Still in the kitchen... I think today has been the longest I have ever spent in there (for those that don't know, my kitchen is small and not somewhere you would normally spend long in!).  I left for breakfast, lunch, dinner and the occasional comfort break!  I am very grateful to the girls for being so patient over the last couple of days, Lauren knew what I was doing so she realised it was in her interest to be good, whereas Martha was just being a good egg!!

 

I rolled, shaped, folded, buffed, picked up, cried, screamed, shouted until finally out of the blue (well cake board) arose the castle...

 

Granted the walls are a bit wrinkled (gives it an authentic "aged" look), the turrets are squint and the windows are mismatched but hey it's my first attempt and I don't care - Lauren loves it and that's all that matters!!! 

 

I'm off now to lie down, enjoy a HOT coffee and go to sleep knowing tomorrow I've nothing to do in the kitchen!!!!

 

 

We left London around 1030 and had another easy drive home.  On they way, we saw a Delorean that had been tweaked to replicate the one in Back to Future - very cool, someone had put a lot of work into it.  We arrived home at 1500 and were greeted by two very happy girls, they're really enjoying the trampoline and ball pool outside.  We spent some time together then I decided to make a start on the castle cake.  It's one of those things that once you mention/think about doing it, things snowball at a phenomenal pace and before you know it you wishing you hadn't started!!  Anyway, decided to get stuck into it and was very, very nervous.  I've put some photos on the album of the thing actually going up, it's quite fun to watch!

We set off at 0930 on our trip to see Prince at the O2 Arena in London.  We had a brilliant drive down, stopping for some lunch on the way, arriving at the Davenport Hotel at 1430.  We went for a wander around Greenwich for about an hour then started to get ready for the concert.  We arrived at the venue far too early but nonetheless enjoyed the atmosphere.  Princes' support act were quite poor to be honest, I understand that he changed them every night/performance, and think we got the worst one!  The music was good, but the vocalists just shouted and we didn't have a clue what they were saying, not that that would have made them much better!!

 

Prince appeared on stage around about 2030 and was amazing from the outset (I expected nothing less!!).  He performed all his old stuff and the highlight for me was when he took to the stage alone with just his piano and played an acoustic medley of his hits - pure brilliance.  His act wasn't as flashy as it was previously and his dancers (twins) weren't just the same but I think it was as great if not better!!!  He finally left the stage at 2230ish after 2 encores - I am so, so, so glad to have been part of the experience.  Peter really enjoyed it too so I hope I get to go to more concerts!!!  Couldn't get photos to share as it wasn't allowed and our cameras were held until after the performance.  I have blisters on my hands from clapping, aching feet from dancing and a rough throat from singing - a perfect night!!!!!

 

We decided to walk back to the hotel which was a nice 2.5mile stroll in boots!!  We didn't get back in time for last orders at the hotel bar but to be honest, we were so exhausted we fell asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillows!! 

It has been a lovely day here today.  Peter & I erected the trampoline in the top field and both Lauren & Martha spent a happy few hours bouncing around safely thanks to it having an enclosure.  Thinking ahead to the party on Saturday, I also managed to get the gazebo up and the 10ft paddling pool in advance.  I had the idea of creating a ball pool for the little ones to play in and emptied all 300 balls into it that Mum got for Martha's birthday - they don't even cover the bottom of the pool!!  The photos in the ads for ball pools must have at least 3000 balls in them, where on earth would I store them all?? Anyway, I've decided that what they have is sufficient once you get a couple of them in there, the balls will probably end up being thrown out and back in again anyway!!

 

Lauren fell asleep on the sofa before I even served dinner and didn't wake until after 9pm.  I thought about moving her into her bed but she was in a party dress and pants so I really needed to get her changed and didn't want to disturb her.  I know now how to get the girls worn out during the day - get them on the trampoline!!!!

 

We're off to see Prince at the O2 Arena tomorrow night so will be travelling down first thing, returning Wednesday afternoon so I'll update you then - how exciting!!!!

