This time last year we were living in a 5 berth caravan on a campsite. The summer of 2013 was mostly hot, hot, hot with extreme flooding in between. After 7 months the camping season was (finally) over and we moved into a property made of bricks, a strange little place located out-in-the-sticks on … Continue reading
Filed under Family …
Tired – I could fall asleep on a washing line!
I surrendered my driving license at the beginning of 2014 as I’d experienced too many near misses from falling asleep at the wheel. Factoring in naps during my day was difficult and nodding off in the company of others was embarrassing. Fighting the overwhelming need to sleep is so difficult, once the eyelids start to get … Continue reading
Ups and Downs of 2013-14
These past 18 months have probably been the most ‘normal’ that I’ve experienced since being diagnosed. Apart from a couple of manic highs and one short-lived low, things have been constant and manageable. I’m less worried now about people’s reaction to my bi-polar. Mental illness doesn’t have the stigma it used to have thanks to … Continue reading
A little of the big personalities
I just had to add these fantastic characteristic shots.
Charlotte’s 5th Birthday
It’s been some time since I last posted on my blog and quite a few entries should have appeared before this one, but I couldn’t resist sharing this celebration in the Hewlett household – Charlotte turning 5. “Mummy, am I actually 5 today? Is it really my birthday?” Charlotte whispered in my ear on her … Continue reading
Brrr-illiant
Although it’s not even been a month since moving into the caravan, I’m pleased to say that we are still really enjoying it (although that may be different once the novelty has worn off!) There are a number of things that we’ve had to overcome or learn about, for example: Too many appliances cause the … Continue reading
On the move
Have you ever had a holiday in a caravan? How long did you stay? Just wondering, because in less than a fortnight we will be living in one. I’m not on about a mobile home/static caravan, I’m on about the type you hook-up to a car. Yes, we know it’ll be cold. Yes, we know … Continue reading
Advent #7 – check out Christmas lights
I have loved doing the advent activities this year, possibly even more than the children. It’s been a fab way to do things together while learning about the Christmas Story. On day 7 the activity was to ‘jump in the car and check out the Christmas lights around town’ (thus representing the starry sky above … Continue reading
William’s Nativity Play – Timsbury Preschool 2012
I love William’s preschool, it has such a friendly, family feel to it and we are blessed with lovely staff, all very happy to chat, support and laugh with parents at any point. This was William’s first nativity play and he was a sheep. After much battling and bribery, he eventually wore his costume and … Continue reading
Tots ‘n’ Tinies Christmas Party 2012
It has been rather an emotional roller coaster this term with sad news effecting a couple of ladies linked to our group, leaving many of the mummies in shock and feeling rather numb. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to these ladies, particularly as we approach a time of year that is focused … Continue reading
Christmas Biscuits
My children are better at baking than me. Although I persevere with the whole cake making thing, the fact is I’m just not a natural. I’ve made carrot and ginger cake, forgetting to add the carrot and ginger, I’ve had a cake literally explode in the oven and used jelly instead of gelatine in a … Continue reading
Helpful Christmas Magic for Mums
I’ve found a number of websites that really get me into the Christmas spirit and offer great ideas that help me teach my children about giving, thinking of others and the birth of Jesus, as well as experiencing the wonderful magic of Christmas. Here are some of my favourite sites and ideas that I’d like … Continue reading
Spotty Lottie
I’m embarrassed to admit that my first reaction wasn’t about poor Charlotte, but it was how on earth I would manage to entertain the children (stuck indoors with no company) for about 2 weeks. Some of my mummy friends had warned me that this was the hardest thing about chickenpox – what to do during … Continue reading
Quick fix at the flicks –
To say Charlotte is testing the boundaries right now is a massive understatement. She has developed a naughty streak (big time) which I don’t know how to handle, as explained here. However, I’m trying to remain as positive as possible and determined to deal with this ‘phase’ the best I can. One thing I’ve read … Continue reading
We made it to half-term!
Charlotte starts school – I’d been both dreading and looking forward to the first day of school. It’s a really strange time for a Mother, as you see your (very) little one entering the big-wide-world without your constant care and protection. It made me realise that my little Charlotte is becoming a little person in … Continue reading
Summer 2012
Now that Autumn is here and Summer seems to be well and truly over, I feel it’s the right time to sumarize what we got up to during the school holidays of 2012. In all honesty, I felt very anxious before the holidays, worried about what to do with the children and how to keep them … Continue reading
William’s Dedication – 30th September 2012
This was a really special day for us all and it turned out to be a lovely occasion. The bible verse read over us was Psalm 91 ‘Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I … Continue reading
My husband is having a mid-life crisis!
My gorgeous and wonderful husband is having a mid-life crisis, fortunately it doesn’t involve a new woman or back-packing around Bora Bora, however, it does involve a motorbike. Jez has just completed his 125cc test and is about to tackle his theory and ‘big bike’ test in November. Of course, I will support him and … Continue reading
Champions: Big and Little
(Final instalment of Summer 2012) 1st Place for Frisbee Genius I can not deny the fact that I use the iPod as a babysitter now and again, maybe a little too much as my son has developed a talent for playing the game Frisbee. He turns and directs the frisbee through various courses collecting awards … Continue reading
Charlotte’s 4th Birthday
Charlotte was awake before anyone in the house, well apart from Grand-dad who always wakes early. By half past seven we were wondering where our usual ‘morning call’ was and decided to get up, thinking Charlotte may even be having a lye-in! Har, har, no such luck, she was patiently waiting with Grand-dad for her … Continue reading
Tots ‘n’ Tinies Paulton’s Park Trip 2012
After organising the most complicated trip of the year, a group of mummies and friends from our lovely Tots ‘n’ Tinies group ventured to Paulton’s Park, Romsey. It wasn’t as much of a wash-out as the trip last year, at least there was some blue sky today! Fortunately, I managed to take a few photos … Continue reading
Eurocamp – France 2012
I can understand why people go to Eurocamp year after year. We had a wonderful time in Clary’s Plage in the Vendee, France recently. We stayed in a tent, which was new this year so very nice, clean and fresh, it had all the mod-cons, such as a fridge, cooker and real beds – quite … Continue reading
Proud to be British once again – Diamond Jubilee 2012
I wasn’t really interested in celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee until I watched a recent documentary about her life on TV. I developed an admiration and interest in this marvellous lady and felt encouraged to discover more about the Royal family, past, present and future. It was a nice feeling to see homes, streets, buildings … Continue reading
A change of direction
We have been carefully reviewing our plans about moving to France and, for a number of reasons, we do not feel that now is the right time for us. Too many doors have been closing, too many bible verses keep speaking to us which has led us to believe we are to stay in the … Continue reading
Yippee – Summer is here!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Crazy Christian Mummy 