A Friday Reminiscence

Yeah, Friday is here. Thank fuck for that. I'm glad to have this week over - what with vomit central on Sat/Sun/Monday (hands up if you've also sent your kid to school and then that kid throws up in car after you've been dropped off!), the visit on Wednesday and now we have reached Friday.

Last night, I had a thought (rare I know). Do you remember the Friday night's BC (Before Children). The having a few drinks, going out and partying times. The lets stay in until 12 and then go out (OK that was in Uni and its because my flatmate was a bit mad!). Or the lets have a house party nights. And then it didn't matter if you had a lie in on Saturdays to recover from your hangover (not that you used to get one - note though have realised that Pimms doesn't give me hangovers either!)  and then mooch around in pyjamas or go shoppping or eat lunch out and then do it all over again on Saturday and then stay out even later and then stay in bed all day Sunday!

So, to cheer me up because you all know that after sending the kids to bed tonight and drinking some cider I'm going to be a dribbling mess on the sofa (asleep!). And then I will not have lie in because tomorrow is Saturday and I would actually like to get the kids out of the house (please no rain) and then Sunday we are taking my dad out for a belated Father's Day Lunch. SIGH.

So, to cheer me up, here is one of my favourite songs for getting me up and dancing in those days (and now but I'm tired!)

Have a great weekend

BNM

How dare you

• how dare you think that I treat my kids wrong
• how dare you think that they go to bed on no sheets
• how dare you be anonymous, hide your name. Are you too ashamed to confront me? To scared to come to me first.

We had a visitor yesterday after someone had referred us for child neglect. Prior to the meeting and not knowing what we'd been accused of I was angry and petrified. But when she arrived, our fears disappeared like popping bubbles.

 She checked the condition of our house (thank god for the tidying, I'm not Mrs Slobette but not always that tidy). She checked the kids and saw that they were well. She put our fears to one side and noted that she was sorry that she had to come. She told us that people could be nasty and when asked by me the question Why, she said Just because your breathing.

The complainant had been anonymous yet the words of the report lead us to clues to your door. We thought we were friends but it seems not. I'm glad you no longer live on the street but am angry at you for putting our kids through this. At making someone think I am an unfit mother!

If you ever put yourself into the situation and make the call, please stop first and think. Do I know them? Really know the family? Should I have a word first? My answers to these are yes. Please do. Please talk to them first and check things are alright before making up bullshit about them. Do not hide your ignorance behind anonomynity. Do not dare!

BNM

Singing songs

The girls both love singing as do I and Neb. (though the rain tonight maybe my fault!)

They both have CD players in their bedroom. Bel has a small 'proper' one that she got from Santa and Car has a kids version.

Since, Christmas they now both fall asleep with music playing. Bel's choice ranges from her Now album to some classical while Car favours books on Cd's - normally the one we've just read or her nursery song album.

Now this CD is the one they have in the car at the grandparents house, so its a more folksy versions of all the classical nursery rhymes.

While helping her getting dressed the other morning (something I need to stop doing but she is still my little baby - well 4yo anyway) we were listening to Clementine. If you are unsure of the song check below:



(its not this version by the way!)

Anyway there we were singing away when we came to the chorus and here sings come this little voice:

Oh my darling, Oh my darling , Oh my darling Clementine
thou have lost your umbrella , so sorry Clementine.

We then had a discussion about the words and I gave up on trying to get her to sing the right words.

BNM

Proud Dad

In his less fat, younger days Neb was a runner. He loved to run in cross country and long distance events but now he has gotten fatter older he doesn't!

Imagine his pride though yesterday at Sports Day when Bel ran the 400metres for the first time (they didn't do it in earlier years.) He coached her on what to do before hand, not to run to fast in the first bit and to speed up and pass people at the end.

He put his camera down ( a feat in itself these days) and ran around with her. He coached her all the way around. Breathe Bel, relax, slow down. And she did, she was second for a while, then sped up in the last 200m to win with a 100m lead over everyone.

