Rachel 的个人资料The Fort Family照片日志列表更多  |  工具 帮助 |
Tuesday 25th December  Merry Christmas Lauren woke up at around 0700 and called me quietly from her room. I went in and a tiny little voice said "I heard reindeers on the roof I think" - it was so very sweet. By this time, Martha started to stir so we all got up and creeped out of the bedroom. Lauren had been struggling all night with her cough so I'd moved her mattress onto the floor as she seems to sleep a bit easier so Father Christmas left the stockings outside the door for them both. They were both very excited and started opening their stockings. We then went to check if the carrots had been eaten and they'd taken a few good nibbles but drank all the water (although I don't know what Father Christmas has done with the key!). We then went to check if he'd eaten his mince pie and drank his milk - he had! He'd also left a lovely "thank you" note for Lauren & Martha which Lauren now keeps next to her bed. Martha was the first one to see all the presents under the tree, then Lauren then saw them and they both had a mad 30 seconds before we decided to have some breakfast and then open the presents.
We all recieved such lovely gifts. Lauren received a mountain of Peppa Pig things, gardening set, clothes, books, craft things, chocolates plus much much more! Martha received a baby set comprising of pushchair/pram, highchair, swing, car seat, bouncing cradle plus baby, clothes, toys, musical instruments and a lot more, Peter and I were thrilled to get National Trust Membership which will be so, so useful, special yummy coffee and chocolates, Scottish food hamper, cook books, candles, jeans, tops, loads of DVD's, fancy electrical toothbrush - wowee!!! There's so much more, thank you everyone!!!
Lauren & I went to the Church service mid morning but had to leave early due to call of nature from Lauren that frustratingly was a false alarm but it gave me more time to prepare Christmas dinner!
We had ordered a fresh turkey from a local farm which was collected yesterday. It was huge!!!! I made roast potatoes and parsnips, kilted sausages, three types of sausagemeat stuffing, mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts with Salmon and prawns to start. We were all very full and couldn't manage dessert until evening time!! Monday 24th DecemberWe found out this morning that Peter had accidently run over and killed his mum's cat last night. She had a habit of climbing under the bonnet of cars that had just stopped, obviously it's nice and warm. What we think may have happened is that she didn't get out in time and fell out and got run over - which I find a bit strange to be honest as normally she skoots off as soon as anyone approaches. I'm not sure if she died under the bonnet naturally (she didn't look particulary well that morning) and fell out when Peter drove off. Any it's done, RIP MotherCat
Lauren & I attended the Christmas Eve Crib Service at Church this afternoon and Lauren was an angel depicting the walk from Nazareth to Bethlehem - she really enjoyed it. Julie & I ended up becoming "kings" and carried around the huge and quite heavy props. It was great fun and we enjoyed tea and mince pies afterwards.
Lauren was very excited tonight about bedtime for obvious reasons! We laid out Father Christmas's snack on the dining table (milk and a mince pie) and left 2 carrots out for the reindeer along with some water and a special Santa key for the house. She hung her stocking on the drawers in her bedroom along with Martha's and made sure her photograph taken last year of Lauren, Martha & Father Christmas was on her bedside drawers.
Phew if only he came every night!! It was so easy to get her to go to bed!!!
Sunday 23rd DecemberToday was very exciting! We we met Laura and Kev at our halfway point which was around about Otterburn but after getting stuck in traffic on the A1, Laura & Kev decided to drive 20 minutes nearer to us to a lovely place called Corbridge. We enjoyed a yummy lunch at a local pub and although the girls were playing up a bit (excitement after being stuck in the vehicle for hours!) the staff at the pub were very accomodating and actually helped entertain them. After lunch, we exchanged Christmas gifts and headed our seperate ways - it was a lovely few hours.
