Rachel 的个人资料The Fort Family照片日志列表更多  |  工具 帮助 |
Monday 26th FebruaryBest Banana Bread Recipe Ever
To make 1 loaf:
Dried apricots (the squidgy ones that come ready to eat), 75g
Sultanas, 75g
Lemon, 1
Unsalted butter, 100g (soft but not melted)
Caster sugar, 125g
Free range eggs, 2 large
Bananas, 3 large ripe ones
Self-raising flourm 200g
Loaf tin measuring about 13x23x7cm
greaseproof paper or loaf tin liner
chopping board
sharp knife
grater
mixing bowl
wooden spoon
fork
plate
sieve
large metal spoon
wire cooling rack
Enjoy!!!! The cake stays lovely and moist for a few days (if it doesn't all get eaten whilst it's warm!!!) Friday 23rd FebruaryI went to The Academy today for my pampering morning. I arrived at 0920 for my 0930 appointment - I had to use Peter's van as he needed the car to take the girls out to Lauren's playgroup for the sponsored gymnastics (more later!). I felt very self concious and out of place arriving in a giant van when the other cars consisted of Porsche, Audi TT's, BMW's, Range Rovers, Aston Martin and even a Bentley!! Head held high, I walked in and was shown through the security turnstile and directed to the Spa. Upon arrival, I first noticed the lovely low lighting, yummy aroma in the air and relaxing music - I was going to enjoy this!!
I handed my gift vouchers over and paid the extra for my eyebrow wax. They then took my coat and escorted me to the "relaxation lounge". The room reminded me of a private pool with loungers all around, a drinking water station with glasses, ice and fresh lime slices, magazines and a coffee station (albeit very small!) but minus the pool! The music, lighting and scent was throughout the whole place and just oozed luxury and blissful relaxation before the treatment began! After a few minutes, the therapist entered the room and called my name, I followed her into a private treatment room where she read my health questionnaire and asked a few questions about it regarding medication - this was reassuring as I've never filled one in before where the therapist or salon have actually appeared to read it!! I lay on the couch and proceeding to have my eyebrows waxed - strange way to relax I know, but it is oddly relaxing even though it's a little uncomfortable. I think it's the nicest brow wax I've ever had!
I was then taken into the Dry Float treatment room and was asked to undress, put on a paper thong (lovely!) and lie on the bed with a towel over me. She then came back in and I was exfoliated from head to foot with something that contained Devil Mint, it smelled and felt wonderful. I then showered in a massive cubicle (that was in the treatment room) that had jets all over the place. I then lay back on the bed and was moisturised all over. She then asked me to lie on my back and she covered me in a lovely soft blanket followed by what I can only describe as a water filled duvet! She switched the machine on and it felt as if I were being sucked into the bed - it was a little bit unnerving as I didn't know when it would stop (a bit like the automatic blood pressure machines!). I relaxed there for 40 minutes and thoroughally enjoyed every second. If I'd manage to fall asleep, 10 minutes in there equates to 1 hour deep sleep so I'd love to try it again and next time fall asleep!!
Whilst I was whisked away to relaxation central, Peter was looking after the girls and had the task of taking Lauren to her sponsored gymnastics. Lauren hardly let go of Peter's leg but did attempt a few of the moves. The funniest bit was when I returned home, I asked Lauren what she'd learnt and she proceeded to complete every move perfectly!! Peter was exclaiming in the background "why couldn't you have done that earlier!" Wednesday 21 FebruaryNot written for a while - Martha's crawling has kept me very busy! She's enjoying her new found freedom and is roaming everywhere that a month ago was unchartered territory! It's so lovely to see her crawl around to "Lauren's" toy area and start playing with things. Think we're going to have to rename very shortly!
