Madness At The Malting

2012-01-23T22:15:00.000Z

Just before Christmas I discovered a new interest, called Pinterest...
Ooooo - so much loveliness! Basically lots of photos of all sorts of things - wonderful places, foods, craft ideas, house ideas etc etc. I have always kept photo files of ideas on my computer, but this is a much easier way to tranfer and store pictures for later use and inspiration.
I had saved this picture I came across on Pinterest, and shown it to Harry:

Harry asked if we had any of the white tape, and a short while later our living room looked like this:

It's actually looked like this for about a week now (with the addition of lots more Playmobil and Hot Wheels cars...) I'm wondering just how long it will be here for?

January so far...

2012-01-23T21:31:00.001Z

Well so far this year, I seem to mainly have been occupied with church activities, and ladies' trips out!
The children all went back to school on Wednesday January 4th, the day after Scott went back to work. That Wednesday evening we had a Relief Society class on Cake Decorating, and I took along a couple of Mums from school.
I had a Youth meeting in Northampton the next night, then an evening out with my school book club friends at an Indian restaurant on the Friday night, and a meeting to plan the Youth Camp, in Kettering on the Sunday night.

The following Friday (13th), we had an activity evening in Northampton, followed by our very first youth choir practise! There were over 100 youth and leaders, and we didn't sound too bad! The girls were incredibly enthusiastic, and the boys a bit less so (or down-right very not enthusiastic in some cases!) I was glad with how it went, though we had some other mix up on the night, and I left the evening feeling exhausted and a bit fragile.
I was cheered up enormously the next day though, following a phone call with President Hirst. He always helps me see the bigger picture.

On Sunday 15th, I went to Bedford ward to give a talk there. I'd been asked by the Bishopric on Wednesday evening to speak for 20 minutes. I get very nervous speaking, but I don't mind it in some ways, because it makes me really study, and try and listen for the Holy Ghost. I think it went OK anyway. It turned out that Scott and the children didn't get to go to church that day because my car hadn't started! Lucy had ended up doing a little class at home with the boys.

I didn't have the car for all of last week, but luckily I didn't really need it.
On Thursday 19th, I went out to lunch with some friends from Harry and Tom's school, to celebrate Zoe's birthday. It was very pleasant, and I had made a pink roses cake, with little bunting on top, to finish off. The restaurant people were really nice, and even provided a cake sparkler and bought the cake in.

On Thursday night, I travelled with the Cains to Northampton for our Stake Council meeting.

The next day, I had another (unplanned) day out with two friends, to go swimming costume shopping. I actually found two that I liked, and we had another very lovely lunch out!
The swimming costumes were in preparation for Saturday 21st, when I and eight friends from the school travelled to King's Lynn for a spa day.
It had been planned for a Sunday, so I'd said I wouldn't be going, but not long ago, they told me they had changed it to a Saturday so that I could go!
We had a wonderful day out, leaving at 9am, and getting home again at about 11pm. At the spa, I went to the gym, swam a lot (between 30 or 40 lengths), had an AMAZING back massage, went in some of the different steam rooms, had an ice fight in one of the spa rooms, salt scrubbed our feet, read by the pool, chatted a lot drinking herbal teas, and at the end I think I fell asleep for a bit curled up in a bath robe on a lounger in the relaxation room! We also had a nice lunch out, then a meal at a local Chinese restaurant in the evening.
Scott was great, and took all the kids to London on the train. They went to the Science Museum, The British Museum, and also into Westminster Abbey. They all seemed to have had a super day!
Yesterday (Sunday 22nd), I went to church in Northampton ward, and then Duston ward (who meet in the afternoon). I then went straight from there to Bedford, for their 'New Beginnings' evening. It was good seeing lots of the girls and their leaders. Scott and the kids went to Huntingdon. (My car is fixed now - it had a service, which sorted it out.)

Scott's been pretty busy this month with Seminary starting again, and with his plans for world domination (well, actually his plans for making the college bigger and better...) He's had loads of ideas recently, and is excited to see if they actually work!
The children are all quite happy. Lucy has been choosing her subjects for GCSEs - her option subjects (she thinks) will be Geography, Economics and Drama. She already has to do French, and all the sciences etc. because she is on the 'enrichment pathway'.
Lucy's also been chosen to be on a justice panel type-thing at school, where she and some others have to listen to 'cases' of misbehaviour in school, and decide what should be done.
She is still thoroughly enjoying her phone - it helps her keep in contact with church friends from around the stake.
Jack is happy to just jog along with life - he does his homework with no problems or reminders, and he has recently taken part in two basketball tournaments with school. He is really getting tall too - nearly as tall as Lucy now.
Tom has a new teacher for two days a week, who he is quite happy with - Miss Lavelle - I laugh every time I hear the name, because she was a character in one of the episodes of the A-Team...
Tom is enjoying reading a lot at the moment, and frequently reminds me that we need to go to the library.
Harry is growing up too. He takes pride in his artwork, and loves his cars and Playmobil. He is a bit more compliant now, and life seems easier in some ways. He loves his swimming lessons on Mondays after school, and is highly enthusiastic, and a joy to watch!
Harry ran 102 circuits of our downstairs, last week. He has lots of energy!

Christmas

2012-01-23T13:33:00.001Z

On Christmas Eve, we had a lovely day - Lucy and I went to buy cinema tickets for Arthur Christmas in the morning, went to McDonalds for breakfast, and then walked over to the big Tesco nearby (via the extremely muddy bit!) for a wander. I got a very turquoise jacket, and Lucy got a poncho which she loves, plus some other bits (including nail polishes). We had such a laugh.

When we got back, to Lucy's delight, her new Sim card had come for her mobile phone. I had finally decided to get a new phone (my old one has been lost for nearly a year), and we found a very cheap contract. I get a free phone with mine (exactly the same model as Lucy's!) and Lucy bought the same contract too. She is so happy to be able to text as freely as she likes now. My phone arrived after Christmas, and I am actually remembering to charge it and take it with me!

We all enjoyed the film in the evening, and then went and got cheese burgers afterwards. Lucy and I ended up running back to Tesco again, pleading with the security guard to let us in (he was just locking up), so that we could get someone to take the security tag off my turquoise jacket, which they had forgotten to do earlier in the day.

On Christmas Day, we were just by ourselves in the morning, and it was lovely watching everyone opening their presents, after I showed them a short film from lds.org. Don't know why I bothered tidying up, it pretty quickly looked like this!

We went to church for an hour-long service, in which the ward choir did a really good job. We then went back home, quickly packed, then headed to Mum and Dad's house for Christmas Part II!

John and Hannah arrived around the same time, and we all had Christmas dinner, then had more presents (my favourite being a gorgeous glass cake dome and plate, with some almond things inside which John had made - perfect!!)

There's nothing better than hanging out with family! Lots of talking, laughing and late nights!

On Boxing day, went went to Nottingham University to go for a walk in the park.

Mum and Dad on the spinny thing!

The guys on another spinny thing

Asher and Uncle Scott

Family Portrait #1

Family Portrait #2!

Mum being the Karate Kid...

On December 27th we took Granny's mobility scooter out for a spin, on Abbey Park. All the kids had a go - though whoever was on the scooter became the target for the frisby.

I wanted to stay at Nottingham for a bit longer, so that I could get to see Katy. She hadn't been able to come while Asher, and also Nikki (who's pregnant) were around, because Amy got Chicken Pox just before Christmas.

Katy, Amy and Bobbie came on 28th December, and we had a nice stroll up to the Avenue, and got loads of half price Boots sale bargains.

Me trying out some new polish on Amy.

I also started some knitting at Mum and Dad's... Scott looks so impressed!

Chicken spotty Amy and big cousin Lucy.

We headed back home on 29th, to give me time to get ready for the Brand New Year event in Northampton (for the youth from church and their families), which I was helping to organise.

On New Year's Eve, Scott took Harry and Tom on the train to London, where they went to the Science Museum, the Imax theatre, and Hamley's toy shop (to spend some Christmas money!)
Jack, Lucy and I headed off, and helped get everything ready in Northampton.
When everyone had arrived, we started the evening off with a bit in the chapel where we introduced the Church's Youth Theme for 2012 ('Arise and Shine Forth') I had to give a talk, which I had based on a quote from the film 'The Help'

I tied it in with gospel principles, and I felt like the talk went well - it really was what I wanted to say to the youth.
We then had the party part, with inflatables, and food and games etc, and we counted in the new year in classic style. One of Lucy's friends took this pictures, a few moments into 2012!

December

2012-01-16T22:30:00.000Z

On Wednesday 8th December, I should have been at Harry's school, watching him in his play - only I totally forgot to go! (loving Mother that I am...) Luckily one of my friends had spare tickets for the other performance they were doing, the next day. Here's Harry as a spider... (promotion from last year, when he was 'Herod's Helper' - yes, the Herod who killed all the babies...)

On Thursday 8th of December, Jack turned 12, and the next day he and Lucy had a day off school (teacher training or something). Harry and Tom still had school though, so it worked out well to have Jack's birthday party that day. After dropping off Hary and Tom, Jack and I drove round and picked up a couple of his school friends and then went back to ours. The boys played for a bit, then Jack's friends saw my 'The Cuter Book':

and asked if they could make felt creatures... they then spent an hour or two sewing and chattering away to me as I helped them, and I genuinely don't think I have seen happier, more enthusiastic boys anywhere! Jack looked slightly bemused that his friends were enjoying sewing so much! They didn't want to leave when I said it was time to go out for lunch (we had arranged to meet Scott), so I made up little packs with all the bits they'd need to finish off at home, and said they could always come round after school some time to make more stuff. We then met up with Scott for lunch, and afterwards dropped the boys back home.

The next day (Saturday 10th December) we had Tom's birthday party. Scott took him and some friends to the cinema and McDonalds, then they came to ours to play for a while. They were all a bit silly, and thankfully Jack took them in the garden to play football.

In the evening, we went up to the village hall next to church, for the ward Christmas party. It was nice just hanging out and chatting with people - I was feeling a bit brain dead.

On Sunday 11th December, straight after church, Ben Conway and Scott ordained Jack as a Deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood. It was a short and sweet blessing, and I felt so proud of Jack living his life right and being worthy to receive it.

Our children are growing up around us, and there are many pleasures which I had never really given a lot of thought to beforehand.

Jack helped to pass the sacrament for the first time on Sunday 18th, though Scott and I managed to miss seeing him doing it, because we were in the over-flow room!

In the week before the kids broke up from school, I did my Visiting Teaching, got my hair cut, babysat for the Conway's two youngest, and also went as a last minute thing to Cambridge with my friend Jo. We went on the guided bus, and had a very pleasant time shopping for a few little bits, and having lunch in a cafe.

On Friday 16th, Tom turned 9. He always finds it hard to 'wait the longest' for his birthday to come around!
In the evening, I went ice skating with about 40 of the youth and leaders from church. I took a car full of kids. We had a great time (me pretty rubbish as usual, Lucy not too bad, and Jack clinging to the edge for most of it!), but about 15 minutes before the end, one of our boys tripped badly, and cut his face and knocked himself out. He came round, but had lost his short-term memory. Bishop Wade and I waited with him in the first aid room for an hour or two, while a paramedic arrived, and thoroughly checked him out. His memory gradually started to return, but they took him to the hospital to keep an eye on him, and I took back the kids I was taking home. He went home the next day, and all was fine, thankfully.
That weekend we also finally got round to putting up the Christmas decorations - me reluctantly. Once the Christmas tree was all pretty though, it made me happy every time I saw it, and Lucy felt the same too!

We had a full week before Christmas then, with the kids off school, and it was lovely. We gradually cleared up the whole house (though I never did get round to getting all the ironing done before Christmas), and we were in a real making mood, and also baking mood. We did a menu for the week, and ate well.

Here is our pudding one day - chocolate cake drizzled with condensed milk and fudge sauce, then covered with creamy stuff, and topped with home made cinder toffee.

Scott also did his first ever baking! (since I have known him, anyway) - he and his able assistant Lucy made two gingerbread London Temples, to give to Anna Conway and Nikki Flinn, for a Facebook handmade-pay-it-forward thing. They were complete with green spires, golden Angel Moronis (Lindor chocolate teddies), and pond, with kids paddling in it (gummy bears.) I think he was quite proud of them, and I was quite happy because he made enough Royal Icing to ice a shed, so there was plenty left for me to freeze in little tubs and make stuff with later.

We also built into our menu for the week, some smoothies. This was one of our less successful ones... beetroot (straight from the garden), carrots, apples and possibly celery. No one could drink it. Even I who pride myself on not being fussy, could only manage a third of a glass before spitting a load out in the sink. RE-VOLT-ING...

On Friday 23rd, we had been invited to a Christmas party at a friend from school's house - Holly in Harry's class. There were a few of us 'Ladies who Lunch' there with our families. The kids all disappeared, the men all talked, the women all talked, and we had a lovely and very civilised time!

Harry

2012-01-10T22:10:00.000Z

On Friday 2nd December it was the Christmas Fair at Harry and Tom's school. I am in the school parents' group, and had a few assignments to help with it, one being to set up Santa's Grotto, and another to make the 'Guess the number of sweets on the cake' cake...

I also ran a 'making incredibly gluey & messy wooden Christmas Puddings craft stall', while Lucy and Jack came straight from their school, to take Harry and Tom round. Everyone spent their money on the Jam Jars stall and soft toys.

The next day was Harry's 6th birthday. He was delighted with his presents, and got down to some serious playing, while I spent most the day making cupcakes for his party that afternoon. Harry was sharing his party with Dylan from his class at school. We had booked the local leisure centre soft play bit, and invited their entire class (most of whom came).

It went pretty well I think. Harry enjoyed it anyway!

The calm before the storm...

Harry and Dylan, and the pirate cupcakes I made.

After the party, Harry had a wonderful time opening the enormous amount of presents he received from his friends - I know I probably should have felt how excessive it all was, but actually I just enjoyed how happy he was.

The following week, we went to the library, and I remembered to take my camera with me, to get a photo of this picture which Harry drew. He and his classmates all drew pictures of book covers, for a display on one of the library walls. I think it's lovely!

Family Temple Trip

2012-01-03T21:25:00.004Z

Had a great weekend, starting with Friday 18th November. Scott had signed up for some deal with Blockbuster, so that we could have as many DVDs as we liked for a month. On Friday evening, we watched 'Australia'. Seemed like we hadn't sat down to watch anything for ages, and we had a lovely evening together.

The next day, we went down to London Temple. We were so lucky with the weather - clear and mild. I went in the Temple first, while Scott had the kids, then we swapped. The kids did drawings and read, and we all took it in turns with my camera.

The grounds were beautiful.

I love seeing Jack and Lucy having fun together. They seem closer since Jack started Lucy's school - more in common I suppose, and Jack's seems a bit more grown-up lately.