In the evening, the girls got ready for bed and then we drove up to my friend Julie's for pre Christmas drinks. Martha slept (after a while!) in her travel cot in the guest rooom and Lauren shared Emma's bed, head to toe - they really were too excited to get any sleep so at around 2200 we decided to call it a night and take them both home. It was a lovely evening and really nice to get out the two of us and the girls and not be too stressed about it all. Friday 21st DecemberLauren went to Playgroup today dressed in her sparkly "I
 Christmas" t-shirt - she loves it!! Martha & I were excited to be asked to come back earlier than usual for something special!! We ran around Pateley Bridge doing our chores super fast so we could get back in time - it was funny to see the other parents doing exactly the same, mad mad Friday!! We arrived back at playgroup at 1115 and we went in to see the hall set up with adult sized tables and chairs with each table decorated for Christmas and a plate of mince pies!! The children were all sat at the front of the tables and they sang some Christmas songs to us all and the adults were asked to help sing which made it really enjoyable! Martha wanted to sit next to Lauren and sing so she did for the last song. There was a special seat that was all decorated with tinsel and looked very special, Lauren was awe-struck when Santa Claus entered the room and sat in the special chair right next to her!!! The children all received a present and Lauren was very happy to get another book to add to her and Martha's ever expanding library!!!
Lauren's funny saying of the day: We were sitting on the sofa (just the two of us) when Lauren stood up and made a star with her hands above my head giggling "look mum, you're a Christmas tree!!" Thursday 20th DecemberThis morning was Martha's Christmas Party at the Mother and Toddler group we attend. The ladies that run it make such a wonderful job at every session but really go all out at Christmas. The children had lots of lovely party food and the adults were catered for with french sticks, pates, cheese, cakes and biscuits. After the children ate, we all gathered in a circle and the children helped display the Nativity scene. We then sang some carols and Santa arrived!!! All the children received a gift which Martha opened with Lauren's help (she came to join us after playgroup - "Thank you Andrea!") and they were both happy to see a lovely book. Photos of Martha in her party outfit are in the December Album.
The afternoon/early evening went downhill in usual dramatic fashion were Martha is concerned. I was cooking dinner and called into the lounge "is everything ok Lauren?" as usual recently with Lauren, no response (it really frustates me when she zones out watching television- I really hate the thing!). I could hear Martha chattering so wrongly, very wrongly assumed everything was ok. A couple of minutes later, Lauren ran to me shouting "Martha's doing something naughty" I thought she said "She's putting crayon on the wall". That would be bad but not as bad as bottom cream!!! I found Martha actually sat on the dining table, with for some reason (I'm not sure why it's there!) a nearly full tub (or was a nearly full tub!) of cream in her hand with the contents about an inch thick on her hair and about 1.5 inches thick on the wall in a circle larger than a dinner plate! I didn't know how to get rid the stuff and even after 5 shampoos it's still there. I have since found out that using a tiny amount of washing up liquid should sort it out, I have not yet tried it! Wednesday 19th DecemberPlaygroup were invited to see Summerbridge Primary School's Christmas Play, "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas". I accompanied Lauren and took Martha along with me too. The children were all dressed beautifully in their costumes and I could hear the excited chatter whilst waiting in the little school hall. I don't think I have attended a school Christmas play since I was at school and it's amazing how little things have changed really in those years! What I really like is the same old school smell still remains regardless of what school you are in, what is that?!?!
The lead character was the Grinch who was played by a confident and talented little girl, her younger brother appeared later in the performance as the "younger grinch" which was a really nice touch. There were dogs, reindeers, fairies, elves, Santa and of course, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. The reindeers did a brilliant dance routine which was shortly followed by the dogs dance scene (think dance off!!). A girl of about 9/10 played the piano for the opening Christmas songs and she played beautifully.
Lauren & Martha really enjoyed the played, Lauren especially liked the reindeers and Martha enjoyed the applause!!! Tuesday 18th DecemberToday is Lauren's playgroup Christmas Party! She was very, very excited and insisted her party dress was hung on the outside of the wardrobe so she could look at it during the night. We got dressed in the morning after breakfast and teethbrushing and she looked beautiful (I have posted photos in the December album). I think we were in the car earlier than we've ever been!! When we arrived, Lauren was the most overdressed and only one of 3 girls who's parents had made an effort which was a shame but she soon settled down and when I collected her she was chattering wildly about what a great time she'd had and how much she enjoyed the magician!!
