Woops.....forgot to write!

Well I'm getting really rubbish with my diary. I, like lots of things I do, start of with ernest and then after a while find myself too busy to think about it. Busy is the thing that we have been most.
Christmas is in full flow and we have been eating, drinking and spending all our time with the family (lots of eating!!). We had a Granny convention on Christmas day. Mum, Granny Cleo (Dolly) and Granny Mary came up and also Chris, Mums friend. Poor Andrew had to work so we didn't see him or Tanya and the children. We had such a good day and the children had so many presents. We had a sea of lego, sylvanian family's, clothes, Wii games, cd's, books and Emma Bridgewater :-) The children wern't up too early, they woke us up at 7:30 which wasn't too bad compared to other years! They must have been good as Father Christmas came YEAH xx He ate his mince pie and haribo's and drank his juice and left three piles of presents. Tamsyn was, like last year, beside herself when it started to get dark! She was in her pyjamas by 4:30pm and asking to go to bed by 5:30pm!!!!! we made her stay up until nearly 7 but she was so desperate to get to bed that in the end we read the night before Christmas and she went to sleep. The other two got to stay up and watch Christmas telly, all excited.
Granny Rosa and Grandad Roger came in on Boxing day. We ate even more and after walking the dogs all sat down to watch Mr Poppers Penguins. It was so funny. Ben had to go out to rescue Mum as she had locked her keys in her car when out walking the dog!!!!!!! She was really rescued buy the 'breakdown people' but Ben went out to sit with her so she didn't have to wait by herself!!!!!
I had a major lie in today.....I didn't get out of bed until mid day and was still a bit tired. We went out to Rosa and Rogers for lunch. Amy, Neil and Emma were out there as well as Ben's Aunty Jan, Bob, Claire and baby Alexa. We all had a good catch up and more to eat hehe. From there we went to Andi and Tanya's for tea and played board games and Abba dance on the Wii. Samuel and Andi were showing off their 'inner gay' very very funny. We didn't get home until 10! and Tamsyn especially looked like a zombie.
I've got to go to work tomorrow which i'm not looking forward to but Ben is home with the children so at least they don't have to get up until late in the morning.
Anyway the plan is that I try to write lots more in the new year, and try to include lots of photos of what we get up to. The new year is soon here and next year will I'm sure be as busy and as fun as the last!!

On holiday tomorrow YEAH xx

The year has gone very quickly as we are on our big family get together tomorrow. Emily and Ben have already finished school and work! I have to go into work just for a hour or two tomorrow but Samuel and Tamsyn have another full day, poor things. Although it is non school uniform which they love so it wont be that bad (must remember to wash Samuels Football shirt or i'll be in trouble in the morning hehe). I've only just finished work and have the prospect of lots of ironing tonight.....although I am totaly up to date with all washing so when its finished tonight I will be the domestic godess I always knew I was !!!!!! It will only last a day sadly. I am hopefully going to use Ben's shift pattern to my favour as I'm going to teach him how to use the washing machine on our return to work and routine after the half term - watch this space, I have high hope for the man :-). I'm going to watch Kirsty's home made programe on record tonight - I do love her so much but i'm not sure wether she inspires me or makes me feel a little bit lacking! She is so terrible twee though and I do love it.

Anyway I must go now as my office feels a bit creepy at night.

Back again ...... sorry :-)

Well life carries on at the great speed that it always seems to! The year is already nearly over and I'm still feeling like something has been missed out and I've been cheated out of a couple of months! I haven't written for ages and had almost forgotten about it all. Once you get out of the habit of doing something it takes a while to get back. All is well in the house of Lang. We are all busy as usual and cramming as much in as possible.
 Its half term next week and we are going away to the lovely cottage we stayed in last year with the rest of the Sleeman/Langs. I think we all need a good break. Ben didn't get any time off over the summer holidays as he started his new job so it will be nice for us all to be together and just have some fun.
Emily and I are going to Plymouth tomorrow to get her braces fitted at the orthodontist. She has to have them fitted to her top and bottom teeth and shes not feeling to great about it as you can imagine. The poor thing has been worried for weeks and looked really sad as she went to bed tonight. We are going up in the morning to do some shopping and to have a very big lunch (as I'm sure she wont want to eat for a while) then get them fitted and home to sulk, drink tea under a duvet watching TV with as much paracetamol as shes allowed!!!!
Samuel is on a school trip very early in the morning (being picked up at 7 in the morning) to meet up with the children he will be visiting when in Germany next year. I think he will have a fabulous time and it will give him a bit more confidence when he sees them again in February.
Tamsyn unfortunatly has to go to school (that is if she feeling alright.......she claims that she is poorly again). Tamsyn is having a little bit of a hard time agjusting to her new class (class 3 now and in key stage 2 so expected to do a whole lot more). Tamsyn loved her Mrs Young so much and was really sad to leave her. Her new teacher is really lovely but does expect lots of them. I think Tamsyn is in shock hehe.
I plan to write a whole lot more and show lots of pictures of all the patchwork I have been doing. I need to get myself a new sewing machine as I think mine is going to cost too much to service, and for the money I should start with a new machine. I have several pieces to finish in time to decorate my house this Christmas. I left it too late to complete last year and only just thought about it the other day so I must get on with it. Lucy has said that I can borrow her machine in the mean time. When I took them all out of the sewing cupboard, Tanya said that she liked one piece that I was half way through so I would really like to finish and give this to her as part of her Christmas present.
Anyway I must go and get a reasonably early night (after watching Downton Abby.....!) as I have to be up getting Samuel organised in the morning.

Been a long time!

I haven't written for such a long time! I have been on leave (I managed to book just under three weeks from work which was fantastic). Alas I am almost at the end - only four days left. It has gone, like every holiday, far too quickly. We have had lots of day trips and fun times with family and friends. We have come back from a camping trip to Bude today. A few days in the rain hehe. Actually the weather wasn't too bad until this morning - just when we were taking the tent down! The heavens opened and we all got so wet it was awful. The poor tent needs to be taken out and put up or hung out to dry!! We went with Liz and Thomas as well as Tom's cousin Dillan and Emily's friend Cally. The children had a fantastic time but with so many children in a tent it was hard at times to keep everyone happy at times! We spent a day at the beach and the sea pool followed by a hike along the cliff path. The next day we walked the canal path (seeing lots of horses, sheep and alpacas who looked very cute) and spent the day messing around in Bude, shopping and having a good look. We did have plans for today but when the rain came and everything got so wet, including ourselves we decided that we could do them another day and came home. Everyone came back to our house and I made really hot soup and rolls and we watched a film. It was so nice to be able to have a bath and put my pj's on  :-)  Tomorrow I have a load of washing and wet things to deal with aaaaggghhh but I will hopefully be saved by Emma who has been baking tonight and will treat my hard work with a cup cake.