The place where we were married for eternity!

I also took the kids into the visitor's centre, where we watched some of the church's short films. They are wonderful. I know the kids could really feel the spirit, and they didn't want to leave when Scott came and found us. Harry asked if we could go back to the temple soon.

In the evening, Anna and I went onto the American Airbase, and met up with a load of our friends from bookclub, to watch 'The Help' at the cinema. What a good film! We'd read the book, and I think everyone really liked both. They are also a great bunch of girls to be friends with!

On Sunday, it was the Primary Presentation at church. Scott, Lucy and I watched from the over-flow room, so I wasn't able to glare at Harry as he messed around through much of it (or was non-co-operative at the very least) - not one of his finer moments anyway. It was Jack's last ever presentation, and he didn't really want to do it (feels too old now), so I was proud of him, and Tom did a good job too.

It was also announced that Stephen and Johnathan who I worked with on the stake youth team were released from their callings. I felt a rush of emotion as it was said, and started crying - we have worked hard together this past year, and had a lot of fun too - I will really miss them both. In the following week, I spoke with Stephen, and then with Johnathan the next Sunday, at a Stake Youth Fireside which we were holding, and got to thank them for a good year. Also over the past few weeks, I have had 5 new people called to the Young Women's team, so it will be all change!

Roberta Gosling, and a trip to Lincoln

2011-12-19T16:15:00.000Z

On Friday 28th October, my sister Katy gave birth to a little girl, whom she and Dan have named Roberta Richold Gosling. On Saturday 12th November, we all went and visited them.

Tom first in the queue to hold Roberta!

Uncle Dan teaching some guitar.

We all went for a walk into Lincoln, round the old and lovely streets. Amy and Lucy looking at the Cathedral.

We had a wander round one of the museums.

The kids and Amy...

Back at Katy and Dan's, we made tea (after chess...), then headed home. It was a lovely day spending time together, and meeting Roberta, who is super!

End of Oct / Beginning of Nov

2011-12-19T15:38:00.001Z

The Bleakleys came to collect Abi on Wednesday 26th, and stayed for tea. We were on the second day of having our boiler replaced, but luckily it was quite mild.
Scott took the next day off work, and we did some niggly bits of paperwork and stuff. Mark the boiler man left in the evening, but actually the new boiler couldn't work till we got an electrician out to do another bit. Very annoying.
I then spent the next three days pretty much in bed, feeling lousy - aching, temperature, miserable - flu. Scott's Mum and Dad dropped the boys off on Friday, and Scott took them all to the ward party on Saturday and church on Sunday without me.
On Nov 3rd I went to Northampton for a meeting, and had a long talk with President Hirst afterwards, which I found really helped with some things I have been wondering about recently.
On Friday 4th, I went with some of the Mums from school for a lovely day out. We went and had breakfast, then shopping in Cath Kidston (got loads of gorgeous Christmas presents), then to a fab old restaurant for lunch - followed by our usual mad rush back to school to pick up all our kids in time!
The next week an electrician came out, and told us it wasn't an electrical problem, so the next day (8th) the boiler man came back out and replaced a part, plus did another job on the system, then finally after over two weeks of no heat, everything worked - HEAT!! Lovely!
On Nov 10th I met up with Tracy, a friend from the older kids' old school. We had breakfast, then went shopping for a new coat for me. Had a great time catching up - she has had a lot of changes in her life recently.
Had a couple of meetings in Northampton the next night, and then on Friday 18th, we took delivery of a large sheet of glass, for a splash-back in our kitchen. With the convention over, I felt like I had a bit of mental space to think about decorating the house. I'd ordered the glass the week before, and had been listening to story tapes while getting the grouting done of the tiles that will go behind the glass. One of these years we will have finished this house...

Lucy's 14th Birthday

2011-12-17T12:53:00.001Z

Monday 24th October, 2011.

After present opening, Lucy, Abi and I first of all headed to McDonalds for breakfast (got there just in time!)

After that we made our way to the Guided Bus Park & Ride in St. Ives. My satnav stopped working, and couldn't be fixed, in spite of Abigail's best efforts, and her pleas for help on Facebook... We still managed to make it there (my local geography is rubbish), somehow get the right tickets and catch the right bus (this apparently is quite traumatic with two teenage girls), for a very exciting first trip on the guided bus to Cambridge. We also got a 4th recruit to the back-seat-gang, in the form of a 3 year old boy, who became quite attached to us.
Abigail is very inclusive of me, which is quite nice of a teenager, and we all had a lot of fun.
Us trying on hats in H&M.

We actually managed to see none of the beautiful sights of Cambridge, but spent most the time inside Primark!

After a hard day shopping, and buying most the contents of Primark, we flopped into Cafe Nero for some hot chocolates.

Yes, the girls did buy identical jumpers, necklaces, and cookie monster pants...

...which they then dressed up in, and went out to the Chinese Takeaway in, looking like this:

Lucy receiving yet another text.

We had a lovely evening eating chinese and Ben & Jerry's, and watching films. I think Lucy had a good birthday!
Smores in the back garden the next night.

October

2011-12-17T12:05:00.000Z

October seems to have been taken over with planning (and STRESSING - oh - my - goodness -) over the Multi-stake Youth Convention, held on 21st & 22nd. Over 200 teenagers, 60-odd adults, registration, dance, workshops, activities, overnight accommodation, food, last minute changes etc, to help organise... I put in a few solid 6 hour stints when the kids were at school, on the phone and computer - dealing with upward of 30 emails some days, in the week beforehand.

In the end, it was a truly wonderful event. Everything came together, everyone had somewhere to sleep, the kids loved the Junk Fashion Show, complete with catwalk and DJ, which our Northampton team had come up with, and the highlight was the Devotional and Testimony Meeting at the end. Nearly 2 hours solid of 14-18 year olds coming up one after the other to share their feelings about the gospel. There were very few dry eyes by the end, and the spirit was incredible. Made every second of stress (and I have seriously never felt more stressed in my life), worth it.

Also in October, Harry started swimming lessons after school on Mondays (our first child who has actually wanted them.) He scores 11/10 for enthusiasm and energy, and 2/10 for style (and ability to propel forwards in the water.)

We also got the mud/sand in the front garden levelled, ordered turf and laid it (on 12th), and bought a new people carrier. (Our blue one still had what was left of its exhaust pipe held on with a wire coat hanger, wasn't very economical, had the driver's window propped up with wood, couldn't be locked, except the boot though which couldn't open, Lucy got squirted through the car wall when I turned the lever to wash the back windscreen, seats worn through, not to mention the lack of trim and dent on one side from when I knocked over John's fence post a couple of years ago. I think I'm forgetting a couple of things too.) Amazingly enough, the people we bought our new Chrysler from took it in part exchange!

New grass and car:

On 15th October we went over to Birmingham for a Cryer Family get together, while Scott's Aunty Sue and Uncle Les were over from Canada. It was great to see everyone, and just hang out, play games and chat.

Also in October, I prepared an Auxiliary Training meeting for the ward Young Women Presidents, helped out on a couple of local school visits, had our friends Richard and Jo Blackhurst over for a meal, and had Harry and Tom's parents evenings.
Harry's teacher said that he is popular, sometimes gets too silly, is doing fine with his work, and is an exceptionally good drawer. She said if she goes through a pile of pictures, she can pick his out without seeing any names. She told me to tell him that he is doing really well!
Tom's teacher said that he is good in all his subjects - an all-rounder, and also that she sees him being a good influence on the other children around him, and that Scott and I should be very proud of him.

Sunday 16th was a bit of an emotional roller coaster for me. Had a meeting in Northampton starting at 7.30am which left me feeling unsettled, then we had some very spiritual talks in Sacrament meeting (instead of the broadcast we were supposed to be having, because the screen fell down). I was with one of my counsellors, and a couple of the Stake YM Presidency, and both of us girls were a bit tearful, but we then had a meeting (more Convention stuff), during which I was tearful again, then we were joined in our meeting with President Hirst, and a visiting member of the 70, who said he felt he should come in and spend some time with us. After hearing from each of us (me = more tears) he then gave us all some counsel, and me some very direct words of encouragement. They then left the meeting, and we continued with our meeting where we discussed what we had learnt. The feelings of friendship amongst us was so strong.

The Youth Convention weekend was the first weekend of the half term. Scott took the boys down to his parents' house, where they had been invited to stay for a few days. On Sunday 23rd October, Lucy and I were wrecked, but very much on a high from the convention. After church the Bleakleys came over and stayed for a while, before going and leaving Abigail with us for a few days. I had looked forward to this time so much! - the convention over, the boys away, Lucy's birthday to enjoy with just herself and Abigail, and the half term holidays!
That evening we went over to my friends, the Blackhursts' farm, for a Harvest Thanksgiving & Hog Roast. It was in one of the big barns, with loads of people, and we really enjoyed it. Considering we thought we'd know hardly anyone, we chatted with loads of people - Tom's teacher from last year, friends from the school, Richard and Jo's families etc. There was also a competition to 'Guess how many tonnes of onions' were in the barn. When Richard announced the winners though, he said the Flinns had won, and I sat there thinking - ooh, I wonder who the other Flinns are?! Then he said for the two Flinn girls to come up, and I realised he was talking about Lucy and Abigail! Lucy and Abigail had won, with their guess (aided by Scott) of 550 tonnes. (Richard was getting mixed up with my Facebook name of Helen Flinn Cryer, Abigail was most pleased that she had been classed as my daughter, and Lucy was glad to have a sister!)

Other stuff in September & The last day of Summer

2011-12-17T10:25:00.000Z

Other bits and bobs that went on in September... I started an 8 week Yoga class on Friday nights - really love it, and have felt really un-stiff! Also, a PTA meeting (I seem to have become the Art person - doing posters, signs, cakes etc.), a few visits to different wards, meeting with some of the Young Women Presidents, spoke at a Youth Fireside meeting, Elders for tea, Book Club, did a Beehive Forum (12 & 13 yr old girls activity night), had a really useful meeting with Presidents Hirst and Cain, am helping to organise a big multi-stake Youth Convention, and went to Jack's first Parent/Tutor meeting at secondary school.

His tutor said that he is very confident for a year 7 person, and that he has great potential academically. It was quite funny - his tutor has a different accent and intonation to English, and it sounded as though she was saying good things, but that there was a big 'BUT...' coming, so I kept waiting, and we got to the end, and I realised there was no 'but', and that it had been a really good report!

We had some beautiful weather in September, and then another spell at the very end, going into October.

We had the most lovely day on October 1st. I read on a blanket on the lawn all morning ('The Help'), then decided to weed the vegetable beds, and then the patio, while Scott cut the grass. I felt like it was the last day of what has seemed a long lovely summer, starting with the beautiful weather we had back at Easter. (I know not all my friends agree, but I think we have been lucky with the combination of weather here and in France.) I wanted to really make the most of it, so Scott went out and bought logs for the fire bowl, and marshmallows and pizza, and we had a chilled out, happy time as a family, soaking in the the last of summer.

(Not sure what Lucy was dong here...)

Another lovely Saturday

2011-12-14T22:11:00.001Z

Another Saturday which I enjoyed was 24th September, when Harry and I went on the local American Air base, for Harry's friend from church, Jakeb's bowling party. Harry got pretty into it...

...and also fell in love with his bowling shoes, and was really unhappy about having take them off and leave them behind. He could not understand why he didn't get to keep them.

Before heading home, we stopped off at a nearby town where a quilt show was being held in one of the churches. A friend's mother-in-law told me about it, and one of her quilts was being displayed. Harry was not very impressed when I told him what we were doing, but once inside he was very interested, especially when the lady on the door told him he got to vote for his favourite quilt, and gave him a voting slip. He then carefully examined every quilt in the place, finally coming up with this chicken one as his favourite.

After that, the weather was so mild, and the light so lovely, that we went for a wander by the river. From a bridge, I spotted a free table in a little cafe, so Harry and I went and had cake and a drink, and happily watched the boats go by, and chatted to the couple on the next table, who told Harry about electric boat engines.

It was lovely just to spend time with Harry on his own.
In the evening, we all went over to the Conways, and had a very pleasant evening playing conker games, eating nice soups, and chatting with Anna's friend, Patty, and her husband. I was ridiculously tired though, and pretty much vegged out on the sofa most the evening, enjoying the conversation.

A Saturday Out

2011-12-14T21:19:00.001Z

Saturday 19th September was a fun day - the younger two boys went to a Primary activity at church in the morning, and Scott, the older two and I went to have a look at progress on Scott's college new build (which sparked a heated debate, as I think it is utterly revolting, and modern-council-estate-tastic and even with exactly the same budget and no architect qualifications, I know I could make it look far nicer, which Scott says is purely a matter of opinion!)

After that we had access to a huge disused airbase site. Scott's college is having a building there, and he wanted to go and see it. The place is used for all sorts of things now - driving training, police dog training, storage of brand new cars, and storage of lots of containers. I loved looking down the huge runways and seeing miles of containers - a really different environment to be in.

After we had picked up the boys, we headed over to Lincoln to spend the afternoon with the Bleakley's, and celebrate Holly's birthday. We pottered in the kitchen preparing lots of lovely food, and just had a great time chatting and being together. Lucy and Abi also evidently had a good time!

Back to school

2011-12-14T20:53:00.000Z

On Tuesday 6th September, all the kids went back to school. Harry in Year 1, Tom in Year 4, Jack in Year 7, and Lucy in Year 9. Jack was very laid back about starting Secondary School, even though I tried to warn him about getting his head flushed down toilets etc... He was just keen to be there, and not worried in the least. In fact all the kids were happy to be starting back, and we had a really pleasant day. Jack called for his friend Toby, who lives a couple of streets away, to walk to school together. The verdict was he thinks it's great.

Scott is a Seminary Teacher

2011-12-14T20:44:00.001Z

On Sunday 4th September, Scott joined up with approximately eight 14-18 year old kids from church, on Skype, for his first seminary lesson. (He's on here with one of the Dads trying to sort out some technical problems.)

Since then he has been teaching 4 lessons a week between 6.30am and 7.15am. This year they are studying the Old Testament. Scott's liking that he is learning a lot, even though Skype has its own challenges as a classroom environment. He also teaches an evening class at the chapel in person, roughly every other week.

I have very nobly donated my sewing table to Scott for Seminary, so that he doesn't need to keep setting up the TV screen (and more recently laptop) each day.

Training Meeting in Watford

2011-12-14T20:33:00.000Z

After we were back from France a couple of days, on 3rd September, I travelled down to Watford for a training meeting. Bishops and Stake Presidencies had a separate meeting, and Auxiliary Presidents met with Sisters Clayton, Kerr and Kopischke.
What a wonderful experience. After a slightly scary start, when I was asked to conduct the meeting (!), we had a quite informal and personal meeting, with some marvelous training, and discussion.
I spoke with Sister Clayton afterwards too, and she said that it was clear to see why I was called - that I am what the girls need to see, even if I didn't actually do anything, and she shared many other things that left us both in tears. After all the stress and rushing around and busyness of the calling, it was wonderful to feel so spiritually uplifted, and re-focused on what my priorities need to be. The impact of this meeting has really stayed with me.
Afterwards, Bishop Wade, Rebecca Cain and myself had a meal out before travelling home.