Mum and Alan visited us today on their way back from our relatives in Newcastle.  It was lovely to see them both and the girls were very excited.  Mum and Alan were amazed at the transformation, especially in the walking, talking Martha!  We enjoyed a BBQ at teatime and I was very proud to have done it all by myself for the first time (Normally it's the "man's" job - something about cavemen I think!).  We were all cooking and eating happily when Peter came home and the girls were very happy to see him.  Peter then interferred and set my BBQ alight and burnt the kebabs or perhaps they were flamegrilled (literally)!!  It was all very funny and we enjoyed the food, company and scenery enormously.

 

I was very grateful to Mum for not only bringing up her cake decoration box but also for tinting my coconut green (for the grass around the castle), and lilac and pink for the turrets.  I bought some fabulous pink disco edible glitter on Saturday and thought it might be nice to add it into the pink coconut box, woweee!!  It looks amazing, it's glistens and sparkles like the walls of a diamond mine, I can't wait to make the cake!!  Before that though, Peter & I embark on our once in a lifetime trip to London to see Prince, I am so excited, I've been feeling sick for the last couple of days and can't sleep at night (I know I'm 31 but it's PRINCE!!!!!).  We leave Tuesday morning and he's on at 1800hrs, I'm getting a bit anxious about leaving the girls but I know they'll have a great time with Nana, but's it's still nervewracking as it's the first time we've left them both overnight - we'd only left Lauren once overnight before that when we attended Peter's work's do in Henley on Thames!

Had a productive day today.  We left really early to go to the butchers in Pateley for our BBQ supplies for tomorrow and to buy a Silver anniversary gift for Peter's relations (he's off to the party tonight).  Afterwards, we came home and Martha napped whilst Lauren and I tucked into bacon sandwiches made with our fresh bakers bread which prompted me to make some of our own.  Lauren made a roll and I made a harvest loaf and plain white farmhouse - saving them until tomorrow when Mum and Alan visit for the day.  To make sure I didn't attack the fresh bread, I decided to drive into Harrogate to get some provisions for Lauren's birthday cake and really enjoyed going to the cake shop but have to admit I was disappointed in the selection on offer, I expected a lot more model things (I suppose I really wanted the mini horse and/or horse and carriage!).  We left armed with a giant cake board, 2 paint brushes, cake sparklers (Lauren doesn't know about these), and a Fimo type girl with rope dangly legs that Lauren chose.  I've decided to be very lazy and buy the cake from ASDA and spend the time decorating rather than making, at least then I've got 50% chance of it being right (ie it might not look pretty but it'll taste nice!).  I bought boxes upon boxes of ready to roll icing and managed to forget just plain icing sugar - doh!!

 

Lauren has said a few "interesting" things today...

 

In car on way home from Pateley, I muttered about a bad driver (no swearing involved I promise)

 

Lauren: What's the matter mum?  Are you grumpy?

 

In kitchen after dropping the empty hot loaf tin...

 

Lauren:  Stupid woman!  (I was sure it was Peter then realised he wasn't home...hmm I wonder where she could have got this rudeness from?)

 

In car on way home from Harrogate

 

Lauren:  Mummy, Martha and I are going out (waving to me in the rear view mirror)

Me:  Where are you going Lauren?

Lauren:  Doctors

Me:  Oh dear, what's the matter with you?

Lauren:  Not me, it's for Martha

Me:  Ok, what's wrong with Martha

Lauren:  She's stupid

 

I'm spotting a trend here...PETER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We had a brilliant day today at Meadowhall in Sheffield meeting Natasha.  It was wonderful to see her and spend some time together.  Meadowhall is still recovering from the recent floods so a lot of the shops weren't open or were not fully stocked which was a shame as we couldn't look at maternity clothes for her.  I bought some large gift bags from Poundland (what a cool shop - loads of stuff you don't need but buy because it's a £!!!!) for Lauren's party, I plan on using them for the children to fill with their creations as they move around (or at the end if they're still wet of course) each activity.  Not sure whether to do pass the parcel or running games, I suppose I can decide nearer the time weather permitting.  We also found out that Mum is stopping by on Sunday which is a nice surprise - Lauren has requested that we have a BBQ - what a brilliant idea!!

