a coal skuttle (sp?) thing and I took me a few seconds to spot her!!!  She is very funny to play hide and seek with, you count to ten whilst she runs off and hides, shout "here I come ready or not" and you hear a little voice saying "I'm here, I'm here!"!!!  Martha on the other hand is getting very good at hiding and more importantly keeping other people hidden!  I hid down a little corridor and Lauren was running all around (I limited it to the hall area) searching for me.  Martha kept running up to me, giggling then running off and looking under chairs and things, very funny!

 

 

Today was the highlight of Laurens' week.  We'd agreed to take her ice-skating to Bradford Ice Rink, which bizzarely, is situated on the 1st floor of a building - I really wouldn't have thought the weight of the rink would be supported.

 

We paid our entry fee and Peter & Lauren paid for skate hire and I paid to get my skates re-ground.  Lauren was very excited when she was handed her skates and Peter helped her put them on whilst I got mine sharpened.  She looked so cute and was brilliant at walking around on them - she has great balance.  We all headed to the rinkside with Martha in her pushchair.  I took Lauren on and she was very frightened for about 10 minutes but when she saw the other people slipping and falling she relaxed and started to enjoy herself.  Peter took to the ice and made a few rotations of the rink and was really pleased with himself as he didn't really plan on going on the ice.  I'm going to take Lauren to the outdoor rinks in Leeds and York over the Winter season and if she still enjoys it will carry on as often as is practical (the permanent rinks are 1.5 hours away so it won't be a weekly or perhaps even monthly occurence).

 

We went home via a retail park where I bought some new jeans and was thrilled to have dropped a jeans size (I'm not going to question why!!).  We then carried on to have a late lunch/early tea at Murgatroyds Fish Restaurant in Yeadon which we enjoyed although Martha was very tired and subsequently hard work.

Decided to go over to Peter's sisters in Lancashire this afternoon after collecting Lauren from playgroup.  She and her husband have finally been granted planning permission to convert their adjoining barn which is going to be fabulous once completed.  When we arrived, I noticed a huge piece of reclaimed stonework that, without any exaggeration, was the length of our car (Landrover Disco), which is going to be the mantle for the fireplace - all I can say is "WOW"!!!!  We enjoyed a lovely lunch with Amanda and it was strange to be there whilst her children were at school, Lauren wasn't quite sure what to make of it and kept asking when her cousins would be home.

 

It's been really nice having Peter around these last few days. 

Lauren woke me this morning with the cries of "it's snowing, it's snowing, it's Christmas Mummy!"  I initially took this with a pinch of salt as a) I was half asleep and b) I didn't quite believe it but nevertheless when I looked, it was definately trying to snow!!  What a surprise!!!

 

Everyone got ready and we made our way to Doncaster to Nana & Granda's house where mum & Alan were visiting.  It was so lovely to see everyone and the girls were slightly overwhelmed to be greeted by a welcoming committee of Auntie Jan and Jeff, Auntie Sharon, Natalie & Lewis, Mum & Alan and of course Nana and Granda.  They'd just woken up so it took a while for them to warm up but once a few people had left, I think they felt more relaxed and started to talk and play rather than clinging on!!

 

After a while, we left Nana & Granda and Mum & Alan kindly took us out for our lunch.  We ate far too much and learnt that the girls could share a childs meal in future!  All too soon, we had to leave and make our seperate ways home.  The girls had a lovely time seeing Grandma and Grandad Alan as did Peter & I.  I wish we all lived closer to each other.

 

Poor Martha seems to have developed a bad cough so is having trouble sleeping tonight - I hope she feels better in the morning.

It's been a really busy and at times emotional week hence why I've not updated my blog for a few days.

 

Peter, the girls and I enjoyed a lovely day in Harrogate on Wednesday.  I decided to get all dressed up as did Peter and the girls and it felt really nice to be in "grown up" clothes as opposed to my now usual jeans and tops!  I had £15 M&S gift vouchers to use so we bought Lauren some new tights and lucky me bought a ladle and some dishwasher tablets!  When we arrived home, I was pleased to receive a phone call from my best friend Susan who was in the area and popped in for a tea and catch up.  It was lovely to see her eldest daughter, Chloe and herself - we enjoyed a lovely hour or so and arranged for Susan and her youngest, Macey to come up for lunch tomorrow after we both went to our regular mum & toddler group.  Susan loves mushroom soup so it was fate that yesterday morning I had bought lots of mushrooms with the plan to make some more soup.  I gave the girls their lunches then made Susan & I some lovely fresh soup which we realle enjoyed and had far too much of!!

 

Today, I accompanied Lauren to playgroup where I had arranged with the playleaders to do a Children in Need activity with the children.  I decided to help them ice and decorate cakes which they really enjoyed and each child ate one and made one to sell (by donation) to their parents.  Both the children and parents loved the results and I really enjoyed my time there but I know there is no way I could do it every day - I have gained an even greater appreciation for the playgroup staff and their levels of both expertise and patience!