Last days of holiday

2011-12-12T13:17:00.001Z

For our last two full days in France (29th & 30th August), we really wanted to make the most of it, and luckily we had great weather! For anyone who has looked much at this blog before, these pictures will probably look familiar...yes - it's the bouncy castle place again!!

My two little boys flying through the air...

The human tidal wave.

Typical Scott driving.

Mum and Asher at base camp.

My two little boys both flying once again...

We had a family game of golf.

There were some slightly less than orthodox methods on show, including various snooker shots, and Lucy's 'blow it down the hole' technique, which couldn't have been that successful, seeing as she came last.

On our favourite bikes again!

Aftermath of Lucy's quite hilarious crash into the bike stand...

More of Scott's superb driving.

The next day we all headed to the surfing beach. Scott looking the part, with our new skim board.

Mum at the latest base camp.

The boys starting work on a network of sand castles. Dad bought a proper builder's spade with him!

Ha ha ha!

We waited till the bitter end, as the very last bit of sandcastle was swallowed by the sea.

John had bought a waterproof camera case with him. It kept steaming up, but he got this one of me surfing.

We came away feeling pretty happy, sandy, tired etc. A great day!

First thing on Wednesday 31th August, we headed back for England. This is the bridge at one of the toilet stops. It has a great view, which you can see Le Mont St. Michel from.

We got the high speed ferry back from Le Havre. Harry liked watching from the back.

I was not very happy (as usual) to be going back to England. I don't think any of us were really. Good bye France for another year.

Just a weekend on holiday

2011-12-12T12:24:00.000Z

Once Scott was back in France we made the decision not to get a new exhaust pipe/back box bit, but to secure the remaining bit with a wire coathanger, and sort it out back in England. It wasn't as noisy as it could have been, but Harry said the car sounds like a Ferrari!

On Friday 26th August, we decided to try and cycle to a spot which we have passed lots of times in the car, but which I actually wanted to go to as a destination. It's a high up point out the other side of Plumelec, and it's where all the camper vans etc gather when there is a big bike race on.

It was a pretty hilly ride, especially for Tom with no gears on his bike, but we made it. I loved being there - the view is gorgeous.

Dad took this picture of us cycling up the last part of the enormous hill into Plumelec. One of the Tour de France stages ended just at the top of this hill... I think that is so mean! (We only did this bit - not the whole thing - it's a killer!)

After that we cycled to a nearby WW2 memorial, and look out point.

Mum, back at Bel-Air with some of Dad's very smelly cheese

Dad hung up the flags in preparation for John, Hannah and baby Asher's arrival in the evening.

27th August. Scott hanging out with his new nephew, Asher.

After church, Sunday 28th August. A typical sight with John around - a game of some description going on!

Some of next door's birds had wandered into our bread oven, so we took some photos, then challenged Scott to catch a goose. He didn't get one, but the geese were hilarious, and fell over!

In the evening, everyone except me went for a walk, where they found some familiar looking fairies in Yvon's wood!

The usual evening hanging out in Mum and Dad's room.

Mum in charge

2011-12-07T20:20:00.001Z

Scott was back in England from the 13th-24th August, and so after the Garricks had gone home, the kids and I pottered around, going to some of our favourite places, and carrying on with the Tasks on Dan's treasure hunt. Mum and Dad were still at Bel-Air, and it was nice to hang around with them too. We had gorgeous weather pretty much the whole time.

On 18th August, the kids and I went to Josselin, to try and complete some of the questions based on the town. One of them involved finding a particular shop which sold sculptures, and getting some information from the owner. He spoke little English, and must have thought I was a right nutcase - asking him what his job was before he became a sculpter, etc! He was very nice though, and even said my French was very good! The kids all bought mini figurines, including Jack's one of a meditating pig (featuring later...)

After that, we had to answer a question about one of the locks, so headed up river... quite a long way as it turned out!! It was gorgeous weather though, and a very pretty walk. We also saw an otter.

The kids being 'meditating pigs' (heat clearly got to them by this point..)

There's a really gorgeous lock, with a swinging bridge over it - I love the old buildings nestling behind. The kids were watching for dragon flies.

The next day, Dad completed laying a path down the side of the kitchen - superb!!

Harry and Tom made a den in the garden,

and later on dad came with us to do another of Dan's tasks. We had been given a shape on a piece of paper, then had to find the shape on the area's Ordinance Survey (equivalent) map. It was really hard to find!! I eventually did though, then we set out to cycle it, answering questions along the way.

First stop was at the nearby village of Cruguel, where we played around at the old washing place.

Just nearby in the centre of the village, is pretty much my ideal French house. I love it!! There would be tonnes of blue hydrangeas and bright geraniums everywhere, of course. I'm trying to persuade Scott that we need to buy it.

Further along our bike ride, we had to answer some questions about windmills. Spot the guys cycling up the hill in the picture below...

The modern windmills are seriously massive.

Dad took this good picture of old and new.

Lucy and I cycling along the road at the top of our lane, after our long but satisfying ride.

On 20th August, I took the kids to one of our favourite beaches - 'The Island Beach'. We made straight for the island, and though the mainland beach was fairly busy, we had the little beach at the back of the island pretty much to ourselves. The water was so warm, that Lucy, Tom and I had a lovely time swimming in it.

Our little camp for the day.

Harry and Jack found some charcoal left from a fire, and had fun grinding it up on a couple of big rocks - here's Harry looking a bit charcoal-y!

The skies above us!

On 23rd August, the kids and I were highly naughty, and bought a sticker from our favourite postcard shop in Josselin - a sticker of what the kids call the mad hatter. It's a local sticker saying L'aise Breizh - roughly translated - The ease of Brittany! We have always threatened Scott we'd get one for the car, so while he was away we did, much to the glee of the kids!

In the afternoon, we went and did another task - answering questions about a little place called Le Mont, a short drive away.

Inside the old church. I asked the kids what they thought the confession box was for. Tom said for the vicar to get changed in, and Harry said a toilet!

On 24th August, we headed to another favourite place, Auray.

It was so nice to pick a favourite bench, a favourite view and get out our picnic! (I started making up the sandwiches at home, wrapping them in foil and writing the names on, rather than lugging out all the lunch making stuff each time - much better!) I wondered if we would be bored of the same places by now, but no - we love them!

(Click on this picture below to see it larger - I like it!)

This time we wondered over to the small football stadium, and had fun posing for photos.

When we got back, Dad noticed something up with our car, and the next thing I knew, he was holding half the exhaust pipe system! I was a bit sad - not necessarily about the car, but because it meant I couldn't drive out and pick up Scott from the airport that night. I really look forwards to doing the beautiful hour and half evening drive through the countryside all alone, and then reuniting with Scott! It was fine though, and good old Dad drove us to the airport and back, and we had a good chat. I started reading 'Temple and Cosmos' by Hugh Nibley, while the Garricks were staying, and it is mind boggling. We had lots to talk about. It was great too to see Scott again, and have a big kiss in the arrivals lounge!

The Garricks come to stay!

2011-12-07T10:43:00.001Z

On Saturday 13th August, Scott had to head back to England (can you believe his work actually expect him to do some?!), and in the evening our friends from church, the Garrick family, came to stay with us for a few days. They had spent the first part of their holiday a few hours away in Bayeux.

We had tea, then got everyone's beds sorted out (their eldest, Ryan, on the living room floor, their next 2 sons, and Jack and Tom in a tent in the back garden, and Lucy, Harry, and Cara their youngest, in the bunk room!)

The next day, we headed to Josselin, and had a good wander round, made even more interesting by doing another task set by Dan, which was made up of lots of questions on the town.

The kids (Harry in particular) were fascinated by the man who was doing tree trunk carving.

Some of the kids, and the gorgeous flowers on the bridge.

Clare and Paul

I love this picture of the boys in the little back streets of Josselin.

We then met up with Mum and Dad, and headed down river on the boat. What a motley crew.

On the way back, Clare and I decided it was our turn on the front of the boat (the kids were also getting a bit rowdy, shouting 'Bonjour Madame' and waving like loonies at everyone on the banks...)
I don't think Clare had imagined that she would turn into part of a tourist attraction herself, but going through the last lock (l'ecluse) near Josselin, we drew quite a crowd!

In the evening, we went for a walk in Yvon's wood.

On Monday 15th August, we had a bit of a sceptic tank disaster - it seemed to be backing up into Mum and Dad's wet room! Dad, Paul and Ryan started digging in the back garden down to the tank bit to see what was going on. After a while though we headed to Sarzeau, so Dad could concentrate on the problem.

We took the inflatable dingy out on the sea, and messed around burying people. Clare nearly died laughing at one point, while 'dressing up' her buried Scott!

We also practised being French (ie. trying to keep our voices down at the beach). Beautiful weather.

After the beach, we went for a quick wander round the outside of Suscinio Chateau.

When we got back, we found that Dad had managed to sort out the sceptic tank problem (no pleasant job!!!) He had to unblock one part of it, but was glad in some ways, because we can avoid that in future, and actually the rest of the system proved to be working brilliantly.

Clare and Paul were also, of course, introduced to Dad's toy arsenal....

On Tuesday 16th August, we went to 'the bouncy castle place' (still am not entirely sure what it's called in real life.) We had a good time on the wonky bikes, in the woodland adventure bits (were I nearly got jiggled to death by Ryan, while I was stuck in a black tube...)

and of course we had a grand time on the inflatables!

Back at Bel-Air, we toasted marshmallows and made smores.

Paul and Clare treated us all to a super BBQ, followed by a beautiful French apple tart.

We had a wonderful time together, and stayed up late talking every night. Mum and Dad got on really well with Paul and Clare too, and Clare in particular was really upset to be ending their holiday, when we saw them off on Wednesday morning. (She said she cried all the way to Le Havre!)

Back with the Boys (Lucy's and my first week in France)

2011-10-29T13:54:00.002+01:00

When Lucy and I arrived at Bel-Air, we spent a couple of days just chilling out around the house, and enjoying all the newly done bits of it, such as Dad's work on the patio round the back, and Ken's finished shed...

...and Dad's newly made table and benches (made from wood that was being chucked out when Nottingham 1st Ward's chapel was being refurbished!) Also, all the new pointing in the brekkie room.

We dragged out the old rusting motorbike which Ken had suggested might feature in a gate (for the back garden) made from scrap metal. Dad hoisted it up on display! (Some of us are slightly less keen on the scrap-metal-gate-idea, it has to be said...)

Me enjoying the new patio! It feels very Mediterranean!

Lucy messing around on Dad's latest toy - a unicycle!

Scott doing the puzzle with the evil sky (nobly completed later by Mum)

On Thursday 11th August we set out to complete Task One of the treasure hunt devised by my brother-in-law Dan. He spent ages planning it all out for us, after spending time out here just before us. We followed some directions using our compass, (cycling miles - Harry and Tom did brilliantly!) and then had to search for something hidden at the top a hill...

Eventually, we found a tower hidden in the woods! Very exciting! I'm really thankful to Dan for doing the tasks for us - it really made us explore so much more of the countryside round about us, and see new places.

Cycling back through our nearest village, Billio - full of gorgeous flowers (but never any people!!)

The boys are very fond of our new neighbours' pets!

Oh, my favourite flowers in my favourite place... blue hydrangeas in Yvon's wood...

Dad's latest project - building a wall along the back of the kitchen.

And more of our neighbours' pets!

The boys with their new friend Benjamin. He was staying with relatives living near to us. It didn't matter that they know almost none of each other's languages! (I did make them a sheet though with a few simple words and phrases - 'play', 'bike', 'how do you say...' etc.)

Sitting in the sun

Off to France

2011-10-29T13:32:00.001+01:00

After Camp, Lucy and I had a fairly quiet weekend, recovering from camp, going to church, getting all our stuff washed, and repacked for going to France (As well as hand luggage, we only had one case between us, and it started off weighing about double what it should - we had to do a major chucking out of stuff to take!)
On Monday 8th August, Lucy and I set off to Stanstead airport. Scott had pre-booked the car park, and tickets etc for us, and everything went smoothly, though we had quite a long to wait, wanting to be on the safe side. This was Lucy's first ever flight. On the flight, I was sitting next to a guy to who had just qualified as a lawyer, and we had a really good conversation about the church. Lucy seemed quite happy with her first experience of flying. I'm not so keen, and have to distract myself from thinking about it.
We got through Dinard Airport pretty quickly - we could see the boys through a little window, while we were waiting for our case. It was nice to all be together again, and driving back to Bel-Air.

Last Day of Camp

2011-10-10T10:53:00.002+01:00

On Friday the 5th, we went to The Heights of Abraham - a cable car system, with park, caves and centre at the top. Some of the girls drove, and the rest of us die-hards went by foot with Jim. Bearing in mind we were only camped about a mile away, it took us an hour and a half - I think Jim took us the scenic way (ie. to nearly the top of the hill with Riber Castle on it, and down again!) Anyway, we made it, and had fun going up in the cable cars.

View from cable car - it was pretty high up...

On the tour, down in the caverns.

View from The Heights of Abraham, over to Riber Castle (and the hill we walked up on the way!)

After The Heights of Abraham, we all waited in the car park of Matlock Bath train station, and got driven back to our site in shifts. We packed up camp when we got back (I was rushing round like a loony, and some of the girls were so sweet, and packed up all my own stuff, and took my tent down for me - I was really touched), then we had an award ceremony, and bid fond farewells to everyone.

I was so glad to have had the opportunity to get to know the girls better, and also the leaders who came. It was a really special time, and the thing that was really nice for me, was that I had a few leaders say they had been reluctant to come beforehand, but had ended up loving it so much, that they volunteered to come again and help next year!

Lucy, Jim and I stayed on till the last, checking the whole site, and clearing up. Lucy and I finally left at 7pm, and drove the two hours home. I was a strange mixture of completely exhausted and euphoric! Lucy too had really loved being with all her friends and had a good week.

My poor leg after camp...swelling gone down, but somewhat bruised and sore!

Camp Day 4

2011-10-09T22:27:00.002+01:00

On Thursday 4th August, all the girls camp headed over to Chatsworth House. We had a great time just messing around in the beautiful gardens and enjoying the scenery. It was our only damp day - just a bit of very light drizzle - we were SO lucky with the weather on this camp. We all got wet anyway though, in the fantastic water feature!

Lucy and some of her best friends.

In the evening, we went on another stroll (hike) with Jim - this time badger hunting... we saw neither hide nor hair of one, but decided it was probably a good job, after Jim's tales of how ferocious they are!! More gorgeous scenery.

