five

21st May 2013

We celebrate 3 birthdays within 6 weeks of each other - Elsie's being the last. My small and delicate (but strangely tomboyish) girl turned 5 on 15th May. Elsie is such a funny character. She loves all things considered girly - dresses, hair clips, nail varnish, handbags, yet you will find her donning all of these whilst roughing it in the garden with her brothers! One day Jean came in from the garden and told me that Elsie had taken a pee on the grass - Jean was mortified! The thought of such a thing had her cringing. Elsie ran in soon after and shouted with delight - "I did a wee in the garden mummy, and my clothes didn't get wet!" Dear me... My children are pretty wild, I am not entirely sure what the neighbours think! :)

Elsie had been waiting very patiently for her birthday to arrive. My children are given the choice of the meals for the day and an activity for the family. Elsie changed her mind numerous times in the run up, but settled on swimming (for her activity ) at the last minute.

Amidst the madness and many birthday celebrations, I somehow managed to sew a birthday dress and knit a bolero for my little girl. I am not a seamstress, no no, I am a mother who try's her hand at many things! The dress came out okay, although I think I would have liked it more had I made it longer and perhaps added some kind of trim? The pattern is simplicity 2377 and this is the 2nd time that I have attempted made it. 

Jean and Jude both purchased (with their own money) individual presents for Elsie. Jean, the book entitled 'Elsie' - a simple board book with few words but pretty pictures and Jude, some small 'my little ponies' - I remember loving these as a small girl. I bought Max a 'Tiger who came to tea' puzzle to wrap and give to Elsie and we also got her a watch.

Swimming was a blast, apart from the fact that the height restrictions on the slides had gone up, which meant Elsie and Max couldn't ride - there were tears from the birthday girl! :( 

My egg free cake making skills are now pretty good (I've had 8years of practice ;)). The cake was delicious and was thoroughly enjoyed by all - especially my 5 year old girl. Happy birthday Elsie - you are wonderful, you truly are! :) 

seven

17th May 2013

Jude turned 7 on 9th May. I find buying gifts for Jude very easy, as he is always so clear about what he wants and needs. Jude had been saving for his first guitar for some time. He knew that he would have to spend slightly more than usual due to him being a "lefty". Watching him count his money (often daily), and him asking "do I have enough yet?" was a clear gifting opportunity for me. We found the above guitar on ebay. Jude and I searched for the perfect one and just before his birthday I told him that we could order it and he handed over the money that he had been saving - his first birthday gift from us! I have also just found a great guitar teacher whom my is mum currently having lessons with. Jude is hoping to start very soon.

On the actual day, he had a few wrapped presents - one being chewing gum (of all things)! Jude is always asking for gum and I felt that turning 7 would be an okay time for him to have his own packet. :) He also received a basket ball and net, a few book collections from here and a stuffed cat (because he is allergic to the real kind - the words of Jean). The younger children made him an array of cards and drawings and Jude got to chose the meals for the day. Pancakes and bacon for breakfast and steak for dinner (mans food)!
Thursday afternoons we usually attend forest school and so we spent the morning making chocolate chip cookies to share. Jude does have a very sweet tooth which I am constantly trying to steer in the right direction - today however, I probably allowed a little more than usual. Birthdays are for treats right?
Forest school theme of the day - fire lighting! Every boys dream...
Fires were lit and kept burning. Kelly kettles were used to make tea, coffee and hot blackcurrant on this rather cold day. Jude asked for a decaf coffee - ahem...

My boy had a great birthday and was very appreciative. But, alas, the story does not end here! Jude's big request for his birthday was to be able to dance - to have a disco. A place filled with family and friends (a crowd of people he could perform to). Loud (good) music and food, fun and laughter. I took the opportunity to get ALL of the family together. Cousins, aunts, uncles - those who hadn't been seen in months - and many friends joined together in a large community hall that we had hired. DJ, lights and a dance floor - the party got started! Half way through the evening the music was stopped and my little boy who had just turned 7, performed to a "Olly Murs" track - freestyle...;) So proud my heart could just burst. I love the confidence that he has and I hope it continues to flourish. What a great birthday. x

run of the kitchen

16th April, 2013
Up until today I have always been hands on and facilitating my children during cooking/baking projects. Jean had been requesting that we buy some more sunflower seeds for a while, a few days a go, we did. The next morning she came to me almost bursting with excitement and enthusiams - she wanted to have the run of the kitchen; she wanted to bake bread. Jude was employed as assistant and I decided that I would grant them their wish.

I sat in the lounge with the baby, as Jean and Jude set to work like busy bees. Several times I prevented myself from commandeering the operation due to some loud bangs, use of every utensil we have etc... But I refrained from doing so - instead I grabbed my camera and captured the beauty of it all.

Jude exclaimed that he couldn't stop himself from eating the sunflower seeds. Jean threatened to sack him from his position of 'assistant'.

Grow it, Eat it

You can just about see Max in the right corner. I am not quite sure how he got so high but Jean ran over to talk him down!

Whilst the bread cooled Jean rifled through her fabric collection and asked if I could help her make a dolly diaper and summer vest. She improvised a rough pattern , pinned her fabric and after a few tries managed to thread the needle on the sewing machine, all without any help from me! I gave her a few tips on what I thought would be the best way to sew her pieces together and she was off. Only calling me over every now and then, purely for reassurance that what she was doing was 'right'. On the vest she hand sewed a button and for the diaper she added some velcro. She was so proud, as was I!

Her dolly was a gift from me a few Christmases ago. See here.

The bread was enjoyed by all and shared with siblings and visitors alike! My once little babies are growing up, they are following the footsteps that I am leaving for them and I am so happy. :)

stages new (and one old)

15th April, 2013

All 5 of our painted lady butterflies have hatched. The children were truly amazed to witness this new stage in the life cycle. We have supplied them with fruit and liquid nectar. I am very grateful for the warm weather due this week - as we prepare to release them back into their natural habitat. Many butterfly books have been read, including of course, the very hungry caterpillar! The live caterpillars were bought from this store. 

My oldest baby now reading to my youngest baby! Doesn't get much better than this! And yes, Iris has followed suit (book loving) and sat quietly whilst her sister read her the same book, over and over!

A new skill was taught and learnt by my two 4yr olds! ;) If at first... The proudness of a mama capturing moments like these.

Strawberry plants bursting into life.

Apple tree buds, stretching.

And finally, a game of draughts not won by granddad! 

The old stage? Have you guessed? My 4 year old with his beloved dumbo back in his mouth! Dear me...;)