Bel winning the sprint earlier in the day!

It bought a tear to my eye seeing him congratulate and hug her.

I'm proud of you Bel and happy to see you make your daddy so very happy

BNM

Why milk is better than toothpaste

You gotta love kid logic haven't you.

Tonight, while reading the bed time story (Monkey and Me if you want to know - very good book!) Bel turned to Car and said:

" We won't brush our teeth tonight as it doesn't taste nice with milk, and anyway milk has calcium in which is the same as toothpaste!"

I think she meant fluoride in toothpaste but I couldn't stop her!

BNM

I've had enough now

There is nothing on the TV at the moment. All my favourite (apart from about 3) programmes have finished.

And do you know what makes it worse - the bloody football is on:

I'm not a footie fan and I always thought that my other half only supported one team and that was it. But apparently not, we've had to watch all the games! I'm seriously losing my cool now because so far I've watched football nearly every day last week - we even had to have the female teams yesterday (but that may be due to his dad and the comment about bouncing balls!).

And no, before you ask, Wales aren't in the tournament and no I'm not bothered. I would support ABE but I can't be bothered with that either. I did make Neb put the Chris Moyles commentary on but he found it annoying with the large square in the top right hand corner of the screen. So, the fun part of my watching the football went out the window.

On the other hand, I have increased my score on games in Facebook and am getting more time to increase my brain power using Bel's DS!

Are you a football widow or are you enjoying the games?

BNM

Grown Up

I don't think I'm particulary grown up but to check if I am there is this test you can do (Ok it may not be a scientifically a test but you know, I may have borrowed it from Mrs M)

Anyway here are the questions:

1. Having a mortgage - no, don't own on house either

2. Mum and dad no longer make your financial decisions - yes even though I do ask my dad if I don't understand something

3. Paying into a pension - yes,through work and a good one too so if Neb ever bumps me off for being annoying and doesn't find out him and the kids will be fine

4.Conducting a weekly food shop - yes,

5. Written a Will - no, and I know I need to do one so back off!

6. Having children - yes two little demons angels

7.Budgeting every month - have tried but fail miserably (every single time)

8. Being able to cook an evening meal from scratch - yes loads of them!

9. Getting married - yes 

10. Having life insurance - don't know, but you know he gets the pension anyway (see 3!)

11. Recycling - yes

12.Having a savings account - yes not that there is much money in it

13.Knowing what terms like 'ISA' and 'tracker' mean - ISA yes , tracker not sure erm is it a snack bar?

14.Watching the news - yes

15. Owning a lawn mower - no, no lawn mower but we do have a borrowed strimmer (its my god mothers!)

16. Doing your own washing - unfortunately, yes

17. Taking trips to the local tip - yes, I bag them and Neb sends them

18. Planting flowers  - yes

19. Being able to bleed a radiator - not a chance

20. Having a joint bank account - yes

21. Having a view on politics - yes, except its possibly the same view as I've had all my life

22. Keeping track of interest rates - no, should I

23. Finding a messy house annoying - no I'm a messy person and I don't love it but I don't hate it either

24. Being able to change a light bulb - that'll be because I'm tall and I don't have to use a step then

25. Owning a vacuum cleaner - yes

26.Holding dinner parties - we've had one and then we moved and then we had a messy house but I would love too

27. Listening to Radio 2 - guilty as charged

28. Enjoying gardening - I plant things, they grow all by themselves

29. Spending weekend just 'pottering' -is that the same as lazying around then GOD yes

30. Mum starts asking you for advice - would be hard wouldn't it!

31. Carrying spare shopping bags just in case - I have a bag that's big enough to be a shopping bag if needed 

32 .Like going round garden centres - Um, yes and no !

