Life is a Highway - it’s the journey, not the destination

Blog is moving here

I got a bit behind on the old blogging. I’d like to say it’s because I have been on a week long intensive uni course this past week, but since it’s been a month since I blogged that isn’t going to wash is it?

I’d like to come back with posts and pics of our weekend in Whitby, the Party in the Field and a trip to see friends at the coast, but for now they are stopping me blogging the here and now.

Last week was really busy for me. For a whole 7 days I had to be up early and out to go on various field trips and dayschools in Sheffield. Tough because I’m not used to it, but I really enjoyed it all. I was really looking forward to Sunday though as it was my first day off and I was missing everyone at home.

We decided to have another trip to Bempton Cliffs to try and see some puffins. We’d gone after our weekend in Whitby but the weather was just atrocious and we didn’t have the staying power to see them. The weather was just gorgeous today and so we packed a picnic and set off.

It was busy when we got there, and looking at the view once there I wasn’t surprised! I expected it to be slightly colder on the cliff top but it was just really hot!

The kids were a bit ratty with each other, which made me slightly ratty too. They had a puffin trail sheet to complete which kept their minds off each other (a bit )

I was a bit frustrated as I kept seeing birds that could have been puffins but were too far away and I wanted a real difinitive view of one. At one of the viewpoints there was a very friendly rspb man with a scope set on a puffin and who let us look. The ‘wow’ and ‘oohs’ from the kids and James meant it was still there!! I then tried to get one myself and found one and then spent ages trying to describe where to the kids and James so he could get a photo. Eventually I just took it myself!!

Even though we’d gone to see puffins, I think my favourites here are the gannets. They are just so gorgeous. James got a fab picture of 2 sat on rather large chicks!

A thoroughly enjoyable day, wish it wasn’t quite so far away really.

We went to visit my gran last weekend. She gets a bit lonely up there, and I wish we could go more often, but diesel costs and life get in the way. Anyway, we wanted to go up midweek as J was supposed to have a couple of days off, but he got called back into work so we ended up going on the Sunday.

I had looked into possibly camping, but that was out with J going back to work. But looking at campsites I came across information about High Force waterfall which is about 20 miles from my gran and had a cunning plan to go visit it before seeing her.

It meant we were up really early to get there, but arrived about 10am to a bit of a yucky day. Rain and cold!

The walk was great though. We had to cross an Indiana Jones style bridge

and we saw loads of wildlife, some lapwings in a field nearby with a baby, a grouse, and loads of swallows and house martins. Oh and of course sheep and cows!

It took us about an hour or so to get to the waterfall, but with lots of dawdling and stops to take pictures. We got there eventually though! What a sight, I always find it amazing to think of the amount of water that keeps going over. Where does it come from? lol!

Self timer at the falls

The walk back was much quicker as we were concerned about time moving on and getting some food for tea, but we stopped before the bridge at low force for some more pics playing about with an app on my phone.

Really loved it there and hope we might go back another time

Some links to previous years efforts (I think I’ve done more, but I reckon I took photos and never blogged them):

2009

2010

This was a typical, nothing planned, day in the house. We have given up doing any kind of structured work for a bit so it was a bit worrying starting a photo blog when I had no idea what the day would end up being like!

Anyway, the day started quietly

M was first up as normal. He spent a bit of time trying to check the time so he could play on the xbox (he has an hour and a half a day). I made him eat breakfast first

A came down after clutching her DS which has had a bit of a revival lately. She was playing nintendogs while eating breakfast.

M playing his xbox in his room.

After her breakfast A decided to do something with her pen knife, I can’t remember what now though!

After their computer time they decided to go a bit mental.

At lunch time we had a huge discussion about what we’d have for tea. I had planned pizza and M & A both tried to persuade me to buy a take out so we worked out how much more money it would be vs the cost of ingredients. They weren’t that convinced though

(A managed to break her glasses at some point and refused to wear them after that except in an Anne Robinson style at the end of her nose)

After lunch M decided to watch a Horrid Henry dvd - I don’t mind them watching telly when I can see some value in what they are watching, but this was junk so I curtailed it quite soon!!

They both decided to help make the pizza dough.

Then they went mental again.

I mentioned to A that she needed to do some singing practice and she spent ages doing that to M’s dismay

It was then school home time and she went to play with her friends.

while M helped me finished the pizza.

He helped me pretty much all the way through cooking

James came home just in time to enjoy it (and be silly)

M has lots of plans to make some different kinds of pizza and to refine it. He loves his pizza

James helped the crazy kids problem by playing with his helicopter.

When it got to night time the kids went out to look at the moon with binoculars and to listen for bats.

And then it was bedtime.

So not the most productive of days for us, but a very honest account of what one of our days was like.

(photos to follow!)

How on earth did that happen? Probably due to the madness that has been the house renovations and then the end of my uni work.

Life has turned all topsy turvy lately, with all the holidays and gorgeous weather lately they’ve spent ages outside with the neightbours just playing, escaping to the world of xbox and iphone games while the house is in chaos, and going for long walks. I do love our walks and they are getting to be something I get annoyed about if we don’t fit them in. We’ve also managed to tick off another thing we all really wanted to see - a kingfisher! I saw one at two different places, as did A, but M missed it both times and J missed it the time he was with us. They were gutted, but A and I were really pleased that we got to see one!

Last week we had a nice trip into Sheffield so I could hand in my uni work. We made a day of it and looked at the museum which has a new exhibition on about sports and some of the science behind it. The kids really enjoyed the hands on bits like racing a bike virtually around the park. James came with us which was an extra treat as he doesn’t normally get to do the fun museum type days. I always feel a bit guilty that we have the fun things to do! Anyway, they all enjoyed a computer bit that has always bypassed me or is new where you have to build your own animal for a set environment and then let it loose to see how it fares. Went down well

We walked back to the city centre to have lunch at the lovely peace gardens which are even more lovely on a gorgeous day. We enjoyed watching lots of reporters for the news being around as it was the day after the election and all the Nick Clegg news.

James has had a few days off this week too (but the day I wanted to go and see my gran tomorrow he’s working again - grump) so we’ve spent lots of time getting the house looking good (which it is, makes me feel much better!) and just going for walks. Yesterday we went to Ulley country park and saw loads of coots with chicks which were ever so cute

Today we had to wait in for various people, but after we went to visit my dad as it’s his birthday and for a walk along a local canal we used to go to when we lived near there. It was also chick tastic as we saw loads of chaffinch chicks that were bumbling around near our feet. I think James nearly stepped on one at one point!

Kids loved the look of the canal boats and have decided they want to live on one. James has always wanted to do it too. Might make this house look big I guess

Anyway, it’s getting late and the kids want to have fun with our new toy in the garden this evening - a bat detector!

(James got some money to replace some dvd players that his work van blew up and as we managed a good deal on them thought we’d treat ourselves to this with the leftover cash. They are soooo expensive, but we’re hoping will be fun especially when camping )

I seem to be missing a few days again so thought I’d mention a few things we’d done in the past week or so (am losing track of the days!)

Last week we headed over to Potteric Carr for one of their events which was about voles. I don’t think there was much in the event that offered any new information about them for the kids, they know quite a bit about voles already, but they had a great time filling in the sheets they were given and searching for vole pictures as part of a trail. A friend was there with her 2 kids, one of which is fanatical about birds, and they wanted to go to a certain hide that had some avocets in. It was a *long* walk but we made it and eventually saw 3 avocets which apparantly are fairly rare. We saw lots of wildlife in the day, a roe deer, kestrels, and shelducks. We’re getting much better with our knowledge which has been one of my aims this year

This is A at the sensory garden at PC with a painted ladybird she did last autumn (post here). She was really pleased to see them displayed out and about.

Doing the trail

Another thing we did last week was a trip to Drax power station. It was an organised trip, which I’m sometimes wary of, but I figured we’d not get many chances to go round a power station on our own so we went for it. The place is just huge. We had to get on a coach to be taken to various places. It was interesting to see it all, but the tour felt a bit rushed. there looked like a really good interactive bit that we had a little talk in, but we didn’t get chance to look round. We saw where the boilers were and walked round and saw the turbines, all very loud too and we got to use some snazzy ear defender things that we could hear the woman in charge of the tour with.

At lunch time we went to eat in their nature reserve that is attached to the site. The kids had loads of fun here, just being free! I do like that with big companies you do get the offshoots like they build nature reserves and seem to be very up on their eco friendly ness of everything. But I have to say the scale of it all is a bit unsettling. Lots to think about though.

We were only able to take pics at the end by the cooling towers and one in the educational building.

On the way to Drax I’d seen signs for the RSPB Blacktoft Sands reserve and figured it couldn’t be too far away and mentioned to the kids that if they fancied it we could have a quick visit afterwards. They did so we headed home that way. It wasn’t very near though! It took us ages to find! Although once there it was worth it.

We’d never been there before and it’s only a small reserve with about 7 hides all in a straight line. We went to the main reception and spoke the man on duty there who gave the kids some spotter sheets so we could tick things off that we’d seen. He was really friendly with the kids and helpful. A spotted lots of stuff that I just passed off as a duck! It was late, but A & M were both full of enthusiasm and we went to all but one of the hides. We saw absolutely loads! Loads of different kinds of ducks, a Slavonian Grebe (only one on the reserve, and not usual I don’t think) and a fantastic display by a marsh harrier. There was also a really kind man in one of the hides who let us look through his scope and tried to help A see the special grebe and who confirmed our marsh harrier sighting.