Lauren is enjoying playgroup immensely and is looking forward to attending again tomorrow. This week is particularly exciting as she's taking part in a sponsored gymnastic session to raise funds for the playgroup. She is attempting:
Bunny Hops
Forward Rolls
Sit in Straddle
Side Steps
Jump with feet together
If you'd like to sponsor her (per skill completed) please let me know! Friday 16th FebruaryToday is my last day of employment. Peter was on call today so I decided to take the opportunity to go into work without the girls to collect some belongings. We had an event on in the afternoon and I'd volunteered to help out as it was a great opportunity for me to say goodbye to colleagues in one easy move as they were mainly together. I can't believe how emotional I felt saying goodbye to everyone and explaining to a few closer colleagues the reason for my sudden and unexpected departure in December 2005.
When we arrived at the venue, it became apparent very quickly that my decision not to return had been the right one. I tried to walk into the main reception area where there were a few hundred staff (something I used to do no problem), I started to get very nervous and had to walk out again. In a way, I'm glad this did happen as I've been feeling very aprehensive for a few months about my confidence and getting back into the training room or even with large groups. I was ok with smaller groups of around 10 people but anymore I could feel myself getting uncomfortable. Had I decided to return to work and have this anxiety appear prior to a training session, I would be in a difficult situation. Today was the proof I needed that I still don't feel 100% - This week, I received confirmation from the solicitor that the drunk drivers' insurance company have agreed to fund 12 CBT sessions and I'm awaiting contact from the Dr. I hope that this will be the light at the end of the tunnel.
I'm now officially unemployed (or at least not in paid employment!) so from this day forth, I pledge to focus all my time and energy into the girls, Peter and our home. I no longer feel any pressure from deciding when/if to return to work, I can relax and enjoy my life with my family.
Life is really too short and important. I'm glad I had the opportunity (or wake up call!) to make major decisions whilst I still have a young family to watch develop and grow. Thursday 15th FebruaryToday I decided to dive head-on into re-jigging the storage facilities in our bedrooms. I was happily (but not easily!) moving cots, toddler beds, wardrobes and drawers around when suddenly I realised I had somehow managed to lose the space for a chest of drawers. Exhausted, I couldn't face putting things back the way they were so I decided, during the girls nap time whilst having a much deserved coffee and chocolate that the misplaced drawers will be moved into Peter & I's bedroom. To enable this move to happen, I realised I had to actually move 2 chest of drawers from Lauren and Martha's and replace them with (the still intact) one from our bedroom. Whilst they were still sleeping, I set forth clearing drawer tops and inners piling everything onto our bed. When the girls awoke, I manouvered all the furniture into their new places and was very pleased with the outcome. I'm exhausted, I ache all over and felt sick when I realised I still had the bed to clear (thankfully Peter helped me!). It's amazing how much calmer I feel about the tasks ahead knowing that I have sufficient and appropriate storage facilities.
Website of the day: Organised Mum (they have a sale on so get your diaries - I'm getting the Life Book!) Update on Martha's crawling progress...
Wednesday 14th February
Went into the office today to show off the girls before I offically leave on Friday. We had a lovely time and enjoyed seeing everyone again. It's going to be a strange feeling not being part of the company any longer, even although I've not been actively working there for over a year. Perhaps when Lauren starts school, I can see whether they'd have me back, but it's a fair while off yet.
It looks like the family are all coming down with yet another cold - it seems that for the last 3 months we finish one cold off and get another (not forgetting our dose of 'flu!) Roll on Spring !!!! Sunday 11th FebruaryNEWSFLASH!!!!!
Martha took her first proper crawling steps this afternoon! It was wonderful that we were all there to see it and there appears to be no stopping her now.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
On Friday, the expected snow arrived around lunchtime and didn't stop. Peter said it would be gone by morning, I was hoping it would last a bit longer to allow Lauren to play out in it. During Friday night/Saturday morning, the family was kept awake by avalanches from the roof waking us up and keeping us awake. The sound was very strange - a low rumbling then an almighy whooooosh as it broke free. We all got up at around 0500 and took Lauren to see the magical scene. The postman and milkman didn't make it up although the paperman parked at the bottom of the lane and walked all the way up - what service!!! After Peter drove to the lane end to collect the milk, we all had a warming breakfast then got ourselves wrapped up ready for fun.