All Work And Play

I had to work today and the girls spent the day with Granny Rosa and Samuel stayed at Wendy's. They all had a fab time and I had to work! Amy and Emma had also spent the afternoon at Rosa's. I think Emily was a little bored (according to Rosa) and she said that instead of playing with all the little one's she can bring a friend along next week when they go over for the day. Samuel spent the day with Myles and Harry, after camping out for the night in their garden. Wendy said that she woke to a great water fight going on in the garden and her kitchen floor full of puddles of water!! When I went to pick him up earlier on I got "is it alright if I stay at Sam's tonight" (another of my Sam's friends) not hello Mummy I've missed you so much :-) so he came back home for an hour and then I drove him and Harry went over to 'big' Sam's house for the night and the lucky thing is going out with him tomorrow as well.

I took the girls over to see the lovely Ruby tonight. She had spent the morning in Derriford as on Monday she fell off the pull along zip wire at Trethorne on Monday and broke two bones in her arm!! They thought that this morning she would need surgery (big panic!) but when the surgeon reviewed her x-rays he said they they would just cast it and have another look in a week. Poor thing she looked so sad on Monday when I saw her after her epic trip to the hospital but today when we took more presents and cards over she looked full of it and alot more comfortable. We all got to sign the cast :-) Samuel still has not seen her but he did send her over some flowers on Monday night - my son is so romantic -he really does love her xx Alot seems to have happened this week already and it's only Wednesday.

I've got to clean my house a bit tonight as I've been running about so much it's getting in a bit of a mess. I keep running in from one thing dumping bags in the dining room and going out again. Oh the joy!! Can't wait!

Cinema, Shopping, Aquarium, Ears Pierced, Emma Bridgewater.......A fabulous day had by all

We all had a fabulous day yesterday. We got up and left the house early and went to the cinema to watch Rio (a film about a blue parrot who finds himself back in Rio and his adventures after being taken!!). The kids loved it. Afterwards we met up with Wendy and kids (who were also at the cinema and had been trying to get hold of me all morning but I had left my phone at home by accident!!). We all had dinner at Pizza Hut together which the children thought was fantastic, can't remember the last time we went there. When we had all eaten until we were completely stuffed the girls and I went into Plymouth and went shopping and Samuel went off with Wendy and boys to the marine aquarium for the afternoon!!! He had the best day ever!!

The girls and I didn't have too long to shop but we had a good go. Emily spent her gird card in Claire's on a 'The Wanted' bag she is going to use for PE! When we were in there I said to Tamsyn about them doing ear piercing and she said she would like it done.............! She has been talking about it for ages but has always changed her mind when I say we will go but yesterday she said yes! She sat in the chair and was very brave. When it was done I could tell she wanted to be out of the shop as soon as possible she was trying really hard not to cry and trying to smile to stop herself. Poor thing she was so pleased but so shocked at the same time. She said they felt like they were burning and all red. They look amazing though and make her look really grown up. I put the solution on last night and she turned tham and the wern't red or hurting at all. The ladies in Clairse's were really nice and gave her and Emily a lolly pop.

She suprisingly wanted to go on shopping and we ended up in Emma Bridgewater heaven :-) much to our excitement. Emily found the cup I was going to order next from the website so I now have a Bittern mug (a bird looking up to the sky). We also bought a EB heart photo album which I think i'm going to give to Lucy and Dan our friends who have just got engaged. I bought an EB canvas shopping bag with hearts on it and a notebook with the black toast print on the front in flock!! I also bought a blue le creuset butter dish which is fabulous. That and a few really lovely beach bits for Emily in Primark and some wellies in Next for Tamsyn we all had a good day. The whole time Tamsyn looking at me with a beemy smily on her face.

On the way home the girls and I called in to see Uncle Andi and Aunty Tanya and children who were supposed to be coming over for tea but it had all got a bit late so we postponed. We had a good chat and catch up and then went on to Wendy's to pick up Samuel.....or so we thought.......the boys had put the tent up in the garden and were all going to stay in it for the night. He came back with us to pick up a few bits and then went back down for the night. He is even staying with them all day as well today lucky boy, he's having such a good holiday.

The girls are going out to Granny Rosa's today and I have to work boo and hiss. Iv'e just had a text about Emily having her long lost best friend coming to stay for a couple of days this weekend (Matilda moved all the way to Newquay hense the long lost hehe) which she will be pleased about when I see her later. Guess whats happening tonight :-) shes going to finally have to tidy her room hehe.

  Really good film     My new mug

Fab holidays so far xx

Well I did end up going to swimming at 'Splash' on Friday with Samuel and Tamsyn. Emily went off with Aunty Liz up onto the moors for a mornings pony trekking. The weather was really lovely (slightly !!!!! about going swimming in a indoor pool when we could have been at the beach - but hey ho it was their choice of what to do!!!) They all had a really fabulous day and came back with Thomas and Ruby for tea at our house. Emily had however quite a nasty black eye!!!! after having a little accident with some play equipment.....! Liz said that she was very brave and didnt cry. Poor think got caught in the eye by a metal hoop when playing - she says its sore (understatement looking at her!) but is not too bothered.

They children stayed with Liz on Saturday night so that Ben and I could go to Alstock (a one day festival in Bodmin organised by one of Andrews friend's. It was fantastic, we even got to see the Wurzels :-) We went with Andi, Tanya, Dan, Lucy (who have just go engaged YEAH) Emma, Adam, Penny and Raz. It was really nice to all go out together and have a good laugh. I sort of felt guilty that Emily didn't come with us as it was such a good atmosphere during the day, but then we didn't get home until 1 ish in the morning and probably not so good with the amount of alcohol consumed buy us all!!!!

Today I had to work and the children have all gone off to have fun without me. Emily and Samuel have gone off with the leisure centre to go coasteering and Tamsyn went to Granny Rosa's this morning but then went to May's Birthday party this afternoon. Not very fair at all! Ive got to go around and pick them all up in a minute.

Tomorrow I think I'm going to take them to the cinema in Plymouth to see 'Rio' and then go into Plymouth and do a bit of shopping - Emily is desperate for clothes that fit her......it would seem that she has grown but i'm not sure.........

More of the lovely Emma Bridgewater in my house :-)

Oh! one thing I forgot to say is that the children and I have been shopping and have added to our Emma Bridgewater collection rather well!!!! I finally bought some plates....! I went for the large plates in the end with the polka dot spots all around the edge. I got eight as they were rather expensive! and hope to get some more in time for Christmas. I couldn't decide what ones to go for (the heart ones looked nice as well!) and also got a few more mugs. My yummy Mummy also bought me a 'red star' teapot and pasta bowl for my birthday. I was so excited and pleased, I think I might overdose on tea one day as I love them so much I keep using them.