Back at camp, we had skits... here is one group of girls doing their 'Yoga' skit... this is the 'Sister Cryer position' (where you slowly hold up your camera, then fall backwards into a hole...) All of the skits were genuinely hilarious... I laughed to the point of tears!

Following skits, we all went and sat round the camp fire, and had our Testimony Meeting. It was truly the highlight of camp - girls and leaders alike got up one after another for nearly 2 hours, each sharing their individual beliefs and thoughts about the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Spirit was there so strongly, it was like there was a force-field around us. A very, very special time.

Camp Day 3

2011-10-05T17:42:00.001+01:00

On Wednesday 3rd August, we met up with the boys again, and did an all day hike with about 150 of us, starting off along Curbar Edge. We had glorious weather again, and fabulous scenery.

At the park where we stopped for lunch.

After lunch we stopped at the nearby river, and got well and truly soaked! It was a welcome refreshment.

I'd also hurt my leg earlier on the hike, getting it stuck down a crevice on the cliffs. It swelled up beautifully!

At the very end of the hike, we walked from the level of the river, right up to the top of Curbar edge again! I think quite a few people found it tough going!

As I got back to the carpark where everyone was meeting, one of the girls was very ill, having what seemed like a fit. We called an ambulance, and I followed behind with the girl's sister and another friend. The girl recovered OK - they think it was something related to her heart, which needs to be investigated further. We spent several hours at Chesterfield Royal Infirmary - President Hirst had come along too, and after we knew the danger had passed, was highly entertaining. After a while the girl's parents came and took her and her sister home. I got back to camp at about midnight, and raided the kitchen for a midnight feast.

Camp Day 2

2011-10-05T17:19:00.000+01:00

We met up with the Young Men's camp at Carsington Reservoir for the day, and all did some water sports - great fun!! I really enjoyed raft building, and Lucy did windsurfing.

Our lovely hall.

The view next to our camp site.

In the evening we did some camp crafting with our camp warden, Jim, who really wanted to get involved. It didn't turn out exactly as I'd anticipated (!), but the girls were great, building dens, fires, learning about poisonous plants etc.

I had suggested to one group of girls that they should build a bridge over the stream on our site, and was really delighted at their planning and teamwork, and perseverance - moving half a TREE through the woods, and getting it in place etc. I loved how proud if it they were!

Camp Day 1

2011-10-05T16:56:00.003+01:00

Lucy and I set off to Derbyshire for the girls' camp, first thing on Monday 1st August. After so much planning and thinking about it, I was mainly worried whether or not we would all fit in the site! I had booked a scout camp site all to ourselves, based on numbers of girls attending things in the past, and how many girls go to church. I had thought about 50 people maximum, but we ended up having nearer 70 people! I was so happy and relieved when everyone started arriving at the site, and putting up tents - we all fit on... just!! Our site was a beautiful wooded area (though with not much pitching space), just outside Matlock.

After everyone was settled, we headed out on a 'little stroll' (The girls won't let me forget that I called it that...it was a pretty decent hike really! Me calling things 'just a little stroll' became a bit of a camp joke.) What beautiful countryside.

Yay!! - all my girlies!

In the evening, we had a camp fire... didn't get to use any of the several million marshmallows I'd bought though because it was such a face-melter!

Packing for Camp...

2011-10-05T16:41:00.000+01:00

After the boys had left, Lucy and I had a busy weekend getting everything ready for our church's Young Women Camp, starting on Monday 1st August. Unbelievably, we managed to fit everything I had to take into the car (including 3 tents, a mattress, a trumpet and my fluffy dressing gown - and there were bags of marshmallows stuffed into every conceivable gap...)

Other things in July

2011-10-04T17:19:00.001+01:00

July was as busy as usual, with various school trips, Monk day at school (where Tom dressed as a monk, and I went in to help do calligraphy and painting etc.), family trip to the London Temple, helping out with the Friends of the School association BBQ, making posters, quilting class, book clubs, Scott working late with Governors' Meetings, the dentist, a lovely 'Ladies Who Lunch' day trip to Ely (me and group of Mums from the school seem to have created this group!), a couple of parties for the kids, a farewell party for our church friends the Murphys who left to go back to America (Bye-bye Ryann!!!), and other bits and bobs...oh, including planning a camp in Derbyshire for 70 or so people! I felt pretty stressed towards the end of July - mainly because of the camp.

In the last week of July - the first week of the summer holidays, Jack went to summer school at his new secondary school for three days, and Harry and Tom went to a local church-run activity thing every afternoon, called Jump. They all loved it, and had a good, happy week. The picture is of Harry with one of the things he made at Jump.

On Saturday 30th July, Lucy and I waved goodbye to Scott and the boys, who set off to France, via a couple of nights with Scott's Mum & Dad, Stone Henge, and Longleat Safari Park!

A Walk in the Country

2011-10-04T16:54:00.002+01:00

One beautiful evening (24th July), we all went on a walk a few miles from our home. My friend Emma had picked me up one day previously and taken me on the walk - I'd not done it before, but loved the views over the landscape.

Harry and Tom obviously are unable to just walk...

Jack's Last Day of Primary School

2011-10-04T16:41:00.002+01:00

Friday 22nd July was Jack's last ever day at Primary school. We'll have no more kids in this school again now. It was also the Head Mistresses last day too. She started there the same year as Lucy did, so it's nice they had that continuation. I went along to the Leaver's Assembly (which actually occurred this year - when it was supposed to be Lucy's Leaver's Assembly, there were huge rain storms and the school flooded, and we all had to be evacuated!) Here is Jack receiving his Yearbook, T-shirt and pen.

Sports Day & A Mad Hatter's Tea Party

2011-10-04T16:32:00.002+01:00

Monday 18th July was an interesting day... I spent the afternoon at Harry and Tom's sports day. I was in the noisy 'mums-screaming-like-a-loony' section of the crowd, and it was great for the first time to have no younger children with me that needed entertaining!

The boys had two races each. Harry came first in the running and bean-bag-on-head races, and Tom came 2nd in the running race, and second to last in the sack race!

After sports day we rushed over to Jack's school for a Mad Hatter's Tea Party, which Jack wanted us to go to. Lucy was going to meet us there too. I ended up making a huge mess, because a big container of blackcurrent squash had opened in my bag, and gone all over our picnic, and the school hall floor. After that was cleaned up (with the help of a less than impressed looking teacher), I realised Jack still hadn't turned up. By the time Lucy arrived, Jack still wasn't there, so I went and searched round the whole school. He wasn't anywhere, so leaving Lucy to look after Tom and Harry, I drove slowly home looking for him - finally found him about 4 houses away from ours. He said he didn't want to go any more, because none of his friends were. I said he jolly well was going after all the trouble we'd been to! It was quite good when we finally got back to school - there was a magician/tricks guy who was pretty funny. What a palava though...

Jack's School Play

2011-10-04T16:07:00.001+01:00

On Wednesday 13th July, Jack performed in his school play, Alice in Wonderland. Jack was very good as the Mad Hatter! (Type-casting!) He's really enjoyed all the rehearsals, and isn't at all shy in his acting.

Harry's Farm Trip

2011-10-03T21:43:00.003+01:00

On Thursday 7th July, I went with Harry's class on a school trip around a local farm. It was brilliant! We walked from the school through the fields for a way, then were met by two tractors pulling covered tailers with seats, which we all piled into, and headed for the farm yard. Harry is the one in orange (of course).

The two farmers on the trip - Lee, the Dad of Harry's friend, and Richard, the husband of one of my friends.

After a really interesting talk about the seed drill, we headed back out onto the farm, where all the kids got to pull up their own sugar beet. Here's Harry with his BELOVED beet, which we had to keep for weeks afterwards.

It was so much fun bumping around in the trailers!

We then got to play on some of the big machines.

Who put my five year old in the driving seat of THIS?!

After the trip, we got dropped half-way back, then walked the rest of the way to school. Harry with one of the girls in his class!

It's funny, but I really feel like I have a better appreciation for the place where I live now - it feels more like home, the more I get to know about the land, and the people around here.

Asher's Blessing Day

2011-10-03T21:15:00.001+01:00

On Sunday 3rd July, my brother John, and his wife Hannah had the blessing of their new baby boy, Asher Aaron Flinn. I travelled up to their ward in Yorkshire with Robin and Niki, and following the blessing and the rest of church, we all went to a country park to have a picnic. We had beautiful weather, beautiful scenery, and it was kind of nice being on my own and just taking everything in.

Me with my niece, Emma!

My niece, Amy

Asher with his Aunty Katy

Amy having a few cousinly-jealousy issues...

...quickly resolved!...

The new Father!

Aunty Helen

My friend Sarah

2011-10-03T20:48:00.000+01:00

On 2nd July, I travelled by myself to Nottingham, in advance of Asher's baby blessing. I had been in touch with an old school friend, Sarah Dexter, on Facebook for a year or so. We hadn't seen each other since A levels, and Sarah now lives in Italy, but she was in our old hometown visiting her parents for a while, so we arranged to meet up at her parents' house. It was great! She has hardly changed at all! We had a lovely evening, and decided not to leave it another 18 years till we see each other again!

In the garden

2011-10-03T20:38:00.000+01:00

A couple of photos from the garden, taken on 1st July...

Scott's first ever produce! We didn't have to buy any salad leaves all summer!

Happy Tom

And Harry discovered blackberries at the bottom of the garden.

The rest of June

2011-10-03T20:26:00.001+01:00

OK, I am carrying on with my big-blog-catch-up... As I look at my wall calendar for June, it's the usual kind of stuff - meeting Jack's mentor (ie. form tutor!) for him starting 2ndry school, Jack's day visits to his 2ndry school (which he loved), Stake fun day, book clubs, hair cuts, Lucy's parents' evening (which was unreservedly brilliant. Her teachers all said she is not only doing fantastically well academically, but that she is lovely too. I even had two teachers who we hadn't made appointments with come up to me to say Lucy is clever, and that they hope she will do their subject at GCSE, and will cry if she doesn't...)

My over-riding memory for June and July really though, is stressing over preparations for our church's Stake Youth Camp.

And here is Tom, on 16th June, very happy because the picture which he submitted to his favourite website - Club Penguin, got displayed in their online art gallery!

Paris (Day 4)

2011-10-02T22:38:00.001+01:00

Monday 13th June - our last day in Paris. After another buffet breakfast at our hotel,we went by Metro to the Louvre, though decided not to go inside - had a play in the water outside instead.

We then headed down in the direction of Place de la Concorde, and stopped off by one of the large fountains to enjoy some very fine icecream.

After that, we went by Metro again to the Paris Opera House. Oh my goodness. What an incredible place. Here I am on one the wonderful stair cases. My great-great grandparents met at the Paris Opera House - her locket broke as she was walking up the stairs, he picked it up for her and that was it. They did some of their courting at Versailles.

Inside the opera (no phantoms spotted.)

View from the balcony of the Opera House. Katherine and I wondered how many tourists photos we ruined by standing in the centre of the balcony and waving for ages!

After that we went to Pere Lachaise cemetery - another incredible place - avenue after avenue of scary looking mini-mausoleum things. It was fascinating.

(We may not have been totally respectful of the dead at all times, I'm afraid...)

Oscar Wilde's grave.

From the cemetery, we popped back to our hotel for a last time to pick up our cases, then headed for the Eurostar station, and our train home. Everything went smoothly, with Katherine and I driving back from Rebekah's later that evening. It was a wonderful weekend, full of tonnes of laughter and beautiful sights.

Paris (Day 3)

2011-10-02T22:04:00.000+01:00

On Sunday 12th June, we went to church in the morning - there was a separate room, with a TV link, and English interpreters. After church we went for a wander to the grand Town Hall, where we did a photo shoot - me taking photos of Rebekah with her amazing camera, with Katherine as artistic director...

One of my pictures of Rebekah

We also went for a walk to Notre Dame. Rebekah and Katherine went inside, but I stayed out, sitting in the square watching the world go by.

We headed back to our hotel for a rest, then set out again later, to go up the Arc de Triomphe (one of my favourite places to be - I could look at the views for hours.) Rebekah did well considering her fear of heights!

We then went to the Eiffel Tower, and had fun taking daft photos...

All three of us in the same picture!

After that we went to a lovely restaurant nearby, and had a great meal, while talking about anything and everything (definitely an eye-opener into Single Adult life to say the least...) We again left a restaurant in slightly less than elegant circumstances - we paid by card, but had literally no change for a tip, and there was no option for adding it to the credit card bill. We felt really bad, so decided to leave quickly, but our get-away this time was hampered by one of the waiters hanging on Rebekah (she had got chatting to him while waiting for the toilets), and lamenting he would never see her again etc... We are such classy women!

Paris (Day 2)

2011-10-01T22:51:00.002+01:00

On Saturday 11th June, Katherine, Rebekah and I caught a train to Versailles. Rebekah had pre-booked this weeks before, and I hadn't really given it a whole lot of thought... I am SO glad we went though! It is truly an amazing place! (I didn't take any pictures this day - these are a mixture of Katherine's and Rebekah's - hugely annoyingly, my camera started playing up, and I didn't bother bringing it.)

A chapel in the palace.

Katherine and I in the Hall of Mirrors... we both read the 'Mobile Thrones' sign as 'Mobile Phones'...

After the wonders of the palace, we thought we'd have a quick wonder around the gardens... only to emerge 6 HOURS later! They were fantastic and hugely varied.

For lunch we had beautiful little quiches and the best chocolate cornflake cakes known to man, which we had purchased at a little shop that morning.

Rebekah and I posing by the 'curly chips'...

We all love Marie Antoinette's Summer House. I think this was my favourite room of all.

And then there were the ridiculously cute cottages with their perfect vegetable and flower gardens!

We also spent some time just chilling in the 'English (ie. slightly scruffier than the rest of the place) Gardens'

Travelling back in Paris on our 'ghetto line'

We stopped off at a restaurant on the way back to our hotel, for a delicious meal, and the richest chocolate dessert I've ever experienced. We thought it would be nice to leave our waiter a church pass-along card, but then got nervous and legged it out the restaurant before he came back and saw it. Running across the pedestrian crossing, Rebekah did something to her leg, and continued to hobble as fast as possible from the crime scene, with Katherine and I killing ourselves laughing - feeling like a bunch of daft school girls... we then had to run (and hobble) for our metro train. I will never forget the expression of one Parisian gentleman as he watched Rebekah bandy-leggedly hobbling as fast as she could, whilst dying laughing, up the metro steps... it was priceless, and by the time we all collasped onto the train we couldn't speak for laughter and had tears streaming down our faces. What the other passengers thought, I have no idea... Who knew the fun you could have with pass-along cards?

Katherine and Rebekah, exhausted after Versailles and the six flights...

