Christmas has been and gone!

Well it happened and although Ben and I went late night shopping the night before Christmas Eve we were ready for it!
Christmas day was a proper 'Granny convention' - Mum, Granny Mary and Granny Cleo. We had a fabulous lunch and the turkey was amazing. We finished lunch just in time to watch the Queens speech, which the Great Granny's were looking forward to. She did not disappoint them :-)
Boxing day was much more hectic as we had Andi, Tanya and the children over for the afternoon. The children played fantastically all afternoon and when they got a little tired we watched Nativity a very funny Christmas film.
The next day we took Jetney for a walk in the woods with Amy, Neil, Emma and Boss the dog. It has now become tradition to do this ( two years in a row makes it a new tradition hehe). We all piled into Amy's house all wet and need of a cup of tea and Neil's special pancakes.
Yesterday we went over to Andi and Tanya's for ......you got it ......more food! and lots of quizzes to keep us on our toes!
Today I had to go work! I felt quite sad when I left them all in bed this morning. Luckily I only have to go in tomorrow and then I'm off again until next year (4th of Jan!!!!!!!)
I think we have Andi and Raz coming over tonight to watch the football - oh what joy...............

Nearly a month has passed!

Lots has happened over the last 3 weeks. My children are still poorly (on and off all of them have spent a few days at home not able to go to school!). Tamsyn went back yesterday after having the start of the week off but she still isn't all that well and was too tired to go to the school disco last night :-(
Our decorations are now up YEAH and our tree looks fantastic, or so I think hehe. We all got very excited again when we took out of the Christmas box, all our favourite decorations. We spent ages talking about when we got certain dec's and how old the children were at the time. We decided to put them up earlier than we normally do so that our house would look all christmasy for Dad's birthday party / MND fundraiser on Wednesday just gone. My house was full to brimming and all my lovely friends, family and new friends (met through our families being affected by Motor Neurone disease) got together to celebrate what would have been Dad's birthday and to raise money for the association. So far we have raised £530 and there is still some to come in. Such generosity just before Christmas, when we all all feeling the pinch, is just amazing and I can't thank them all enough. It was such an amazing day and such fun (if not a little hard work at times!). I know he would have been very pleased with our efforts. Happy birthday Dad  xx Love you xx

Amid the 'poorlyness' and chaos we had a very lovely night at the college when we met with Emily's teachers for the first time. It was such a surreal evening, drifting around with teachers telling you that your lovely Emily was such a joy to teach and doing really very well!!!!!! Ben and I was so proud  - on the way home Ben said "haven't we done a good job so far" hehehe that I'm not sure of, but she has done so well to go to a new school, settle in and improve so much that I think she has done a fabulous job. Massive hugs all round that night.

Christmas is only a week ago and I've still to get a few presents but I don't think I'm doing too bad! I've yet to get it all out and actually see what I'm missing (hopefully not too much). The lead up to this Christmas has been so hectic and this week is no different I'm afraid. We are out tonight for Liz's birthday and tomorrow night is Ben's works Christmas party. On Sunday we are 'dispatching' the turkeys!!!!!! Poor things......
I am home today though as it snowed last night and the home visit planned at Liskeard hospital was cancelled so I decided not to go over (it was an extra day anyway). Gives me a day to clean up after the party and to get some washing done!!!!!!! How dull my life is :-)

I think tomorrow I'm going to make a gingerbread house with the children. We bought a kit last year but this time we are going to try and make it ourselves. Lots of sweets are needed me thinks :-) Will put some pictures up tomorrow xxxx

Poorly and cold.

All the children are poorly today! Samuel and Tamsyn did not go to school and by 10:30 I had a phone call at work to pick Emily up as well! Em has been ill all weekend and had Friday of school. Benjamin is the only 'well' person in the house! Lets hope it stays that way.
The weather has turned very cold over the weekend and it is set to get colder over the next week - we have decided to move the rabbit indoors for the winter. We did this last year and it meant that, as well as being all warm and snug, Flopsy Carrot was also played with and given the attention that I think she would have lacked out in the garden in the cold and the rain.
Although it has turned colder it was still really nice when I walked Jet 'around the block'  in Lewannick today. I left the children with Granny as I knew that they wouldn't be able to manage even a quick trip up to the park. The sun was out and everything was crisp and fresh. I found lots of holly bushes whilst on my travels so will go back to pick a few bits when it gets nearer to Christmas. The children and I are going to make a wreath for the door and bring some into the house to decorate.
I had a couple of hours on Saturday and went up to Cowslip for their Christmas fayre. It was a wonderful, lovely country craft fair in the farmhouse, workroom & barn. There were lots of stalls selling their goodies. Lots of homemade cards, woodwork, felted items, vintage fabric, willow, pottery, candles and jewellery. My friend was also selling her Jamie at home kitchen things. I bought a couple of things (I couldn't go mad as I have teeth to pay for!) I picked up a really nice little wall hanging with an embroidered Christmas tree on it and a piece of printed fabric on a wooden mount. I could have spent a fortune and bought something from every stall!!!!!!!!! Must remember to save for next year hehe.

One of the quilts at Cowslip...............! So very good xx

I have made one purchase this weekend that I can't wait for. I'm so excited, I hope it comes soon. I found on Ebay a handmade quilt made from a Moda fabric jelly roll. It's made from Christmas fabrics and will look fabulous in my dining room. I want to clean and clear the dining room tonight in anticipation of its arrival. I must really start the quilt I was going to make from a jelly roll, that I bought with my birthday vouchers, so that when it's not Christmas any more I will have something to put up in it's place. It will make taking the dec's down more bearable and my house not so naked.........anyway i'm getting carried away with myself as it's not even time to put the decoration up yet!!!! Thank goodness as i'm not ready for things like that yet.

Time to make a cup of tea for my poorly children and to sort out what i'm cooking for tea xx

Enough is enough.........