33. Wearing coats on a night out - not always then Neb makes me (because he is really OLD)

34. Going to bed before 11pm - sometimes on a work night because if I don't I turn into a gibbering wreck

35. Making sure mum and dad are phoned at least once a week - I ring my dad and he's never in so will Facebook him!

36. Classing work as a career rather than a job - Yes, not that anyone here seems to want me to have a career (will not bitch about work!)

37. Repairing torn clothing rather than throwing it away - not a chance

38. You iron - No, I burn myself and then probaly the clothes so NO NEVER

39. You wash up immediately after eating - not all the time and then Neb has a fit!

40. Enjoy cooking - YES

41.Buying a Sunday paper - Used to but now try and have a lie in instead (well till 9am anyway!)

42. Always going out with a sensible pair of shoes - I have wide feet, all my damned shoes are sensible!

43. You like receiving gift vouchers - always!

44. Work keeps you awake at night - only when some idiots wind me up

45.Filing post - FILING = BIN? I do put my tax return in safe place

46.Having a 'best' crockery set - is that the one that still actually matches then yes but its not that posh

47.Being able to change a car tyre - I don't drive so NO

48.Being sensible enough to remove make up off before bedtime - I don't wear any make up

49.Being able to follow a receipt - yes

50.Owning 'best towels' as well as 'everyday towels' -No

 

Most of the answers seemed to be Yes so I assume I've passed but as I'm only 35 I  think I'm allowed to be a little bit slack?

 What do you think? Do you think I'm a grown up? Or are you?

 

BNM

To my dad

Father's day isn't just about the father I have in this house (the father of my children) but also its about my dad. My dad who has taken a lot over the years.
My dad who took is eldest child to university without too much of a fuss!

My dad who was there for me when I failed my degree and picked me up form the station without shouting too much (unlike my mother!).

My dad who whilst his wife had cancer then decided to go and have not one but several heart attacks one after the other (which my mum had thought was indigestion!). He went to hospital and then nearly died on us all (with his organs shutting down due to some drug issue). He made it through the other side thankfully.

Dad was great during the time when we lost mum and then a couple of years later he walked me down the aisle. He had between the time of losing mum and then moved out of our family home a huge four bedroom bungalow on huge land which was too much for him, went to Australia to watch the rugby world cup, and become more independent. I had always thought that he would cope as he could cook, but he had to learn how to iron and everything else. And he did it.

My dad who held is first grandchild with a black eye and a missing tooth (he had apparently fallen down some stairs!), my dad who when questioned was not good at answering baby questions but would always say that I cried a lot! And asked a lot of questions.

My dad who is now a grandad to three grandadaughters ( two of mine, one of my brothers). My dad who even though rarely seen these days is happy with his life.

Dwi'n caru ti dad.

BNM

Father's day Meme

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Yes, I know its not until Sunday - I may be busy and tired and happy its Friday but I haven't completely lost the plot (well!!)
No, I've been tagged in a meme from the two ladies at More than a Mum (who I follow on twitter!) and seeing that if I don't join in you'll get a boring old post (or nothing!)here it goes:

Its a very simple meme (thankfully it is Friday after all!) and when I tag you (yes at the bottom, I will you know!) you just copy questions answer and tag away

1.     How did you tell your partner they were going to be a dad for the first time?
He came with me to buy the tests, we then did several before I believed it!
2.     How did your partner react to the news?
Shocked and happy with Bel, pleased and manly with Car (I caught quite quickly with her after coming off pill)
3.     What advice/support/thing did you most appreciate from your partner during pregnancy?
Letting me moan (more than usual) about being hungry and getting me food at different random occasions. Also was a star when I couldn't fit in our narrow bath (yes I was a heffalump) and giving me a wash down.
4.     What advice/support/thing did you most appreciate from your partner during childbirth?
With Bel, I was in an out of hospital for a while due to induction(s). He got so used to the beeps and random noises of the machines, and resetting it so much that the midwives offered him a job. With Car, I appreciate him getting into the water bath with me for 5 seconds and then not moaning when I couldn't settle. I also know that he found it tough when she was born as he couldn't be with me for my Emergency C Section
5.     What advice/support/thing did you most appreciate from your partner during those first tough weeks?
Taking turns with waking up with the baby and making me go to sleep when I needed it even if I was stubborn.
6.     What’s the funniest story/encounter your child’s father ever had with the baby/babies?
Luckily for him he didn't get the puke in mouth or ear (that was always me) but he has always been good with babies!
 7.     What do you think makes a good dad?
Being a good role model and someone who can make then laugh and play with them happily. Even if this means making up silly songs (normally about my boobies)!
8.     What do you most appreciate about your child(rens) dad and want to thank them for?
I just appreciate him being there - and being better at getting the kids to listen to him (when they ignore me)