     

I have lots and lots now!!!!!!! Ben really likes his turtle dove mug and the song thrush baby mug was bought as we saved, took to the vet's and released the next day a little song thrush the children named Charlie. We thought we would get a mug to remember him by xxxxx The children are getting as excited when the postman comes as I am - I have created little pottery monsters with rather good taste.

I'm Back :-)

Wow I've not written in ages. I fact the last time I wrote the children were just going back to school after the half term and we are now in the first week of the summer holidays!
We have had a rather hectic time over the last few weeks and I got out of the habit of writing about it and just sinking into bed quite tired.
A few weeks ago Amy (Ben's) sister and Neil got married YEAH xx It was a fantastic celebration and all went really well. The weather, which had been atrocious the week before behaved itself on the the day (with a couple of showers). The day was very 'country living' hehe at Cowslip, my most favourite place to relax in Launceston. Jo the owner made the barn look amazing. She put patchwork quilts hanging from the walls, bunting and mix/matched tablecloths all made the place look lovely. Lots of wild flowers smelling fabulous. My very beautiful children :-) were bridesmaids and ring bearers and looked so qute. They had a wonderful day as well. We ate, drank and danced so much. It was really nice to meet Neil's family and all get together.
Ben and I also that week went up to Cardiff, with Andi, Tanya, Kate, Penny, Dan and Lucy to see Take That - Amazingly fantastic. Tanya bless her was very very excited hehe. We stayed in a youth hostel which was really nice with very cheep beer - needless to say we stayed and drank quite a lot.
We have been baking cakes and attended the School fete which raised an amazing amount of money this year. They even had pony rides, which Tamsyn thought was fantastic.
The schools have now finished and the children all had there end of year school reports!!!!!! They were all really good...........much better than mine ever were........ I was really pleased with them all. Emily is now in year 8, Sam in the last year of primary school and Tamsyn is moving up to the next class with a new teacher. Lots of changes for them all - and this is why I'm very grateful for the summer holidays - time to recharge and rest before everything is all new again and the chaos continues :-)
I'm going to try my best to write about what we get up to in the holidays so we can look back and realise why we are all so tired. I've only had one day off this week so far. On Tuesday I decided to help Mum clear the hedges along side the path to her house!! The children and I spent all day down there and my arms and legs are so scratched ouch!! I'm trying to keep fit this holidays and loose a little bit of weight so I figured it was helping me as well. It was so hot 26 indoors so working outside was quite hard work. I can hardly move my legs today (2 days later) and my arms arn't looking good either. Mum had the children today and is taking them to the beach. Tomorrow I think we might go swimming at Bude................... I'm so pleased it's the holidays.

End of the half term :-(

Emily goes back to school tomorrow Boo and Hiss.....! Bless her she got ready this afternoon in true 'Emily will always be organised in the morning style' Samuel and Tamsyn have an extra day off and are going to Granny Rosa's for the day as I have to work unfortunately. I seemed to forget about the extra day and forgot to change my shift! This half term crept up on me far to quickly and I wasn't quite prepared. The children haven't done too much but we have had a couple of really nice days walking, going to the beach, walk's in the wood with the dog and what seems like far too much ice cream and fish and chips! We finished off the holidays with a really big roast at the pub in five lanes. Very yummy, and afterwards went up to Uncle Neil's and Aunty Margaret and met the whole of the Barron clan (his Mum and Dad and brother were there as well as Josh, Mac, Shaun and some of Mac's friends).
Ben took Samuel fishing this afternoon. The girls and I stayed at home and played on the Wii and messed around. We were going to make some muffins but none of us were too bothered. Just happy to have the opportunity to sit and do nothing for a while - Tomorrow the chaos starts again.
I must remember to get Tamsyn to read her school books before we she goes back on Tuesday!! Bad Mummy hehe. I still think that holidays should be just for having fun but a little bit of reading isn't that bad xx
The one thing Emily and I did this afternoon was to spend lots of money on handbags!!!!! even bigger bad Mummy......! I bought myself the most wonderful Cath Kidston day bag YEAH and Emily bought a saddle bag made form Cath Kidston oil cloth - she is really pleased and is going to use it for school. Again a very good purchase :-) We are going to look very fabulous with our new bags xx My Emily has the most amazing good taste at the moment - long may it continue. Buying Emma Bridgewater and Cath Kidston with her birthday money - good girl. I don't know what I'm going to do when she gets all stroppy, wears black, has greasy hair and thinks the whole world is a dark room (bettlejuice hehe)
Anyway must go.... I'm watching the constant gardner...Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz, fantastic film xxx

The month of May has ended!!!

Since I last wrote we have had a few more birthdays :-) birthday season continued. Tamsyn's was the next and she had several of her little friends over for a tea party. She had Gruffalo cups and plates and a table cloth and napkins to match. We even had a Gruffalo banner saying happy birthday, she was thrilled and all the little lady's (and Bradley) had a wonderful afternoon. They played with Sylvanian families and playmobile and had playdoh all over the place!
We even had a badge each (I was the owl, Tamsyn the mouse, of course, Ben had the Gruffalo, Samuel had the fox, Emily the squirrel and Jet had the snake attached to his collar!)
She came over to our house after school with the Sleeman tribe for cake and a play. We all sang happy birthday very loudly. Bless her she was very cute and very happy.
Its now June and its the month of the 'royal Lang wedding' Is in 15 days!!!! I only got my dress yesterday. Ben and I went late night shopping in Plymouth and after several hours thinking Plymouth had nothing I liked!! not even a decent pair of shoes.....!I went into Coast...oh boy......they had lots. So from the start of the evening thinking I wanted a summer/county chic dress I ended up buying a most wonderful satin dress that is the most impractical thing I have ever seen but is amazing at the same time!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! its amazing on. Ive decided to team it up with a red cardigan and either one of my lovely red shoes. I still think it's far too posh but I love it and it feels fantastic on - I cant wait to wear it. The girls and Samuel look fantastic in their outfits and Benjamin looks wonderful as ever in his suit :-) We are going to look very glamorous xxxxxx

Ouch !!

I've had a bad day! I woke up this morning with a crick in my neck which got worse throughout the morning. I ended up talking to the physio at work about it and she gave me a neck brace/support which did help but makes me look very silly!!!
I was in so much pain when I got home from work that I had to ring Kate and Penny and cancel tea :-(
Instead we all sat down and watched The Kings Speech. Not sure that the children thought it was the most exciting but I thought it was amazing and enjoyed it so much.



I'm going to have to watch it again soon as Liz and Wendy are coming over for a film night but it's one that I wont mind at all xxx

Parcels in the post.....just like christmas.....