 

I drove to Sheffield on my own which is the furthest I've now driven since the accident alone with the girls and it feels like another milestone - hurrah!!!!  

Spent the morning doing bits and bobs around the house and outside.  We were really excited when a parcel arrived containing all the party products and a free Farmyard Friend toy (donkey) which I gave to Lauren and Martha to share.   In the afternoon, Lauren's friend from playgroup Emma arrived with her mum Julie, and baby sister, Pheobe.  We all had great fun playing outside and going on bear hunts in the woods.  Sadly Harry the cat scratched Martha's face badly on both sides, which put a damper on things but in typical Martha fashion, she perked up after first aid and cuddles were applied - anyone want a cat???

 

 

We joined Poppy, Holly Amanda & Bill, together with their friends, at Burnsall and spent a lovely few hours enjoying the river.  I'd forgotten how sore it is on your feet to walk on stones and the girls had a great time in Poppy's new inflatable dinghy.  I carried Martha down to the riverside and Lauren walked next to us.  Holly's friend, Aiden, held the dinghy for me whilst I lifted Martha in.  Lauren was brilliant and showed no fear or apprehension and simply hopped into the dinghy from the water - I was really impressed!  I held on to the rope and let them bob around for about 10-15 minutes - they loved every second and getting them out was a battle!!  I've uploaded some new photos but sadly, none of them on the dinghy, kind of hard to take a picture whilst holding onto Martha and the dinghy!!

 

We were pleased to discover Peter was going to home a few hours earlier from his trip than expected so the girls got chance to see him and play with him before bed.

 

I searched the internet for some castle cake ideas for Lauren's birthday - not sure if mine will turn out as well as the "examples" but I'm going to give it my all and Peter has said he might help !  I can't wait!! 

The girls spent a nice afternoon over at their nana's house.  Lauren walked over just before lunch, after Martha had bitten her, in need of some solo attention from Nana.   It's a sign that Lauren's getting older and I'm slightly less anxious that I called Jenny (MIL) to say I was sending Lauren over.  I helped her get her shoes on, pack her toilet bag, and waved her off.  Her Nana was waiting at her door to collect her at the other end.  I think Lauren enjoys the fact that she's a "big girl" being allowed to walk to Nana's on her own - let me explain, we live on the same piece of land and can see each other's houses and the lane that connects them so Lauren is never out of sight on her "solo" walk but she doesn't realise that.  She was very sweet and kept turning around to wave and shout "goodbye, see you later" and blow kisses.

 

The "solo" time I had in the house was very much appreciated as it allowed me to get jobs done that are virtually impossible whilst trying to watch, play, interact with the girls.

 

Whatever happened at Nana's today, wore them out.  They were both in bed before 7pm!  Hmmm, I wonder what she's doing tomorrow??

Peter has gone away for a few days again - boo hoo!

 

Martha has been walking everywhere around the house today, she is doing so very well.  The poor thing fell over the dolls' pushchair this afternoon (I think she might have been trying to get in it again) and has got a nasty graze right down her back, top to bottom.  Lauren has been a monster and I hope to get her out tomorrow so she can burn off some energy.

 

I ordered the materials for her crafty birthday party.  I've decided to have 3 activity tables with the 17 children split into 3 groups rotating around.  Not sure if it'll work that neatly but hey-ho, children's party's are meant to be chaotic!!  I've ordered:-

Activity 1:  mini porcelein mugs and special pens

Activity 2:  mini-canvas bags and special pens

Activity 3:  finger puppets, window decorations, bookmarks and felt tip pens (scary I know but they'll work best)

 

I might do some cheapo pass the parcel but am not sure yet.  Don't know if I'm being a meanie but I'm planning on making the craft stuff their goody bags - I'll add in a couple of sweets, birthday cake and balloon - am I being mean?  Give me your comments!  Decided to have the party on the Saturday now, think it's going to be too mad the day before term starts!