We started to buiild our snowmen and I realised that my snowbuilding technique and Peter's are very, very different. Peter created huge cylinders stacked on top of each other and I tried to make round balls. (See photos for the humourous results!), Lauren was very excited with them both needless to say and she had great fun standing on Peter's creation and decorating mine. We then had a snowball fight we I enivitably fell over and was ambushed by Lauren and Peter.
I was successful in obtaining a large chest of cream drawers from Freecycle on Friday and arranged with the donor to collect on Saturday weather permitting. Peter and I drove in the afternoon when the snow began to subside and collected the fabulous drawers. They are huge and just what I've been looking for for the last year. I now have the task of re-configuring the girls' room to accomodate the new furniture and moving whatever old chest of drawers into our room for much needed storage. It's amazing what a difference having decent storage makes to my everyday life. I no longer feel anxious about laundry and thinking @where will it all go?!!"
On Sunday we drove through to York to drop off baby clothes and bouncers to be taken to Julie for Hollie & Hannah. Whilst there, we called into visit our friends Hamish and Mel. Lauren had great fun playing with Mackenzie until she decided to run after him and give him kisses. Not very amusing for a 3 year old boy!!! It was whilst we were here that Martha started to crawl - must have been the excitement of seeing 3 children playing and not being able to join in that did it!!!
Friday 9th FebruaryNote to self:
Do not, repeat do not leave Lauren unattended (no not even a second!) at dining table, in front of pot plant, whilst watching "gardening" episode of Boogie Beebies. This
On the positive side, it ensured I got the hoover out, cleared the table and changed to my Spring theme! Thursday 8th FebruarySituation: Lauren "drawing" on some paper with a pencil
(Lauren runs up with the drawing)
Lauren: Close eyes Mummy!
Me: Eyes closed
Lauren: Open eyes! (hands me drawing)
Me: That's lovely Lauren. What is it?
Lauren: (looking at me as if I'm a daftie) Lines! (whilst drawing lines in the air with an imaginary pencil)
How daft do I feel now?
Along with most of the country, we had our sprinkling of snow yesterday. Lauren was very excited and we had fun throwing a few snowballs at each other. Don't think it's going to last plus it's not enough really to make a proper snowman, it's very, very cold and the snow is too hard to do a lot with. Take a look at the February photo album (towards the end) for some scenic photos. Tuesday 6th FebruaryHappy 3rd Birthday Lucy! Today was Lauren's first "solo" day at playgroup. We spent the morning packing her especially chosen bag and wearing an apron to ensure her special playgroup emblazoned t-shirt didn't get dirty before we got there! The obligatory "1st Day" photos were taken and Lauren was very excited. The night before Peter & I sat with her and completed her "homework" where she answered questions (What makes you happy? What makes you sad? What things do you like to do? etc). There were spaces for a photograph of Lauren and a family one - Lauren took delight in selecting which ones to use. 0915 arrived and we left the house all very excited. Outside the village hall we bumped into Lauren's old childminder and her son (Ben) and niece (Emma) who also attend, which was nice for Lauren as it wasn't as daunting as we walked in with her old friends.
Once inside, they have self registration system where Lauren found her laminated namecard and placed it on a Velcro "who's here today" board. We then hung her coat and bag on the rack and made our way to the deputy playleader (Marsha) who signed Lauren into the official registration. I stayed with her for a few minutes and as I left she was sat on Marsha's knee helping her take registration. She looked so sad and overwhelmed, I could feel myself welling up before I got to the door. After leaving Lauren with a childminder for most of her life, I assumed I would be ok with playgroup, perhaps it was because it's a lot bigger than a childminder or maybe it's because I've become so used to having her with me, either way, I was not prepared for how upset I felt. All my tears were in vain when at 1200, she bounded up to me full of joy and excitement about the fun time she'd had. Feeling brave and boosted by Lauren, I've enquired about upping her sessions to 2 mornings per week - watch this space!!!! Monday 5th FebruaryHappy Birthday Laura I awoke this morning full of purpose - to get the house tidied. Having the 'flu visit the family has seriously taken its toll on the housework but it's nothing in comparison to seeing the girls feeling better.