My new shirt arrived today YEAH xxxx

Its from Cath Kidston, I wasn't brave enough to buy the dress as I thought the pattern might be a bit much but the shirt looks really nice.

So did the Wii fit + !!!!! oh my golly Samuel is sweating so much. The cheeky thing said that my age was 41 - not impressed at all. It may find it's way out of the house through the window later!

I also got a few more Daisy cup cake decorations for her birthday (in only about a week now) and a Easter decoration for next year.....



I've bought three sets of six now - they are so lovely :-)

I am getting quite a collection of Easter decorations, they now warrant a box like the Christmas decs!

Up and down few weeks xxx

I haven't written for so long! and so much has happened!
Since I wrote last we have had two weddings (one royal), two birthdays, unfortunatly two deaths ( so very sad), May day celebrations and the oppening of our outdoor classroom at school (the last two ending up with all the family on television).

We are now well and truly into birthday season. Emily is now Twelve and quite grown up (for a little one). We went to the cinema with her lovely friend Cally who then stayed for the weekend. She had a really fab time and had some fantastic presents. One of which included a very tiny newborn baby - courtesy of Kathleen and Ian. Baby Willow was born on the 1st of May as well, to add to the growing list of May birthdays!

Samuel's birthday was last Friday and we had a house full of younger men who also stayed the night......! They all slept (if you can call a couple of hours sleep, sleeping!) in the front room and destroyed the place as only ten year old boys can. They started of by having a huge water fight, starting off outdoors but ending up flooding the kitchen and making look like the rivers had burst in the dining room. All whilst Emily was having her hair done by Tanya for a party. Chaos in the Lang house.

I left the boys to the careful watch of Benjamin on Saturday morning and went off for the day with Lucy D and Vanessa to Cowslip for a quilting course. I would like to say we had a relaxing day but I had to concentrate so much that I left feeling quite tired. In the evening we went to my friends Laura and Martin's wedding which was fabulous and at which everyone had such a good time.

Sadley we have had a few tears over the past couple of weeks. My friend's grandson who was only nine months died suddenly which has been terrible for everyone who knew him. It's very hard to know what to say to her as she is being so brave and far stronger, in public, than I could be i'm sure. An amazing woman who horrible things should have never happened to. Our other sad news happened yesterday when we heard that one of my Mum's best friends at school died of Motor Neurone's disease - again shocking and so unfair.
Mum understandably was very upset - just as your enjoying yourself life seems to smack you back down again!!
I found this fantastic quote today that summed up what we have to do xxxx I quite agree with it and will make it my moto for the year.



During this up and down month, we had the most amazing spectacle of the Royal Wedding. It was amazing and the children and I went to Aunty Kate's and Uncle Penny's house to celebrate in true british style. We ate Earl Gray, rose water and other delicious flavour cup cake, cucumber sandwhices. We drank Prosecco and then later Pimms (mmmmmmm) and watched in awe the most fabulous event. All Kate's family were there as it was her sisters birthday which was another splendid reason to celebrate :-). I drank my Pimms from my union jack mug and Tamsyn drank squash from her baby version. The whole thing was amazing to watch and something I think the British do rather well - all the pomp and circumstance.



The long awaited kiss!!

 

Work verses the beach.........Work won!!!!!

I had to work today! It was such lovely weather and I sadly had to go to work. I nearly didn't make it as I didn't get of bed until 8:30.......I managed to get washed, get dressed, out the door and be at our weekly meeting by 9:00! Ben thank god didn't have to be at work until 10 so he was able to take the children to Granny Rosa's. She took them to the beach today. When I went to pick Samuel up for rugby practice they all smelt of the beach and sea. Even more jealous! They spent the day at Trebarwith Strand. The surf was fantastic so I think Rosa probably had a stress attack every time they went in the sea. Tamsyn was very pleased to tell me that she learnt to bodyboard today.........turns out that she is very good at bodyboarding in a hugh rock pool. She is so very cool and manages pull off beach hair chic like the best of us :-)

 Trebarwith on a lovely sunny day is the best xx

The children have stayed the night at Granny Rosa's tonight. We have not gone out though. Ben's lack of overtime seriously impacts on our social life (or lack of it now hehe). We are out on Saturday night for Andi's birthday so we thought we ought not tonight. That and both of us have work early tomorrow morning - how rock and roll are we? Oh wind the clock back 12 years ago :-) well probably not, I don't think I would be able to cope with my previous life any more.
I nipped into town today to get knights dress up outfts for Andi's birthday / St George's day and bumped into Emma and Matt. She needs new glasses and they are so expensive!!!!!!!!! It's so wrong that they can cost so much. Essential but and expense no one can afford at the moment We went for a cup of tea in No.8 and a de-stress. I showed her my blog on my phone and now she is my first follower YEAH xx Mental note to self - only write nice things about her hehe (love you Emma if your reading) :-)

A prayer for the girls xx

I read this today and it struck a chord. With the girls getting older and seamingly needing Ben and I a little less each year the worry factor has increased so much more!

First, Lord:


No tattoos.
May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches.

May she be beautiful but not damaged, for it’s the damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the beauty.

When the Crystal Meth is offered, may she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half and stick with Beer.

Guide her, protect her when crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance. Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes and not have to wear high heels.

What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design?

I’m asking You, because if I knew, I’d be doing it, Youdammit.

May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her own heart with the sinewy strength of her own arms, so she need not lie with drummers.

Grant her a rough patch from twelve to seventeen. Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long, For childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day –

And adulthood is long and dry-humping in cars will wait.

O Lord, break the Internet forever, that she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers and the online marketing campaign for Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed.

And when she one day turns on me and calls me a ‘Bitch’ in front of Hollister, give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends, for I will not have that Shit. I will not have it.

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back.

“My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a mental note to call me.

And she will forget.

But I’ll know, because I peeped it with your God eyes.


Amen.
Taken from Tina Fey’s book Bossypants.

I really love the line about the grapes!!! So very true. I'm sure my mum panicked, whist I dismissed her concerns as just being 'old and out of touch' but now I have my own precious tiny humans. I am doing my own panicking and they will think I'm just fussing!!!! Oh how history repeats itself. I just need them to be able to have fun in what they do in life with the least amount of heartache.