We walked to the last hide where there were avocets that we had painstakingly walked far to see the day before and only caught a glimpse of far away. In this hide there were over 20 and all much closer so we could see their distinctive beaks much better. The kids just loved it! We’ll definitely go back there and hopefully take James too. A would like to see the avocet chicks next time

I was useless at taking pics there though

Um that was last week. The weekend was a bit of a blur. And this week the weather has just been gorgeous and so lots of playing outside has been done. We have new neighbours and A & M have been getting acquainted with their kids.

Today we went to our local nature reserve again for a walk with some RSPB guides and a bit more birdspotting (more??!!??) A lovely walk in lovely weather, we were all a bit pink by the end of today (oops) and I saw and heard my first skylark amongst other things

This week has had lovely weather and it’s really excited me to get us back out and about doing nature inspired things.

Wednesday was our local home ed nature reserve meet where the first activity was to do with animal tracks and signs. Basically going round and seeing what we could. A decided to go off with me as she was annoyed another adult had told her to be nice to a new girl and make sure she stayed with her. Not sure if it was the being told what to do or having to be nice to new people (who does she take after??) that threw her, so we just went off and did our own thing. M went off with various other boys and found things, I think.

We found lots of feathers and dog footprints. We saw some people who had found owl pellets too. A cheered up a bit and just before lunch there was a presentation to her friend who does the Wildlife Watch group with her as she had completed an award so that was fun to watch her friends face as it was a big surprise!

After lunch was litter picking, so nothing major but they both loved doing it. I dunno why! I should get us going to do more of it as there is always organised things going on near us.

It was a lovely day, nice and relaxed as nothing to be home for and lovely weather to enjoy it in.

Thursday, um, can’t remember. Oh yes, we spent ages outside making fire and playing with my new Kelly Kettle. We need to get better at making fire, we’re a bit rubbish

Friday was a *really* hot and we had to do lots of walking to the shopping centre to have eye tests. Felt good to have got it done and we enjoyed the walk out. I spent the evening looking through the local wildlife/nature group events and planning the next few weeks

Today (Saturday) was set to be busy as I had work, the kids had a birthday party and A also wanted to go to the Wildlife Watch group. Thankfully a friend was driving from near us and took James and kids to the party while I was at work and I picked A up from there a bit early to go to the group.

It was a hedgehog themed afternoon with one of her (HE’d) friends doing an activity (as part of the award they work towards), a quiz and then a craft making hedgehogs from teasels and pine cones. A loved doing it and brought home lots of teasels to do more!

In February they all made some hedgehog homes and the idea was that they’d get some hedgehogs that had been looked after at a wildlife sanctuary to release into the nature reserve, or to take home and release. Unfortunately there was some reason we couldn’t do exactly that, but the leader managed to arrange to get 3 hogs for her to release at her house so they spent some time looking at them and then had to find some food for them as they hadn’t eaten real food for ages. So lots of digging for worms and slugs (ugh) etc and lots of ooohing and aaahing over the cute things! We all got to have a stroke too, feels just like an outdoor sweeping brush!

Hoping to keep up the outside stuff

Last weekend we spent 2 days with some friends to celebrate some milestone birthdays.

Saturday was busy as I needed to do work first, which of course meant the long bus journey. I love the journey there, it’s fairly peaceful and I can have a good think about things. On the way back though it’s much less pleasant! Lots of teenagers by then normally!

I managed to get home earlier than I anticipated so set to work making some pizza to take to the party. Just had enough time. We set off mid afternoon and made it to the swimming party for about 6ish. James swum with the kids and I sat and watched A had great fun with the inflatable run/obstacle course thing, M decided against trying that but looked like he had loads of fun on floats with all his friends.

Once out the kids all ate food and then we headed back to our friends for more chatting, food, and cake Had a fab time, but no photos. I stayed up way too late chatting, but no surprises there

Sunday morning saw us make the decision to go into Cambridge to a theatre thingy and then to do some punting afterwards. We were going to go home and have a day out for my birthday as J was off work instead of doing things on the Sunday but the weather was gorgeous and a day with friends was too tempting

We had a lazy morning, some lovely lunch and then the drive to Cambridge and we managed to blag our way into the theatre (friends had free tickets, we didn’t but we managed to get in anyway thanks to Michelle sorting it) which was an interesting talk/thing (oh I am eloquent this evening!) on the Ethics of Progress, with a bit about quantum physics and what will happen if we can get things like teleportation working. Really interesting stuff.

Once out of there we headed to the centre of the city, found parking and sorted ourselves out with some boats to do a bit of punting. What a fab experience! We had some nice weather, not too sunny, and only a very small drizzle at one point which we all declared wasn’t actually happening. A had a go at punting too with the help of Bob and she really enjoyed it. James didn’t want to do it so much, but took over at one point and I think was really glad as he had such a good time.

more pics here

We had some food and then it was time for us to get off. We had a bit of a sat nav malfunction and did a bit of a scenic tour on the way back but made good time. Unfortunately our engine management light came on on the way home so we were panicking a bit that we’d break down. We got home ok, but it did mean we couldn’t go out on my birthday which I was a bit gutted about.

So Monday was my birthday and we thought about going for a walk instead of going out in the car. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t co-operating so we ended up just having a quiet day in. I ordered my birthday present which cheered me up a bit and I had a lovely curry cooked for me in the evening too

Today came the news that the car isn’t bad at all and it only cost us £10 to fix from our mate in the know Phew!

Builders - argh!

We were told a month or so ago now that we might be getting some work done on our house. The landlords looked at it, and obviously we have one of the crappier homes as we are gettign everything done. New kitchen, bathroom and windows. Which sounds great and I am really grateful for it being done (and they promise no rent increases as a result of it), but it’s all been a bit disrupted around here lately. I do have some before and after photos though.

Before Kitchen

After Kitchen

Before Bathroom

After Bathroom

(I’ll have to take one tomorrow - bathroom has been an ongoing saga!)

Next week we get new windows and then after that we have been told we’re also getting new carpets all through the house. That will be a bit more work to be organised for! It has come at a really hard time for me though with all my uni work needing to be handed in in the past month and the next few as well. Determined to get through it all though.

The kids have been doing really well though and have adjusted well to a life of less structure. We’ve tried to get out and about when we could and gone for lots of walks when the weather has been nice, which has been quite often lately!

One nice evening we had was at the RSPB reserve at an event they were holding with the local astronomy group. It was about tea time when we arrived and it was still light so first of all we looked through some telescopes that were set up to view the sun safely. Really odd some of the images as not what you expect. There was a really nice walk then as it was getting to sun set around the reserve. We tagged on to one that went out to look at some waders, there was different ones but I wasn’t very good at reading the programme! A leader told us some interesting things about the site and led us towards a hide where we could see loads of birds. I have to say I have no idea about these kinds of birds so it was good to have some knowledgeable people with us. There was scopes to look through and we saw loads - redshanks, oystercatchers, goosanders and also managed to glimpse a barn owl as it was leaving its roost box.

After that it was back to the main entrance and a talk on astronomy which was ok, but was lots of information being presented and really quickly so lots to take in and lots of words that I had no idea what they meant let alone the kids. We were getting tired and M wasn’t feeling great so we headed back to the car past the telescopes and saw some fab moon views and also someone was fixed on a star (I can’t remember which one now though), it looked just like a shiny diamond! A lovely evening.

Another lovely evening we had was last night for Earth Hour. I mentioned it a couple of days ago and the kids were so up for an evening with no lights, even though they had no idea what it was for! We decided we’d read our story by candlelight (Wind in the Willows) but couldn’t straight away as they were all being incredibly silly with James. But that was nice as well to see them all getting on, with no outside distractions like phones. We did finish our chapter and then it was bedtime. We decided to have a whole night with no lights/electricity so we also went to bed early. Must have been tired as I was straight asleep!! Perfect, as I never missed the lost hour this morning due to the clock change. I loved the evening though, would love to do it more often.

We went to the National Coal Mining museum near Wakefield today. We’d been before a few years ago (just searched back on the blog and can’t see it though) and M really hated being underground so I hadn’t imagined it would be a place we’d rush back to see. However when a group trip was organised (argh - the group HE trip!!!) I asked the kids about it and they wanted to go. At first M said he wouldn’t go underground which was fine, it would make a nice day out. But when he found out that Barbara’s B was going he said he would if he could go with him.

It’s about 45 minutes away, but a decent drive and we listened to David Attenborough’s Life on Air audio book on the way. We had a gorgeous day for it, such a beautiful spring day.

The trip down the mine was fine, sometimes I’m not good with small spaces either but I didn’t mind it so much today. I think it’s hard to imagine all the earth on top of you! M enjoyed it too, amazing what a couple of years will do to you.

Afterwards we looked around the various museum-y bits and just ambled around. Unfortunately the nature trail was shut as I’d have liked to go round that with it being so nice.

I picked up a fab book in the shop (I know - more books!) which is about the rocks in Yorkshire. Even if the kids don’t show any interest I think will be good for me!! There is also another book in the series I may need to get too (one day…)

We recently were lucky enough to spend a few days in London. We haven’t been for ages and the kids have only ever been once when they were very little and we only did the Natural History Museum on a day trip.

On the Wednesday we got the Megabus down to London. The trip was fairly uneventful, it was late setting off which stressed the kids but actually we arrived only about 10 minutes later than we expected anyway. We decided to get oyster cards for being there so we headed into Victoria train station to get them.