Part of managing Lauren's little tantrums is to make sure she is active throughout the day, so I enlisted her help (apron and all!) to get her toy area cleaned and re-jigged. She did an excellent job and kept dragging me from the kitchen every two minutes to show me her hard work. It was nice to see her so enthusiastic about a routine task.
We looked out a bag for her to take to her first day at playgroup tomorrow, together with some gym pumps. She is very excited about tomorrow and putting her special t-shirt on. I'm feeling a little aprehensive but I know she'll have a great time and we'll both get used to different people before long. I don't think I realised how comfortable I felt leaving Lauren with the childminder until she gave it up in the summer.
I was sure I could see Martha's first teeth this morning, but think it must have been a trick of the light. The poor thing is struggling getting them through like Lauren did. She's made great progress towards crawling today and I feel really pleased that I'm here to watch every moment. Sunday 4th FebruaryPeter let me have another lie in this morning - I'd like to say I could get used to it but unfortunately it normally means that I've been up all night with the girls and can physically not stay awake any longer!
I got up mid morning and tinkered around the house for a bit, then we decided to go for a ramble outside after the girls had lunch and naps. We needed to get some potatoes and bread so decided to take the girls into Pateley Bridge and visit the playpark whilst we were in town. Lauren loved it as always and Martha had her first go on a swing and a slide. After a few nervous seconds, she relaxed and started to enjoy it. It was nice to see Pateley Bridge busy early in the year, hopefully we'll be having a good season.
We came home and had haggis, mash and baked beans for tea, which Lauren wolfed down.
Sad news this evening, when we discovered a motorcyclist had been killed not far from our house - I hope that this isn't going to be a regular occurence like last year. Very sad end to a lovely day.
Saturday 3rd FebruaryWow, what a beautifully sunny day it has been today. We spent most of the afternoon outside, running around, chasing balls etc. I then thought it would be good to wash the car at the local garage and treated us all to a Freddo each - these have to be the best chocolate around and only 15p! We then took a drive around and visited Thruscross Reservoir - the girls fell asleep so we just stayed in the car and absorbed the beautiful scenery.
Looking forward to new series of CSI:New York tonight (2105 - Channel 5)!! Friday 2nd FebruaryHaven't had chance to stop this week, let alone update my blog!
Can't remember what we did on Monday or Tuesday but on Wednesday I took Lauren down to the village playgroup to have a look around. She was a bit clingy for 20-30 minutes but warmed up quickly and loved the rest of the session. I've now enrolled her to attend every Tuesday from next week. It's a fiver for 0930-1200 which I don't think is expensive at all. Peter attended the playgroup when he was younger so it shows how long it's been on the go for!! In the afternoon, Peter look after Martha whilst Lauren and I went to the village park. We then decided to drive around and experience the other parks in the villages around our house. Lauren picked her favourite one as Pateley Bridge.
On Thursday, I took the girls to our regular Mum & Toddler group at church (via the playgroup to collect Lauren's t-shirt ready for Tuesday!). We had a really nice time as usual and it was good to catch up with the other mums as we've not been for a few weeks due to 'flu. Afterwards, we drove straight into Pateley Bridge to get some bits and bobs and bumped into a few people we've again not seen for a while. Drove home, had lunch, went straight back out again to the Health Centre to get Martha weighed and discovered a big sign on the door saying it was closed for training - doh!! It's been up there for ages and I completely forgot about it!
On Friday, we had an appointment at 1000 at the nursery in Pateley Bridge. It was really nice and welcoming, with plenty of activities for both Lauren & Martha to do. Downside is that at £4.75-£5.50 per hour, and a minimum booking of a 3 hour session, it works out very expensive. We came home, had lunch then spent an hour or so over at Peter's mum's seeing Great Auntie Joyce who is over from Lancashire for a visit.
It's been a good week, that's got better as it's progressed. |
Happy Valentine’s Day |
|