 

Wow, it was bliss to wake this morning in a different bedroom!  Those that know me probably think I'm always going on about tidying and organising but when you live in chaos and more importantly when you've come out of living in chaos, you never want to go back there again!  I spent most of today in and out of the room doing 20-30 minutes blitzs of the piles of papers that need to be put into files.

 

We went outside for an hour or so this afternoon to burn our paper mountain, is it only us that seem to have a used envelope breeding colony?!  You can't put envelopes in the recycling box which is maddening.

 

We enjoyed another traditional Sunday dinner tonight and now plan on relaxing with my husband, a cup of tea and perhaps Kim and Aggies Cleaning Bible!  Tres romantique!

I was greeted this morning with breakfast in bed!  I am so very, very grateful to Peter for being so considerate.  The house is in pretty good order at the moment with the exception of our bedroom (I think I've written this already!).  Anyway, today was the today that would all change.  Peter and I worked tirelessly all day clearing, sorting, rearranging the bedroom into the "plan".  It now looks bigger, more organised and best of all tidier!  Lauren & Martha have been really good, patient girls whilst we were so busy getting it done and were really grateful to them.  I now have to get things in the right places which is going to be easy now the right places exist!!

We had fun at lunchtime making pizzas and have posted new photos in August album showing the girls hard at work.

 

I can't believe it's the middle of August, 2 weeks until the start of term and we've only had a handful of decent days to go out and enjoy the season!  Anyway, we had library books to return so I decided to bundle this girls up this afternoon and take them into town - what an error of judgement that turned out to be - I came back ultra-stressed, extremely pi**ed off and forgot nearly all my shopping list!

 

Firstly, as I went into the main car-park, I was greeted by a man (and his family) in a MPV shouting, swearing and waving his hands at another driver.  Don't know what was happening/happened but believe children needed be exposed to "f" words at 3pm on a Friday afternoon!  Dirty looks (to me from above driver, I'd like to add!) aside, there were no parking spaces left as a number of people had selfishly parked across bays taking up 2 spaces, we drove to the showfield where I parked in our favourite spot hassle free.  We then took a stroll across the bridge and up the high street - the high street has very narrow little pavements and it's generally a struggle to get up but we manage perfectly well until... right outside the estate agents someone has let their dog (or rather a small pony) poo all over.  Not just one pile of the filthy stuff but 3 large piles across the width of the path.  Hmmm, how can a 4-wheeled pushchair, 2 little girls feet and a fraught mother manage to avoid it all?  We don't!  Thankfully I only managed to get one wheel partially in the mess before I noticed but I cannot understand 1) why someone allowed their dog to do it - they must have had to stop whilst it did it and 2) why did no-one challenge the owner - it was late afternoon and as you've probably learnt from the car park story, it was busy! I cannot stand lazy dog owners!

 

To end our trip off nicely, we crossed the road as the path at this point is a lot wider, only to discover a man has parked his very wide vehicle on the pavement - there was no way I could get around with the pushchair and it was really hard to see past it to cross back over - you can imagine how angry I was at this point.  The man came out of the office, casually opened his boot and put stuff in it, looked at me like I was an alien then said he was going to move it now.  He then started fumbling about in the car for what seemed like an eternity whilst I was stood behind like a numpty waiting for him to move.

 

Sorry for the rant but I was mad!  I hate selfishness, dog crap, rudeness, swearing in front of children and forgetting shopping list items - today I had them all - aaarrrrgggghhhh!

Lauren woke excitedly at 5.50am and started to get ready for Ben's visit.  I managed to convince her to snooze (not sleep "I'm not tired enough for sleep Mummy, only a 'nooze"!) for nearly an hour before it was respectable to get up for the day.