 

Peter took some photos of the girls and I this morning before we left for playgroup - I realised that I hardly have any of the girls & I as usually I am the one taking all the photos!  They are in the November album.

A big...

 

Sorry to read about your double pneumonia, we hope you make a full & speedy recovery.

 

 

The day started really well considering I didn't get to sleep until 3am and woke at 6.30am!!  I dropped Lauren off at playgroup and Julie and Phoebe joined us in our car for a trip into Pateley to get our weekend provisions.  I was in the chemist when I recieved a phone call from Playgroup saying that Lauren wasn't herself and she was running a fever.  We finished our chemist shopping and drove straight to playgroup to collect her. When I arrived she looked very pale and sad.  I took her home and after some cuddles and Calpol she seemed to perk up a bit.  I looked after Phoebe whilst Julie collected Emma and they all came back up and joined us for a lunch of home-made soup and bread which everyone enjoyed apart from Lauren.

 

After they left, I realised I needed to go back out and on the way enjoyed a nice conversation with our neighbour who is getting a log cabin built in their garden - I'm very jealous and would love to have one for any guests we have to use and when not for guests for us to use an extra room!  Mmmmm dreaming now!!

 

Lauren was very hot again at bedtime and I hope that she manages to sleep well.  I'm looking forward to getting Peter home safely.

Whoo hoo!  It is soooooo windy.  So far this week, I was outside at 0700 dismantilling the gazebo from Saturday's party before it blew away, nearly drove into the gate to the silage store which had swung open in the winds (it's about 8ft wide by 2.5ft high), discovered the trampoline has, for a second time, blown into the woods (I'm on my own so there is no way I can pull it out by myself) and hardly had any sleep due to a combination of wind noise and wind nightmares!  I never sleep very well when the wind is as bad as it is just now, I have a fear that one of the trees will come down onto the house and land on the girls bedroom.  Don't get me wrong this is a wonderful place to live, it's just sometimes it can be quite scary with it being so open to the elements.

 

I have been having a soupfest lately, I think it's come from the fact that I didn't realise how easy (and tasty!) it was to make soup!  This week I have made cream of mushroom and carrot soup. Tonight's creation was meant to be carrot and coriander but then I discovered lots of yummy veg that needed to be eaten so bunged them in as well so now the soup contains carrot, celery, mangetout, baby sweetcorn, onion and garlic.  I haven't had a bowl yet but have sampled it and it is probably the best one I've done so far.  I've also made the equivilant of 4 loaves this week too! Lauren made two tiny loaves (well half size) for herself and Martha which were gorgeous!  I mixed the ingredients together to make the dough, then Lauren took over with the kneading and placing in the tins.  She really enjoys baking and generally cooking.  She wrapped up 2 grapes individually in cling film, placed them in the fridge declaring "I'm going to make a grape cake later, please don't eat them!". 

 

Peter is staying away with work tonight in North Wales and won't be home until gone midnight tomorrow.  I've found it really hard with him being away so much over the last few months.  I'm looking forward to the next two weeks as Peter is on annual leave and it'll be lovely to spend some time together as a family.  I hope that one Wednesday, when Lauren's not at playgroup, we can go through to Bradford or up to Middlesborough to take Lauren ice-skating.  She has seen my figure skates around the house since she was tiny and has shown a lot interest over the last 10 months or so.  I hope she enjoys it as much as I do!!

Martha and I went to my new friend Alison's house this morning with a couple of other friends and their children.  We had a lovely morning and enjoyed eating some yummy biscuits that Alison MIL made.  Alison and her husband run a large goat farm and Martha loved it when we had a look around.  She loves being with animals and showed no fear whatsoever and made friends with some very new kids (of the goat variety!!).

 

We came home and Martha had a good nap, she's been a bit under the weather recently.  Whilst she was sleeping, I decided to make some cream of mushroom soup with the surplus mushrooms I accidently over ordered.  Peter came home just as it was finishing and we all enjoyed a big bowl before our main course at dinner.  Lauren wasn't too keen on it which went down very well with Martha as she decided to have Lauren's!!

 

Peter has whatever Martha has which isn't fun as he's got to work - he's off for two weeks holidays as of Friday so I suppose it could have been worse timing!!

Made a decision last night to forgo church this morning - the service was at 0900 and there was a lot of clearing up to do.  Also, and more importantly, Peter had to work in the afternoon which, if the girls and I had gone to Church, would have only given us a couple of hours together during the weekend.