Right now for the tagging:

@Pippa D (http://www.amothersramblings.com/)
@RP4ges (http://theramblingpages.blogspot.co.uk/)
@TheLazyGirlBlog (http://www.20somethingmum.blogspot.co.uk/)

and if anyone else wants to join in then please do so and link up below

BNM

Wordless Wednesday - can you guess what it is

I had a mummy fail as I had no idea what it was. But can you guess what it is?

BNM

Meal Plan 11th June 2012

Hello everyone, well wasn't that an exciting weekend. We went from being woken up to check we were safe from the floods (I'm on a hill near Aberystwyth) to the kids not sleeping at planned sleepover and adult drinking at friends house. My hangover has just gone away now.

Thankfully our local Morrison's survived the flood and so normality resumes. Most of the flood water has gone but with rivers still on a high and more rain due we all nervously await any more floods.

This week is a budget beating week as half term always makes the money go fast (especially with the jubilee party next to a pub).

Monday - Toad in the Hole, Mash, Gravy and Broccoli/Carrots

Tuesday - Spaghetti Bolognese

Wednesday - left over bolognese - possibly cottage pie?

Thursday - Pork Kebabs with Rice and Salad

Friday - something with chicken, yet to be decided

Saturday - not sure as yet - need to put my thinking cap on

Sunday - Roast something?

BNM

Yes, I know its now Tuesday! AH WELL

 

Walking in the rain

So, we did it we took the girls out in the rain. I finished work at 1 and got into a car where the kids were all wrapped up in their waterproofs.

We then had a picnic in the car on the seafront

while watching the waves come over

We then went to the woods, which looked lush and green (like a tropical rain forest)

 though you could tell it had been raining

But when your out in the wood and the rain, tis funny what kind of trees you'll find

BNM

Added: Since going on this walk yesterday many places around here are flooded. I can't believe how much it rained last night and how much the water has risen. My hearts go out to the people who have water coming through their house. We are all safe here chez BNM as we live on a hill.

Where's it at?

It, you know, the blogging vibe. The waffle that pours out of my head and that some of you read (well actually I think it is only three of you now but hey ho!)

Life is all about work at the moment. After the elongated jubilee weekend, I dragged my sorry, hungover ass into work and have been working my little tushy off since. But as it is half term (hello kids!), I've decided that tomorrow I am taking a half day (everyone else including my boss is off so why the hell not!).

Hopefully this half day will inspire a funny blogpost for you all. We're planning on taking the girls walking into the local woods in the rain so we are bound to be full of giggles and a bit wet.

If not, then you may have to refrain from dropping in and saying hello until randomness resumes. In the words of Arnie I will be back!

BNM

An apology

I need to apologise for the tone of my last post. It seems that it is not fair on me to push my feelings onto my kids. They have the right to enjoy a good party and not feel like I don't want to be there (even if I don't). I will join in for them, so that they have a good time and do not feel like pariahs. Yes, I've been given a good talking too and am taking back my words!

So, in a bit I will be off to not one but two street parties, one a few yards from our front door in our village and the other to our adopted home where the kids go to school and where once we lived. It may be a good thing that the second is near a pub as I may need it! I hope that if you have feelings like me that you too will go and do it for the kids.


BNM