Instead of using lots of transport the first day I thought it would be nice to walk towards the Imperial War museum. It was a bit of a walk, but meant we’d be able to see Buckingham Palace, Westminster, Big Ben and the London Eye while doing it. The kids loved seeing everything and we had a very enjoyable hour or so being very touristy

We were glad to get to the IWM though as feet were aching a bit by then. We’d decided to carry all our stuff on the first day rather than try to check in to the hotel (in Docklands) and go back to the centre as it wouldn’t have left much time. The kids were really good at carrying all their stuff though. Hooray for older kids! The IWM was great, as we expected. We didn’t do the War stories exhibition though due to time and the fact it will be coming to the IWM North next year I think. The trenches were quite scary and thought provoking, the blitz experience was quite good but I loved the Children’s War exhibition the best. I love all the home front stuff. Was also pleased to see the 1940’s house which I think was a tv series there. We got the book from the library a while ago and loved that. Would love to see the actual series too one day.

The day before we realised that the Manor Borns would be in London the same day and not too far away so we thought it would be nice to meet up with them. The kids were excited once we told them as we hadn’t seen C for ages due to her being on a french exchange. Her new french sister had just arrived as well. They were at the London Eye so we headed to see them and then decided to go to a Pizza Express for tea. Bit of a long walk to get there, but a lovely one being able to catch up, seeing London along the riverside, there was a funny thing going on outside the theatre with lots of fire which we stopped to watch for a little while. The Pizza Express was at St Pauls and we had a lovely view of the cathedral from where we sat, it felt a bit like being in Rome with all the columns! We had a fab dinner, we really enjoyed catching up with them. We then got a bus to the Travelodge, with me wondering if they had a last check in time before they gave our room away, and finally got there about 10pm ish! We were sooooo tired!

We had a late morning on the Thursday as we didn’t need to be anywhere and we knew they next 2 mornings were likely to be early ones. So we headed out about 11am via the supermarket for breakfast. We realised how close we were to the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) so got that in to the centre. It’s last stop was at the tower which was perfect so we could see the Tower bridge, the tower and also HMS Belfast in the distance.

We then got the tube to somewhere so we could visit the Museum of the Order of St John, which was A’s idea. A lovely small museum (once we found it) and A loved doing the little trail worksheet thing and getting a certificate once done.

We then walked to the British Museum, we probably should have worked out a bus as it was a bit too far. We needed lunch supplies too so popped in a sainsburys to get that and we eventually ate it all on the museum steps. It’s a breathtaking museum, I’d never been before, but the architecture is fantastic! We were a bit overwhelmed and didn’t quite know where to start. A wanted to see DumDum (aka the Easter Island statue) at least so we found him.

We also went into the egyptian area but really I was a bit grumpy and tired at this point so we didn’t do too much more and we headed to Ed’s Diner for a milkshake as we’d promised the kids. M has always wanted to go in a milk bar like what was on that Shepton Mallet programme so we thought this place would be good and Grandad had given us some money towards a treat. It was mush smaller than we imagined but they had nice milkshakes I was told (I had a much needed tea!).

After that was more walking, we said we’d go to Hamleys which wasn’t *that* far. We walked through Chinatown, and M was pleased that we also made it past Piccadilly Circus as he had that on his list of places he wanted to see. None of us were that impressed with Hamleys once there though - just a bit expensive really. I nabbed J’s phone and worked out which bus to get to the London Eye and we eventually caught one right at rush hour! Not so clever (but probably better than the tube at rush hour).

We’d arranged to meet Barbara at the London Eye as we’d both wanted to do it and thought if we could get on together that would be good. She texted me just as we got off the bus saying she was walking over Westminster Bridge so we’d probably passed her on the bus. We headed down to the Eye and it was so windy, but we managed to pick up our tickets, do the 4D show and we even got on the eye a bit early. Which was just perfect as it meant we could see London at dusk as we started and as it finished it was getting dark so we got that too. Expensive, but nice to have done it I think.

(we were all a bit windswept!!)

We had a McDonalds for tea and then left Barbara and co and wandered back along the river and across a footbridge towards a tube we could then use to hook back up with the DLR. Late when we got back but we popped along to see the Beans who were also staying in the same hotel.

Friday was the reason we came to London in the first place -The Big Bang Science fair. We had breakfast and met with the Beans and too the DLR to the Excel. Only a few stops away but saved the feet! We started with watching the Brainiac show which I thought was quite fun and matched the kids sense of humour! We then had a bit of time before our next workshop to look round the stalls. James wanted to head to the McLaren stand first as did M so they did that and A and I looked round a few others. We met them back there and did a quiz that meant they got a free hat that they were VERY pleased with and haven’t taken off since!

(the camera died at this point as I’d forgotten the charger so no more pics )

We had lunch, looked round more and then did a physics workshop which had lots of similar things to the Brainiac show, but explained more and as it was much smaller just felt nicer for me anyway. Then we had ages to explore and so we split up a bit with James taking one child for a bit and me the other. We had fun doing lots and lots! Way too much to mention really.

Last was a Wallace and Gromit workshop thing which was quite good, but the best bit was the goody bag at the end with a motorised ‘invention’ to make. All in all a fab day, we’d definitely try and do it again next year although I think it’s planning to be in Birmingham then.

Back at the hotel we sent the blokes out for food and they came back with pizza So we had a very enjoyable evening with the Beans chatting and chilling

Saturday we needed to have everything packed in a sensible way so we could carry it with us. We should have thought this through when picking up freebies the day before Eventually we sorted it and had a nice ‘eat all you can’ breakfast which M took very literally! Made a change from croissants from the supermarket! Then we picked all our stuff up, checked out and headed to the DLR again, this time to go to Greenwich. Loved the journey through Canary Wharf. It’s like a mini american city (I imagine!), I’d love to walk around there one time.

On arrival in Greenwich we decided that the Observatory and the hill to get up it would be sensible to do first so off we went. We had such fantastic weather that day, just perfect. I’d never been to Greenwich before and loved it, such a pretty area. I can see why it’s a world heritage site. The observatory was a lovely little museum, not too much going on but enough to do it all.

We had lunch and then headed down to the National Maritime Museum where we also met with some of the Portico. I enjoyed that museum, the kids loved it as there was lots that was hands on and they all got stuck in. My feet were hurting by this point though! After we all got a cuppa and let the kids run riot outside and then it was time to get going.

We’d decided to get the River Bus back into london as it seemed the most sensible way of including it on the trip. Things started to go wrong then though as it was very busy, delayed and as we’d bought the tickets before realising the delay figured we’d manage it and so waited. The kids and J were very grumpy waiting which just puts a dampener on things and when we finally got on we just were so tired and feet were so aching we just sat down and didn’t enjoy it as much as I’d hoped we’d do. The end bit as we got into the centre was good though. We had a hugely busy tube connection to get us to Victoria, and when we got there we thought we had enough time to grab some food and go to the coach station but it took us ages to find the right place to go to. But eventually we got there and arrived just in time. Phew!! It felt like a long journey home, but wasn’t too bad.

I loved our trip, but what made it really special was being able to share lots of different times with friends throughout.

Some very good friends of mine have recently set off on an adventure. I’m trying not to be super jealous of them, and succeeding mostly We went down to sussex to attend their ‘Bye Then’ party and give them a proper send off.

We arrived a bit late to the party as I had work in the morning and then it was a 4 hour drive (oh and I remember now - James was panicking about the exhaust and so we waited ages for that to be fixed) but once there we had a great time. The kids all had a ball

the adults chilled out

and we presented them with a gift so that they will never forget us - a kindle and also a very fab tablecloth printed with all of our photos on it!

A fab party

We then headed back to their house for a final night there with them, had loads of fun and laughs.

The day after the party I really wanted to go to the beach near to where they live. We’ve been there a few times and you never know, we might not be back there any time soon. I love being near the sea anywhere so once I knew it wasn’t raining you couldn’t have stopped me going. As it happened it was a fairly short trip. The tide was in, the waves were fairly big and the kids decided to have a game of rushing in and out of them. You can probably guess what else happened!

Such a fab weekend. Wishing you all the luck in the world guys!!

Although I think it’s best I don’t blog about Tuesday as it may well just be lots of grumps! I’m very grumpy today, no big reason but meh!

Monday was an early start taking James to work for the week. One of the good things about him being away is only once a week having to take him to work. Looking for the positives! A and I went back to bed once we got back and slept for ages afterwards! *blush* We must have needed it.

After lunch A had a singing group to go to for the first time. I’m always in such awe at how she just throws herself into things, when I was a kid I was so shy. I’d try lots of stuff, but never stick things out and it would always take me ages to make friends. A is so not like that. She just gets stuck in. The group was like that, she didn’t look back and just had a fantastic time. It’s a very laid back group by the looks of things, cheap and not far away so it ticks lots of boxes

Once home we did the mad tidy before FIL gets round for tea and babysitting while I am at uni. The kids watched a lot of the Dick and Dom wildlife shows that have been on CBBC lately as they had missed a few. I love iplayer!! I was of course out in the evening and I suspect the kids did no more than watch tv with grandad, I came home with a splitting headache too

Today started really late and had grumps involved. Kids played moshi monsters together (which is nice that they do play well together with it and interact a lot). A also sat with me and read some of Mudpuddle farm stories by Michael Morpurgo which she has had for ages from the library and only just started to read (and is loving it). M watched lots of Long Way Round I’m sure there was more that went on today, but my grumps are hiding it!!

In January I blogged a few of our things we wanted to do this year. One of the things A wanted to do was to ‘go on a nature walk and see a badger’. I wasn’t really sure how we’d do this, there’s nowhere nearby that I’d feel safe trying to sit around while it gets dark. But anyway we decided it might be fun to try for some early morning walks to see if we could see any interesting nature.