Easter holidays

Well the Easter holidays are in full swing. I took some leave last week which as usual went far to quickly but we had alot of fun in the sun. The weather has been fantastic this holidays so far, fabulous sunshine and wonderful blue sky. Just what everyone needed as it's been cold for so long.
Last weekend our little family was split up and all over the place. Samuel travelled to Bornmouth with Ben for his rugby tour. He had a really good time and was made captain of his team. They went off Saturday morning and came home late on Sunday night very tired, tanned by the sun and happy boys. Sam's team didn't get past the group stages but played their very best which is the most important thing. The boys loved it.
Emily went of with Liz, Stew, Emma, Matt and kids to Wales for the weekend pony trekking in the mountains!!! Oh my lord she was so excited she was bouncing off the walls. They left on Friday morning and came back on Sunday night as well. I didn't hear from her a their phones had no reception which was a bit strange! She also had a fantastic time - hug a pony day!!!! They trekked for the whole day on Saturday stopping for lunch at a pub. She couldn't get the words out quick enough when she was trying to tell me all about it.
Tamsyn and I were the ones who stayed at home. We were in charge hehe We had a fun Saturday, and went to the theatre to see Shaun the Sheep !! Andi, Tanya and the children came as well as Mum, Lucy and her little ones. Tamsyn also invited Rosie from her class and her family (Ben, Emily and Samuel's spare tickets!!). Lunch was had at Bella Itallia and the food and birthday cake (for little Hattie and Uncle Andi) was fantastic - very yummy.
The weekend marked the end of my holiday :-( back to work Monday morning feeling quite sad. Ben had the day off so I went of to work leaving Ben and the little langs all in bed. Boo and hiss!!!
Today we had a relaxing day. This morning we bobbled about at home. Ben went down to Mum's to cut her grass adn brought us back some pasties mmmmmm We took them out to the grounds of Granny Mary's house and ate them sat under a tree watching the little lambs play in the field beside. Samuel made desert...Angel delight! which we put in jam jars to take in our picnic basket. We visited Granny for a few hours and then went on to see Tamsyn's friend Rosie in Lewannick. I was supposed to go over to friends tonight for a few drinks but Ben didn't get back from work until late, and when he did come home he brought with him Andi and Raz. I decided to stay and have a drink with them instead as it was nearly 11 o clock! Bit to late to be leaving the house! Shame but their will be other nights soon i'm sure xx
In the morning the children are going to Granny Rosa's for the day as I have to work again.....!

Homework sucks.....if you have lost it!!

Oh the joy of nearly teenage children ..... and the saga of the lost homework! The same homework that caused a panic about a month ago as Emily hadn't done it and it had to be in the next day only to find that she had done too much and should have just planned it. The same homework that if she had any sense would have handed in during the very next lesson - not left until the last night to find, low and behold that she has lost the whole thing and is now frantically searching her room to find it! All of which happens to be my fault of course lalalalala fun fun fun!

Emily has been on such a high all day about seeing 'The Wanted' and getting their autographs that I suppose she was just about due to smack back to earth sooner or later xx Poor thing......!

Oh the joy....can't wait for the real teenage years :-)

I've had so much fun

Well I'm now back to work and my holiday is a distant memory! This week has been one of expression and community.
Last weekend I travelled to London with one of my bosses to join the Unison/TUC march against the cuts in public services. We met the bus at Bodmin at 4 in the morning and got into London about 9:30 am. We joined the end of a very long line of people by 10am and spent the rest of the day marching (shuffling hehe) to Hyde Park. It was fantastic and we had a wonderful day meeting so many other people who had the same opinions and concerns about the state of play in our country at the moment. Teresa and I marched with unison against the break up of the NHS. As those who know me well will confirm I have become very pesamistic in my old age! I think I am more realistic and although I know the government has already reached it's desicion about how it is to manage the NHS, I am pleased that my objection has been noted, along side that of nearly 500,000 other people at the march.
We stayed in London that night and went out for a really lovely meal and several gin and tonics.  Yippee xx A rare night away in the capital. Although I would never keep up with the pace of living there I love to visit now and then - just to make sure it's still there when I need it.
The next day we travelled home stopping of at Cribbs Causway - we felt it only right to shop in John Lewis :-) as it's owned by the people.....power to the people hehe. I bought the most fantastic handbag made by Fossil. It's made of oil cloth and canvas with bird cages on it and an unusual orange colour. I love it. I also bought a really 'ditsy' top and some very cute Birchwood daisy cake decorations, just to add to the collection. I though it would be fab for Daisy's birthday cake and for Easter.
I finaly went back to work and felt quite enthused and keen to get back into things. It didnt last long!!! We have a 'bug' on the ward so felt a little uneasy about going onto the ward! We are just as busy as usual, which I suppose is a good thing - time fly's and all.
This weekend Mum took the Emily and Samuel away to Hayle for the weekend along with Granny Cleo. They had a fab time going to Paradise Park, St Ives and St Agnes to see Aunty Doreen and Mike. Tamsyn and I were mostly home along as Benjamin had to work. We helped out with a community gardening project. We met with lots of other volunteers clearing a section of srub land owned by the council beside the youth centre. It was organised by the Eden Project working with local groups. We had such a good time, working with some fabulous people in the sunshine. Good food, live music and even some bunting. A real carnival atmoshphere. We took a short beark to go to Harlequins play barn to celebreate Myles 9th birthday. We took along Cherry and Tamsyn really enjoyed herself. We came back into town after and went back to the garden - the transformation was unbelievable. A fantastic result.
Sunday was Mothers day xx Tamsyn was quite cross with me as I got out of bed before she was awake and she wasn't able to make me breakfast in bed!! Ben had to work again poor thing so I cooked a roast and Rosa and Roger came in. In the afternoon Tamsyn and I took Granny Mary to Homeliegh garden centre for a cup of tea and saffron cake. She must have said 1000 times "I didn't expect to come out today, isn't it lovely".
What a week!! I'm tired just remembering what we all did! This week we have the school play, Wind in the Willows. Tamsyn is a rabbit and Samuel....well....he's in drag as a washer woman. So funny.
Emily has been tonight to see her favourite band The Wanted!!! Oh my xx She even got to meet them and get their autographs!!!!!!! She also, cheeky monkey, got a kiss from two of them OMG hehe she came home on a mega high, so excited bless her and can't wait to go into school tomorrow to tell everyone - All in all a very good week for all.