Paris (Day 1)

2011-10-01T21:44:00.001+01:00

It's been pointed out to me by a few people lately that I haven't written my blog for a while... so, in an attempt to catch up, I'm going back to June 9th, where I left a Stake Council meeting in Northampton at 10 o'clock at night, and made my way to Cambridge, to spend a (very short!) night at my friend Rebekah's house. Another of her friends, Katherine, spent the night there too, and early in the morning, the three of us embarked on a little adventure to Paris!

We drove to Ebsfleet Eurostar station, and caught a train to Paris. We made our way to the Hotel Eden in Monmartre, where our rooms where not yet ready, so we stowed our cases, and went off to explore our local area. After taking a while to decide which was North, and which was South, we headed on foot to Sacre Coeur. We were so tired, but incredibly happy to be there - slowly making our way up the steep streets...

Finally at the top!

I love the view from up by the Sacre Coeur out over Paris. I secretly hope to have a flat around here one day...

After suddenly getting caught out in a downpour and sheltering in an old archway, watching gargoyles spewing torrents, we made our way back to the hotel to get into our room and have a rest. Our room was on the 6th floor of a pleasant hotel - Rebekah and Katherine preferred the delights of the winding, uneven staircase, while I risked the teeny 2 person deathbox (lift), with all the cases.

I loved the view from our full length window - felt very Parisian/poor starving artist/poet-type-thing... while we snacked on Rebekah's provisions of Tesco low-fat pretzels, Yeo Valley yogurt tubes and our favourite - the dried mango!

When we had rested, we headed out towards Place de la Concorde, and then wandered up the Champs Elysees in beautiful evening sunshine...bliss! We stopped off in one of the enormous perfume shops, where I had an assistant give me his undivided attention, helping me find a perfume that would be perfect for me... I still have yet to find my perfect perfume... we spent ages, but had fun trying!

We watched sunset at the Arc de Triomphe, then made our way on the Metro back to our hotel.

Book Club Visit

2011-07-05T20:45:00.001+01:00

Two days after getting back from France (7th June) I went on a trip with friends from my church book club, to the house which the book 'The Children of Green Knowe' by Lucy M.Boston, is based on. It's the oldest house in Britain which has continuously been inhabited - the oldest parts built in the 1100's.

We read the book a little while ago, and it was nice enough, but seeing the house, with all the features talked about in the book, really made it come alive, and I loved being there.

Lucy M. Boston's daughter-in-law lives in the house now, and she showed us around it. I'm listening to her here.

Lucy M. Boston was also a quilter. She didn't make these quilts being used as curtains - they are much older, but we got to see lots of her beautiful quilts.

This was my favourite room in the house. In the 2nd World War airmen used to come up here once a week and listen to music on this giant gramophone. We even got to listen to one of the original records.

Up in the attic is the room just like is described in the book - with the window left open a crack for birds to come and perch in the bird cage, and the chest with the ghost children's toys in etc.

There is even the statue of Saint Christopher with the Christ child, in the garden, which features in the book.

The Manor, Hemingford Grey, or 'Green Knowe'

Some of our book club girlies.

The gardens were beautiful too, and the most fragant I have been in...

After the tour, we were just left to wander the house and gardens as we wanted. I also bought my own copy of the book, and Diana Boston signed it and wrote for the children in it. A wonderful trip, finished with Jo dropping me off at Harry and Tom's school just in time to collect them!

Our new Driveway

2011-07-05T19:51:00.000+01:00

While we were in France, Dad had been working on building our driveway. As we neared home we got all excited imagining what it would look like... it was fabulous!! Dad had worked ridiculously hard on it, made friends with half our street in the meantime, and got it all finished - and it looked even better than I had hoped for!

Half-term Holidays in Brittany

2011-07-05T17:31:00.002+01:00

On Friday 27th May, we took the kids out of school for their last day before half-term holidays, and took the Euro-tunnel to Bel-Air, the house in France. We had the place to ourselves for all of half-term, and had fantastic weather all week (just one cloudy day). The first couple of days, apart from a trip to Super U, we stayed at home and just soaked in the surroundings and sunshine... it was bliss!

The kids happy to be reunited with their bikes! Harry asked me to take this picture of his.

This picture just reminds me of sitting in the back garden feeling happy and relaxed and warm!

At the 'Cuttlefish Beach'

I took some hand-quilting with me, and Harry asked if he could do some too... he made a (very) mini quilt for his ratty.

One day we went to Dinan, and tried to head down to the river. We did get there eventually, but after a very circuitous route via another town, and along a towpath with amazing trees...

Finding ourselves on top of an ancient monument whilst still slightly lost.

Finally there!!

The next day (Wednesday 1st June) we went to 'the bouncy castle place'. Plently of fun on the go-karts as usual, and also checking out the park's new additions.

On Thursday we went to the beach at Sarzeau.

And in the evening a walk in our favourite wood.

Friday, we had a quick run around Josselin, including a timed run up the clock tower! (And yet another picture of this view!)

The surfing beach. Not very big waves, but Scott and I managed to get up on the boards, and the kids had a great time bodyboarding.

Saturday - we went off on a bikeride with a picnic in my trusty bike basket... another blissful time in the countryside.

Made smores on our last evening.

On Sunday 5th June we drove home. We spent 11 and a half hours in the car (couldn't believe it was actually so long - held up in the D-day celebrations at Normandy), and with only about three 5 minute toilet breaks... The kids were amazing, and didn't have a single squabble the whole way!

Belgium & Derbyshire

2011-07-05T12:42:00.009+01:00

From 19th-22nd May, Jack went on a school trip to Belgium to take part in a big folk dancing festival. They performed some molly dancing dances, and also visited some 2nd World War sites. Unfortunately he lost his disposable camera, but he says he had the most brilliant time from start to finish!

On 21st May, I went to Derby to pick up Katy, and we headed to Derbyshire to visit the camp site we are using for the Stake Young Women's camp this summer, and plan some of the trips. We found a great little hike right near the campsite in Matlock. Our picnic lunch with the fabulous view! Riber Castle on the hill. I love this one of Katy and me!Dovedale We headed back to Derby, and Katy and I had the most amazing Indian meal, before I headed home.

May so far

2011-05-18T19:36:00.018+01:00

The weather has been so gorgeous these past weeks, and the countryside around here has been glorious. I think May is my favourite month. The oil seed rape has looked unbelievably yellow, with fields that wouldn't normally stand out being highlighted on the patchwork landscape. The bottom of the garden was positively glowing the other evening.
These photos don't do justice, but will be a reminder for me at least.The kids have been getting back into the routine of school, and I have been quite busy with church stuff, with meetings in Northampton and Milton Keynes, and sorting out things for 50 of us to do on the girl's week long camp this summer! We also had an evening in Northampton with the younger girls, this past Friday, where we decorated cupcakes which I'd made, and delivered them to various people. It's a lot of work, but I really do like spending time with Stake people and the girls.
Scott has now finished his PTLLS course, including doing his 'micro-teach', and so will be qualified to teach evening classes!

Also, last Wednesday (14th May), we made progress on our driveway!
My nice guide-line beforehand:By 8.30am, a JCB was making short work of our 9 INCH THICK (slightly excessive!) concrete driveway. Harry had picked the flowers (weeds) that were going to be destroyed, to take for his school friend Holly. (We tied them up with ribbon, and Holly was most happy about receiving them!)20 tonnes of concrete removed. View out the garage!And another 20 tonnes of soil taken away.Then 20 tonnes dumped back on! Mum and Dad came down on Monday, and Dad started levelling it ready for Scott to flatten it, then Dad is coming while we are away to do the sand layer, and lay the bricks! I am so excited to not have a scummy front garden!

My Birthday Weekend

2011-05-18T15:52:00.026+01:00

At the end of the Easter Holidays I wanted to get into cupcake decorating, so bought some bits and bobs and had fun playing around. I made these for a joint birthday party for myself and Clare, on Friday 29th April. We didn't see the royal wedding that day - I was a bit put off with all the huge fuss beforehand, and we actually ended up watching Freaky Friday as a family! Clare and myself at our party! We had a great evening with several church girls - who finally went home at about 1am!On Saturday 30th, we went to the church BBQ in the afternoon, and had a lovely time chatting with friends in the sun. Our ward has grown even bigger, and we now have part of another branch too. Scott went on an impromptu trip to the cinema with some of the guys in the evening.
The next day, Juli, Chris and kids came to church, and then back to ours for dinner after. It was so good to see them, and the kids were all great and just went off and played all afternoon!

Bank Holiday Monday was my 36th birthday, and after opening some lovely pressies we decided to go off to Belton House.We headed to the park first (of course), and had a go on the miniature train......followed by a lovely walk round the grounds.In the middle of the maze:So another lovely interlude before returning to a more normal routine.

Easter Holidays

2011-05-16T20:07:00.041+01:00

Been too busy to blog! Need to catch up a bit at a time...
The first week of the Easter Holidays, Lucy spent a couple of days at the Bleakley's house. The boys amused themself in the garden mainly.The Wednesday that Lucy came back I had arranged to take the kids to a Countryside Classroom activity a few miles away. I'd forgotton that my car was in the garage, so we got the Ordinance Survey map out and planned a route to get there on footpaths, by bike. Lucy was late back and the poor girl had about 30 seconds to dump her stuff, change her shoes and get on a bike!

The activities at the centre were good - all related to bees - honey tasting, a bee trail, making pipe-cleaner bees etc, but we also had fun on the way! The footpath looked like it ran out at one point, with a farm at the end, and keep out signs and a big dog. It turned out to still be the footpath, and so we rode through as fast as possible. The farm dog ended up following us the whole way to the activity centre though. It was a right danger on the road, racing cars etc, and then at the centre it ran round like a loony - even inside the building. Everyone thought it was our dog till we explained, and someone from the centre rang up the farm and asked someone to pick the dog up. (Which they did - not very good naturedly - said we must have fed it or something - ha!)

The kids did really well with the cycling - it was quite a long and bumpy way. It was nice to be out in the middle of nowhere though, and reminded me a bit of cycling around in France. We cracked open some early Easter eggs to celebrate our return! The next evening we travelled to Mum and Dad's and stayed there the night before going to Alton Towers. Scott had organised it, and I wasn't especially looking forwards to it - expecting queues and lots of hanging around. We got there as soon as the doors opened at 9, and went straight in and got to go on a few of the big rides almost straight away. Scott and Lucy went on Oblivion first of all... here they are at the top about to drop!Lucy and Scott on Air (They were stuck hanging like this for about 10 minutes near the end!)The boys loved all the water rides, and we got well and truly soaked and dried off in one of the little blow-dry cubicle things. We worried about taking Harry on the run-away train roller coaster, but he absolutely loved it and went on about four times altogether!We went on just about every ride in the whole place between us, and only had to queue for 10-15 minutes at its busiest. Some of the rides we could even stay on twice in a row. Everyone had a fabulous day and we stayed till everything was shutting down!
Two days later (17th April) I went with the kids back to Nottingham for 3 days, to stay with Mum and Dad. It was nice just hanging around - the kids got to watch telly for the first time in ages (though Lucy was singularly unimpressed!) and I chatted with Mum a lot. Dad and I also took the kids to a nearby windmill and park.Lucy and I went on this thing, and Dad spun us round so fast, I seriously thought it might cause some internal damage somehow, but neither Lucy and I could even get a word out to say stop! The boys were a bit mardy later on and so I drove everyone home to our house an hour or two earlier than planned. The next day, I was hoping that Scott would be able to get home from work in time for me to get down to Watford for a meeting with Elder Causse. Scott was working down that way himself for the day, but luckily his meeting finished early and he got back up in time for me to get a lift down with some other people from our ward. A lovely meal had been prepared for us, and then we were able to be taught and trained by Elder Causse, a really lovely and humble man.
The day after that (21st April) Scott had the day off, and we decided to head down to Essex to see Scott's cousin Keely and her family. Had a lovely time chatting in the sun in their back garden while all 10 kids played happily. After that we headed to Scott's parents', and did the same again! Lovely day.

On the 22nd, we headed off to the gorgeous town of Stamford, and had a picnic with Shane and Dawn and everyone. Another perfect weather day - I have just loved this early summer we've had all Easter - we lazed around, played cricket, fed ducks etc. Perfect.In the evening the missionaries came for tea too. Luckily I was in a prepared mood that day, and had all the food for everything under control! The next day, the day before Easter, we had all our Easter egg hunts etc. I like to do the chocolatey side of Easter the day before, so we can think about what Easter actually means by Easter Sunday. Lots of fun, especially when the kids and I did Scott's hunt!
Scott had clues hidden in the playhouse, in the sugarbowl, on the extension roof, blue-tacked to the back of the post box down the road, and his chocolate was hidden in a plastic bag buried in the vegetable bed.
The kids made some of their own eggs too... We spent Easter by ourselves, and then the kids had two more days of holiday before going back to school. The last day seemed like hard work, and I was thoroughly fed up of sweeping up mud, as the boys spent a lot of the holiday digging in the empty vegetable beds which we had weeded over. It was a really good holiday, but I was definitely ready for them to go back! Mind you, the boys only had two days back, and Lucy only one, before we had the long bank holiday weekend for the royal wedding.

A couple of other pictures

2011-04-11T22:21:00.004+01:00

Love this picture which sums up the feel of spring in our house this past week. I finally got my 'Littles' house cleaned up, and got out all the bits of furniture I have collected, last week too. Harry and Tom have really enjoyed playing with everything - Tom especially thinks it's fantastic. I got lots of the people and beautiful little metal furniture pieces when I was young, and then bought the house last year on ebay.

Bring back memories, any of my family?!

The holidays begin!

2011-04-11T21:15:00.016+01:00

I looked forward to a quiet week last week before the holidays, and loved the gorgeous weather. Had hoped to go to Cath Kidston & Ikea on Wednesday with Anna, but Tom was ill (for at least an hour!), so I ended up going with Lucy on Saturday instead. Susannah came over unexpectedly on Wednesday too, which was lovely. Scott had Thursday off work and we had a nice pottering around day, with lunch out. I got my hair cut/highlighted on Friday (this is one of the 'before' pictures I took in the bathroom, but it doesn't look a whole lot different now, so there is no 'after' picture!)Scott and the boys playing in the garden at the weekend.

On Sunday, Lucy and I went to Duston ward. More glorious weather - enjoyed the driving. Lucy is always good company.

Today Lucy has gone to her friend's in Lincoln for a couple of days. I've had a good start to the holidays with the boys. We made charts for Harry and Tom, with velcroed stars which they can move across when they have done certain things each day. (We did manage to jam up the laminator with stars, but I took it apart and got it unwedged again!) Harry was very keen on this, and got everything done almost straight away, including unloading the dishwasher. We then did junk modelling with all the bits I have been collecting up for the holidays. Photos of the completed master pieces to follow, once they have been painted... We spent a lot of the day in the garden getting our two vegetable beds weeded and prepared, with the boys doing a lot of suplus-to-requirement digging! Finally harvested some leeks and carrots which we planted about a year ago, and ignored ever since! Enough for our pasta bake tonight, and some soup later on.Scott come home really early. We've just watched Harry Potter 7 which he bought on DVD, and now he's doing press-ups. Aren't we exciting!