 

Demelzaa, Ben and Alistair came over around 1000 with some yummy treats for us all.  Ben & Lauren love crafty things so I got the craft box out and they spent an hour or so gluing, sticking, cutting and designing with much enjoyment.  Martha and Alistair played around each other for a while before settling on playing with the blocks next to each other happily.

 

After a little snack time, all the children decorated gingerbread men.  Ben and Lauren decorated multiple times, eating the decorations off in between outfit changes!  Afterwards, they all enjoyed eating them, Martha especially!  See the new photos at the end of the August album.

 

Over the last couple of days Martha's walking/crawling ratio has changed dramatically!  She is now walking about 80% of the time and can make long distances with only a couple of wobbles on the way.

Had an ASDA shop delivered this morning and can't believe they have run out of McVities Plain Chocolate Digestives!  They didn't even substitute them for ASDA own make - I was looking forward to having one with my lunchtime coffee (who am I kidding!?!  I was looking forward to having half the packet with my lunchtime coffee!!!

 

I cleaned the fridge and freezer out in readiness for our lovely new groceries, I think this a job that's very rewarding, but then again I'm probably odd! 

 

We had a feast at lunchtime and enjoyed a yummy dinner now that we are fully stocked up again!!

 

Arranged for Lauren's best friend Ben to come over tomorrow morning with his mum, Demelza and brother Alistair to play with Martha.  I'm really looking forward to seeing Demelza and having good conversation and fun with the children.

Behaviour in our house took a serious downturn today.  Lauren's naughtiness with Martha reached a peak when she dragged her off the bathroom chair by her hair and scratched her cheek.  It has been such a trying day and I've been trying to cope with very little sleep and excited children - bad combination!

 

Got a second wind after dinner and I cleaned the house (with the exception of our bedroom which is a job in itself as it involves a furniture re-shuffle) in record time - I'm very happy with the result and went to bed content knowing that tomorrow I will wake to a clean, tidy house.

 

Peter needed to get diesel in his van and I needed some shelf supports for the kitchen cupboards so we all headed into Harrogate.  The weather was very nice in between the showers and after our chores, we managed to go to Thruscross Reservoir for a short walk and spent some time throwing stones in which Lauren enjoys.

 

We came home to a lovely Sunday lunch of roast chicken, mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, carrots and peas.  It was lovely and I've been really lax at cooking them over the past few weeks so it was a nice.

Had a really lazy day today.  Peter on the other hand finished painting the outside of the house where Barry couldn't reach and it looks great.  He cleaned his van at Abbotts and brought us all back some yummy treats from Kendalls butchers - thank you Peter XXX

 

I tried to edit some EVP's that another Asylumcam.com member e-mailed me and was quite surprised at the results.  It was in Swedish so I couldn't understand but she did and it was a very strange conversation to be having at 4.30am!! 

º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º Happy 2nd Birthday Georgie!! º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º 

 

We went into Pateley Bridge early this morning to try and get to the playpark before anyone else so Lauren and Martha have the place all to themselves.  After having a fun time, we got our weekly paper and decided to have a riverside walk.  After the long distances we've walked this week, I decided to just have a mile or so walk which was really refreshing!  We  visited the Tourist Information Office in Pateley for the first time ever and picked up some helpful leaflets about different places we can go as I'm running out of ideas and now I'm up and out in the car again, the world (well North Yorkshire) is our oyster for days out.  We treated ourselves to fish and chips and took them home to enjoy.  Martha fell asleep until late afternoon so she enjoyed her warmed up later on.

 

We had a lovely meal out tonight with Peter's sister and her daughters.  The girls had sausage and mash (we were slightly disappointed that they didn't have a childrens menu), Peter & I had tiger prawns to start, Amanda had Tapas - both dishes were yummy.  Holly and Poppy had steak for their main course, Amanda had chicken, Peter had salmon and I had lamb.  Afterwards we all enjoyed lovely deserts of walnut and something sponge, chocolate and brandy mousse, strawberry and shortcakes and the girls all had ice-cream.  Lauren loved dancing outside with her cousins as the new photos in the August album will prove.