Magnolia rules

Today has been a rather productive day. I finally painted my bedroom (well two coats of emulsion - third coat and the wood to do tomorrow). It was still lovely shades of pink and purple from when the girls were in our room. It is now 'magnolia' very boring I know but the room already looks so much bigger and brighter I love it. Emily even said that she would like her room painted magnolia as well! The pine wardrobe and chest of drawers don't look half as bed either. I was thinking of getting new or painting them but I might not bother. Tomorrow I need to finish the painting and look for some curtains! I'm going to make a little curtain out of muslin for the bottom half of the window for extra privacy. The window in the dining room looks so good with its new curtain and it will make the house look really good as you look from the garden. Ben will hopefully put my new mirror up soon as well!!!!
I've not been at work now for a week and a half and it feels so good. All the washing is up to date and the house, although a little upside down due to all the decorating seems alot more organised. The children are benefiting from it all, we even had time after tea yesterday to play a board game. They have all played really well together, done their homework and gone to bed nicely. I've noticed how over the last two weeks how much I normally rush around and how relaxed we all are with me not working and not having a thousand things going through my head at once.
I definitely chose a good two weeks to have off work as the weather has been glorious and spring has oh so sprung. It has been beautiful blue sky's and sunshine all week. My neighbours are all out in their gardens tidying up and sorting out what to plant this year (which reminds me I have several plants that desperately need to go into a pot or in the ground!! Will get the children to help very soon).
I'm going to try and make up my bed now (if I can find it hehe) and try to sleep amongst the paint pots and piles of 'bedroom things' that are all over the place.....! My aim is to wake early to get lots done as I'm meeting Wendy and Emma at Cowslip tomorrow for a late lunch and I would like the house be as straight as possible before this - I will have earned my treat then xx
So much for an early night! I've just noticed it's gone midnight and already Thursday!

We have a lot of clothes!!!!

I have spent the whole day ironing and sorting out all our clothes! Not a very interesting day but a productive one at least. All our wardrobes are full of things we no longer wear or will never fit into again unfortunately so it was time to fill some bags to go to charity and to pass on to younger cousins xx Tomorrow I will put everything back that we love and at least will know what gaps we have so when the weather warms up I will buy new with a clear mind that we actually need it. Tamsyn's doing rather well as she seems to have acquired alot of Emily's 'hand me down's' - she seems quite pleased. Although there is 5 years between them with Emily being so small and Tamsyn being quite tall for her age it does not get put away for long until it's brought out again and out in her cupboards.
I'm on my second weeks holiday now and the time is flying by! Far quicker than I thought it would. I'm going to be quite sad to go back to work. I would rather like a six month break from it all....... almost worth having another baby for the years maternity leave!!!!! well not really but a sabbatical would be fab! I keep saying that I do not know how mothers that work full time manage it all? They must be very organised or work late into the night at home as I'm sure I would not be able to manage it. I had been interested in doing some extra hours (two days a week) at another hospital but the interviews were this week and in the end I decided not to go! I have decided that although we are a little poorer (Ben is on an overtime ban for the foreseeable future) my time is better spent at home making sure all things run smoothly. Life for us all is easier if the house and the errands are done on time - we can then enjoy our time as a family together rather than chase our tails around trying to fit 10000000 things into a day.
I want to paint my bedroom and the lounge this week I also want to put up some mirrors and paintings that have been sat here for ages (to be honest until the walls were painted I felt it easier to leave it all as I'm not sure where to put everything). I bought at my friends charity coffee morning (in aid of shelter box/Japan) a wonderful shelf unit on Saturday so I intend on painting it white and either putting it up in Samuel's bedroom or maybe in the hallway.


I have bought this really fabulous wall art for the wall in the dining room. I think it would be a wonderful idea to hang pictures or drawings of all our family around it as a 'Lang family tree'. I found it on a website called Cox and Cox (I also bought another tablecloth and a few other bits!!). This along side a quilted wall hanging I bought with a tree with applique leaves on it, I think will make the dining room look really original and fun. I'm all for being a little bit quirky and different.

I must go to bed !! Just noticed the time again....I blame Liz as she only left a little while ago......
Amidst all this house talk and me me me I did do something good today - I gave blood and had a tests taken to be put on the bone marrow donner list. My arm is sore but it's worth it. My good deed for the day

hehe oh what have I done......!

Hehe! I love it when I have a big idea......such as detoxing my house.....like many things in my life I start of all enthusiastic and then all of a sudden feel like I have bitten of more than I can chew. Today I realise that not only have I bitten more than I can chew I have cooked far too much food and have enough to dine on for a really long time!!!!! The upstairs of my house is in chaos and I have gotten myself into a pickle! Samuel's room is half painted and the paint I thought was 'Liverpool red' was orange! I have been back today and bought another red which is darker than I would have liked but will have to do as it's the only other red in the shop. Tomorrow I have so much to complete to make sure I get everything I want done this holiday it's seems unmanagable.
This week has been quite wonderful in many other ways. I had to meet Samuel's teacher on Tuesday and Tamsyn's teacher on Wednesday. Both were really pleased with their efforts and achievments and I came away feeling really pleased and proud of them both. I also feel very pleased with the decision to move them to Lewannick school (not that I needed the proof, but I does feel good to know all the heartache and sleepless nights making the move was the right one).
I got quite excited this morning when I answered the door to the postman :-) My Emma Bridgewater mug arrived. I love it and have drunk far too much tea today just because I needed to use it.Little lovely things make the Lang family very happy. The children were funny when they saw it after school - they got just as excited as I did (neeenus hehe).


Isn't it fabulous..Yes you cry.....



I should be getting an early night but I think I need a 'Grey's Anatomy' fix as I've missed the last two weeks. Then tomorrow I'm going to start again with renewed enthusiasm to continue on the quest for the most beautiful house in sunny Launceston. Well at least a tidy, freshly painted one xx

My dream house!!!!

I started my two weeks annual leave yesterday YEAH. The long list of things to be done in the house has been started.... Yesterday I painted the bathroom ceiling and walls. Ben took the little shelf off the wall for me to paint behind and started scratching off the grout. It looks so fresh and bright. I'm going to make a little curtain using some really lovely fabric I bought at Cowslip a couple of months ago.
Today I had a general clean up throughout the house and made some soup :-) I didn't get as much done in the house as I would have liked but Ben was working late shift so it was just nice to do things at home with him around. Tomorrow I plan to paint Samuel's bedroom! He's chosen a red colour (Liverpool of course) for two walls and then a hint of a tint of white! for the other two. I'm not going to tell him that his room is next so that when he comes home from school it's all done - he will be so pleased, we won't be able to get him out of the room. I have such a long list of things to do I don't want to waste any time!
We got a new 'Notebook' baby laptop computer today. It's so fabulous. I can write this whilst sitting on the sofa watching television and drinking my cup of tea. The children were very excited and I'm having a play with it now as tomorrow I wont get a look in!

A week of unbelievable horror!