I am quite happy to throw in the towel today!!! My (2nd) toothache got worse and I went to the dentist again....and guess what? I need another root canal filling....stop...... WHAT? another £400, oh mercy me......... I did not plan to be spending £800 this month on my silly teeth! I am so tired, I think from constant tooth ache for what seems like weeks now and working full time and doing all the things we do in the evenings - I give up! (only for a little while - lets not be too dramatic hehe).
In order to make my like more simple, at the long awaited PTA meeting today - handbags at dawn....I gave in my resignation for secretary, thank goodness, I have been meaning to do this for such a long time. I feel sorry for the poor, lovely lady who only came to help and find out what goes on and ended up having a job to do, but as I recall that is excactly how I came to be doing it in the first place. I wonder what else is on the list to knock off in order to live the simple life. I'll have to compile a list!
Ben took Samuel and Tamsyn to the rugby club tonight for training. Tamsyn has decided that it is just too cold and does not want to go back again. I don't blame her though as tonight is bitter. Not too cold for Ben to walk down the hill to the pub to watch the football with Andi, funny that!
I am left with a mountain of washing, again and several episodes of CSI. All is not lost then xx I'm also hoping that Liz will call up, as she is a little stressed with a situation at school involving Thomas and a less than nice child in his class. A catch up is required.
I have been reading a wonderful blog written by a lady called Cherry Menlove. Her life seems so perfect, with her beautiful and wonderfully decorated, big house in Surrey with her very pretty twins (who can't answer back yet - bliss). All about her seems so calm and serene! She has time to make patchwork quilts, jam and Christmas stockings and never has an 'off' day. All days are full of good things.......I feel cheated today, my days are not going so well! Remember glass have full Karen................ Ok then onto the washing........Doh!

I have tooth ache again!

I finally went to the dentist - boo and hiss! I decided that I cannot act like a baby in the dentist chair and made a big effort to try and relax and not get silly about the whole thing, easier said than done but it worked a little and I seemed to cope so much better than I normally do. I finally, after cancelling twice, had my root canal filling, Oh my gosh.......I was in the chair for a whole 3/4 hour - a very long time to have your mouth open. And a lot of money to hand over for the privilege. I came home and later on I started having tooth ache in  another tooth on the other side of my mouth!!!!!!!!! I'm not sure if the dentist has just aggravated my teeth by messing around in my mouth or if this is something new but it looks like I have to go back on Monday.
The pain pleasure theory has been in force this weekend! We watched the fireworks from Raz's garden on Friday night. Andi, Tanya and the children were there and Mum came along as well. Lots of friends came and filled Raz's house. It was really lovely to catch up with everyone. We had hot chocolate with 'all the works' to warm us up afterwards as it was quite cold and wintery. The children had a fantastic time and I managed to get them out the door and home before they started to get all tired and silly! Poor Ben had to work a night shift so missed it all!
Emily went Plymouth Shopping with Granny Rosa yesterday morning. She bought her Christmas present, a wonderful pair of long black boots from Jones's (they look a little like riding boots). Such a lucky girl, but she has to wait as Granny took them back with her!!!!!!
Today Samuel has gone to Saltash to play rugby with Ben, Emily has gone to the cinema with Andi and tribe and Tamsyn is still at Granny Rosa's house where she decided to stay last night. They are having a great time.

However we have also had some very bad news this weekend about two of the most special people in our extended family. One of our friends suffered a t.i.a. (a mini stroke!) and our other friend had been diagnosed with breast cancer and is going into hospital next week for her operation and treatment! We are all so upset and can't stop thinking about them both. I can't quite believe it. It brings you all back down to earth with a bump. Dad will have to have a word with the big man to make sure they are alright and keep them safe!

Whilst I have no children for a hour or two my job is to clean the house and put some washing on before we get over run again. I'm also going to clear the courtyard and make it look all pretty again. How come the children have so much fun and I get all the good jobs?

I love you Paloma Faith xxxxx

Last night Ben and I went to Plymouth with Andi, Tanya and Tracey to see Paloma Faith and Eliza Doolittle and Plymouth Pavillions WOW they were both fantastic but Paloma was so wonderfully amazing. Her dress's and shoes were beautiful and her hair was all curled in the 1940's style that she loves. I was a little silly and wore my yummy red heels! silly as I danced all night but by the time I got back home my feet were sore (and still are today...). We had several drinks and had such a giggle. I really love going to things like this with Andi and Tanya we always have a laugh and Tracey is always such good fun. We all had a fantastic night.
Its firework night tonight YEAH I cant wait. The park are putting on their display as has become tradition and then back to my house afterwards for hot chocolate, squirty cream and marshmallows.....mmmmm
Just the minor inconvenience of having to go to the dentist this afternoon for a root canal filling !! Help, I'm panicking (only and hour to go). I don't cope well with the dentist and normally end up crying and being told by the nurse that i'm being a 'good girl' (i'm not 9 even if i'm acting like it i feel like!!). So hey ho i'll be very poor tonight - big big bill for today..... but will have fab teeth, I hope xx

A few photos from last week.

Some of the carts coming down the hill at Porthleven (pram race!!!)



A yummy lunch in a cafe with a yummy view.

A bowl of muscles and some cheesy chips.

Tamsyn was very pleased :-)

Fish and chips for the crabs...........Andi's idea.......

Tamsyn at Loe Bar, sea to the left and lake to the right.

Our very wonderful pile of stones on the beach.

Samuel climbing/falling out of a tree

Emily not wanting to get her jeans wet!

Oh my! Ice cream milshake with whipped cream and sauce and hot brownies with clotted cream!!!!!

Back home, Halloween and work tomorrow!

Well I decided to give up on my phone on holiday! To get any reception in the house you had to stand on a chair on one leg and in the end I gave up! Suffice to say the rest of our holiday went fantastically. We spent Wednesday at Flambards and met up with Mum's friends in the evening for tea and to watch the fireworks (from Flambards). It was a much better idea than staying at the park as it got quite cold in the evening and I think that Daisy would have been very cold and tired, as would all the 'big people'. Much more civilised to watch them from the garden and then go indoors for a glass of wine and a sit by the fire.
The other days were spent crabbing at Falmouth and a quick walk on the pier, going to the beach and stomping around a beautiful lake with wellies and just chilling out in the house. The children really enjoyed the week together with their cousins and played so fantastically together. Some moments were hard when we thought about Dad and how he would have loved the house and having us all together and I know Mum found things hard at times but I think we all did really well and we all had such a wonderful time. Andi even said that he wouldn't mind going back to the same house (which is unheard of from him as he always says there is no need to do the same thing twice as there are so many places to see and go!).
Well its now 'back into work and school mode'.............! not a good feeling. Emily had to make a pizza base today for school tomorrow (tea hopefully will be provided by Emily if she doesn't start eating it on the way home!). I think all is sorted but i'm sure I will have missed something and be searching the house tomorrow morning for something.
Today (well yesterday now as i'm writing this at 2 in the morning) was Halloween. Samuel carved the pumpkin for the first time, with a little help from Emily and Tamsyn and was very pleased with his efforts and we made three little pumpkins into chickens (strange I know but true) with some metal chicken heads, tail and feet you push into the skin. They even stand up and we love them. We have a new Halloween tradition - the celebration of the humble chicken hehe. We went 'trick or treating' before tea, just up the road and to Andi's and Penny and Kate's house. We even dressed Jet the dog up in Tamsyn's old spider costume. I'm not sure how much he enjoyed his evening but the children loved him being involved. He did look very sweet.
Ben had cooked a roast which was all ready to be served as soon as we got home. Fantastic timing YEAH and of course we all ate sweets and marshmallow 'top hats' for desert - lots of teeth brushing tonight...........
I'm not a huge fan of Halloween but i'm liking our scaled down, quite version much more every year.
Happy Halloween xxxxxxxx