Other stuff on Scott: He is doing a course at the college he works at, every Friday afternoon - PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector). He has done very well with his homework marks so far, and has to do a micro-teach at some point soon. (He's planning on teaching something from Derren Brown's Tricks of the Mind book!) Just to make it clear though that he isn't planning on doing any actual proper teaching at any point! His job title has changed though - he is now the Deputy Principal (including being responsible for Health & Safety! Lucy nearly fell off her chair laughing when Scott said that... covered in his scabs and scrapes - looking most definately not healthy or in the least bit safety conscious!)

Plays, Cleaning, Clothes & Conference

2011-04-04T10:07:00.022+01:00

Seems like it's been a busy week again - Tom had his school play a couple of evenings last week 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs', in which he was one of the trees/mirrors. I loved it, and loved seeing Tom singing and dancing, and watching his beautiful, intent little face. (The pictures of him aren't great I'm afraid, as I've cropped the photos a lot, to not include other kids.)

Also in our evenings this week, Scott went Home Teaching, our Home Teachers came, and I went to book club at Ryann Murphy's. Susannah was telling us all about a course she has done, which personality profiles you, then helps you know what clothes/hairstyles etc to choose. This seemed to capture our imaginations, with us trying to figure out our 'types' from the book Susannah has ...fun! I also embarked on a 3 day clear-up, in preparation for a clothes-swap party held at my house on Friday night; scrubbing cupboards, window frames and various ignored corners, and generally getting sorted out. I'm certainly glad I did, though it wasn't really necessary for the party, considering the amount of clothes that ended up everywhere! There were about 17 of us at the party, and I really enjoyed it, and I think everyone took home things they liked. We also carried on our discussion about our 'types' according to Susannah's book!

These are the clothes left over AFTER the party, the next morning! Lucy had a great time going through them, and picked herself out a whole new wardrobe!On Saturday, I went with Lucy to Northampton for a showing of the Young Women's General Conference. We had prepared a lunch beforehand, and quite a few girls and their Mums came from around the Stake, and I think we had a really lovely time together. I didn't feel well though, with a temperature/cold coming on, but managed to survive till I could get home to bed. Scott had taken the boys out for the day to Grimes Graves, where they put on hard hats and climbed down into a cavern. His injuries are healing up OK, though he is pretty scabby looking!

Yesterday we travelled (along with several bin bags of clothes for Mum's charity shop!) to Nottingham, to watch more sessions of General Conference there. I didn't feel great still, but didn't need to do anything, so that was fine. Enjoyed seeing all the family (except John & Hannah who didn't come down). Got to congratulate my brother-in-law Dan, who passed the finals of his medicine degree last week! Well done to the now Doctor Dan!!

2 weeks of the usual exciting stuff

2011-03-28T21:17:00.022+01:00

Ahhh - 2 weeks and no blogging... can't remember what we did!

My poor memory seems to have been a theme though. On Friday alone, for example, I forgot Harry had an open afternoon at school (luckily a friend rang me up to remind me half way through), the missionaries rang up apologising for having to cancel their meal with us that evening (I had forgotten they were even coming), and a friend asked if I was walking or driving that night, and I had to ask to what? (Turns out it was book club and we had a lovely evening, and I lost track of time and got in at 1am!)

I am remembering more things now! It was Scott's and my wedding anniversary on Wednesday 23rd... 15 years! That's gone quickly, and I think we are doing a pretty good job at this marriage thing!

Mum and Dad picked up the kids from school on Thursday, so that Scott and I could go to the London Temple for the day followed by shopping at Lakeside and tea at TGI Fridays. Had a lovely day, then a lovely evening with Mum and Dad too.

Other things in the last 2 weeks: Quilting class where I learnt zips and adding cording to cushions (followed by a little trip to Dunelm to buy zips and cord! Very excited to give it a go!), Presidency meeting for Young Womens, finished making a quilt top, Lucy had a party (Hollywood theme) and borrowed my dress and heels for it! We couldn't go for our family dentist appointment because our poor dentist had a stroke, I went to Bedford Ward the week before last, have finally finished decorating our bedroom (I think it is gorgeous {comparatively}) - it even has a door handle for the first time in about 3 years! and I've now started on the downstairs toilet - at last found a wall paper for it that I like. Also discovered the best fudge I have tasted so far in life: Tesco's All Butter Fudge in the little yellowy cartons.

I've only taken a few pics recently.

This last Saturday, Jack went to a football tournament, and for the first time, his team didn't lose all its games! They lost 2, drew 1, won 2 and came 3rd overall. He's always happy however they do, but I was really pleased for him. In the afternoon, Scott said we should try and figure out where our new driveway should go. (Dad is going to be laying us a new one in May!) Scott ended up hacking all the bushes away. This is the front garden with the first bush gone... ... and again, by the end of the afternoon. (Though we didn't decide where the new driveway would go after all that.)

The boys had fun playing in the cuttings.

I thought I'd paint the fence and scrub the porch roof while we were at it.

Yesterday we all went to church together in our own ward, and in the evening Lucy and I went to Northampton for a Stake Youth Fireside. 15 pairs of kids did presentations (including Lucy), and I think they did a pretty good job. I, on the other hand, managed to leave half the stuff I should have bought with me at home, and drop a very large tub of iced cupcakes upside down.

Visiting teaching today, helping on a PTA stall at school, and 2 extra kids and a Mum round after school. Decided to start up a new club - a cookery one, where people bring along something they have made on a certain theme.

And finally, this evening Scott took the older kids out on a bike ride, and came back home like this (plus more blood, grazes and swelling elsewhere!) He was trying to do jumps on his bike... I think they might take a while to dry up - keep oozing blood plasma. Lucy suggested we cut a flap in his suit trousers, and velcro it up out the way!

Mice, Soup, Bugsy, Chavs & Birthdays

2011-03-13T22:15:00.018Z

This week has flown by...
On Wednesday while my friend Tracy was round, we successfully captured the mouse (named Frederick) whom I had spotted a day or so before in our living room. (Harry actually came and woke me up one morning to say he had seen a RAT in the dining room...) Very glad we didn't need to resort to instruments of death - rather just an icecrem tub, a piece of cardboard, and the field at the bottom of the garden.
On Wednesday evening, I was rushing out to the Relief Society birthday party at church, and finishing off the Leek & Potato soup I was taking with me. The lid was not on the mixer properly... what a Monumental Mess. Including all over me. I even got a blister on my ear from the boiling hot soup...
On Thursday it was Scott's 38th birthday, and I picked him up from work to take him out for lunch in a little Italian restaurant. Had a lovely time. We watched 'The Bucket List' in the evening - quite good. Told Scott he should make a bucket list too, now that he is getting on a bit.For three nights this week, Lucy performed in her school play Bugsy Malone, which she has been rehearsing for, for 6 months. I went to see it last night, and was very much entertained all evening! Lucy had a singing & dancing part, and also played the part of a gangster in a suit etc, though I have no picture of her in this role, because I didn't actually recognise her till she was walking off, even though it was a speaking part!! The kids had great fun in the 'splurge' scenes!! On Saturday, Harry went to a birthday party, and once back home again told me he'd won the cake decorating competition. I asked what he'd done, and he said he'd made his 'a chav cake' !!! This apparently entailed it having spiky hair. Harry seems to have a thing about Chavs at the moment. While we were going to the park the other week, he saw some boys coming out the park, and said dead loudly 'There're some chavs over there!' He also tells me that sometimes during school playtime, he and his friend Oliver 'just chav around...' Oh deary me.

Today we went to church in Kettering, as it was their ward conference. Scott and the kids came too. It was pretty packed in church, and we ended up with the 4 kids sitting on one side of the chapel, and Scott and I together on the other. The kids behaved very well, as far as I could see, so maybe we'll try that arrangement again sometime! I taught the older girls' class afterwards.

From Kettering we drove to Nottingham to get together with the whole family to celebrate all the March Birthdays. This week Katy, Robin and Adam also had birthdays, and Niki turned 30, whilst Mum turned 60!

Lots of Grandkids.Tom seemed to be getting either tickled, squeezed or stretched every time I looked at him... (and loving every second of it - when he could breathe!)I love this one of Lucy holding Amy. I think Lucy looks so grown-up and beautiful.

The house I grew up in!

2011-03-08T16:59:00.005Z

A fairly quiet week last week.
I was meant to go with some friends to Stamford last Tuesday but couldn't because Jack's school was shut due to a water supply problem. Did a little bit more decorating, lots of laundry, had a meeting in Kettering on Thursday night, visited Anna's lovely new home one morning, and on Saturday Scott had to go to work (a Governor's away day), and the kids and I cleaned out some kitchen cupboards, made cards etc.
I went to Huntingdon Ward on Sunday for the first time this year, and also Robin, Niki, Adam and Emma came, and then came home with us for a really nice afternoon.

Harry is still mad on his Hot Wheels... (He says he LOVES this picture) My niece Emma in Harry's cap. She was entertaining us with her fab dancing!
In spite of a fairly quiet week I have still felt not great, and rather stressed.
I'd arranged to go to the cinema last night, and had to force myself to go, but did really enjoy it in the end - we watched the King's Speech.
Today I felt better than I have in absolutely ages - I decided to do no jobs (I'm fairly up to date on everything), and instead went out to a farm/tea room for a cooked breakfast, and two giant hot chocolates, with some other Mums. Came home, read my 'Country Living' magazine which came in the post, and tried on my new shoes which also arrived in the post. I then quilted in the sunshine, chatted with a friend on the phone, read some poetry, read the Ensign, and had a nap. We had pancakes after school (also made them for breakfast, and are having them again for tea! Jack took a pancake in his packed lunch, and Harry and Tom had the special pancake day school dinner. My kids seem to think that on Pancake day you only eat pancakes...)
So anyway, now I am feeling much less stressed. Hope it lasts!

A couple of quotes from Harry this week:

'Mum, for Lent can I give up school?'

'Oh yeah Dad - this is one of the rules I made up: Be Allergic to Satan!!'

The rest of Half-term

2011-02-28T21:37:00.016Z

On Wednesday, Holly bought Lucy and Abigail back from their London trip... never seen two girls so happy/crazy/full of it! (Suffice to say, they had a good time!) We ended up with all the Bleakleys (minus Imogen) staying for the afternoon and for tea - lovely to get together again!
In the evening I hosted bookclub for my church ladies. Also on Wednesday my second blog book came in the post - all of 2009 printed up. This one of Tom enjoying it is what it's all about!Lucy and Abigail made themselves useful, planning meals for the rest of the week. (I think this had something to do with one of their Personal Progress award goals.)
I just about managed to keep up with the VAST amounts of dirty dishes produced...

The trip to London/the theatre was to celebrate Abi's 13th birthday. This also meant she was allowed to go on Facebook for the first time... Oh. My. Goodness. Facebook will not know what has hit it... Anyway, Lucy and Abi both had terrific fun editing and putting all their London pictures on, and they also spent a substantial amount of time on the phone/Facebook with a certain 13 year old boy...

We have had a good time though, and they are good girls. The boys were also happy, and kept themselves busy.

The 'I {heart} London' duo (who's goal it is, apparently, to work in the Harrod's perfume bit in the daytimes, and on the West End in the evenings... they have it all sorted out.)

Tim left his little Fiat Coupe with us, till they picked up Abigail again. I just needed to move it!

Lovely mild weather for a couple of days, and playing in the garden.We went to a couple of parks too, with the boys on their bikes.

On Friday, Scott came home with three bunches of flowers for me - lillies, tulips and pink roses - gorgeous! and in the evening I went to bookclub with my school ladies. Lovely time chatting, sitting in front of a wonderful log fire. Bed at midnight.

Abi got picked up on Saturday, while Lucy had to go to a 4 hour rehearsal for Bugsy Malone. Time to make some mini albums with Abi and her sisters before they left. Fond farewells (and now we are finding everything which was left behind!)

The rest of Saturday was peaceful, just getting cleared up and organised.

I drove Lucy and Ben Conway to Duston Ward Conference on Sunday (along with my experimental banana/fudge muffins for the girls - looked gross, tasted good), and enjoyed the meetings.

In the evening had fun chatting to various family members on the phone and on Skype, which Jack has got rigged up and is very keen on! I started making a new photo book too.

Feel that the Half Term Holidays have been survived admirably.

Everyone back to school quite happily today, and I got tonnes of stuff done.

Half-term Holidays

2011-02-22T13:42:00.010Z

Scott had yesterday off work, and took all the kids to the driving range to smash golf balls around. I didn't do a whole lot - still felt sick - just got bits of ironing done etc.
Today I took the kids over to near Ely, to drop Lucy off at someone's house where she was meeting up with the Bleakleys, before going to London for Abigail's birthday. They are getting the train down today, doing some shopping and seeing Les Miserables tonight.
I took the boys into Ely after, and we had a nice little wander around, and play on the park. Jack found a £2 coin in the street, and Harry found a £1 coin, but lost it again (and was a total nuisance about it all the way home...) Stopped off at the library on the way home too, for Jack to get another massive pile of books. He is reading vast amounts at present!

This Week, including Parent's Evenings

2011-02-20T20:07:00.003Z

Monday: Harry and Tom poorly, and off school (though not poorly enough to stop arguing...) Had to miss Visiting Teaching. Did an on-line shop, just in case I have sick kids forever and never get out again!

Tuesday: Everyone finally at school, and I had quilting class. Enjoyed learning a new technique. Jack's friend Tiago came for dinner after school, and he come along with us to Jack's Parent's Evening. Jack's teacher said Jack is far ahead in all his subjects, that he is always polite, charming, and a credit to Scott and I, and that if he had a class full of Jacks his job would be...(can't remember the word he used, but good anyway.)

Wednesday: Went Visiting Teaching in the morning. After school I went to Tom and Harry's Parent's Evening. Tom's teacher said all his subjects are strong, he has a great imagination, and that he just soaks up knowledge and loves learning. She was happy that he is getting more confident in class, and said he is a total delight.
Harry's teacher said he is doing fine with learning to read etc, that he has plenty of friends and seems happy at school. She said she calls him the 'Lego Expert', and that he definitely has an artistic streak. She also said he is a bit of a chatterer at carpet time, and sometimes says not so nice things to people ('I'm a faster runner than you' type of thing.)
I've felt quite challenged by Harry lately - he seems to be so tightly wound up - has so much tension in him, and so much energy, and he is so quick to take a swing at someone, or shout at them or say 'I'm not listening' etc, so I was glad that his report was pretty good!