I don't quite understand why the "overdressing" keeps happening to me/us - I remember growing up getting party dresses and things on for our school Christmas parties - have things changed or was I in the minority then? I don't think so!!! Anyway, Lauren loved being dressed up so that's all that matters!! Sunday 16th DecemberHmmm... I decided to take Martha along with Lauren & I to Church this morning - I soon remembered why I don't do this very often!!! She got very excited and kept running to stand by the organist or if not there, running up the aisle to stand next to Matthew. Thankfully the congregation are really nice and both reassured me and helped Martha when she needed it. I'm going to be taking them both to the Crib Service on Christmas Eve which I know that Lauren will enjoy, I just hope Martha is a bit calmer but if she isn't then so be it, she's only 18 months!!!
Saturday 15th DecemberWe decided to do our Christmas shopping today and actually had a really nice time without too much stress. the only stress I had was when I realised after getting home that I'd bought a present that only the night before I was told had actually already been bought - doh!!!
We went to visit our other house which unfortunately hasn't had any interest either for sale or rent.
Friday 14th DecemberI managed to get to bed at 0200hrs after making and baking one loaf of banana bread/cake and one farmhouse loaf. I had a very good sleep until 0600 when Lauren decided to wake up - aarrrggghh!
Today myself and another committee member manned the cake stall as parents collected children at the end of the session. We managed to sell everything bar some scones and a large fruit cake which were sent onto the local school who were holding a fayre that evening. In total over the week (3 cake stalls) we managed to raise an amazing £105 for the playgroup which is wonderful!
I bought some Christmas presents online and used a website that has been set up to enable playgroup to raise funds at no extra cost to the purchaser it works on a commission/referral basis. If you are planning to do any online shopping at any time, and you don't already use a fundraising site, please consider using Lauren's one (it contains a huge number of major retailers like HMV, Mothercare, Kiddicare, M&S etc)...http://www.buy.at/dacrebankspreschoolplaygroup
Peter's flight was due to arrive in Leeds at 1725 so the girls and I arrived a bit earlier to watch it land. It never did. There was freezing fog and the flight got diverted whilst on route to Blackpool Airport. What a nightmare! It got worse when the bus that was meant to pick him and his fellow passengers up had to drive from Leeds to Blackpool (approx. 1.5/2 hours!). Anyway, it transpired that 2 passengers live near us and they all decided to get a taxi home so he arrived at about 2130 rather than 2300!! Poor Peter   Thursday 13th DecemberI attended my "works" Christmas party tonight. As I am on the playgroup Committee, I was invited to the team party which was held in the lovely Italian restaurant, Olley's in Pateley Bridge. I had goats cheese on potato rosti with red onion chutney to start, followed by Salmone al Georgio which is tagliatille with salmon and prawns, yummy! For desert I had warm chocolate mousse cake, it was gorgeous! It was really nice to see all the playgroup staff in a different environment and even nicer to be able to chat with them and not discuss children or playgroup!! It was a freezing night and I offered to drive some people and we had a fun on the country roads where some places had so much slushy ice it was like snow!!!!
Stupidly, I realised (whilst eating my dessert!) that I hadn't made the banana cake for tomorrow's cake stall - whoops!! A late night of baking beckoned! Wednesday 12th DecemberPeter's friend Mark came to visit and stayed overnight - it was lovely to see him. Today we had our delivery of concrete which arrived later than expected which thrilled Lauren as she was able to watch it unload.
In the late afternoon, we drove Peter to the airport for his trip to the Isle of Man. I drove home with a very sad Lauren who was already missing her daddy. Tuesday 11th DecemberLauren's playgroup have a seasonal walk, today Martha & I accompanied her on their Winter Walk which was brilliant. I had planned on bringing Martha in her pushchair but as there were a couple of stiles I was advised that it might be better to carry her in a sling. Unfortunately I only had reins so had to use them but Martha amazed everyone and walked better than some of the playgroup children - I was very, very proud. I was also really happy to see Lauren engaging with the group and shouting out things that she could see. She has really grown in confidence over the past couple of months and is not afraid to speak up even when she wasn't heard the first time. A number of times she called out what she could see or hear, but as the group were spread out a bit, she was not always heard, she then said "Excuse me Marsha, I can see/hear a...." - again I was very proud. Monday 10th DecemberPeter is on holiday today until Wednesday. Lauren is starting her new pattern at playgroup as well which means that she doesn't go on a Monday anymore but Tuesday through Thursday. We've not really done much as the weather has been so awful - I don't mind if it's cold as we can wrap up but when it's wet, windy and cold it's no fun for the girls at all - we're all going stir crazy!!!! Sunday 9th DecemberPeter worked outside this morning with our friend Andrew extended the already big concrete platform that our oil tank stands on to comply with some daft new regulation. We get concrete delivered on Wednesday morning and I'm sure that Martha (Lauren will be at playgroup) will be very excited to see the cement lorry unload.