We have all spent the last few days watching the horror of Japan's earthquake and tsunami unfold. On Friday last week an earthquake hit just of the coast of Japan which resulted in a tsunami with waves over 10 meters high! It has destoyed the coastline and all in it's path. Thousands of people have died and many thousands of people are missing or have had their whole lives destoyed. It's been horrific watching it on television I cannot imagine how the people of Japan are coping. As if that wasn't enough they have the added situation of the nucular crisis! On the news this morning they said that 50 or so nucular plant workers have stayed on at the plant to try and sort out the 'melt down' problems!!!!! They must be braver than brave and I hope that the japaniese government looks after their family for their 

service to their country.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan xxxxxxxxxxx



Well done Samuel xx

Samuel is the hero of the day xx He won the most coveted hard work trophy today at school and came home feeling very proud xx He was very pleased to have a cup of tea in the new Well Done mug xx See the day didn't turn out badly for everyone.........reasons to make you smile :-)

Oh dear!!

I've not had a good day. The children and I woke a little later than we should have this morning, but never the less we all managed to bundle into the car at our normal time this morning. All in good time to get to work and school. Samuel was strapping himself in and we were saying (quite smugly) how well we had done to get everything done. I reversed to get our of my parking place and CRUNCH!!!!!! Samuel had left his car door open and it crunched into the hedge on the passenger side and had made an almighty mess of the door. The door panel is buckled and the hinge is bent and I was very very sad :-(    Bless poor Samuel he was mortified and was crying - which is never a good start to the day. I too was really upset and had to get Ben down to the car to have a look (and to close the door as I was unable!). What a pain. My Benjamin is a star on the other hand - or he is just used to me messing the car up - as he kept saying as long as you are all alright then its only the car.............I'm sure he wasn't thinking that inside but he didn't show it. I've felt awful all day made better only due to the many texts from Ben checking I was alright !!

I did get to work in Liskeard Hospital todaywhich make a nice change. I haven't seen the lovely Liskeard ladies in ages so it was good to catch up. We have decided to go to London at the end of March on a trip organised by Unison to march and protest about the beak up of the NHS. Sounds like fun and I will have felt like I have contributed to the many efforts of people who are not happy with what is happening. Liz would be a good one to go on the trip she would make sure she was heard hehe.

Its been so very cold in Launceston and Liskeard today so I am very pleased to be back in my lovely home all snug. Tamsyn and Emily and snuggled up on the sofa watching Dispicable Me and Samuel has just come back from playing football and cricket up at the park with Uncle Andi. He's quite cold but will only have to go back out again in a little while to go and play rugby! Poor thing he will be like an ice block later on.

My mugs arrived today YEAH xx They are so fabulous and I love them. I think I will order some more next month when I get paid :-) I can wait to give them to Mum and Benjamin (Mothers day is only in a month's time, but I will have to wait until May for Bens birthday.......I think I may not last that long and give it to him sooner....they are too nice to be hidden away.....!)

Tamsyn is a stripy lady as I speak. My friend Tracy has given her a top and a jumper with pink and white stripes from Boden today and she looks very qute. She is so tired, I think having to go to school is a bit of a shock to the system after our lovely half term. Me thinks tea, a bath and a very early night xxx

End of the holidays

We have all had such a wonderful half term holiday. We went out every day and spent time with my fabulous Liz, Wendy, Emma and Lucy and all their lovely children. It was Thomas and Holly's birthday in the week as well so lots of cake and pressies and treats we to be had :-)
We saw Gulliver's Travels and Tangles in the cinema and took the children to a Chinese restaurant - they took the 'all you can eat' part literally!! Emma and Liz also introduced us to Geocaching, a sort of treasure hunt walk. My lot absolutely loved it and made a 3 hour walk with the dogs alot more fun. Tom had a GPS thingy for his birthday so was the leader and found all the hiding places with Samuel very closely beside him at all times! I think Jetney was very pleased that we were all home to give him attention all day and take him for nice walks.


Yesterday was Emma's 30th birthday and Matt and friends organised a surprise birthday for her at the White Horse. It was really nice to get together with everyone during the day. Again the children loved messing around together and we got to chat and eat lots of cake YEAH xx



I have been a little naughty today and have bought a couple of Emma Bridgewater mugs!!!! (it would seem my mug obsession is outgrowing my shoe obsession!) - in my defense they are not for me though.............. I've got a yummy one for my mum with Labradors on it and one for Ben saying Daddy (which is to be kept for Fathers day if I can cope hehe). I'm so pleased with them, I had to get Ben's early to save on postage of course!!!!!!!!!.

Ive got the day off tomorrow so I'm intending to go through all my clothes and send a few bits (alot if Ben has his way) to the charity shop! The great Lang detox has to continue as my two weeks annual leave to decorate is coming up soon and I'm needing it all to be ready in time. I think I might add a shelf or two to the list of DIY jobs to put my lovely mugs on :-)

 

       







Half term YEAH xx

We have been very busy over the last month! but finally it is half term and time to relax a little and enjoy some time together. I've got to work on Monday but then I have the rest of the week off which will be really nice.
Well I'm sorry to say that my craft party did not happen! We have postponed it. Lots of my friends were not really into making cards and the ones that wanted to come found the night too hard to arrange babysitters for or were away. I'm so so sure that it is my thing at all, not when I can buy from a friend who has a card selling business!! I know this is not the idea but life is far too short I have decided to be messing around sticking and stamping things. I love the cards my children make far too much to try myself xx
The dining room got painted what I thought was a really fab yellow colour!!!!! Big mistake it looked awful and I had to paint over it again the next day - I was really disappointed but it's back to cream again but looking alot fresher. I've just bought some new picture frames to put up this weekend which I cant wait to get on the wall. For some reason we don't have too many pictures of ourselves around the house so I thought I would remedy this. The fabulous Julie took my curtains up and made me a small 'net' out of some muslin I had and my window now looks amazing. I have also found in our local market a man that makes and sells wrought iron curtain 'tie backs' so I'm going in on Tuesday to meet him with an idea of what I would like. He's made some amazing things. The room will be finished and look great soon.
Samuel has been very romantic this week. Being only 9 we were very impressed!! He decided that he needed to but Ruby a present. He started his search in Country Chic! I persuaded him out of buying a fabulous necklace for £30.......We ended up in another shop buying her a bracelet for £3 hehe (Sorry Ruby). We didn't get chance to see her on Valentines night and she was busy swimming the night after and Samuel was getting a little frustrated with the whole thing as he so desperately wanted top see her aaaahhhhhh. He is a very resourceful young man as Liz turned up with Ruby and Tom later that evening - after receiving a phone call from our younger Romeo! He'd gone up into his bedroom with my phone and called Liz on her mobile asking her to call in on the way back from swimming!!!!!!!! We were shocked - and on any other day would have got told off - but Liz felt sorry for him and called over as he had been so sweet. Liz and I have decided that it was possible the most romantic thing that we have heard of, bless him. Just hope he puts as much effort into the day when he gets older :-).
The house detox continues boo and hiss! and today we are making multiple trips to the tip, fun fun fun. At least I will have the children around me this week to help!