Roskillys........ Yummy

A trip to Roskillys has kept us busy today. This is what I have been looking forward to most this week (and dreading! As we were missing the other person who loved the place as much as I do!). We met up with Mum and Dads friends Michael and Jane-Marie and their little lady Mollie. We all had the most wonderful lunch, I had homemade chunky soup with crusty rolls. Afterwards between us I think we had every flavour of ice cream the place sold. Mollie took us on a long walk around the farm and lakes, through the fields and bogs! Definatly a 'wellie walk'. We ate apples from a tree that had recently fallen but had still managed to produce fruit. After our walk I persuaded Ben to go back into the farm shop selling local artisan's work (pottery, glass work, the most fantastic wooden furniture that I will never be able to afford, paintings and lots of things that would look great in my house!!!). I bought a vase and a decorative dish made by a local potter with a hare on them. They should look quite nice on my dresser (that I keep saying I'm going to reorganise - this will prompt me to do so).
We are all now back at the cottage waiting for our curry to finish cooking. (I think a diet is in order when I get home next week)............

We have had a fun the last two days. The weather has been fantastic (blue sky and sunshine)and we have been out and about making the most of it all. Yesterday we went to Porthleven, a tiny village on the coast full of little 'trinket' shops selling lots of touristy things, that the children love, and I try to avoid (although I did see a few things.....) when we walked into the village the main street was busy with people all waiting for the imminent 'pram race'. We only had to wait 10 minutes or so before the first of the fantastic decorated carts hurtled down the steep hill towards us picking up quite alot of speed before bouncing of the hay bales and almost tipping on it side to get around the corner. It was fabulous and the children all thought it was wonderful, they hadn't seen anything like it before and didn't stop laughing until the last cart was long gone (around the harbour to the pub on the other side). Our favourite cart was decorated to make it look like the Chilean mine shaft, complete with escape pod!
We carried on walking to the beach and played a game of rounders (girls winning of course). We all had a paddle in the surf. Most of us managed to fill our boots with water and small pebbles!
As the sun started to fade we all made our way back to the cars, looking as Liz would say, very 'cornish'!!!!!!! Or as I would say bedraggled.....
We had been quite clever and had put the roast on to cook before we left the house on our return all we had to do was turn the cooker up to finish it off and sort out the veg. A day outside had made us all so hungry, and what looked like far too much food was eaten up in no time at all. The children all went to bed tired and happy.
Today we woke up to say hello to Ben and Samuel who had got out of bed at 5:30 this morning to go fishing!!!!! Unfortunatly they didn't catch anything Boo and hiss! After breakfast and a bit of a rest for the boys we went over to Praa Sands for a run on the beach (Andi organising the relay races) and afterwards a fabulous lunch of muscles and cheesy chips, yummy.
We spent the afternoon 'crabbing' in Penzance. Only two crabs were caught and three of the tiniest fish i have ever seen. Funnily enough we managed to squeeze a little bit of shopping in (Tanya bought some wonderful dresses and I bought a cute little purse).
The day was finished of in the cow shed where the farmer let the children help feed the month old calves. They loved it and gave them their bucket of milk and a hug. The farmer knew Dad really well as he was one of his customers, he chatted to Mum for quite a while which was nice.
Sam went to bed really early, as did they all apart from Emily who is now 'very old' which is where I'm heading now as it's gone midnight xxx

Can't wait for roast

Day 2 in the 'big holiday house' hehe we have woken up to beautiful sunshine xx Sunday roast is what everyone is looking forward to. We are just about to go for a walk along the beach. The meat has already gone in the oven on a low heat so that when we come back it will nearly be done and the house will smell wonderful.
Tamsyn made up a 'quiz' this morning over breakfast for the other children. Andrew says she has now cought playareah!!!! As yesterday she cried because she didn't want to join in as she didn't think she would be any good, and today she can't wait to answer as many questions as possible.
Cup of tea and then off to the beach....... Fabulous....

On holiday in deepest darkest Cornwall xx

We arrived late last night at the holiday house. I can't believe how big it is! It's got 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms a massive kitchen/dining room ( bigger than the downstairs of my house) a games room and a really nice lounge. We definatly found a fabulous house. It must be quite old and is full of beams and granite posts. It's decorated in a very old fashioned 30's style and full of old paintings and old crockery. I dream if living in a house like this! They have put down the middle of the kitchen two old and battered wooden farmhouse tables. Big enough for all ten of us to sit around and have 'elbow' space. It's utterly fabulous. The weather today had not been though!!!!! It has rained most if the day but we are all so pleased to Just sit and relax it hasn't seemed to matter. Ben and Sam went of into the nearest village in search of today's paper this morning. And Andi and Ben ventured of at lunch time in the rain to hunt and gather pastys for us all. Tonight we are all going to settle in and play some games (the girls were narrowly beaten at pictionary last night so will need to improve tonight) and Andi has written a quiz for the children for after tea. We have cottage pie in the oven just about ready. It's just really nice to enjoy spending time with each other without always having to rush about. It's just such a shame Dads not here to enjoy it with us!! He is missed all the time but this week much more by all of us (as this was Dads best week of the year). He loved his holiday with all the family so much and would talk about it so much. We have decided to make sure we all have a fantastic time and try not to be too sad as he would not have wanted that xxx I just hope he's looking down pleased we are all away together and having lots of fun, building new memories for all the little ones xxx

Busy, busy, busy.........