This morning we were up really early and set off just as I could see the sky getting a bit lighter. It was really interesting walking past a hedge that is normally chattering with sparrows and finding it quiet. The blackbirds were up though. I didn’t ever think about birds having different times to wake up

We walked straight to the country park near us and the path we wanted to go along. We got so far along and I really thought we’d see nothing much of note, but just off the path I saw some earth that had been disturbed and thought we’d take a closer look. Where we were is well used by mountain bikers and there are loads of little bunny paths and this was one of them. I knew that badgers also make well worn paths but really there is no way of telling (well to my eye anyway!) if what we were on was. Anyway as we were looking A spotted something and thought it was an animal, it turned out to be a log but then I saw an animal running along the top of the hill (there is an old railway embankment there too) and then down near us. We stood stock still expecting it to be a dog and then all of a sudden as it got closer we realised we were watching two badgers!

They are so fast, and reminded me of little furry footstools running along (a bit like in beauty and the beast maybe- the little dog?). All of a sudden it occurred to me that they were heading towards us and the path we were on might have been it’s route. A was in front of me so a tried to move her to the side and the badgers caught sight of us and dashed in another direction. A and I just looked at each other, smiled and said ‘we just saw some badgers!!!!’

We headed home after that, truly elated and A said it was one of the best days of her life. I’m really glad that A went with me, it’s not something I’d have done on my own and James would never have come either. I couldn’t believe we were so lucky with our first walk out. We’re planning on going almost every weekend, but we’ll see once the dawn time gets earlier!!

A fab start to any day being able to watch one of your daughters dreams come true

Last weekend was a bit manic as we were waiting and waiting for James to make it home from an awful week away working in Scotland. As is always the way, when you are waiting things take forever, we were waiting to go and visit friends down on the south coast so had another long drive. I felt really sorry for James but he insisted work wasn’t going to ruin his weekends. We arrived way past midnight, but it did mean we could enjoy at least Saturday with no driving.

The idea was that we helped them pack up for their upcoming adventure and I think we were at least a little bit helpful! The kids certainly kept theirs occupied, I did some painting, James helped take some white goods to the tip and then helped Nic pack boxes. It was a lovely weekend, had some really interesting conversations, James relaxed, the kids had fun. Just a nice weekend.

Monday was spent recovering! I felt sorry for James being off up to Scotland again, but he had a good week at work. I had uni at night where my tutor brough in an owl pellet and I managed to claim it to dissect with the kids with at the weekend.

Tuesday we went to see Zoe and kids. M had planned an xbox day with her eldest and A took over her Sylvanian families and they all had great fun. I was just plied with tea all day - bliss!

Wednesday we slept late so didn’t go to the voluntary gardening place we’d been wanting to go to. I’d expected it to be a rainy day but of course was lovely! We made up for it in the end as we went out for a walk looking for animal signs. We found some rabbit holes and droppings and A and I decided it would be a good idea to come back early one morning to see if we could see any rabbits.

Thursday we did NotFriSci which didn’t contain much science really as we’ve finished Physics and are waiting for Barbara’s eldest and her French exchange girl to come back. Next time we’re doing astronomy I think. We did do some latin though and all enjoyed that. A played a Planet Earth game with B and I think they also played with electronics sets too. A had Badgers in the evening so it was quite a hectic day and then James managed to make it home so we picked him up too.

Friday morning was a soft play meet, and then home via Asda to see if a £10 note M had handed in that he found in the car park had been claimed. He was very happy that it hadn’t and he could keep it. I was very proud of him He bought some lego with the money so he could share with Alex too.

Then we made it home to see James and dissect some owl puke M decided it was extremely yucky and didn’t partake. A and I did and James enjoyed taking pictures (which I’ll upload later) We think the remains were a brown rat - um lovely? Waiting for some barn owl pellets to arrive to have a go at too.

Saturday I had work and then James and kids met me in Rotherham for haircuts and then a quick dash home for a late lunch and then I took A to the wildlife watch group. She had fun building a hedgehog house and I spent a nice hour and a half walking round the nature reserve, stopping to read on benches and then walking when I got too cold. It was very nice, I saw loads of birds and just had a nice time on my own!

We had a family film night but couldn’t quite work out what film to watch so settled for Long Way Round and watched a few episodes of that. Haven’t seen it in ages and enjoyed lots.

I think I’ll blog today separately

Wednesday was our monthly home ed nature reserve meet and although it looked dull and miserable I forced us out to it as we enjoy it when we get there. In the morning we went off looking for twigs from trees and lopping off some with some secateurs which we then brought back to try and identify. I felt woefully inadequate when the leader said that almost everyone knows what Ash looks like and I had absolutely no idea, so now I know - it has black buds. I had a nice time catching up with Z and her 4 kids and M & A get on really well with the children so they had a lot of fun too. Her eldest is an xbox fanatic like M and so he was really chuffed to find someone who will listen!

In the afternoon we did some pyrography which I was quite excited about as I’d seen various Ranger events to do it and thought it would be good fun but hadn’t quite made it to one of them yet. M didn’t do too much as he was really just wanting to get into the wood and play with all the kids which sometimes happens on the afternoons, they just all want to play. Which is fine by me so long as the ranger doesn’t feel like she’s trying to herd cats and waste her time doing whatever it is. As it happened there was still a stream of people doing the pyrography, including A, who spent ages decorating a picture frame and then we got some little branch offcuts with a hole drilled in the top to do another little thing and I managed a go too. It was really difficult as my hands were so cold and I hadn’t quite realised until having to hold the tool!

Not sure what we did in the afternoon and evening. I had my essay to do, we all had baths and then we settled and did a mammoth bedtime story to finish Pollyanna. We all enjoyed the book, so many big words though, but the kids insisted that they didn’t mind that and they understood overall so I guess it isn’t so much of a problem. We’ll start on some Narnia books next which they are looking forward to.

Thursday was not FriSci day so we headed over to see Barbara. We were doing about sound waves so we read the bit of the chapter before we came over. There was a bit about Alexander Graham Bell and M remembered his inventors cd had stuff about him and we hadn’t listened that far so we brought that along and listened to it on the way there.

Stella and her lot were there for most of it and the kids spent ages playing all together and being very loud a boisterous, but not too much that it was annoying and it was just so nice to see them all having such fun. I enjoyed catching up with Barbara and Stella. Once Stella left we did our science stuff. Barbara read over the book again as hers hadn’t read it and M impressed her with his knowledge of Alexander Graham Bell We then did some sort of experiment with salt and trying to get it to move with sound waves etc and watched some fab you tube videos of cornflour gloop in speakers No latin, we did think about it but time was getting on.

Home for a quick tea and then badgers. M insisted on listening to more of the cd when A was at badgers and has now said he wants to be an inventor when he grows up I do love those naxos cds We did our B, G, L in the car on the way home.

Me -

B - not being able to spend our anniversary together as James still in Scotland.
G - seeing friends today
L - that although AGB invented the telephone, Western Union and Edison tried to say they invented it before and it went to court.

M -

B - daddy not home (there is a theme occurring here)
G - saw friends
L - about Alexander Graham Bell

A

B - daddy not home
G - saw friends
L - that if you put cornflour gloop in a speaker and turn it on to different frequencies it can turn into a gloop monster!

I have photos from Wednesday to add later

so January has been and gone. It always feels like such a surprise that a whole month of the year has whizzed by. It has been generally pretty good, if I don’t think about the student finance stuff and J’s job, but they won’t get the better of me!

So some of the good things from Jan then:

Reinstating bedtime stories (has been neglected for too long but enjoying again)
lots of down time at home
nice weekends with James (I think we’re all making the most of them now)
some nice days out and about, one or 2 home ed things (keeping them low key and nothing too much) and some good sunday family days
Thinking time
Enjoying talking about our bad, good and learnt things (when we remember!)

I’ll try and do a proper blog tomorrow - I have an essay that I want finished before the weekend so I can have a weekend off!!

James came home early on Friday so it was nice to have a bit of an extra long weekend with him. We went to Meadowhell to try and sort out a problem with his phone which wasn’t too bad and was much better than trying to go at the weekend! Escaped relatively easily, really hate that place! We had a really nice movie evening watching The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe which I really enjoyed. Nice to take the time and turn off the laptop and really enjoy a film together. I think we’ll try and do it every weekend

Saturday didn’t start too well as we’d decided to all go to my work and for the kids to stay while James went to see his friend that lives nearby. It was so cold though that A went with James and M stayed and worked with me. Was a bit of a surprise to see my dad with his arm in a sling - he’d fractured his elbow after a fall and then the next day fell down a hole and twisted his ankle. Argh - he seems ok though. Couldn’t warm up all morning and work isn’t very exciting, I’m a bit worried that my dad isn’t handling the running of the business very well I think maybe by the end of the year he won’t have it any more, I just get that feeling.

James picked us up at lunch time and we headed off to the local RSPB reserve for a walk and to do the big garden birdwatch. It was still very cold, but we had a lovely time and I don;t think I’ve seen so many birds in the garden area of the reserve!

Sunday was not a very late start like normally happens, but was fairly lazy. Had a really nice, interesting conversation with James about lots of things. Always nice to feel we’re on the same wavelength.

In the afternoon we headed off for a walk to Wyming Brook which is where James and I went for a photography day back in the autumn and wanted to take the kids. It’s the other side of Sheffield so a little bit of a drive, but a lovely day and walk once we got there. There’s a really nice walk downhill next to a stream that flows over loads of rocks. Lots of good photo opportunities anyway and we all took lots of pics

Once we got home I was very headachy so a bit of a lazy evening watching The Mummy.

