What lovely weather we’re having……at long last! However, the children were overheating, becoming rather hot and bothered, so we took a quick trip to the supermarket and took advantage of the air conditioning; and in particular the fridge isles. We couldn’t stay there all day without being suspected of shoplifting, so we headed home and … Continue reading »
William’s 2nd birthday
The last 2 years have, in some ways, flown by, but in other ways so much has happened it’s hard to believe just how much we’ve crammed into 24 months. William has just celebrated his 2nd birthday and I wanted to capture some of the moments on my blog. William is a very happy little … Continue reading »
My Anxious Easter Holidays
They didn’t get off to a good start; what with rainy weather and me developing stupid anxiety/panic attacks about going out! ( I think this was partly a reaction to my new bipolar medication and not very nice to experience). However, we did manage a few trips to Paulton’s Park; which the kids loved and … Continue reading »
Danebury Hillfort, Nr Stockbridge
We explored most of Danebury Hillfort in thick cloud and drizzle, but it made the experience even more fun for the children when we sheltered under trees and inside a den that we discovered. Charlotte and William both selected sticks which they carried around for most of the adventure. Charlotte’s stick was actually a weapon … Continue reading »
What does Easter mean to YOU?
Well, it’s a bit like Christmas isn’t it? Except instead of Father Christmas, the Easter bunny comes along and hides loads of chocolate eggs for children to find over the whole of Easter weekend. Plus, nowadays we give each other cards and expensive presents like at Christmas-time and Birthdays. We even have days off work … Continue reading »
Watch this horrific death end in a miracle!
I was moved to the point of tears and felt very defensive and angry when I first saw what happened to this man, but as I started to understand the reason why this happened it gave me a peace and joy I’d never experienced before. If you haven’t seen this before then get your tissues … Continue reading »
France visit
The warmth of William’s sick seaping through my clothes and covering half of the cabin was enough to make me chuck up big style. It was possibly the worst ferry crossing ever, I had to wrap a bed-sheet around my body and visit reception to request a new, clean cabin……..while lorry drivers made their way … Continue reading »
I’ve won an award!
I’ve won an award from the Versatile Blogger! I was kindly nominated by my good friend at theoldpolicehouse. Quite simply, the nomination is the award itself – so I’m already a winner and am going to enjoy the moment! In fact, the award is more of a blogger-to-blogger chain letter/encourager, as once you become a … Continue reading »
Valentine’s Day – Something Spicy!
Jez and I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day any more, not because we are a boring, old married couple (which we are but that‘s not the reason!), we find it‘s so expensive, the price of anything coloured red is inflated for about a fortnight. Also, I know it’s a cliché, but we don’t need to be romantic … Continue reading »
Snow business like….
Charlotte woke at 5am and as soon as the daylight hit the back garden she noticed it. Her face lit up and she screamed with joy “LOOK Mummy, SNOW, real snow, LOOK!” It was a moment I won’t forget as this is the first time she has really been able to express her excitement about … Continue reading »
There’s no school like Jo’s school!
It is sometimes hard to fully embrace the roll of being a Mum and difficult to find a sensible balance between motherhood and wanting your own identity or “me time”. As I check out Facebook, eBay and type away on my blog simply enjoying my adult time, I also know that God’s plan is for … Continue reading »
Finish the sentance: “Bipolar and bingeing on ………..”
You can enter anything really: shopping, eating, drinking, smoking, drug taking, working, Facebooking(!) etc. Bingeing is described as “Unrestrained and often excessive indulgence. An act of compulsive consumption.” There are times we all do things to excess, fortunately for most it is a short lived thing or it can be controlled with some will-power without … Continue reading »
The France Show 2012, Earls Court London
Although it wasn’t quite the same as stepping across the Channel, the France Show 2012 at Earl’s Court London was a great experience. Our main reasons for attending the exhibition were to give us a chance to spend the whole day together without the children and to see Sally from Les Bons Voisins, LBV. We … Continue reading »
Where was the abundant life Jesus promised me in 2011?
Lots of the comments on Facebook last night were from people who were happy to see the back of 2011, it certainly was a year that brought a mixture of happy and sad times for many and it’s encouraging to see that people are looking forward with hope and expectation of a better year in … Continue reading »
Rodney the Stable Rat
Charlotte didn’t sleep much last night, as she was so excited about her forthcoming appearance in the school nativity play. Yes, it’s that time of year when every proud mummy announces that their child will be on stage, regardless of their role. Well, I’m one of those mummies and I was as proud as punch … Continue reading »
Exploring the West
Tuesday was spent visiting what would be our nearest town and city. Chateaulin is a beautiful town with the Brest-Nantes canal running through the centre. It is very picturesque and had a good number of shops and places to explore. However, Quimper is simply breathtaking, the enormous Cathedral was magnificent, the adorable medieval buildings and … Continue reading »
Travelling West
Monday was a day full of viewings in Finistere. How spending the day travelling around and looking at houses can be so exhausting for us adults I don’t know! Maybe it is something to do with having two lively children who want to touch everything they are not supposed to. Our first viewing was at … Continue reading »
A weekend of visiting friends (new and old)
We know Sue and Matt from our old church in Eastleigh, they now live in Baud, just south of Pontivy. It lovely to catch up (we’d not seen them for several years so had plenty to talk about). We were treated to some wonderful home-cooked food and had a chance to discuss LBV as Sue … Continue reading »
A proper way to remember
It was Armistice Day and we observed 2 minutes silence at 11 o clock (well, as silent as you can get with two little ones!) We saw several groups of people gathering to lay wreaths in numerous villages in memory of those lives lost in World War I and to commemorate the ‘armistice’ signed by … Continue reading »
Looking for less land
This was a day packed with viewings around Moncontour. Each house was better than the last and Cassady, the estate agent, showed us a number of properties that I’d actually discarded for one reason or another. In fact the property we felt was most suitable was one I’d not even shortlist but actually ‘felt’ quite … Continue reading »
The only toddler group in Brittany!