Tonight has been busy. Samuel had football and Tamsyn had art club after school. We then had two friends (brother and sister) of Samuel and Tamsyn's over for tea which was good fun. Their Mum had to work and my lot love to have them over so all people were happy. They even ate my tea, which was a change from last time they came over.......... After they left Tamsyn made her robot for her whole school homework due in on Friday. She is very pleased with her efforts and can't wait to take it in tomorrow morning. I'm going to have to find a box to take them in so they don't get crushed in her bag
Emily had her first 'big girl with words' pantomime practice!!!!! They are doing Calamity Jane this year which sounds like alot of fun. I had to pick her up but they didn't finish until 9:30/10 ish by the time we got home. The older group obviously practice for longer so I will have to remember to make sure Emmy gets an early night, the night before and after as she will be fit for nothing at school if not.
I've been working in Liskeard all day (which is not really what I needed) so i'm feeling quite tired tonight - can't think why hehe.
I really need a day off work this week to get ready for our holiday (we go away on Friday) but i'm sure I will fit in packing, in between Beavers, rugby, art club, friends over  and a week at work aaaaaggggghhhhhh I'm sure it will get done, it always does. One day I will learn but probably not in the near future - it would never suit me.
Emily was a sweet heart when she came home from school today. I came home quite a tidy house. She had gone around picking the many things we had all dropped along the way this morning, as we were frantically getting ready for school. All the washing was picked up from the bathroom floor and the table had been cleared XXXXXXX big kisses for the very grown up Emily. She had also done a wonderful job to her bedroom (not that Tamsyn and her friend kept it that way for long!). She has been such a help this last couple of weeks. I think she can tell that i'm getting tired and not doing so well without my days off to clean the house (when all the children are at school - such a difference) Long may it continue, Bless her.
How mothers cope when they work full time every week I have no idea. I've only been doing this for the last 6 weeks or so but don't think I could do this for ever, and remain mentally intact.
Must go as I have a load of washing to sort out now - no rest for the wicked.

I said there would be more things........

Oh and the flowers my girls painted on the wall out in the courtyard.
Arn't they fabulous?

Things I love........some of them

Baking              Family photos (especially from when I was young)         Milk chocolate

Bunches of flowers all over the house          Bunting            Gin and tonic         Apples

Picnics      vintage finds (especially ones from Granny Mary's or Granny Cleo's house) 

Smell of washing on the line        Cup of tea in a crisis       CSI on telly very late at night

Daffodills and tulips       My massive oak table       Cake stands and cup cakes

Quilts to wrap up in on a cold night         Mulled wine     Friends/family over for roast

Benjamin (always xx)       Chatting to Liz until three in the morning putting the worlds to right

The childrens antics       Boden      My dresser and all the 'bits' on it      fabric

Tablecloths for all occasions        chunky wine glasses        Kirsty Allsop (tv presenter - homes)

Deep red (paint and material)      The coat my Dad got me for Christmas a couple of years ago

Walking the dog on the beach           Victoria sponge cakes            my summer house in the garden


There is more but I can't think now......cup of tea time xxxxx            

A long week with tooth ache

Oh what a week I have had! I went to the dentist like a good girl and I cried my eyes out....... (very embarrassing!) I was in so much pain and my face had started to swell. He informs me that for £372 he can fix it with a root canal filling OUCH! both for the money and for the pain involved. If this is unsuccessful it will need to be crowned (another £400 - £500.....). Wow was I and still in pain on my return home. I was unable to go to work on the Wednesday and Thursday as my face had swollen even more and I was taking so much medication I wasn't feeling myself at all. I have to go back next week for my mammoth filling and am not looking forward to it at all.
I did have to week of work though and even though I wasn't fit for much I did sort out several loads of washing to get ourselves a little more up to date which was a much needed task completed. We were beginning to look like a wash house.
My mission to be organised and tidy is going very well. I have found a fab website 'Flylady.net' and although It may seem like she states the obvious (pick up after yourself, organise your time) sometime you need to be told or read it for it to sink in that it can actually be done. She is a firm believer in routines, if you do something every day it will become second nature and you will find yourself just doing whatever it is and it not being a big stress. I have written out a morning and evening routine in a folder and have so far stuck to it and it is working. My house is notably tidier and i'm feeling a little calmer. She says that you must try to do even just one wash a day to keep in control (and not do what I do and save it all for the weekend, and then go out with the children instead). She askes if your house is in CHAOS - Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome. I love this so much as this is what i have....or had hehe.
I was watching Kate + 8 last night on the television. Kate is a lady who had twins and then went on to have sextuplets!!!!!! I find it facinating how she copes. I wonder if she is all nice when the cameras are on but is really shouty when they all go home :-) She must have lots of help.
We have not seen much of poor Benjamin this last few weeks as he has spent most of his time at work. He has worked the last three weekends in a row! Not very good at all but very good for our pree Christmas bank balance (after my teeth have been paid for). As is always the case in our family just when we think we are getting somewhere you get another problem to deal with. I'm sure we are not alone.
Anyway nothing much really matters as soon (next week) we are away on holiday, all the family. Mum, Andi, Tanya and their children are coming as well - all 10 of us in a fabulous cottage down at the bottom of Cornwall for a week. We all cant wait. It's so fabulous. Poor Jet has to go into kennels but he is staying with Casper so I think he will be fine.
Must go I have another load of washing to hang out......I love the smell of washing on the line.

Still hurting :-(

I am suffering now, I still have toothache!!!!!! I've got a dentist appointment this afternoon but it can't come quick enough! I wasn't coping at all at work so came home before lunch - I was not looking my best and was feeling quite sick due to the pain and lack of sleep (even though I went to bed before the children did last night). Hurry up.....I never thought i would want to go to the dentist so much ever.....
All I can see around me is washing, in varies stages of dirty, clean and ironing. I'm hoping that as soon as I have seen the dentist the pain will have gone and then I will be able to funtion like a human being and not the 'pathetic one' that I am right now. I will then be able to clear my house of all the washing ( I think i'm going to have to be ruthless and decide if we actually need all these clothes and try to get rid of some - two recycling bags would be a good target), whilst we are at it two boxes to the charity shop would also not be a bad thing.
My silicone cake 'tins' were waiting for me at work today. They are so nice. I used my lovely Kenwood mixer to make a cake (victoria sponge as I cant cope with anything harder today). The whole thing was fabulous. The cake just slid out of the 'tin', even when quite hot. I've got a medium size round one (perfect for us lot) and two different size square ones (perfect for brownies and carrot cake tray bake). It also came with some cupcake cases, lets hope that the children done forget and throw them away like the paper ones hehe.
Only an hour to go before my appointment YEAH!!!!!!!!!!