I seem to have missed a few days. Saturday was work but also had the added bonus of being looked after and having (late) lunch and tea sorted for me. James and I did quite a bit of sorting of one of the corners of the living room as the big bookcase was looking quite dodgy and ready to collapse so needed fixed.

Sunday was the traditional late start and then in the afternoon we went to Clifton Park Museum in Rotherham which we went to as part of a group visit back in November I think. I fancied going back on our own and as other plans I’d tentatively thought about and procrastinated about booking due to money didn’t happen this seemed like a good alternative. Had a nice time looking round and I seem to remember lots featuring in our b, g, l that evening. I do have some pics somewhere so shall upload soon.

Monday felt like a bad day as it involved too much thinking about uni and funding and ugh stuff. I’m still no further with it all, but *sigh* Shall forget about Monday

Yesterday we headed to my mums in the afternoon via the shop and arrived in time for a sales pitch my dad had from a hot drinks salesman so we got to try some lovely hot drinks made from this machine he’s thinking about getting. Seemed good but I don’t like the waste as it’s like one of those coffee machines that use those pod sachet things. Not that those things bother my dad at all! But it did make nice hot chocolate I dropped off a bag of clothes at the charity shop too while there and then at my mums the kids did their normal which is watching crap tv channels that we don’t have at home. I really think it would be a good idea to have some ideas of things to do there as it’s nice to go and see them, but they only ever just watch the telly there. Maybe will be better once spring is underway and my mum is doing the gardening again. Shall have to see if we can arrange going and doing some specific stuff.

When we got home we watched some Countryfile as we hadn’t watched that in ages and the kids were being a bit mental. They both slept in my bed as James is away all week and wouldn’t quieten down so I decided to have an early night but then we all ended up having a conversation until God knows what time about animals and food and farms and organic food etc etc. Nice to have good conversations with them, but felt very late!

Today I had thought about going out but it was a bit dull and grey for it and we needed to tidy lots and get some food in so we went to the local co-op instead of the big supermarket which I felt good about M spent somet time looking at our big map in the hallway and was surprised to see a London in Canada and so we all looked at that a bit more and found some other places with british names and talked a bit about why etc. Couldn’t see another Sheffield on the map but I knew there was more so looked it up in the atlas and apparantly there are 2 in the US and 1 in New Zealand!

They both took charge of making tea today which was pizza and they did a very good job of it and we all watched the latest narnia film in the afternoon which we really enjoyed but both A and I found sad at the end. We then looked at all the rest of the series of books we have (can’t seem to find TLTW&TW and The Last Battle) and think we might start reading them as a bedtime story soon. Kids have really enjoyed all the films.

They have spent all evening playing really nicely (but loudly) with each other which is nice to hear, thankfully it will be story time soon so peace will be restored (ha!)

M
B - Daddy is not home
G - playing on the whirly office chair with A
L - There is a place in canada called London

A

B- not sleeping in mummys bed tonight
G- having fun with M
L- which books go in what order in Narnia

Me
B- James has no phone signal so can’t speak much tonight except quick call on pay phone and he sounds v. pissed off today.
G- watching the film with the kids
L- 5 different Sheffields in the world (on looking with the kids while doing BGL, realised actually 3 in US not just 2)

is all I seem to want to do today! I think I just have a few too many ideas and things floating round my head that I just want to have time to sit and think through them. Today has also had added finance sorting so added to the feeling of just sitting around not doing anything, even though sorting finances actually is something very useful!!

The kids have played moshi monsters (current craze - even M is giving up xbox time for it), played music on the glockenspiels and keyboard - M spent ages working out the notes for Big Ben’s chimes, A did a tie dye kit (a bit like this one but not quite) and cut out pieces of fabric to make it into a teddy bear. Um what else? Oh yes A spent a lot of time pondering clothes washing and wanting to get it all done, but why do I just shove everything in when there are set prgrammes and different kinds of clothes? Lol, so she spent some time sorting washing and helping She’s a funny girl. Also read some Pollyanna before bed.

I have work tomorrow and lots of house sorting planned and then hopefully Sunday will be a peaceful day!

(argh forgot B, G, L!!!!)

We finally managed to make it science at Barbara’s today, we haven’t done anything for weeks now so was nice to get back to it. We were talking about lightwaves and colours and playing about a bit with the prism to make a rainbow. We also did a little latin, quite interesting to see that B remembers so much about it and M & A both never remember anything! I don’t think latin really does it for them to be honest. Mostly though the kids had a nice play together and Barbara and i had a nice chat A fell out with me at the end. She’s getting good at giving me the silent treatment at the moment.

A’s new glockenspiel arrived. It’s much bigger than the one I was supposed to get, but very nice and A is pleased with it. It did mean the morning was quite noisy though. M played a lot with his on the evening too and managed to work out the coca cola tune from the advert. He has a good ear for these kinds of things. On the other hand he has no rhythm AT ALL! It’s quite comical watching him try to clap along to things, he just can’t do it at all.

A had badgers tonight, first time since Xmas and had a good time I think, meant it was a late night and haven’t felt like I’ve been home much today though. Hopefully having the aerial fixed tomorrow which means another day in, the kids are enjoying being at home though.

M

bad - lost a bit of lego
good- bought a new lego set
learnt- how to play the coca cola tune on the glockenspiel

A

bad- falling out with mummy
good- getting glockenspiel
learnt- pg tips monkey is actually an ape as it doesn’t have a tail.

Kirsty

bad- not being organised and having to eat tea in the car
good - not having to think about uni for a day
learnt- when the moon is orange it is because the sunlight is passing through the atmosphere.

James

bad- late getting home
good- good day at work
learnt- still learning about his new camera

Today started early with taking J to work. Then I was watching the clock, trying not to lay my head down as I was so tireed, waiting for the garage to open so I could phone and ask them to look at the car. Luckily they could look at it straight away so that was that job done and dusted.

Then home to find out phone numbers etc for student finance which is bugging me so much. I’ve done all I can do now I think and if that won’t sort it and I have to pay it myself well then I guess that’s that. But it will mean I can’t do any more as I just can’t afford to pay it myself this year let alone any subsequent years. We’ll see.

M did his xboxing early, he can and would spend all day on it and I’m not very good at trusting him to limit himself so he has 90 mins he can play on it. Then after that he took himself outside to make some fire with his fire steel. He was out there most of the day, only stopping when we went to the supermarket.

A did yet more chemistry. She really likes the set we got, but I can see she will be through all the experiments soon enough!

We went to the supermarket and got some mackerel after discussing with M what kind of fish we should try. He wanted it battered like on Fish Fight. Out of all of us he was the only one who didn’t really like it though as a few bones really put him off. Shame. I really liked it though, first time I’ve had mackerel

We all watched the edwardian shepton mallet programme and then A and I played some Shadows over Camelot in the evening. She’s been wanting to play for ages, but it’s really a 3 player game minimum and there’s only the 2 of us who play games in this house really. We kind of made up some rules to suit us! We didn’t manage to finish so shall play it in the morning again.

Bad, good, learnt

M
b - dinner - mackerel and bones was a bit yuck
g - extra xbox time with dad in the evening
l - cotton wool is good to start fire (although I think he knew this already )

A
b - Game not finished
g - lots of hugs with mummy
l - indicator strips change colour with different liquids.

J
b- Gran not well
g - car fixed and day off tomorrow
l - keep gob shut (I think he had a bad day)

b- on phone sorting stuff, very boring and frustrating
g - being productive and getting car soted and lots of jobs ticked off even though I didn’t want to do them.
l - Wondered what the difference between picts and scots were so did a proper google. Can’t find the site I did find though, but picts mostly from north and scots from Ireland and were in southern scotland as far as I could tell.

Sunday was a proper Sunday, doing nothing much at all and as the house was pretty much on top of, no mad trying to make it look nice while w have time. Liking this atm! ALthough boring to blog about.

We wanted to go for a walk and was spitting a bit when we drove out, and when we actually started walking went for a full on downpour! So we went back to the car, had a bit of a drive, realised the exhaust really isn’t fixed enough and will need to go back popped in to see FIL and then home to tea and watching of Wallace and Gromit and Prince Caspian. A also did some chemistry with her lab coat and glasses

Today I was feeling inspired to clean the house from top to bottom Didn’t do quite that much but gave the bathroom a good clean with the help of A. She really loves just helping and being with me

M had a good sleep in today, he’s sleeping much later, impending teenage years! He spent a bit this morning on the xbox and then looked to see what A was doing with the chemistry set and helped her while I made lunch. Read some Uncle Albert too.

After lunch we walked to the library to pick up some books, a couple recommended by Nic on Wondering Wanderers, and also saw that they had the Dick Strawbridge’s Practical Self Sufficiency so I got that too. Was a lovely day today and we had a nice walk there and back.

A did more chemistry when we got back and M wanted to make jam tarts by himself so he found a recipe, which he needed to do half of and he just completely mucked it up by not reading the scales right and forgetting about half measures. Oops. Didn’t help by me not looking over his shoulder. I knew something was wrong looking at this tiny amount of sticky mixture! We managed to fix it and he made a grand total of 4 jam tarts. You learn from your mistakes though and he’ll try again. Our normal recipe book has fallen down the back of a radiator or it wouldn’t have been so bad. Should try and rescue it I guess.

As evenign drew near I felt crap and dizzy and my chest hurt and I decided not to go to uni. Hate missing them, but not worth making myself more ill. I think I’m just not wholly right, but always manifests as just being a bit ill, never enough to feel it’s justified about whinging lots if you know what I mean. Anyway. Made the mistake of checking my student finance application which is just going on forever and they need more info I don’t know how to get, so that will be tomorrows job to sort. Got very stressed and upset at this as fees need paid 1st of Feb and I’ll have to pay it and well we cannot afford it at all, so wondering why I’m bothering at all really

Watched the last fish fight and all grumbled at it. So many things I’ve been watching or hearing about that are just barmy.