Our night was OK, we slept on the floor and although we probably saw every hour the children slept soundly! Jez was great with the kids, showing them the lorries departing the ferry and allowing them both to sit in the front on my lap, they seemed so excited it was lovely. The journey to … Continue reading »
All aboard
Travelling to France on the night ferry, with our two lively children, worked surprisingly well. We chose against a cabin and reserved just 2 reclining seats – we figured that as Charlotte and William don’t sleep very well even at home, that paying for a cabin would be pointless. Once we’d boarded and after exploring … Continue reading »
St Paul’s response to the people
I was listening to UCB this morning and a discussion came up about the Anti-Greed/Capitalist Protestors (Occupy Wall Street demonstrations) outside St Paul’s Cathedral. I was horrified to hear that the Cathedral officials decided to close the cathedral doors due to health and safety risks to visitors caused by protestors. The decision to close is … Continue reading »
Down on the Farm at Finkley
We had such a lovely time at Finkley Farm in Andover. It was a beautiful Autumnal day and there was hardly anyone about so the children had the run of the place. I’d never been before and was really impressed with the wonderful play area and the opportunities to hold the animals. Charlotte and Sophie … Continue reading »
Bonne Chance in France!
Our move to France is becoming more of a reality. Over the past few weeks we have been liaising with some very helpful people who live in Brittany to get their opinion on the area, our map is now more highlighter pen than region(!) with numerous places to visit, churches to attend, markets to experience, … Continue reading »
ME and JESUS – check out this clip
I’m currently working on my ‘testimony’, but when I came across this clip from an LA Nightclub it summarised what I could not describe in my own words. I know you’re thinking “I’m not clicking on another link” but I urge and challenge you to watch this.
Water Fight!
We are now regretting putting the winter cover on the pool last week, so we decided to cool the children down a bit by giving them their own hosepipe each and….LET THE BATTLE COMMENCE! We had such a laugh; Charlotte’s goal was to get as wet as possible and in the shortest space of time … Continue reading »
every woman, every man; join the caravan of love…
….well….sort of. We are planning and only planning at this stage to live in a caravan. It may be the wrong thing to do but we won’t know unless we try! Come March next year (possibly sooner) we will be moving out of our beautiful, warm, spacious house and into a caravan. We have found … Continue reading »
Applying for school – your thoughts please.
Charlotte turned 3 last month and is so ready for preschool, she loves going and enjoys playing and taking part in all the various activities on offer. She attends 15 hours a week and this is perfect for her. But, as an August baby I worry about her starting Year R in 2012, when she … Continue reading »
August adventures
What have you been up to this summer? For us, August was a jam-packed month, full of fun and laughter. Charlotte played dressing up at the Harper household, William had a kip in the swing at the Kittows, they both slept well in the same room while we house-sat a friends place, Charlotte scoffed the … Continue reading »
Charlotte turns 3
It only seems like yesterday when I first met my baby girl, I remember so well the moment she was placed in my arms; so tiny and new, completely helpless and fully dependent on me to love, nurture and care for her. Then again, on the other hand, so much has happened in those 3 … Continue reading »
We thought Llandudno was…….
