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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
It’s arrived, the big day! My little girl is growing up and we are entering a new ‘season’ of our lives. I am excited, nervous, scared, proud…..and a little sad. My heart is bursting with joy but it hurts too. I hope I’ve provided her with all the things she will need to do well; … Continue reading
I can not find the words to describe the blessing that have been poured out on me, I feel a little like Elizabeth (John the Baptist’s mother). (Luke 1) Elizabeth said,25 “Look what the Lord has done for me! My people were ashamed of me, but now the Lord has taken away that shame.” Elizabeth’s … Continue reading
Our local Sure Start centre held an introduction to Little Kickers, so I took Charlotte along and she had a fab time. I wonder if in years to come she’ll be spotted by the likes of Carlo Ancelottie and playing in the premiership!?
Jez was very patient letting the children help him with the shower room. Especially after Charlotte had ‘helped Daddy’ by removing all the tile spacers with a pair of pliers last week! And here it is, I love it and even treated myself to some Molton Brown (which of course I’ll refill with shops ownbrand … Continue reading
I can not believe that William is 1 already, it has been a roller-coaster of a year, but one thing has remained constant and that it my little boy makes my heart melt. He is such a cutey and his character is developing daily, when he looks at me he looks deep and long into … Continue reading
There have been a couple of links on Facebook recently, which have really made me laugh. Kids do the funniest things and I want to share with you some of the cute and funny things my little ones have done which have made me laugh and thank God for such wonderful blessings. Here are the … Continue reading
The Easter Egg hunt was a great success, it was a lovely Spring day and Ruth (the Easter Bunny) had hidden little chocolate eggs and nests around her lovely garden. It was so nice watching the children run around the daisy-filled lawn, skip between the blossom-filled apple trees and hurry to open their prizes around … Continue reading
OK, so I’m getting to grips with some of this Virtuous Woman stuff, having baked a selection of things recently and managed to make some homemade cards and gifts, I even cooked a beef stew all by myself today too! I’m quite enjoying the VW lifestyle and now I’ve banned any daytime blogging, facebook and … Continue reading
Hey, check this out, craft and cooking today, I’m really getting into this whole Virtuous Woman thing. With the help of Lacie and Charlotte, we managed to make some beautiful little egg baskets from old cherry tomato cases a bit of tissue paper and some chocolate mini eggs (not the lovely, moorish, delicious ones….a cheaper … Continue reading
It was a lovely surprise to receive an email from Gilpin Hotel and Lake House Lodge saying I’d won a 2 night stay for 2 in their Relais & Chateaux accommodation in the Lake District. I ‘ummed’ and ‘aarred’ about how we could smuggle the children in, but everyone convinced me that it should be … Continue reading
We had a lovely time in Hythe today, the sun was out and it was almost t-shirt weather! Charlotte and Jez had lots of fun taking the pier train and small ferry across Southampton water to Town Quay, while me and William searched the charity shops for a bargain. We met … Continue reading
I’m not sure if there was something in the air today, but Charlotte and her friends Sophie and Daniel were a little disruptive and disobedient, to say the least. Trampolining was not fun for me, Helen and Elbrie but the children seems to enjoy misbehaving with zeal! It was hard to know how to react, … Continue reading
Our first holiday with Charlotte was fairly hard work, but equally enjoyable. It was in October 2009 and Charlotte was 3 months old. We went with Mum and Dad and stayed the first few nights in Ludlow Castle, Shropshire and the remaining nights in the Lion Hotel (where Mum and Dad had their honeymoon). Ludlow … Continue reading
> Breastfeeding Charlotte Breastfeeding William Government guidelines suggest that weaning a baby is carried out at 6 months and not before, until that time breastmilk is best and provides all your baby needs. Mmm, well, I breastfed both my children and loved it (once I’d got over the toe-curling pain of cracked and bleeding nipples) but … Continue reading
Yesterday morning I woke with a splitting headache, not sure if it was to do with drinking wine on an empty stomach the night before, or the fact we had another broken nights sleep with the little ones. Charlotte got out of the wrong side of bed in the morning, she was crying A LOT and couldn’t calm … Continue reading
Charlotte was 2 in August 2010, William was 3 months old and I was not very well (see Bi-Polar). However, I managed to throw together a party of some sorts involving party food and party bags. Originally it was going ot be some kind of pool-party, I had visions of all her friends and … Continue reading
Charlotte was 1 year old in August 2009. For her bithday we didn’t hold a party as felt that would be pointless, but we did invite family over for some snacks and time together. Charlotte was up and walking by the time she was 1 and was fairly good at making her feelings known. … Continue reading
Falling pregnanct with Charlotte was quite a shock, it wasn’t that we were not trying, but Jez had had a vascectomy reversal and there was only a slight chance of ‘things’ working. I was very anxious carrying my first child, I wanted to obtain every piece of information I could about pregnancy and birth and … Continue reading
Crazy Christian Mummy 