Tomorrow I have to sort lots of crap - finance and get car fixed. Wonder how I’ll spin a positive blog from that lot then

Bad, good, learnt.

Me
b- Uni woes - finance again and also feeling too ill to go to tutorial tonight.
g- Getting on with cleaning today and feeling on top of the house.
l- That they use china clay in making glossy magazine paper.

James
b- saw a bad car smash out today
g- was home on time this evening
l- How they harvest salmon from fish farms - not good

A
b- none
g- mummy stayed at home in the evening
l- that litmus blue and methyl orange make a nice pattern on filter paper (chromatography)

M
b- watching about salmon farming
g- making jam tarts and a paracord necklace thing for his magnifying glass
l- that he’s not very good at reading recipes - YET! (I encouraged ending on a positive!!)

It’s not often I blog Saturdays, mainly because it is normally just work and home to J making us tidy the house lots

Today has felt like a nice Saturday. I had work and needed to get the bus as the car was getting fixed. The bus takes ages, I need to take 2 and the first is nearly an hour. I do like the space though and had a very pleasant trip just pondering and thinking things. Work was different. The ceiling had a leak and I spent the day cleaning up one corner of the back room that was a bit sodden. So not that enjoyable, but kept me busy!

James had lunch ready for me when I got home and had tidied the living room a bit with the kids. The house is looking much better lately, I’ve been quite good at keeping good habits. It’s not perfect, but you know, getting there. Makes me feel good to come home to a kitchen that isn’t overflowing with dishes anyway

He also cooked tea for us all so I didn’t need to worry about that either. Result.

A and I finally played Ticket to Ride which we’ve only had, what, a year maybe?? lol! Perils of games being put on a shelf that then gets crud put in front of it so they’re not accesible. We had fun, wasn’t too hard to explain and play, even with slightly modified rules, and A won! We also played Blokus which is another thing not played in ages.

Did some studying and watched Dara O’Briain with FIL and a late night for the kids.

Me
bad- looking at the state of the garage and seeing how much needed to be cleared.
good- playing games with A
learnt- what a detritivore is (an organism the feeds on decaying organic matter)

James
bad- getting up too early
good- car being fixed
earntl- EU fisheries law is daft

A
bad - mummy went to work
good - daddy was home today
learnt - how to play ticket to ride

M
bad- only 2 chocolates left from Xmas.
good- I got a chocolate muffin today
learnt - Hitler had a picture of Henry Ford in his office

Argh - ok , whinge out of the way first. Trying to have a positive blog and all that. What is it with my 2 lately? They are just winding each other up so much, always trying to get the other in trouble and generally nagging each other. I have said twice just today that if we all want to stay at home together we need to at least try and that I really do not enjoy having to listen to the whole whining at each other thing going on. Each time they say sorry and that they’ll try to not let the other one get to them and no sooner have we said that then they do it again. Argh! I’m sure lots of it is bad habits and just being in the habit of being annoyed at the other one if you know what I mean. Maybe it’s the being cooped up that hasn’t helped, the last few days have been awful.

Ok on to the better stuff.

This morning was the monthly soft play meet but we were looking unlikely to get there as it’s too expensive by tram and too long a trip (bus is possibly not so bad, haven’t checked), but Barbara came to the rescue and added a little detour to scoot by and pick us up on her way there. It was *really* nice to get out and speak to real adults!! The kids had a nice play, although M was a bit clingy for the last bit which is annoying as I hate paying out for him to sit next to me and not make the most of it, there was no reason for him not playing, except that he was tired, which is his standard response to anything at the moment, but he did sleep till 9am this morning.

We were dropped off via Costco and Asda as Barbara had to do various things. In Asda car park M found a £10 note which perked him up. But we decided the right thing to do would be to hand it in. If no one collects it in 4 weeks he can keep it. I was proud that he didn’t whinge at doing that!

We had a really late lunch and flopped for a bit. James came home early and managed to get the car in to be looked at. Should cost just less than £100 and is getting fixed tomorrow. Hoping that it’s not a bad car year omen. Last year I think we did ok didn’t we?

A helped me make tea, I had mince to do something with and couldn’t decide on anything ww2 based so we made bolognaise. I think rationing has ended. I don’t think we did that well to be honest, but definitely learned some stuff about Oslo meals, which they love, and made us think again about what they could eat or not. They really enjoyed doing it as well, which I think is the main thing

In the evening we watched Hugh’s Fish Fight which was as I expected, but quite saddening to watch still. I have to say I don’t pay too much attention to Hugh when he’s preaching about fish as we don’t eat much of it at all. Possibly some cod/coley and James and the kids eat tuna every so often but that’s about it. But there was so much news and talking about the show that I thought it might be good to watch. I’ve decided as well that I think this year I’d really like to eat some different kinds of fish as I have hardly tried anything. Battered mackerel sounds a good start and M is up for trying it too! M has always been quite interested in fish and wants to try fishing (he’s got no chance if he thinks J will take him - I guess I could one day?) so he will be a good one to get involved with recipes and looking at the different kinds. I’m not sure I could stomach shellfish though - not going there yet!

M realised we hadn’t read Pollyanna so requested that as a bedtime story. I miss bedtime stories, they never quite made it into a habit for us and as the kids go to bed/sleep later and later it just fell by the wayside. I’d like to read more at bedtime.

Good, bad, learnt:

M

g- reading a gun magazine that his grandad got him
b- didn’t get chance to make jam tarts
l- You can buy a pistol for under £30

A

g- bedtime stories again
b- seeing the dead ray on Hugh’s fish fight
l- some fishermen aren’t bothered about catching sharks, turtles and rays

Kirsty

g- having good friends who will detour to pick us up so we can go out.
b- watching fish on Hugh’s fish fight. Felt a bit helpless really
l- That cod only have one natural predator - humans.

James (he’s off out so may fill in later)

g- saw his best mate this evening - first time this year
b- exhaust costing more than he thought
l- how to use the camera settings

It was an early start to take James to work this morning. On the way back the car started to make a funny smell and was knocking. On getting home it looked like the exhaust was wonky and definitely something up with it. So that put paid to today’s plans of science at Barbara’s.

So instead I managed to fall asleep for a bit more in the morning *blush*, the kids played lego, looked at our new books and I read another chapter of Pollyanna.

After lunch we decided to walk to the library to pick up a meerkat book for A, and also got a book about children in WW2 and a book about lost crafts which looked really interesting at first but on inspection at home isn’t very in depth about anything at all Oh well.

A spent a bit of time sorting a load of her Christmas sweets into 5 bags and was doing lots of thinking about dividing. We got on to the subject of prime numbers and she got it fairly easily. Dividing isn’t something we’ve covered much so it was nice to see it come up really naturally. Lots of food for thought there, been pondering learning etc lately.

In the evening they watched a programme about sea otters and some top gear with James and then we did our good bad thing. It’s interesting to see what the kids consider learning, they do find it really hard to come up with things sometimes. I don’t know if that’s good because they don’t see the general life stuff as ‘learning’ or not good as they think that what ‘work’ we do is learning and nothing else and if we have days when we don’t do work (like today and yesterday) they don’t think they’ve learnt anything. Hmmm. Anyway:

M

good- looking at guns book with grandad
bad - Wasn’t allowed any cornflake crunch at the bakers
learnt - an Uzi has a 9mm bullet

A

good - found hamish (toy dog - I think a theme may be developing here)
bad - M being annoying
learnt - that a meerkat’s claws are 2cm long

James
good- interview for a new job arranged!
bad - car breaking
learnt - it always rains in Manchester

K
good - Had a nice walk to the library - fresh air!
bad - Car exhaust probs
learnt - Meerkats are part of the mongoose family.

I just could not sleep last night and ended up downstairs reading blogs at 2.30am when I gave up trying. It’s because I slept in that day of course, it always throws me out of sync, but last night it did it good and proper. I went back to bed about 4am and still couldn’t quite sleep. Was up again at 7am

Needless to say it was a lazy day. I felt awful, sick and headachy, like I normally do when I have no sleep. I tried to nap, but as soon as I felt close to dropping off a parcel came! Full of nice books so not too bad, so then we spent ages looking through them.

We watched the last Men of Rock, some deadly 60 and generally snuggled on the couch. We were doing our rationing day so we looked at a bit of stuff about that. Nic also posted a link to seeing where your flush goes which was quite fun too. http://www.flushtracker.com/

I’m sure there was more, but I can’t remember. I’ve a huge headache so I’ll leave with the good and bad etc

M
good - cake after dinner
bad - cheese with dinner
learnt - they used mash in puddings in ww2

A
good - found simples (cuddly toy)
bad - nothing (yay!)
learnt - meerkats have long claws

K
good- new book arriving
bad - feeling crud
learnt - where our poo goes

J
good - new camera came
bad - hitting a van at work with his truck (all sorted and no big deal though - phew!)
learnt - smaller trucks = better turning circle. must remember this!

I felt like rubbish last night and was coughing well so James left me in bed really late this morning! Normally when that happens I struggle to get work done as I like to do it early and then let everyone chill and do their own thing for the rest of the day, but I managed to pull it round and we did everything before a just slightly later than normal lunch.