Thursday: Helped with taking Tom's class swimming in the morning (including using up just about the whole of the Leisure Centre's stock of leaflets to make fans for all the kids), and went back to his class in the afternoon, to help everyone make their own 'Angels of the North' out of milk cartons, foil, lots of newspaper, and EVEN MORE GLUE. They are a nice bunch of kids.
In the evening I went out for a Presidency meeting. Also this week I sorted out where we are going to have the Young Women Stake camp, and got the camp site booked. Felt a big weight lifted, getting that sorted out.

Friday: Felt sick and went back to bed after dropping the kids off. Slept all morning, and felt a bit better. Went shopping with the kids after school - seriously in need of some treats to celebrate the start of the holidays!

Saturday: We all went to see Despicable Me at the cinema in the morning - all loved it - had a great time! Spent the afternoon finishing off my talk. Did some quilting in the evening.

Today: I went to Milton Keynes ward today. Probably worried the Bishopric somewhat, because I was the first speaker, and turned up 5 minutes late - the motorway was closed, and I went on a very interesting detour! I also taught the Young Women class. Both went OK I think.
Felt pretty sick again this afternoon. Fed up of this thing, whatever it is - it's been going on for ages. Kids all gone to bed happy though. Harry really took to heart the scripture reading I did with him before bed, and of his own accord said that the people we were talking about in the scriptures were really kind, and he's going to try and be really kind too. (I'm sure any other parents will know how much I was cheering inside!)
Happily, Scott has a day off work tomorrow. Things have been ticking over pretty good for Scott work-wise and in general.

Little Boys Live Here

2011-02-18T22:15:00.002Z

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T15:34:00.013Z

Well - entering a fourth week of having various kids off school... today it's Tom and Harry's turn! I haven't had someone off every single day, but the kids (and I) seem to have some kind of headache/nausea/tiredness bug which comes and goes, though Harry has a cold, and keeps coughing (with the odd nose bleed thrown in for good measure!)
For a bit of variety though, last Tuesday I got a call from Tom's school saying he had had a bad fall in the playground, and could I come and take him to the doctors. Tom had well and truly the most impressive lump on his forehead I have ever seen - a chicken egg stuck to his skull-kind-of-thing. That wouldn't have been so bad, but he was drowsy, and felt sick, with a bad heachache for a couple of days. The doctor said he was OK, but he had me a bit worried that first day.
Lucy also had a cervical cancer immunisation last week, and I don't know if it was a coincidence, but she threw up that night, and was off for 3 days too.
One of the little sickies:
Went to see Jack in a football match on Friday. His team lost 5-0, but Jack didn't seem to mind too much. I liked it that Jack's team was mixed girls, boys, and abilities though, giving everyone a chance to play.

I've been out and about a bit this week too - Northampton on Thursday night, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, where I taught the Young Womens class. I enjoyed all the meetings though, and got to share lifts every time. Rachel and I met with two of the Stake Presidency after Leadership training meeting on Saturday night, and I felt so uplifted by the end of the night - having a strong feeling of how to lead the girls I am responsible for. I also had a lovely letter from President Hirst this week, which was very encouraging.

Scott went with Lucy and other youth from our ward to London Temple to do baptisms on Saturday, and they both seemed to have enjoyed it.

Feel like I am ready for spring now. We've been too cooped up, and the kids have got on my nerves too often recently. I'm fed up of feeling exhausted, and not great.

It's not all doom and gloom though - on the whole we are pretty happy.

This afternoon Harry, Tom and I made the heart cookies (new recipe - turned out surprisingly delicious!), took some round to our elderly neighbour, and now we have just been to pick up Lucy from rehearsals (3 times a week for Bugsy Malone - being performed in March), and Jack from football club. He is most delighted because he found out today that he's going on a 4 day trip to Belgium for an International Folk dancing thing in May. He and his class will be performimg Molly Dancing, a traditional Fenland dance.

Brownies, Bikes and a Dance (amongst other things!)

2011-02-07T11:40:00.009Z

The weekend has been survived... somehow!!!
After having Tom and Jack off school with sick bugs in the week (they are fine now), on Friday morning Harry said he had a stomach ache, so I thought I hade better keep him off, just in case. Had to take him to Tesco though to get a few more things for the Multi-Stake Valentines Dance. I just gave him a sick bag.
Back at home I made quite a few brownies for the dance (140 to be precise), and Harry (who I was beginning to suspect of not being ill in the least) helped clean the bowl.
Some brownies ready for some icing:

When Harry and I went to pick up Tom from school, Harry legged it round like a wild lunatic, shouting to his friends and any parents who would listen, that he had had the day at home, and it was loads more fun than school. I told him he could at least pretend to look a bit sick. I also felt totally daft, after standing in the Reception Class playground for 10 minutes... waiting for Harry... who was with me!

By that point I felt totally ill myself - headache, nauseous, temperature etc.

I went to Northampton in the evening (drugged up!) to help decorate the hall for the dance the next night. We actually had a pretty good laugh, though don't ask how long and many men it takes to construct a helium balloon archway...

On Saturday I still felt lousy, but we went and bought bikes for all the kids, and a bike rack. We bought them from a guy who does up and sells second hand bikes, about half an hour away. All 4 bikes came to £100 in total - and they are decent looking things - pretty pleased at that!

In the evening I headed to Northampton again for the dance (drugged up again!) I think it went pretty well, and there were kids from all over the place - ranging from London to Birmingham.

We had hired a proper candy floss machine, and I had fun on that, though it ended up all over my arms and in my hair etc. Got home after the clear-up at about 1am, but didn't sleep well again.

Yesterday I went to Kettering for church, then the rest of the family joined me at the Chatterton's house afterwards for dinner. We had a great time just chatting and catching up, and seeing their lovely new home.

Scott said he was asked at church how he's doing as a single parent! He is really enjoying Sundays actually, and having the chance to just talk to people now.

Lucy and I stayed at the Chattertons till later and then headed back to Kettering chapel for a Young Women's evening, while the boys drove home. I was tired beyond belief by the time I got home, and thankfully slept like the dead last night. Had a really good talk with Lucy on the drive back though. She is good company.

Catching up on January

2011-02-01T09:11:00.006Z

February already! The second half of January wasn't quite as busy as the previous weeks - as mentioned below, we have had the sad news of Scott's Nan's death, and I have spent quite a bit of time getting on with decorating our bedroom. It's meant to be finished by now, but at least good progress has been made! Anyone who remembers the massive ornate mirror (or the back of it!) that's been leaning against our front room radiator for months, will be glad to hear that it has now been painted and is hanging on our wall.
On 19th Jan, Lucy and I went to a presentation evening where Lucy recieved her certificate for completing the bronze level of the Arts Award she has worked on over the last year. I'm proud of our kids and the way they just get on with things.
I finally got round to sending my camera off for repair. After building myself up to being parted from it, it was only away for about a week. Took these on the way home from school one day. I'm not sure my camera is totally right yet, but so far I haven't tried taking any pictures in decent light conditions.
I think this coat suits Harry so much!

On 22nd Jan, we went to Sam Bleakley's baptism. Although they have moved away, the baptism was held at our chapel. Tom gave the closing prayer. He was really scared, but still did it. Lucy and Abigail were somewhat happy to be reunited again, and could only be parted with reminders that they will see each other again in the half-term holidays, when they are going to London to see Les Miserables, and then Abigail will spend a few days at our house...

I still haven't been to church in our home ward yet - visited Milton Keynes a week ago, and this past Sunday was Stake Conference at Northampton. I went on my own to the Saturday evening session, and then I had to give a talk at the Sunday session. I'd had about a week to prepare, but other than choosing what theme I wanted to speak on, couldn't seem to make a talk come together. I got it written on Saturday morning, and am just glad it's over with now. I think it went OK, but what made me most glad was the old Young Women's President coming up and saying that it was great, and that I had put into words things she had been wanting to say.

Tom is here at home with me today, off school with a bad stomach. Lucy, Scott and I haven't been feeling all that wonderful over the last week or two, either. Scott is also totally fed up with winter! He hates the cold! I don't think me or the kids mind it so much, but we probably wrap up better.

Scott and I have enjoyed a couple of lunches together too in the past couple of weeks. I go and pick him up from work and we go to Frankie and Bennie's. One of the joys of having all the kids at school!

Also yesterday, a book arrived in the post - the whole of 2010 of this blog, published! It's a great reminder (and partly of the point of me keeping this blog) - amazing the things we had forgotten about last year already!

Hilda Marjorie Egleton

2011-01-31T21:11:00.006Z

Two weeks ago, Scott's Grandmother 'Nan Egleton' died. She had cancer, but died from a stroke in hospital. She was mother to Scott's mum Meg, and to Aunty Gill.
I think Scott put it well, by simply saying 'She was always good to me.'
In the time I have known her since I met Scott, she has always been lively, independent, and kind. She gave her Great-Grandchildren pocket money every single month without fail, and always had lovely treats for them. I like these pictures of her here with some of our kids as babies.
With Lucy and Grandad Egleton, 1997.
Here again with Lucy (Yes - hard to believe that fat baby is actually Lucy!)

Nan with Jack and baby Tom, 2003.And lastly with Harry, 2005. Her funeral service was held last Tuesday at Southend Crematorium. It was a sweet and simple service, with both Meg and Dave speaking.

I think best of all I liked looking though Nan Egleton's photo album back at Meg and Dave's house afterwards. She looked very happy and glamorous! It was good to be with all of Scott's family again too.

We are sad she is gone, but also glad that she was spared the pains which lung cancer would have brought. Bye bye Nan.

New Year so far

2011-01-15T20:04:00.022Z

The day before Lucy went back to school (and two days before the boys), I wanted to get us out the house, in spite of it being freezing. We went to a stately home a little way from our house. Hardly anyone else was there, and we had a really good time, playing football, walking round, and having a picnic of homemade soup, and hot chocolate in flasks. I loved the views and openness.
The kids have enjoyed being back at school, and have all been quite happy. I got to help out at Tom's school this week for the first time - helping take his class swimming.Lucy trying to help Harry climb what he called 'the funky tree'.Harry asking if he can take a stick home - in his newly cleaned coat...

Scott and I had fun on Facebook a few nights ago, getting involved in a pay-it-forward handmade gift thing. Here is a sight you will not see all that often... Scott using my craft stuff! We had quite a laugh whilst he set to work making a couple of his gifts.

Scott's new boss has started now, so Scott is no longer acting principal. It is still quite busy for him, but nothing like as bad as December, which was totally, ridiculously, big for him.

He is still having to adjust his thinking to not being Bishop any more, and letting go of associated stresses.I finished making a quilt for my bed, and in the last week I have been decorating our room, a bit each day. I haven't been sleeping well though, because now there is no blind. One of my New Year Resolutions (which I love making!) is to finish decorating a room each month.

I have had a few church related things this last week too. I travelled to Bletchley last Sunday, and twice to Northampton in the week (last night I did an activity with the 12 & 13 year old girls - we had a really nice time, but Lucy and I didn't get back till 11.30pm), and tomorrow I am going to Bedford. It is nice to be recognising a few people around the Stake now, and understanding how things work, a bit better.

I ached most of last week because of another of my resolutions - to go for a run every week.
This new year has also seen a lot of our stuff break:

1. The dishwasher. I managed to fix this myself, but not without me flooding the whole kitchen floor, and a bit of the dining room.

2. The washing machine. I managed to fix this too, but also not without flooding the kitchen floor again. (At least the kitchen floor is very clean.)

3. The kitchen bin. I have seen a new one I like but it is about £90. Hmmmm...

4. Flat tyre on Scott's car (I somehow got a huge hole ripped in it) This ended up costing nearly £350 to repair - a long and boring story involving all the wheels having to be drilled off etc. etc.

5. The printer. New one arrived today, and I have spent most of today getting the computer and 2 lap tops set up to be wireless with it.

6. The central locking on my car also seems to have broken last night. It did that before once, and I couldn't lock the car for about 6 months, or open the boot, so we'll see what happens this time!

7. My camera has finally been sent off to the repair shop this week. It hasn't been right for a few months, and I have finally made the wrench and been parted from it.

All I can say is that I'm glad Scott is a good provider, and that it is not the end of the world when something breaks. It also means that we are privileged to have stuff in the first place.

I was thinking that the new year might be a bit less eventful than last year. So far that's not really been the case!

December (Part 2)

2011-01-02T17:34:00.030Z

The day after Tom's baptism, Monday 20th December, I drove on my own to Nottingham, and went with Mum, Katy and Niki, to the funeral home to dress Grandma's body. In our church, we dress the dead in white clothing. Mum didn't really want anyone else to do this, so we did.
It is one of the hardest things I have ever done. I wasn't really prepared for the changes in Grandma, since I had last seen her. It is something that has affected me deeply, but somthing I am glad I did. I think we all felt very close, and very emotional.

On Tuesday 21st December it was Grandma Asher's funeral.
Our family drove straight to the church, where a simple service was held. I spoke, and then my cousin Sarah sang beautifully 'I Know That My Redeemer Lives', then an old friend of the family spoke too. The chapel was full. I felt very moved to see Grandma's coffin carried down the church steps and placed into the car by her Grandsons and Scott - all of them so tall (6'3'' and over, the lot of them!) and Grandma having been so tiny! Harry watching the coffin in the car said something like 'wow - a hundred thousand flowers!!' Harry was (and all the kids were) good at the funeral, and very interested by it all. As we were walking out of the cemetary, he said out of the blue 'That was really good!'

I think we all thought that really. No one wanted Grandma to carry on as she was, and the whole day of her funeral was peaceful, and a good day, full of good memories of her.

Afterwards all the family went back to Mum and Dad's house.

Tom and Harry with cousin Adam.

Two of my cousins, Sarah and Clara. It was really good to be with all our extended family!Photography by Amy (aged 18 months):

Tom with a baby = happy Tom!

We travelled back home again on the same day.

December 23rd. Trying to get on with some sewing, while being bombarded by this lot! (My sewing table is in front of the patio windows...)I was not very popular on Christmas Eve morning, because I enforced the kids to do a massive tidy up and clear-out of their rooms. I had been telling them to for ages, and they had been putting it off! As soon as it was done though, they were much happier in themselves, and then Scott took them off to an indoor play place for a few hours, while I did the last bits of housework and ironing. It snowed a little while they were gone, and I thought it was wonderful, and felt so Christmassy!

Lucy on Christmas Eve, being the tooth(brush) fairy for some inexplicable reason...

We had a happy Christmas morning just by ourselves, at home. The children were totally absorbed with their lovely new gifts. John and Hannah over came in time for Christmas lunch, which seemed to come together with ease. I certainly wasn't rushed off my feet, and enjoyed everything. A few of us went for a walk over the fields at the back of our house at dusk (wearing our knitted ear-warmers from Hannah's Mum!) Cold and lovely.John and Hannah stayed at our house for a couple of nights - lots of nice food, and just relaxing, with the kids being good. Everyone went to church on Boxing Day, except Jack and I, because Jack was ill. I made lots of beanbags, and we all (tried to) juggle when everyone got back.