 

Peter had a well deserved lie in this morning (he didn't get home from work on Friday night until 0045 then was thrown head first into a party when he got home yesterday!!), and I made him breakfast in bed.  I invited Julie & Emma up after church for a coffee and Lauren was thrilled to see her.  They were having such a good time playing, that I suggested that Julie leave Emma as she needed to get back home.  Lauren & Emma were delighted at the idea of having lunch together and playing all afternoon.  After lunch, I started the girls on crafts (Martha was napping so it was an ideal opportunity).  They made little bags with their names on and squirted fabric paint over them to make a "birthday cake" - not sure if it looks like that but they do look brilliant (I'll get some photos posted on in the next couple of days).  Afterwards they made stained glass window effect pictures and Peter & I were very impressed with Lauren's colouring in ability - she managed to stay practically in the lines and each area was coloured beautifully.  Well done Lauren !!!!  We finished the activities off with a trip outside where the girls inspected the still burning bonfire, bounced on the trampoline for about 20 minutes and had races on the top field.

 

Julie came to collect Emma around 1400 with her husband Andrew and Phoebe which was nice as Andrew had only seen the place last night in the dark, so Peter gave him the guided tour.  We came indoors and enjoyed a cup of tea and some gingerbread that our neighbour had baked and brought up for the bonfire.  Yummy!  I'm going to take some leftover pieces to playgroup tomorrow otherwise I'll eat it all and gain a huge amount of weight - it's gorgeous!!!

 

I've just heard Peter come in so will sign off my blog for tonight and make him some supper.

We had our bonfire party tonight and I spent the entire day cleaning, cooking, organising for it.  Unfortunately, Peter was called out to a job 2 hours away and didn't get back until 1700 (the party started at 1730).  With his parents' help getting the bonfire finished and leaves cleared, I managed to get everything sorted in time and even the "if time, make a guy" line of my to-do list was completed thanks to Jenny and Lauren!!

 

It was a wonderful night, the weather was cold but perfect and our guests went home entertained and full!  It was lovely to have everyone up and enjoying themselves.  Lauren decided the fireworks were too noisy so retreated indoors after about 20 minutes and played happily with her friend Emma.  Martha lasted until 1930/45 when she started getting very upset and after getting ready for bed, she fell straight to sleep.  Lauren followed suit at about 2015 when she asked Peter if she "could go to bed now".  We ended up with about 25 adults and 12-15 children (I couldn't count them all!) - I'm still not sure who 2 of them were!!

 

I've started my November album with photographs from the party.

I'm in shock that it's November!  Lauren has started to make me a little nervous.  Earlier this week I walked into the living room and Lauren said something like "I'm playing with my friend", I made some kind of acknowledgement and she said "can you see her mummy, she's see through".  I started to get a bit uncomfortable (would anyone else?!?!) and I said "oh yes, what's her name?", Lauren replied "Mary...but she doesn't have a lamb".  Feeling slightly relieved that "Mary" is probably Lauren's imagination coupled with "Mary had a little lamb", I carried on but all this week, "Mary" has been with Lauren to the degree that Lauren screamed this afternoon whilst in the bathroom washing her hands that I was squashing "Mary".  I suspect imaginary friends are quite normal behaviour but it unnerves me when I see and hear her having conversations - eek!!  Perhaps I should have posted this yesterday!!!!

 

On a lighter note and thanks to myabcadventure.com,  I have created funny videos of Lauren & Martha for you to enjoy.  The resemblence between them is uncanny when you take the hair out of the equation (you'll see what I mean when you view!).

 

Lauren:  http://www.myabcadventure.com/index.htm?movieid=0FA09092-2227-4547-AEE2-0E8C15655CEB  

 

Martha:  http://www.myabcadventure.com/index.htm?movieid=C8D3374B-9CAA-4433-B0AA-A1FD149A5E8F

 

 

   Happy       Halloween     

 

Lauren and Martha spent the day dressed up as witches and were reluctant to get changed for bed!  Lauren & I spent a nice morning at my friend Louise's looking at her adorable little baby, Phoebe (or as Lauren insists, "Fifi")!  In the afternoon, Peter went out to collect about 60 pallets for our bonfire whilst the girls and I set down about 25 tealight jars down the lane to guide (rather than light!) the way to the bonfire in the quarry.  We called Peter's parents over to have a look and they were very impressed with the effect - they've never done anything like it before on the lane and came up with other ideas about lighting ie rope lights etc that John has in storage - excellent!!  We just have to hope that no aircraft land!!!!

 

Peter arrived in front our friend Baz, who was driving his tipper truck with all the pallets on.  The girls were very excited at seeing a big truck unloading - they definately take after Peter!!!  I ordered my online shopping for Saturday's party and am really looking forward to it. 

 

I was really disappointed that there was nothing "spooky" on TV (we only have 5 channels!) for Halloween.  Does anyone remember the scariest program made "Ghostwatch" with Sarah Greene and Philip Schofield years ago!!  Eeek!!!  I ended up spending an hour watching webcams on www.Asylumcam.com but didn't spot anything myself.