I've got tooth ache!

Oh yeah!! After saying the other day how pleased I was that my children were so excited to go to the dentist and how frightened I was, I now have to ring up and make an appointment. I've got the worst tooth ache in ages. I had a filling fall out a long time ago ( a very long time ago!) and now it's started to hurt. I had to take Samuel to rugby this morning and it was all I could do to just stand there, pretend to be interested and hold onto my face! I even cried in the car it was hurting so much. As I never take pain relief for anything I had no paracetamol in the house and resorted to taking Calpol 6+........It tasted so disgusting.....poor children at least the Calpol for little ones is pink! We decided not to hang around for too long after the game and came home so we could all sit on the sofa, watch a film and drink hot chocolate. It cheered us all up a little.
Ben has worked all weekend and had to do 12 hours today so we pottered around the house. I had grand plans to get my ironing done today but when your feeling i'll the last thing you need to do is the ironing (it would make everything even worse hehe).
I have had a fabulous present given to me today. My lovely Granny Cleo has given me her Kenwood food mixer. It's so wonderful and i'm so excited to use it as soon as possible. Grandad bought it for her and it still looks new. She said that she hasn't used it for so long that I could have it. I was saying to her the other day that I have been looking into buying one but as they are so much money wondered if I would use it enough to justify such an expense. Such a fantastic present I can't quite believe it. My Christmas has come early. All I have to do in return is make her the odd cake YEAH this can be done with immense pleasure. I have plans this week to make meringues (very yummy) I've still got some blackberries in the freezer so would quite like to make a scrummy desert. Which reminds me I have to get the ingredients together in the morning for Emily to take to school as she is making rock buns. She is getting quite good at cooking, her apple and blackberry crumble she made last week was fantastic. They are all into cooking which is really good, at least if I teach them interesting things to cook now but the time they leave home they will not starve or be as utterly stupid as the children in America, Jamie Oliver was teaching on his recent program (who did not know what a potato was or any other vegetable for that matter  - they thought that a potato was a tomato!!!!!!). We will make Samuel a good husband for someone...........

No rest for the wicked

I have been a busy bee today! This morning I had to go to Liz's to pick up Emily (she had a sleepover after scouts last night). I stayed longer than I thought I was going to, as usual hehe. Mum and Andi picked all the children up from Liz's house, as I was still there after lunch and took them all to watch North Petherwin play football. They had a fab afternoon playing in the park at Lifton and even met up with Sam's rugby friends who live next to the football pitch/park. As I had no children my job was to have another go at cleaning Granny Marys house out!!!!! Such a big job and quite sad. I'm trying to be a bit ruthless but at the same time save all the things that she might want or we have room for in our house. Every time I clean another cupboard out I find things that we used to play with when we were children or pictures of Granny and Grandad when they were younger, when Dad was little. It seems so sad but made a little easier as I know that she is happy where she is. It would be much worse if Granny wasn't around at all. I think the task would be even more emotional.
Its raining again and getting colder. I'm going over to Lucy and Dan's house for a party tonight. Just have to wait for Ben to come back, as he is driving Mum and her friends out to Trethorne for a wedding party. I'm feeling quite tired and would sort of like to snuggle up under a quilt but i'm sure a glass or two of gin will perk me up :-)

Art class tonight.

Emily and I have just returned from an art class! We joined Liz, Ruby and Tom at Grandma Sue's (not our Grandma but all the children borrow her now it would seem). A local artist has been teaching them for many weeks so Emily and I decided to join them to see if we were any good. I had originally decided that Emily would go on her own but thought I would go with her for moral support and ended up having a go and enjoying it. We all took in turns to 'model' for each other and I had the humiliation of sitting whilst everyone else had to look at my face and describe it and then draw from memory!!! It does make you feel very nervous and wanting to rush to the nearest mirror to check out what they have said!....."shes got a bit of a puffy face".....thanks Thomas aaaggghhh. I think that I will go back next week and give it another go. He is very patient and gave Emily a massive confidence boost when he said that he loved her caricature of me (I looked like I had my 'why haven't you done your homework' face on - never a good look). We all had a very good night.
I am now so tired after working all day and concentrating all evening that I am far too tired to clean my house (like I had previously suggested I ought!!) I feel that to achieve the organised house that I want, I must be more dedicated and stick to the grand plan. Its all very hard to do everything I wonder how mums that work full time cope. They must never sit down. Perhaps their children do not do as much after school, as I think this is such a big factor. I think, especially not it is getting cold and dark earlier in the evenings, how nice it would be to finish work, pick the children up and just come home and settle in for the evening. Without having to keep going out for beavers, cubs, scouts, rugby etc (and now I've added art lessons to the equation - how silly, I never learn). Supermums I think. I'm looking forward to the extra pennies just before Christmas though. Ive been told that I have these extra hours until the end of November so it's only for a couple more months so it's not that bad. (if it was for any longer I would end up paying a cleaner with the extra money i'm earning!).
I'm very much looking forward to the weekend this week. I've ordered some silicone cake tins/moulds and I want to cook some yummy things with the children. A fabulous carrot cake sounds nice or some chocolate brownies. Can't wait xxxxx

Tidy house YEAH....well some rooms :-)

I came home to a semi tidy home today! Last night we spent ages cleaning Samuel, Emily and Tamsyn's rooms. Poor Samuel's room had got into a bit of a state and he needed some help to sort it out. My children are not very good at cleaning their rooms by themselves! They need alot of prompting, but do get their in the end. When I went into wake them up this morning it looked fabulous.
I dream of a tidy house!...every room..... A house smelling of flowers with not a single dog hair in sight or bowl of half eaten cereal left on the table. People must get up at 4 in the morning for their houses to be tidy when they leave for work (or perhaps they have trained their children a little better than I have). It would be nice to have pyjamas folded neatly on beds as apposed to thrown across the dinning room but hey ho, things could be worse.
My mission over the next 4 weeks is to achieve this dream (deadline being our holiday). I aim to be so organised that I can leave my house to go on holiday looking neat and tidy and come back to a wonderful house that is as relaxed as the holiday house we will have left - This is the plan - I will keep you updated...