Lauren & I attended the All Family Christmas Celebration Service at church today which was brilliant. Matthew, our vicar, Miss Cuss, Lauren's future school teacher, and some of the church readers put on a performance telling the story of the Angel Gabriel spreading the news. It was done with such imagination, passion and humour and everyone there really enjoyed it. Lauren and her friend played a role where Lauren had to knock on a pretend door and Emma had to leave a letter on a pretend doormat - they were both very good considering we had 5 minutes notice! One of the last carols was Away in a Manger which Lauren nearly knows off by heart so she sang with such gusto that she made everyone smile. Saturday 8th DecemberPeter & I went out tonight with my friend Louise and her fiance, Paul to Stockeld Park to try our hand on their outdoor artificial ice-rink. I really enjoy ice-skating and was looking forward to it a lot but we all ended up very disappointed as the artificial surface was really hard to skate on if you're used to ice. Afterwards when I was talking to the stewards about it, they told us that as it was wet they couldn't apply the special liquid (like anti-freeze ironically!) to the rink which would normally make it like a proper ice rink. It was like friction was stopping us moving and if I did manage to skate, I came to an abrupt halt - it wasn't very pleasant!! Give me real ice any day!!
Afterwards, it was too late to go to a "proper" restaurant so we all agreed to head to Pizza Hut where we ate far too much and had a great time. It was a really nice night and such a treat to go out with friends! Wednesday 5th DecemberSpent the morning pottering around the house whilst Martha slept off her bad night before. I ended up getting so fed up that decided to take my friend Julies' invite up to go to hers for a coffee. We had a nice couple of hours and thankfully it perked me up a bit. Our very good friends Hev and Stu came over around 4pm. It was so great to see them and realised how much I'd missed seeing Hev. I really need to make sure we do it more often! Lauren and Martha did their usual performing monkey routines and enjoyed getting lots of attention. We enjoyed seeing their wedding photographs and eating a Chinese takeaway. It was a really lovely night. Tuesday 4th DecemberThis afternoon my friend Tanya popped up with her children Ben & Lydia. Lauren was excited about seeing Ben all day, she wanted to make snowflakes with him. We were all playing when Tanya and I noticed that the trees looked strange outside. We all went onto the veranda and the sky was amazing. I have never seen colours so magnificent before. The whole front of the house was bathed in a strange golden glow yet the back was in dusky light although the sky was so, so blue - weird, weird. It was so odd, Peter who was in the bedroom on the PC came running outside to see where it was coming from - in true electrician style saying "it's like someone's switched on a massive sodium light". I have taken some photographs but I don't think it does it justice. Sunday 3rd DecemberWe've had a very lazy Sunday today. Peter spent time doing his paperwork and I spent time doing nothing very much (I'm sure that I'll pay for it tomorrow!!). Lauren & I attended the Candlelit Advent Carols Service at Church this evening and she was enthralled by how magical it looked from the little oil lanterns that lit the path into the Church to the candle display in place of the flowers. I managed to nearly set the place alight when I moved backwards to allow people to go past and accidently pushed some paper service sheets against a tealight - whoops!!!
We came home around 2000 and Lauren was asleep by 2020!! Saturday 1st DecemberIt is a miserable day today and has made us all feel grumpy! In the afternoon, we were very happy to get out of the house to attend Phoebe's 1st Birthday party. It was held in a soft play creche and the girls loved it. Peter & I came home exhausted after clambering around the structure with them both and I am now sporting a friction burn on my elbow from the slide - ha ha!! We really enjoyed ourselves as did the birthday girl! |
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