So we read the first chapter of A Little History of the World and some more Uncle Albert. We did some maths and some of it must have made an impression on M as it featured in his ‘what I have learned’. Just addition strategies, he never listens to me if I try and give him ideas on how to do things easier or say how I do it (A is the same), obviously a worksheet saying something is different to me doing it! Then we also did some looking at Egyptian art and tried to draw a pyramid using this book. Should have really taken some pics of them, will do tomorrow if I remember.

While eating lunch we read some of Pollyanna which we started last week. All about the glad game. I think we should incorporate it here when we’re having a bad day and actually I did unknowingly when we were looking at some photos of our Isle of Wight holiday. We all loved it there and want to go back and James said it would have been better if the car hadn’t broken down but I was glad, because if it was working we wouldn’t have slowed right down and spent all the time just at the beach and being close to the tent. Was just lovely.

The afternoon consisted of sleeping (James), xbox, drawing guns and lego (M), doing something on the laptop (A) and researching war rations (me). Then evening supermarket shop (bla) which was completely devoid of any vegetables and made me wonder if they knew we would be rationing this week! Then home to watch the sixties episode of the Shepton Mallet programme. Enjoyed that one, but hit home a lot of the need to support local shops. The general store and the customers did remind me of my dads shop on a Saturday and I do love the community feel of working there It is hard to support local shops round here though as there isn’t really any, well none in walking distance. I think I’m going to try and go to the next village and see what the butchers, grocers etc are like there. I was just looking at books and reminded myself that it’s one area I am definitely not good at supporting local is when it comes to book buying. I try and buy 2nd hand if poss, but amazon is my favourite place at the moment

Me
Good: sleep!
Bad: A being selfish and me having a strop at her about it before bed
Things I have learned: about the food pricing of the 1960’s

James
Good: Finding some cool photos
Bad: mobile mouse not working very well
Things I have learned: nowt (!!)

M
Good: Starting rationing tomorrow
Bad: One of his xbox games wasn’t working well on one section
Things I have learned: How to add easier by splitting the sum into seperate bits.

A
Good: Her face isn’t looking so bad any more and spots and dry bits gone mostly.
Bad: Not being able to find Simples the meerkat
Things I have learned: How to draw a pyramid

This morning started early as James had planned to go to work, so as soon as I’d woken the kids he decided he wasn’t going and actually we could have all slept that bit longer. Argh! Bad start aside we had a pretty good day.

We did some SOTW, maths, copywork, read some more Uncle Albert and did the sketch Tuesday assignment. It was to draw something beginning with T. M drew a truck and A drew a teacup after some failed attempts at drawing a tiger.

The afternoon was spent doing various houseworky things which A helped me with. She loves helping and today she washed up and helped mop the kitchen floor. We put out more food for the garden birds and were rewarded straight away with a visit from a robin We also watched the WW2 episode of the Shepton Mallet High Street shops programme which was really interesting and has made the kids want to do rationing again. Must sort it as they always want to do it!

Uni for me in the evening which was ok, not my favourite class and I was feeling pretty crap and just wanted to be at home. Tram journeys both ways were awful and I managed to be sat next to weirdos the whole time

I am copying Nic’s Good/Bad thing she started on her blog as I like it -

Me
Good- Having James at home
Bad- Weirdos on the tram.
What I learned today - stuff about Romano British period

James
Good- News of a work reunion
Bad- Bleedin Horrible cough!
What I learned today - How to sort the screensaver to have photos on it.

M (he was in bed when I asked and was too tired to talk about it all!)
Good-
Bad-
What I learned today -

A
Good- lots of hugs
Bad- M being annoying
What I learned today - about the names of Egyptian gods.

I’m not sure if this will be a random brain dump or what, so bear with me I might add some more later or tomorrow.

Educational

M is heading for secondary school age which is quite scary for me. I feel much better with some type of structure, even if it is just for a couple of hours. I still really like and connect with the Charlotte Mason method of educating so will be continuing in that way.

I want to get our work done early in the day so that it will leave the late morning and afternoon free to do whatever we want. I don’t want to fill their days with only things I think is important. I want them to explore areas that are important to them. I want to get them outside more to connect with nature.

The last 6 months or so have been really good for us with regards to home ed and we’ve all been really happy so I want to keep with how we’ve been doing and not change too much. Ticksheets have worked well and so will continue with them for as long as they work.

A really likes art so we should aim to do more there for her.

I’d like to encourage them both to read things that might be slightly challenging for them and so will be setting them some books to try. A is starting with Winnie the Pooh and M is starting The Magicians Nephew.

Days out / Places I’d like to go
We have a couple of days in London planned so would like to do the Royal Institute, Imperial War Museum, London Eye, and possibly some other museums.

Cresswell Crags - would like to persuade M to do a cave tour perhaps.

Lego Manchester thing

Longleat Safari Park - A really wants to go here so might try and do a campsite nearby one week.

Thinking about EH membership as have no memberships to anywhere currently.

Need to think about some weekends away camping.

Hopes and dreams and things we’d like to learn or achieve

Me

I’d like to be healthier this year and provide healthy meals and lifestyle for us all.
I would like to succesfully complete my first year at university, and move on to a second year.
I would like to be outside more.
I would like to see a kingfisher and an otter in the wild.

James

would like to be fit and healthy
would like to spend more time with his family
enjoy life
would like a job in which he is happy
would like to teach himself the guitar

(I need to speak more to the kids about this)

M

would like to learn about cars and guns
would like to go to more plane museums- maybe duxford
would like to learn to cook a meal
would like to get better at drawing guns
would like to learn the keyboard
would like to go to legoland

A

would like to do a keeper day at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park when she’s 10
would like to go to Longleat Safari park (after watching animal park on tv)
would like to learn about meerkats
would like to swim with dolphins (????!!!!!)
would like to try horse riding
would like to learn to cook a meal.
would like to go on a nature walk and see some badgers

The actual change to the new year was really fab and just how I like to spend it - with friends. We’d all been a little under the weather after Christmas but thankfully seemed to be much better, apart from a cough, in time to go and spend the evening with a few different families in Cambridge. I loved the evening, time spent chatting, smiling and watching the children have fun. How I want 2011 to be really. On new years day we had a late start with some yummy crepes and then headed for some fresh air and a geocache (must log them on our account, don’t think I logged the Okehampton caches either). Lovely.

After a bite to eat for lunch we gathered ourselves up and headed further south to see some more friends. This was a bit of a surprise to the kids as we’d not told them anything about it. A very enjoyable time was had with music quizzes that I was rubbish at (so much so that on the last night I stropped and gave up!), a lovely sunset trip to the beach and lots of chatting time free of the kids as they generally get on so well with each other.

(nicked from friend’s blog)

Once home we tried valiantly to start the new year as I had planned before Christmas. I wanted to make more effort to do our work before lunch time and just be more regular with it. Tuesday started well and we made a good start with our new maths, some Story of the World and I think we finished up our prehistoric art stuff by filling out a notebooking page (I wrote, they dictated). We were all really tired and A was feeling a bit rubbish though. Good job we tend to stick to working in the morning. I think our parcel with a late Christmas present arrived - a Glockenspiel! Kids loved it, we’re still awaiting a second so they have one each but so far they really like it. We got James some boomwhackers and had a sneaky play with those as he didn’t know about them

Wednesday was supposed to be the local home ed nature reserve meet but it was raining lots and when A got up she was not well at all with a temp and a cough. We did do a bit more work though, some maths, reading of stories etc and then I decided we’d need more medicine for A so I popped to the chemist to get some. I figured she’d just had a bit of a relapse of what she had before Christmas.

Thursday she was still really bad and we kind of gave up on the back to work stuff! She needed to sleep and get better and so I figured we’d have a couple of lazy days. I think it was probably her worst day, her face looked so grey except for some spots where she’d blown her nose so much and made it all red. She also had a rash on her tummy that I tried not to google too much about. So no back to Badgers either for her that evening.

Friday she was no better, feeling dizzy etc and so I managed to get her in to the doctors and he thought probably just another virus and she was unlucky to get one after the other. Good to get someone elses opinion. James had been away with work most of the week so I was on my own with it all and not enjoying it! There was lots of xbox playing by M through all this, but we also still read some stories, watched lots and lots of Horrible Histories and some nature documentaries so not all lost I don’t think.

I had a long day on the bus to work on Saturday and James, who was also struggling with this virus, was told he had a chest infection and his peak flow was really bad. He rattles a lot now with his new medication! I spent any spare moment I had doing my essay for uni which I am not confident about but finally finished on Sunday. We had a bit of a lazy day that day, helped by FIL getting us take out for tea. A started to finally look better and not need paracetamol to keep her temp down and her face has started to look more normal. Phew!

Hoping for a better week next week!

We had a lovely Christmas. It was (and still is a bit) tinged with illness, but nothing too bad. We did spoil the kids a bit this year (we are normally really a bit stingy at Christmas!) and M got an xbox 360 and A got a laptop of her own. They didn’t get much else from us and really didn’t need anything at all as they spent the entire day just playing with the main things.

We spent the day at my mums house and it was just a lovely easy going day. I spent ages playing with my new toy - a Kindle I’ve been busy loading lots of books on it for using with the kids in the new year (all free though!!!)

So we’ve been really just having a peaceful few days playing with new toys, but we’ve also done a bit of reading of Black holes and Uncle Albert which I found at the library, more listening to Wolf Brother too. We’ve also been enjoying watching lots and lots of Deadly 60 which has been on today, and watching a bit of a Meerkat dvd A got for Christmas. We also really loved the Royal Institutes Christmas Lectures which have been on BBC4, one more tomorrow night as well. So although not trying too hard, there’s still bits and bobs going on in the background.