The need to remember xx

Over the last couple of years (since Dad died) I have become to get worried about what would happen if I was not around to look after all the little Langs! Dad's biggest concern was that his 'little ones' would not remember him! What an awful thought! My Grandad died whan I was 11 and I struggle to remember him or the things we did together. Alot of my memories are formed around photo's, which I am pleased to say we have alot more of these days.
One of the things the Mamillan service do with their patients is a memory box, so that those who are left have some sence of who the person was, what they loved, what made them mad, what they laughed and cried at, events in their lives that mattered. I thought I might do the some of that here - Emily, Samuel and Tamsyn might want to know when they are older (when like me after you have lost someone are desperate to cling onto anything that still connects you to them). They might not! Hopefully i'll live to be very old and bug them forever.
I read a book last year titled 'things my daughters should know' It was about how after recieving a letter from their Mum who had died each reacted, embraced and rejoyced in this letter - all meaning something different to them.
If I was to go early I would want my children to have something telling them to 'go forth......and have so much fun you can hardly fit it in' hehe. As my friend Emma said though when we were talking about this book that you need to write these things when your fit and well as you never know what is going to happen. Very wise words Emma.
They might read this one day and realise how very strange I am, hopefully they will laugh alongside me, not at me. They will notice that I write mostly about them and their very exciting adventures as this is what is important to me - this is my life and what I enjoy. They all are at such fantastic stages in their lives. School after all are supposedly the best days!!!!! I hope they read this and remember all the silly things we have done.
Now to concentrate on being happy and having so much fun we can hardly fit it all in xx

Tea and cake at Cowslip - wonderful

It's started to get wet again (not that I'm aware that it stoped for too long) and I still don't have a decent waterproof coat! I must sort this out very soon.
Today is my fabulous Wendy Woo's birthday, she is 41 today and looks amazing. I am hoping that I will look as good in a few years time. We went out to Cowslip for a late lunch. It is my favourite place at the moment. I feel instantly relaxed, the atmosphere is so calming. All sorts of weird things could be happening out in the world but you would never notice once you steped into the place. In the event of a nuclear blast I am going to gather up my family and head out to Cowslip. We will all be cosy underneath one of Jo's quilts and hopefully well fed on Mary Berry's cakes.
I had wanted to go to Mary Berry's workshop out at the farm in December but I have decided that although I would love to meet her you can buy an awful lot of cake mix for £95 and hopefully due to trial and error (and my Gran!) make a decent cake.
Poor Emily got sent home from school today! She was winded during PE and felt really sick afterwards so Ben had to pick her up. She has been laying on the sofa all night. She managed to eat all her tea though, and ask for more.....
As I am trying to get more organised I have started to plan my Dad's birthday celebration "open house" day. Last year we raised £700 but being the 1st year I think people gave extra generously. I'm not sure I can match the total this year but i'm going to try to get at least £250. I spoke to Ester from the MND association again. She remember me from last year and about what we did which I thought was really nice. She is such a fab person on the phone. I ordered all the things we will need (posters, badges and even t-shirts!). I have also booked my annual leave so that I can have the day off before the party as well to get ready without rushing (well to cook and clean my house really). I wonder what he would think about it all????? I hope he would be pleased, I'm sure he would. He would have loved to have come to the last party. Its sad that we have to do it and it's sad that he cant be there for it (although some people would probably say that he possibly could be - I'll make sure I make him a cup of tea and get him a Chelsea bun).
Dad with Tamsyn at Cowslip a few years ago (with one of Mary Berry's cakes!! as we went out the day after one of her courses. They gave the cake to Granny Mary for her birthday).

Emily starts Launceston College....I am old!

This week has been very emotional. My biggest little lady, Emily started Launceston College! I was remarkably calm through most if it as she was so excited. Her enthusiasm spread to the rest of the house and because she was so happy she made it much easier on her poor Mum.......slightly.......
She looked so very grown up in her new uniform, it made her look a couple of years older than she did six weeks ago when she left primary school.
She has had a fabulous week meeting her new teachers (some of which taught Ben and I) and classmates, quite a few if which she already knew, either from primary school or clubs such as scouts. She only got lost once and by chance found Granny Sandra in the corridor who showed her the way. She said that she couldn't find her classroom and everyone else was so tall in the corridor she couldn't see her way, poor thing!
She has already been set two lots of homework, the maths she has already completed (very eager) and now has her science to do. She came home from school yesterday so tired.
Samuel has moved up a class to the 'top class' he's now with Mr Towe and is so happy. According to Mr Towe he has worked very hard this week and seems to have settled in very well. Tamsyn is still with Mrs Cook her most favourite teacher in the world. I think that she was very pleased to see all her friends as we hardly saw any of them over the summer holidays.
The children are staying the night at Granny Rosa's tonight. So Ben and I are going over to Amy and Neil's house for tea. Ewan and Kate are going to be there as well which will be nice. A long overdue night off, however Samuel has rugby practice in the morning and Tamsyn is going to Exeter for cousin Cherry's 7th birthday party so no lie in for me!!!!!

What a fabulous day

I have spent my day drinking cups of tea and catching up with old friends. Its been so lovely. This morning Kerry, an old friend came over with her two children who are just the cutest for a cup of tea and a catch up. We went to primary school together and Launceston college, she now only live a few door away from us but we never seem to meet up so a catch up was more than overdue. I also had a surprise visitor - Verity, who I also went to college with came knocking to see if anyone had lost a kitten along our road and stayed for a chat and a chance for her two daughters to play as well. She didn't even know who's door she was knocking on so it was a fantastic surprise for both of us. All seven children had a wonderful time and we chatted about our houses, plans to decorate, our children and life in Launceston (oh how the times and conversations have changed over the years).

Emily then went to her friends house for a birthday party sleepover and Samuel, Tamsyn and I went over to our friend Kate's house to play (and more tea and chatting) Only six children this time!!!!