On 27th December, we all went to Mum and Dad's house, and everyone else came round too - the whole family. Felt sad because of some news we had, but it was good just being with everyone. We also all opened our secret santa presents - this year's new experiment!

A few of us went for a walk along the canal - Lucy and I standing on the ice!

After we returned home it was then time for me to get on with preparations for the Stake New Year's Eve party. Made lots of cakes, bought lots of food, sorted out games etc, and on New Year's Eve, Scott took the boys to London for the day, where they visited the Science Museum and watched the Imax space film, and also visited the toy department in Harrods. Lucy and I set off for the Stake centre at 4pm to get set up for the party.

It was a manic evening!! It went so fast, and I never stopped - I think it went pretty well, and lots of people came. We had a giant bouncy castle, a bucking bronco, and sumo suits hired out. I had a group of little boys come and 'call' at the serving hatch of the kitchen for me throughout the evening, to come and play on the bouncy castle with them (so they could beat me up!)

We got the clearing up done by 1am, and got home at 2am. I was aching so much! Lucy had a great time too hanging out with her friends from other wards.

So that is the end of 2010. Never a dull moment it seems! I have written my New Year's Resolutions, and am excited for a fresh start. Happy New Year!

December (Part 1)

2010-12-30T20:23:00.021Z

I am almost scared to write my blog again, and have been putting it off... over a month to catch up on, and it has been one heck of a month. If I have ever said I was busy before, I lied... this has been busy, and not only busy, but emotionally demanding too.
Jack had his 11th birthday party on 27th November in advance of his birthday on the 8th December - a sleepover with some school and church friends. They decorated his birthday cake (I like this new tradition which seems to be developing - saves me a job!) - it's a desert island in case you were wondering.
By the morning, I was vowing never to have another sleepover ever again... Jack managed to stay up ALL NIGHT! This has been a very cold month! We are a bit fed up as a family that we seemed to miss virtually all the snow that the rest of the country got - this picture was of pretty much our only snowfall, at the end of November. (Scott walking down our street.)

Harry was ill, and missed playing out in it, so we made mini snowmen on the bedroom windowsill instead. The lowest daytime temperature we saw on the car thermometer was -8. I did enjoy all the white that stuck around for ages though. Very pretty. We all enjoyed walking to school a lot. (Though the first week of December I had a child at home every day - Harry, Tom and Lucy for 3 days - she was really quite poorly.)Harry turned 5 on December 3rd, and that was also his school fair day. I am a member of the parents' association, so was helping out with the fair, including making the cake for 'Guess the number of Sweets on the Cake'. Harry also won the colouring competition for his age group, on his birthday!

In the evening I went ice skating with all the 12-18 year-olds from church, the Youth leaders and some other parents. It was so much fun!! I laughed SO much... One of the boys did challenge me to see if I could skate a whole lap without screaming though, and followed me to make sure!A week into December, and we managed to get some Christmas decorations put up (mainly on the kids, by the looks of it.)

I was busy preparing for the first big event as Stake Young Women's President - a Youth Celebration Evening (which I also had to speak at, and prepare the refreshments for, including making over 100 cupcakes!) I travelled the hour to our Stake Centre 4 times within a week of being called, and after my hand-over with the old President felt well and truly overwhelmed! I think I am slowly getting an inkling of what I am meant to be doing now.

We also adopted a missionary. Friends of ours who are responsible for one of the New Zealand missions, told us about some of their missionaries coming from very poor backgrounds. As a family we have 'adopted' one, to write to while he serves his mission. The kids and I had fun choosing Christmas gifts to send to him, and writing letters!
On Saturday 11th December, we travelled to Scott's parent's house for a get-together with all Scott's family, including Trevor over from Estonia, and Scott's cousin Andy over from California. We did have a lovely time together, but with an underlying sadness over the recent news of Scott's Nan having lung cancer.

Mum rang me on Sunday to say that Grandma had stopped eating and drinking, and probably would not last very long.

On Monday 13th December, while my Visiting Teachers where over, Mum rang again to say that Grandma had died. I have already written about Grandma on this blog, but it is strange to feel happiness (for her), and relief (for my parents) and sadness all at once. Mum asked me to speak at Grandma's funeral.

On Wednesday 15th Harry took part in his first ever school play. He was 'Herod's Helper'!! It was wonderful to watch a school play without struggling to keep a younger child quiet for the first time, and the play itself was very entertaining!Also that week we were busy getting gifts made for teachers and friends. Lucy made this lovely lot for her friends. She is getting very proficient in the kitchen.
Tom was 8 on the Thursday 16th December (and I had a meal out with my book club girlies that night), and then Tom had his party 2 days later. Tom also wanted to decorate his own cake (hooray!), and I think he did a great job with this football pitch cake.

Also on Tom's birthday (just as the kids and I had all piled in the car to take dinner to some friends who's Mum was in hospital), my car broke down - something to do with the immobiliser. We managed to get it sorted out a day or two later, in time to take Tom and his friends to the cinema for the party (they wouldn't have all fit in Scott's car).

Got to go with Anna and see the latest Harry Potter film at the cinema on Friday night. (We were meant to go earlier in the week but were both ill.) Thought it was very good, but not the most cheerful film ever created!

On Sunday 19th Tom was baptised. (People are at least 8 when they are baptised in our church, so there is some understanding of just what it means, and of knowing right from wrong.)

He was interviewed by the Bishop, and then after church was baptised by immersion by Scott. It was a lovely simple service, and afterwards lots of my family came home for food.Harry getting tickled by Grandad!

Florence Asher

2010-12-16T18:16:00.005Z

On Monday 13th December, my Grandma, Florence Asher, died. She had cancer, and has not been well for several months. She was 91. Although we are sad, it is a great relief to know that she is free from her pain, and discomfort, and immobility, and that she will be surrounded by her family, friends and my Grandad, in the next step of this wonderful plan.
I like these photos of her, from her 90th birthday party, last year. Typical Grandma - giggling at something!

Grandma, with my Mum (one of Grandma's 2 children), Dad, and the four of us kids with our families.

Grandma' funeral is next Tuesday. On Monday my Mum, sister, sister-in-law and I will dress Grandma in her burial clothes. In our religion, we dress the dead in white to be buried.

The things I want to say about Grandma, which sum up what she means to me, I wrote to her in a letter several weeks ago. Some of it is here:

Dear Grandma,
... I just thought I would write and tell you some of the things I was thinking about, and all my good memories.
I was thinking about when I would come and stay with you in the school holidays in between Christmas and the New Year. I loved coming to your house. It seemed different from everywhere else on earth, even with a smell of its own - a kind of clean smell. I remember your living room, with the carved wooden animals (from South Africa?) over the door in front of the glass panel. I remember you having your chairs around the fire, and the tiles round the fire - especially the brown hearth bit with the lip, and your companion set. And you had a white dial thing around the corner from the fire, that clicked round in a satisfying way. (I don’t know what it was for!)
I think my best bit about the living room was the book case in the corner, with the wooden detailing with glass behind. I read some of the books while I stayed with you, but my favourites were ‘The Quest of the White Merle’ which I still have here, and a book called ‘The Rookery’. You would have little treasures on the shelves in front of the books.
In the dining room, the bureau was the thing of most interest to me (now in Bel-Air!!), but I liked the china doll you had that wound around and played music - on your window sill? I also liked it that you had a cotton checked table cloth (we always had lace ones at home). My most vivid memories in the dining room are of eating porridge - you made the best porridge - and explained to me that you made it partly with water, and me having sugar on it. I also remember a rice and tomato dinner that we had with peas, that I loved. I’ve still got the recipe for it that I think Grandad typed out for me.
I loved your kitchen too - the twin tub washing machine in front of where the doorway would have been, and everything so different from home, with no modern units, and the shelves lined. There was the wooden clothes horse - very good for dens. I remember a panel stuck on the wall low down by the back door, where Grandad had chopped a hole so that a trapped pigeon could be got out.
Even the downstairs toilet was interesting to me, with a big stack of newspapers near the door.
I liked the room I stayed in too - with lino on the floor, and not a duvet, but layers of sheets and blankets, with one of them a dark peachy coloured, shiny padded blanket.
In the front little bedroom, I mainly remember there being lots of jars of jam and things stored on the floor, with your handwritten labels on them. Your raspberry jam is the best jam ever.
And the garden! Hydrangeas in the front garden, and your side gate with latticed wood at the side, and your front gate with the latch. And in the back garden, the square of lawn in front of the apple trees, with the path running down, and the whole rest of the garden full of fruit and vegetables. I remember your raspberry canes behind the apple trees, and in particular brussle sprout plants growing, and lots of rhubarb.
Remembering the rhubarb reminded me of all the pies you must have made in your life! And Christmas cakes! And coconut domes, Eccles cakes, butterfly cakes (my favourite), mince pies, the ones with pink icing, and all the other goodies filling those tins every Christmas!
And talking of food, also reminds me of your Wednesday visits. I always liked it that you had been on a Wednesday when I was at school, because there would be the treats left behind - the bag of nuts and raisins from the market that got shared out, and a packet of biscuits- Malted Milks or Hobnobs, or something nice that we wouldn’t normally have!
Going back to my visits after Christmas, I also used to love going to the shops with you. I liked going in the cheap shops, and buying birthday presents for Mum and Dad with some of my Christmas money. I thought Bilborough was great! I can remember feeling surprised years later to hear that Bilborough was a bit of a rough place - it certainly never seemed that way to me. It also had the park behind your garden, with the climbing frame tank on it, and a good see-saw.
I liked the evenings at your house too - the programmes you watched (like Coronation Street), the peace, and best of all the mug of Barleycup and restrained treat - like two Quality Street chocolates, or something. I always think of your house as being a place of frugality and sensibleness, cleanliness and moderation. (The one exception being Grandad’s wonderful hoard of stationary in the wardrobe!! I still remember doing drawings on quite thick paper that had some kind of form on the back.)
I have also always had in my mind you being the yardstick of a perfect person. I vividly remember thinking quite naturally ‘well obviously Grandma is going to the Celestial Kingdom’ and measuring all else up to you.
I don’t think I have ever heard you shout! I sometimes wondered how you raised Mum (who I thought of as being sometimes a naughty/cheeky child - though maybe that’s because I asked you for stories of naughtiness!) - you seemed too calm and quiet to be someone who raised kids!
The missionaries in our ward must have thought so too - calling you the exact opposite of your nature: Ferocious Florrie!
When I think of you as younger though, I like best the description Mum gives me of you being the one getting in trouble with your Dad for giggling at the dinner table!
Anyway Grandma, I just wanted to share with you what my memories are - and all of them good and happy.
I’m sorry you are having such a horrible time right now. I love you ever so much and am grateful for the inheritance of goodness you have always given me.

All change

2010-11-22T20:49:00.005Z

Yesterday was an interesting day! Scott was released as Bishop, and our friend Matthew Wade was called as the new Bishop.
Also I got called as the Stake Young Women's President.
President Hirst came over last Sunday and spoke to us both. He had wanted to see us on Saturday night after a stake meeting, but we hadn't been able to both get there. I was AWFUL at waiting till we did see him. Think I would have developed a stomach ulcer if I had had to wait much longer!
What he said didn't come as too much of a surprise though, but the implications kept occurring to us after he left... a thousand responsibilities now suddenly gone from Scott's shoulders, Scott being around more, us all sitting together in church more, me travelling round the stake, and now being the one going off for evening meetings, Lucy coming with me and visiting all her church friends, STAKE CAMP!!, no more phone calls from Solihull or wherever telling me that a fire alarm person/electrician/boiler person needs to get into church, no church keys, no more boxes sitting in our porch full of stuff for the ward. Lots of other silly things too that don't matter much, but will just be different.
It is so nice to see Scott lighter and more here.
I also feel a bit scared. We have felt protected and looked after for so long.
As for my own calling - I am pretty nervous about doing whatever it entails, and doing it well, but I had my setting apart blessing yesterday which left us in no doubt that it is right for me to be doing it, and that I will be able to. I feel the spirit so strongly around President Hirst, and it will be good working with him, and all the other stake people. I am glad too that I get to keep working with Rachel Smith - I have been her counselor in Relief Society, and it was approved on Sunday for her to work with me now.
Scott and I had to prepare talks for yesterday. It is the first time since Scott and I were sealed in the Temple that I have seen him get emotional. His talk was partly on the responsibilities of a Bishop. I think he feels quite deeply for Matthew, and delivering such a burden onto his shoulders. Yet with it have also passed the Priesthood keys of the calling, and Scott can't now help much even if he wanted to.
So! All change in the Cryer household!

(I should also mention that Lucy and Jack were well and truly delighted that Huntingdon Ward won the roadshow on Saturday night! Scott is just delighted that it is over.)

2010-11-20T11:52:00.005Z

Another week has flown by...
Mon: Visiting teaching in the morning, then went out with one of the ladies I visiting teach in the afternoon. Taking her mind off an upcoming operation. Various after-school clubs.
Tues: My visiting teachers came in the morning, then I spent the afternoon helping a friend. Scott travelled to Birmingham for a 3 day college principals' annual thing. Lucy and Jack had roadshow rehearsals in evening.
Weds: Fairly quiet catch-up-on-housework day. Even did a bit more grouting tiles in the kitchen. Various after-school clubs (Lucy has 3 rehearsals a week for the school show, Busgy Malone.)
Thursday: Big sort out upstairs. More after-school clubs. Harry had a bad day at school, and got told off for colouring on the wooden playhouse, and also saying a swear word he picked up off another kid in the class - Harry then said it right in front of the teacher! He has had it explained to him that it is something we DO NOT SAY!! He was really upset though, and cried all the way home from school. Much cheered up by the return of Scott, along with lots of freebies from the convention. (Harry is in love with a mug that has the fastest car in the world on it.)
Friday: Righteously cleaned all the downstairs windows, and ironed. Went shopping with the kids after school to get some ingredients for Lemon Bars, and Spinach and Cheese Muffins, out the Hummingbird Bakery book. Turned out pretty yum. Jack went to Nottingham all day for a big music and folk dancing thing. Jack was picked with some friends to do Molly dancing at it - they were the only children at it, and got hugely cheered! The group also went to Sherwood Forest, and stopped off at McDonalds on the way home, and Jack said he had a BRILLIANT day!
In the evening I hosted book club, and Lucy and Scott went to the dress rehearsal for the roadshow tomorrow. Scott has even learnt some of his lines now!
Today is a wonderful lazy Saturday... absolute bliss. Everyone happy, American pancakes for breakfast, and still in my dressing gown at nearly 1pm... (and an invite for tea - hurray!)