My first impression of Llandudno was how wonderfully, traditionally British it was. The beautiful buildings along the whole length of the promenade immediately take you back to Victorian times. You can easily imagine what it was like; a thriving, luxurious location on the coast; a short carriage journey from Liverpool, only for the most wealthy. … Continue reading »
Camping in Conwy
This was our third attempt at camping and this time we stayed at Conwy Touring Park. On arrival we were met by a very friendly and helpful receptionist who kindly showed us which plots were still available, she enthusiastically said that we could pick any we liked. Despite having requested a pitch near the park … Continue reading »
Aldi helps with long drive
We are en route to Conwy in Wales for a camping break with the little ones. This is a 5 hour journey, which will take much longer with kids. I’m so pleased we invested in a twin in-car dvd player to entertain my lovely, lively children. We’ve not had a peep out of them so … Continue reading »
5 oxymoron’s and 1 tautology
Today has been rather strange; it consists of 5 oxymoron’s and 1 tautology (oxygenius!) Today’s Oxymoron’s: Too much sleep A successful weigh-in A relaxing toddler birthday party Lots of dry washing Quiet afternoon tea with a mummy friend A blessed trip to A&E Today’s Tautology Answer to prayer I woke with a splitting headache, probably … Continue reading »
Indoors V Outdoors
What are your fondest memories of being a child? Was it watching ‘Button Moon’ on one of the three TV channels, or playing ‘Snapper’ on the Acorn Electron? Oh we had fun, but can you remember how we used to play outside? No matter what the weather; we would be outdoors getting messy, using our … Continue reading »
Handling Aggressive Behaviour
William took his first steps the other day! He suddenly stood up in the middle of the room and took four very wobbly steps towards me. It was lovely, I clapped and cheered (rather over-excitedly) and he thought it was really great/funny/clever. Charlotte, on the other hand, found the whole event rather ‘different’. All of … Continue reading »
Mayor’s Picnic & Duck Race (Romsey)
I love a traditional summer fete or fayre and they don’t come much better than the Mayor’s Picnic & Duck Race. The Memorial Park was busy with people of all ages visiting stands and stalls, the atmosphere was one full of joy and laughter (helped by the large beer tent of course). There were several … Continue reading »
Weymouth 2011
We all had a lovely time on holiday with the Kittow family at the Haven “Resort” in Weymouth. Wouldn’t quite call it a “Haven” though, as the caravan we had was rather yuk, but overall the “resort” was perfect for children. We went swimming every day and visted Abbotsbury which was lovely and Weymouth beach … Continue reading »
Abbotsbury Children’s Farm
On our recent holiday in Weymouth with the Kittow Family; we spend a morning at the Abbotsbury Children’s Farm. It was such a lovely place for both children and adults. There was an indoor soft play area for the little ones; as well as all the usual farm animals to see, pat and stroke. Charlotte … Continue reading »
Home-Working, Home-Making Mummy
Yesterday, I launched my own business, working from home, called ‘The Virtuous VA‘. Over the past 3 years, I’ve had the wonderful privilege of starting a family and being a very busy stay-at-home mummy. I’ve gained a wealth of new (and sometimes strange) skills that I never imagined possible a few years ago. I thought … Continue reading »
HCS Sports Day
Today I am a very proud mummy, Charlotte took part in her school sports day and won both her races! I know she’s only 2 years old, but it was such a wonderful morning at HCS, they organised a great event for the parents and pupils, the morning was well attended and we were blessed … Continue reading »
Advice needed please.
We’ve tried the sleeping bunny alarm clock, blackout curtains, putting her to bed later, putting her to bed earlier, waking her for late night wee wee, giving her milk in the morning, putting a tv in her bedroom(!), toy rotation, various ways of explaining, bribery, reward charts, stair gate across her bedroom door, cutting out … Continue reading »
Muffin Top Challenge ii – Wk4
How I managed to cheat only a handful of times on holiday last week I don’t know. I was surrounded by cream teas, fish ‘n’ chips, pasties, pastries, ice creams, chocolate cake, marshmallows etc. etc. I even went to the best chippy in Weymouth and ordered cod and chips for Jez, Charlotte and William………..and just … Continue reading »
Muffin Top Challenge ii – Wk3
Out of the mouth of babes oft come gems! “Mummy pick me up, I like sitting on your belly” and “Mummy do you have a baby in your belly?” and “Mummy what’s that in there?” – Thanks Charlotte, I know she’s only 2 but….. This week we went camping, so a lot of the food … Continue reading »
Do you remember your 1st time?
For many it was a complete disaster, but for me it was amazing, I loved every minute and can’t wait for more! I wasn’t sure what to expect but my friends said it’s lots of fun! Apparently loads of people do it and often return for more!! CAMPING was a fab experience, admittedly we were … Continue reading »
Julie’s 50th Birthday
Happy 50th Birthday Julie. You’d never believe my beautiful sister turned 50 the other day, not only does she only look about 40 but she acts and behaves like a child most of the time bringing joy, laughter (and sometimes embarrassment!) to those around her. Julie is possibly the most down-to-earth person you’d ever meet, … Continue reading »
Farley Mount & Abbey Grounds
We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the country with so many lovely and fun places to visit. Two locations spring to mind, both are free of charge which almost guarantees a fantastic day out. The Forestry Commission have gained Lottery Funding to develop areas of well being and recreation … Continue reading »
Paultons Park
As a child I never really went to theme parks – maybe they hadn’t been invented back then. The thought of visiting a theme park BC (before children) was possibly as appealing as a short family break at Butlins. The funny thing is we ARE going to Butlins later on in the year and even … Continue reading »
Muffin Top Challenge ii – Wk2
It has been a tough week, no carbs, no alcohol, no fruit, no wheat, no cereals, no sugar – just industrial amounts of meat, cheese and veg (plus about 6 supplement tablets a day) and gallons of water. When you need to avoid all the goodies they seem to be everywhere, people offering you homemade … Continue reading »