Ben has gone fishing again with a few friends over at Bude so my other lovely friend called Kate came over to talk make up (or more my lack of!) and I had a make up testing session and chose several new bits that I needed to get to make me look like a human again. I have been walking past mirrors this last week or to thinking Oh My God!! I need to sort myself out.........

Samuel and Tamsyn were not too keen on going to sleep tonight as after cleaning their bedrooms this morning they decided to make the den up again, more quilts and pegs at the ready.

Now for a sloe gin and tonic and an episode of CSI, perfect way to end a fabulous day xxxx

Bad dog.........

I was supposed to go to Plymouth today to get Emily and Samuel school shoes. Shoe shopping used to be very easy. It was a case of hello Clarks can you find a pair of shoes to fit my child? (Emily only ever had a choice of one as her feet were so narrow!) As they have got older though it becomes a bit more of a challenge to get what is 'uniform', whats looks good, what is going to last (Samuel!!!) and what isn't going to bankrupt me......
I decided that before I made the effort to go to Plymouth I would just check in the town to see what they had.
Hallelujah they had shoes and trainers for then both and in the next shop had the PE jogging bottoms that Emily needed as well. I nipped down the road to the uniform shop and picked up the last couple of bits that I had ordered and we have finally finished the 'great uniform shop'. Such a relief as I was beginning to worry a little. I just have to wait for the labels to arrive and then spend the weekend making it known that if lost the Lang's would like their clothes back!

As we hadn't waisted the day going to Plymouth we decided to join Granny Rosa, Grampa Roger and Emma for the afternoon and all went to the moor for a play in the river. The sun was shining but it was still a bit nippy. The children were not bothered at all as the temperature of the water was much colder (they never seem to mind). We took all the dogs and they enjoyed a swim as well, even Casper who had been frightened up until today swam up and down like a 'dog fish' (as Tamsyn said).

Jetney the wonder dog however who had had a wonderful time swimming in the river heard a sheep in the distance and took off to find it!!! Which eventually he did and barked and barked at it. I had to run over to get him back and make sure the poor sheep, who was not very impressed with being separated from his friends, was alright and not wanting to fall over from fright. Unfortunately the sheep were too close to let Jet of the lead again so he had to stay with me. He still managed to swim whilst on the lead but got me and my shoes very wet. I wonder if i might need a new pair of shoes now................

Nearly the end of the summer holidays

We now only have a week left of the summer holidays! It seems to have gone by so quickly, I cant believe that school ended six weeks ago and we were all looking forward to the long summer and now we are frantically getting school uniforms ready and gearing up to being up and organised in the mornings.........!

Our camping trip was such fun. Darren and Ben didn't go fishing on the first afternoon so Ben was able to put the tent up for us with lots of help from Samuel (keen to get his camping badge at cubs). The camp site we chose only the day before was fantastic. Set on a farm just outside of Swansea and about 10 minutes from Darren and Jo's house was a very quiet, family friendly site. Emily was very pleased as the farm had about twenty horses in the field beside us and she was able to hug a horse or two before breakfast and last thing at night. Such a good base as it was close to all the places we ventured out to each day. The weather was usual for Wales....a mixture of torrential rain and glorious sunshine. Luckily our tent is huge and even in the rain we had space to move about in it without getting soaked. When the weather was at its worst we visited Darren, Jo and baby Tom who was the cutest little thing ever. Mum took the children to Swansea's coolest swimming pool ( with slides, rapids and even a surf wave). We got to see Toy Story 3 in the cinema and did a spot of shopping and on the last day spent the day on the beach where we cooked sausages for tea. The children had a wonderful time and it was so nice to catch up with Darren and his wonderful family.

Going back to work the next week was hard and I felt quite sad having to take the children out to Granny Rosa's or my mums. I always feel guilty having to work when they are on holiday, it doesn't seem right when everyone else is going out having fun and I'm at work missing out when we could be messing around together.

Andrew has had his operation this week so we were all very worried about him. He showed us a film of the same operation that he had on the computer today!!!!!!!! oh my god!!!!!! it looked so horrendous. He's in a lot of pain and looks very tired bless him. I think its going to take a long time for him to recover from this.

The main objective for this week is to buy school shoes, the thing I hate most! and to label everything (actually I think I might hate this more than buying shoes) joy joy joy. I'm going to be working full time when they go back to school. Only for a couple of months hopefully as Liskeard OT department are short of staff. Ive been trying to get myself organised because of this and trying to get in place some routines so we are not sent into chaos as I wont have my days off when the children are at school to get everything done. Sorting out our clothes is the main and never ending task. I dream of a day when all the clothes are ironed and all put away neatly in drawers! I think Ben might be right we do have too many clothes (not that I will let him know this) and have been trying to get rid of a few and send them to the charity shop. I'm very ruthless when sorting out the childrens clothes but not so good at sorting out my own, you never know I might fit into them all again hehe.

We have had such a fun time this holiday, playing and meeting friends for days out. Dodging the rain drops at times but it hasn't seemed to make a difference. The children are at present are all sleeping in Emily and Tamsyns room in a make shift den. Made from patchwork quilts and duvets and a squillion pegs from the washing line it has covered all the available spare space in their room. It takes them ages to get to sleep but they have had such good fun both making it (it has changed shape and size many times over the last few days) and sleeping in it I think it should be repeated more often. It's things like this that makes me want to be little again (and yes I did sleep in it last night). This is exactly what the summer holidays are for. You really don't have to spend any money at all to have fun as they are proving at the moment as the sleep dreaming about how to better the design in the morning.

It's such a shame they all have to go back to school.................................................................................

Mummy it's raining.............still..........

Another week of the summer holidays has passed. The weather, as is traditional for the children's holidays, has been awful and rain is the current theme! For some reason our house feels so very hot and Ben and I have both been checking the radiators to see if any have been turned on....it would seem that's its just the very silly weather and we are not living in a sauna!

Ben and I have both had the week off work and we have all had a wonderfully relaxing week. Very boringly we sorted out all our paperwork and managed to save ourself some money by jiggling things around - enough money to get my iPhone (the most addictive thing at the moment and will ensure i am miss organised come September when the children go back to school !!!) and Ben hd for the telly (not so essential I'm sure but he is very pleased with it). Also a quick shopping trip to Plymouth...well we didn't save that much money but we were still quite pleased.

We have had a quiet week sorting out the garden and messing about with the children and the dog (who is sporting another new haircut, this time without the mistake hehe).