The house needs a makeover xx

I have said yes to having a 'craft party' for my friend who has started her own business venture! She has been making her own cards and crafty things for a long time and now is a 'stamping it up' consultant!!! I think it is a bit like having a body shop party but selling craft items and printing stamps. This is so we will all be able to make our own cards from now on.........I think not hehe. I have booked the party for two weeks time (slightly regretting it already!). I'm not sure how much my friends are into craft but it may be a giggle and as long as I have gin in the house it will all be alright. I have decided that seeing as I'm going to have lots of people in my house I must make sure that I get my act sorted and do a few jobs around the house that I have been meaning to do for a long time!
I am going to start by painting the dining room, sorting out the curtains and finally make the table runner I have been going to do for some time. I cleaned the shelves of the dresser yesterday and decluttered as much as I could.
I really want to make a valentines day wall hanging and maybe even make a small picture from fabric with Emily. Again something I wanted to do several weeks ago, although I have had the excuse as I have been making Amy and Neils quilt (I have now finished making all the heart blocks). My other project that Samuel is very keen to help me with is to make my wooden heart garland. It involves using a jig saw to cut the wood and he is fit to burst with the thought of it.
I have found a picture that I would like my room to resemble! It may be a bit too 1930's for Benjamin's tastes but I have fallen in love with it so we will see hehe. I quite like having a deadline as I seem to work much better this way and things get dome alot quicker. I could just do with some time off work to have the time to do it all.
I think I'm going to declutter some more tonight! I'm in the mood to throw things away at the moment and try to create a little order in the house. I must start and sort out all our clothes this week as our cupboards are bursting at the seams but I'm sure that we only wear half of the stuff if that!!!!!! I think if I have had a good spring clean before spring starts then I can be doing fun things when the weather starts to warm up - see there is a plan..........

Panto season

Life has got back to it's normal level of chaos! The holidays are a far distant memory and everyone is back into the 'swing' of things!
The children have been busy over the last couple of weeks as they have been in the village pantomime, Calamity Jane. They have had such a fabulous time and Emily even had several lines (now she is a big girl and at college). They were all dressed up as Indians and cowboys. The after party in the Archers Arms was fun as well. Children from the panto were invited as well and Em and Sam spent the night dancing and singing to Queen songs .......someone gave Sam a microphone....... Bless them they were so good and had so much fun, very proud Mummy and Daddy. So many people came up and said how well behaved they both were and how much they had put into it all. We have said for the last year 'cant do it again as it's so late at night' but I think it is worth it and I they more from it than we think. Tamsyn was very happy, as after the performance we took her up to Granny Rosa's and she had a sleepover. She was very brave and went up on stage to dance with Samuel at one point.

Samuel looking fab but not wanting me to take his picture!

Emily and Jo having lots of fun

Tamsyn so very pleased to be up on stage.





A week of up's and down's xx

This week has been very mixed. The children are back to school so we are having to be back into the routine of early to bed and up in the morning, smiling, dressed, breakfast, teeth brushed, book bag, PE kit .......and on and on! Luckily it was a short week (they went back on Wednesday!) so we sort of had a practice run before Monday morning and it all has to start again for real. We are trying our new chores rota / list of things to to to keep us sane and happy :-) Samuel put the vacuum around the other day without being asked - I was in shock!
Work has been more than hectic this week. We have been so busy that I forgot the time on Wednesday and looked at the clock saying 3:20pm when I was supposed to have left at 3 to pick the children up from school. Luckily Rosa was at home and went up to the school to get them!!!!! Cant wait for tomorrow to go into work!!!!
I had my first day off on Friday (I'm now part time again YEAH ) which I really needed. I wasn't able to do too much. Friday marked two years since Dad died and I found it really hard. We also had some very sad news that a young friend had passed away that morning as well so as you can guess it wasn't the best day. I went over to a friends house and had a hug with her two younger little ones which made me feel much better. In the afternoon I met with Liz and had lunch at Cowslip - when your feeling down this is the best place of all to be, instant calm. I met with Jo and talked about my ideas for a patchwork quilt I want to make for Amy and Neil's wedding present. I came away feeling much better and when I met up with Mum felt a little easier.
Saturday was a complete contrast! We took the children, along with lots of Granny's (Granny Sandra, Rosa and Cleo) and also Amy and Emma to see the pantomime, Sleeping Beauty at Plymouth pavilions. It was amazing and we all had such a fantastic time. Emily was pleased as we met with her friend Holly who had gone as well. Emily and Samuel had there own dress rehearsal of Calamity Jane (Lewannick pantomime!) in the evening so it was a whole day of 'its behind you' and 'oh no he isn't' for them.

Silly 3D glasses!



Today I have been quite busy. Ben and Samuel went fishing so the girls and I met with Emma, Holly and Poppy and family at Trethorne for a couple of hours bowling - fabulous fun. Then we visited Granny Mary and took her shopping. Bless her, Emily is nearly as tall as her now!!!! We came home and put the roast beef in the oven and went down to see some friends to finally give them their Christmas presents. On our return we put the roast potatoes on and Ben and Samuel came home just in time!!!!!!!!!!! The children were so tired so we watched a film and then got them all into bed. I'm looking around my house now and I have so much to do but I'm not sure I can be bothered! I will all keep ............



Designing pyjama tops

The girls designing their pyjama tops

Lots of flowers and a picture of herself in the middle

Samuel and his six pack!!!!!!! He says he might wear this one for PE!!!!

Out with the old

Today I have woken up in a clean and tidy mood! Be afraid...... Today, I have decided, is a perfect day to get the house 'sorted out'. Its all wet outside and the children are quite tired from the new years party and family day so a stay at home day it is to be. Ben is about to get a long list of things that need to be done (including putting up the many mirrors that need to go up around the house). Sadly I think the Christmas tree must come down today. We are all back to work and the children back to school in a couple of days and after that time will be limited. Our tree looked fabulous this year, chosen by Samuel and decorated by us all. The cranberry and popcorn garlands are now looking quite sad (what is left after Mum's dog decided he was hungry!) It is time to say goodbye.
I went on eBay last night and found two most beautiful French sheets. One is a pink stripe and the other a blue stripe. I'm going to make them into tablecloths (I thought they would be perfect for, girl and boy birthday party's). They both come with two pillow cases which I'm thinking might be able to make into bunting, to go on the dresser. I'm quite excited to see what they look like, and if they don't look right they can go on the bed :-)  Ben would say I have enough tablecloths! They are fast becoming quite a collection, too many to fit in the dresser and have taken over from my shoe obsession. I'm trying to get one for every occasion.
Must go now and clean my house from top to bottom and try and get it back to normal!

                                                            Our fabulous Christmas tree

Snow in the back lane (I got out to play before the children)