We have next week of as well and decided today that we really must go and see Uncle Darren in Wales. We have found a campsite only 10 minutes drive away from where he lives so we can meet up and see his brand new baby. We are setting off tomorrow morning. We think it should take about 4 hours to get to him. Ben and Daren have already planned a fishing trip for tomorrow afternoon. Mum is coming with us which as it would seem quite fortunate as it looks like it will be me and her putting our tent up! We know we can do it as we put it up last time we visited Darren on our own but I'm sure this is mans work......building a shelter for is people!!!! only then can you go hunter gathering.

The children are very excited to see their new 'cousin'. Master Tom Chambers (Darren and Jo's baby) was born only a couple of weeks ago and is very very small. We can hear him when we are on the phone yelling like mad. It would appear that he does not like his bath time at the moment. He sounds so small. We cant wait to meet him. I got quite excited when we went shopping - its been such a long time since i shopped for little baby man things. Its all so fantastic and diddy, i had such fun.

Ben is now sat beside me writing a list of things we need to take with us tomorrow I haven't done a thing yet. I think i might make some buns in a minute..............I'll do the fun stuff.

What a wonderful week

Its been then children's first whole week of the summer holidays and they have had so much fun already. The weather has been a bit hit or miss but they have not noticed, far too much playing to be done. Ben and I unfortunately have had to work, so much of this fun has been with Granny Sandra or Granny Rosa.

Samuel has been the most helpful young man and spent a day helping Great Granny Cleo paint her fence at the front of her house. He was very pleased to hear that he would be getting a pound an hour for his efforts and fish and chips for his tea. The prospect of pocket money and yummy tea meant that he didn't mind when Emily and Tamsyn opted to spend the day at Granny Rosa's putting their feet up and relaxing all day.

I was lucky to have Friday off work and we trecked off to the Big Sheep with Rosa, Amy and Emma. Its fabulous to watch all the children playing together. Emily is very good at looking after Emma (who is 2 now and very 'miss independent'), and doing the running when she was in the plan barn. Much faster than any of us when Emma ran off shouting "on my own" ............

Ben and I had no children on Saturday night as we went to wedding party. Andi and Tanya were there as well. Granny Sandra had all five children and when we dropped them off she was planning a make your own pizza night.

Sunday did not see me getting an extra hour or two in bed as Tamsyn had to be at a birthday party and Granny Mary's residential home was having a summer party. I had to rush even more than usual, feeling very much more tired than usual! Both parties were a success and everyone had a fabulous time. The highlight of the children's day was going with Brad to find and catch slow worms and laugh at the field mice running when you lifted the piece of wood covering their tunnels in the grass. "can we have a mouse........no, can we please.......no" and on and on.
Ben was a lucky thing and went sea fishing all day on a boat  with friends from his work. He managed to catch us lots of cod and makeral. Tea last night was fantastic lots of lovely fish and sweet rice.

Today has been the first day of mine and Bens two week holiday. We decided to be very boring and stay home today and sort out a few jobs we have been putting off for weeks! We have also decided to work on the house this week and then go camping next week (hopefully in Wales to see Uncle Darren and his new baby aaahhhhhh).

Must go and clean again!! have bought a new vaccum cleaner today......and for once I am quite keen to put it around (give it a day and it will wear off!!!!!!!!)

The Weekend

We are in holiday mode now :-) Time to get the summer house cleaned out ready for the children to play in. They have decided that they want to sleep in it.  We are going to make some curtains this weekend and decorate it so that it looks more homely. Samuel is going to mend the broken window! and put up a shelf or two. I found some beautiful lace shelf edging when shopping a few months ago so that can go up as well to finish the look. What we would really like is a gypsy caravan so we are going to make it look as much like one as we can.

We have spent this afternoon with Granny Rosa as it was her birthday yesterday. Aunty Amy was also at Granny's with baby Emma. Amy had made a fabulous cake so we had tea and cake and sang happy birthday many many times.

They didn't get back from the beach until very late last night so they have all been a bit lazy today. An afternoon at Granny's was much needed. The potato competition continues - Emma's tub has produced 43 'spuds' but they are so very small. Emily, Samuel and Tamsyn are leaving theirs for a little longer so that they yield more than 'fairy potatos'.

First day of the summer holidays YEAH

At last the fabulous summer holidays are upon us. Emily had her last ever day of primary school yesterday which was really emotional for everyone. More i think for me as Emily seemed to be on cloud nine at the prospect of going to 'big school'. I'm so pleased that it is this was around as I would be an even bigger nervous wreck if she was all bothered about it! (we will wait and see!) The children all had a fab day at school in non school uniform and watching films and playing games. It was all hectic and loud when i picked them up.

Today has been a different story completely. I also had the day off work and so got an extra hour in bed. We spent the day at home playing games and watching television. The children didn't even get dressed until Ben got home from work at half past one! What bliss, nowhere to go and nothing to do, everyone very relaxed.

It wasn't until tea time that I realised that there was one last session of cub's tonight.
Sam and I (as i had to help tonight) spent the evening in Tregadillet woods playing catch and eating melted marshmallow and chocolate by the camp fire. The boys had such a good night and all enjoyed the freedom of the wood followed by yummy food. They were all very enthusiastic to lick out the chocolate pan :-)

The girls have gone off to the beach with Ben, Granny Sandra and the dogs for the evening. Ben was going to take his fishing rod to let Emily have a go as she hasn't been in such a long time. They are still not back! but it's dark now so they should be back any minute. I better start making hot chocolate to warm them up when they get home xxx

Painted wall at Lewannick School.  Emily's class did this during their last week

I'm Karen and I live in beautiful Cornwall with my family. There are 5 of us Langs, myself and my husband Ben and our three children Emily (11 years old), Samuel (9) and Tamsyn (6).There is also Jet the cocker spaniel dog who at the moment looks like a wooly sheep his coat has got so long! poor thing.


We live in a small market town where my Ben and I grew up and are lucky enough to live within 1/2 mile from my Mum and my brother and his fab family. Ben's family also live very near to us and we spend much of our spare!, fun times with them all and feel very fortunate to be able to do this. Our house needs some attention and so does our garden but our children gets lots so I think we are doing alright (I hope when they look back they are pleased the hall was not painted but they spent the summer on the beach).