I hope everyone else has been having a peaceful and happy time lately

for Christmas The kids are really excited and it’s really cute to listen to them. M is really taken by the PNP site and especially what it says about the elves keeping watch and leaving toothpaste caps off He has questioned so much this year that I do think he won’t believe much longer.

The snow that has been covering much of the country hasn’t affected us much. Well we did have 2-3 ft at the beginning of December! there are still remains of ice from then, but it’s just been bitterly cold and no more snow to be seen - until this morning. It’s just started snowing now

We went to the library yesterday and it was such a lovely day. Freezing cold, but the constant frost had made the trees look so lovely and with a blue sky above just perfect and beautiful. I’d been a teensy bit grumpy about no snow but yesterday I decided it didn’t need any. Of course, now we have some!

So what have we been up to lately? Not much to be honest, lots of lazyness. We have read a bit, a book about winter solstice I bought last year and didn’t arrive in time, we’ve listened to some audio stories - Wolf Brother and a swan lake from the Story Nory site. The kids have read lots too, M has finished his Desert Danger part from his war stories book - has taken him *ages* though! He’s also been reading the horrible Science book that he won at the lecture the other night, we have had it on the shelf for years but well *rolls eyes* A has been reading Holly the Christmas fairy and doing a decent amount every night before bed. Not classic literature but if it helps her fluency I don’t really care! They played lots on the computer, played lego, sylvanians you know the drill Oh and a bit of Xmas crafting, we made orange pomanders yesterday and we’re still stringing popcorn for the tree (bit at a time, haven’t quite got round to finishing it!).

A still has a badger Xmas party for tomorrow and then I can truly chill out. But today has nothing at all planned in it so we’re having a lazy day! I’ve been thinking lots about our home ed for the new year and orgo planning a bit, so I guess I’ll carry on with that. I might write a post about it before the NY too

I don’t remember what happened on Wednesday….

Anyway, Thursday and Friday were the busy days this week. Thursday saw us off to see a pantomime at a teeny tiny theatre in Barnsley. I have never been anywhere quite so small! It was a really fab show, let down slightly by the fact the stage was so close to the seat that you couldn’t really see if you happened to have someone who isn’t a child in front of you, which I did. The kids could see though, so that was all that mattered. It was Little Red Riding Hood and had all the classic panto stuff, all good fun to do. Managed to forget to feed the kids before we arrived, but I’ll gloss over that…

After we arrived home it was a quick tea before heading out again to Badgers for A. It was the presentation ceremony which thankfully wasn’t as longwinded as previous times have been. The badges she gets never seem to match with what she thinks she’s done though and she got one she’d already done which was odd. I dunno. I don’t like to ask! She was a bit upset that she didn’t get the Best Badger award as another girl got it who got it last year too. The kids vote themselves on who gets it, so a bit of a popularity contest I guess, and well it’s a bit hard to take when you’re 9. Also was a best dressed Badger of the night which went to the smallest (and cutest) who didn’t even wear the full uniform! What’s that all about? Not that I care, this is what A was annoyed at. A shame as she’s pondered leaving Badgers and this kind of thing could tip her over the edge and not go back. She’s not mentioned it recently about leaving though.

Friday was another day I was due to busy, but actually it hasn’t felt that bad. The morning we spent looking at videos from Sixty Symbols and the Periodic Videos sites. Mostly as we were going to a Christmas lecture at Sheffield Uni in the evening and it was on Weird Physics and included stuff like Schrödinger’s Cat so I figured a look at that before hand would give them at least a little hook that they could recognise. Of course that then went into looking at the chemistry videos as they are always good fun.

After lunch we went to Barbara’s for FriSci We didn’t have time for latin so we did a bit about colours and light (that is what our chapter should have been about but it’s offline and we can’t get to it). Barbara read to them a Magic School bus book about colour and then we made some colour spinners to try and blend the colours to make white. Didn’t work that well though, think we’ll try at home another day again.

Early tea again and then headed to Sheffield for the lecture. Bloomin freezing! It was held in a church that is part of the university and I always fancied seeing what it was like inside so was pleased to get chance! A was also keen to go as when I’d shown her what buildings were part of the uni she loved the look of it. I think she just wanted to get chance to go to university!

I enjoyed the lecture. To be honest, I think a lot went over the younger kids heads and it wasn’t pitched at kid level really. But, the kids all liked it and I think it will provide a nice hook for them if they ever want to go on and look more into that branch of physics. There was a reception after with mince pies, drinks and a couple of physics posters and models, but really I think they missed a trick and could have done with more people being available to talk to the kids and get them involved and know what they were playing with. There was a quiz for the kids to do during the lecture and M won a runners up prize in that which he was very pleased with. I think it probably went down to the tiebreaker and he put that “the part of the lecture I enjoyed the most was…. learning about the light particles”. I know Barbara wasn’t too impressed with it, but we’ll probably still look to do another in future

(playing with those sound tube things you whirl round to make a noise)

Need to get the Uncle Albert books and read them now

Home via another friends where we dropped A off for a sleepover, then to FIL’s and now home. I have work tomorrow, then I need to do last minute shopping at crystal peaks (argh!) and then I can settle until Christmas - phew

we’ve been home bound of late. No real reason though. (but I like it!!)

Yesterday I had tried to be a bit more proactive with work and the kids did so some things. I know their chapter books got read, we did some baking of chocolate muffins (yum). Um what else…. oh yeah how could I forget - music! Lots of music went on yesterday as we had the keyboard out, sung carols and I played the recorder a bit while A sang. Lovely. Very interesting to watch both of mine try and learn and understand the music, again they are so different. A applies herself so much and will play for ages to get it right, M more naturally finds the right notes so then doesn’t need to practise so much. Jingle Bells is coming along good anyway.

Uni for me in the evening, last of this year, but I must keep up with studying as have an essay due early in January - eek!

Today has been way more sedate than even yesterday was We were up early to take James to work, he’s away for a few nights now and I needed the car for later in the week. I just felt so tired all morning though, and I needed to sort the supermarket delivery due tomorrow, so the kids vegged and I did that. They have done some making of peppermint creams though

Before bed we watched the latest Men of Rock episode that we also watched last week. This series is perfect timing for me as it’s very much like what we’re learning about in Geology. The kids love it too and are learning lots I think. Shame it’s only been on in Scotland and then on iplayer for just a week. I guess it will filter down to English telly and be repeated so can watch again. I’m definitely thinking about getting one or two of his dvd’s.

I had a bit of a strop at the kids at bedtime as we were going to do a quick tectonics thing by cutting out the continents and trying to fit it in a jigsaw, but M was being pathetic about cutting out. He’s 10! Surely he can cut something! So I threw a strop and said I was too tired to do it all so we’d do it in the morning. Well if they can have strops so can I! *blush*

I am writing off last week I didn’t print out tick sheets, I think that is what did it - lol!!

The weekend has been lovely though I have to say. I’ve really enjoyed chatting to friends and being silly online. I know I say it often, but I am so lucky to have the friends I have. Love them all to bits

I had work on Saturday morning, it’s the first I’ve really been out in the car all week, but the snow has all but melted, and much more where I do work. It’s a bit deathly quiet though as my dad hasn’t been able to replenish stock due to the snow as well. But nice to get out and away from the kids for a little bit. I hadn’t been to work the past 2 weeks either, and I do like to have my morning off!

Once home we had a leisurely lunch and ambled off to see Barbara who had booked us tickets to see Journey to Bethlehem, which is a church nativity production near her. We went last year and really loved it, just nice to have something that is about the real story of Christmas and not about Santa and presents. They have members of the congregation doing the parts and you are taken around seeing various characters as it tells the story. The kids love the 10 min break at the market where there are some crafts, biblical sweets (M’s fave bit) and a bit where you can sign the census. A was a bit upset she didn’t have time to do everything this year but never mind. You’re led outside to the shepherds with real sheep by a fire, and then in to see a real baby (whoever in the congregation gives birth I guess!) and to light a candle. It’s just all really lovely.

(pics from iPhone so not the best)

Afterwards we went back to Barbara’s, forgot to say that Stella and family were there too and it was nice to see them also as miss them since they’ve moved. The kids had fun playing around for ages and adults chatted and were fed.

Today was a very late start. James and I tried in vain to find the Christmas tree decorations but no. Garage is just an absolute state, really needs attention soon! So A and I walked to the shops to get some. She bought herself a small tree from Asda for £1 from her pocket money and wanted to get some things to decorate it too. I was extremely picky and couldn’t decide, but ended up with some nice dark purple baubles and wooden reindeer from Sainsburys.

Once home it was the traditional classical christmas music on to properly deck the tree out. It is only a tiddly 3 ft or so tree but we really haven’t space for anything bigger. I was worried it would all clash but actually it looks really good. Shall take a pic tomorrow

The kids played games for a bit on the computer and then A had a go on the keyboard as I decided to try and play some carols on it. She (and M) were most upset that I was using a recorder book to play on the keyboard but I managed to convince them that it was fine to do so A spent ages learning to play jingle bells, learning where the keys are and we looked a bit at what the note values were too. She got it I think. I wish I was better at bringing in music for them, I definitely think A would enjoy it more if she took the time to try, but I don’t like pushing them and really I’m not that good at teaching myself and we did try the lesson route a while ago. She did ask whether she could get keyboard lessons though and as older now might think about it in the new year. It did remind me about getting her a glock though as she enjoyed playing with a friends at camp. I loved all those kinds of things when I was her age. Hoping she will too Pondering if should get M one as well, I know if I don’t he’ll want one, but argh can’t decide. Will be from others Christmas money so not too bad and better than more hot wheels I guess!!

we’re all a bit under the weather here. Kids not as much as me, I think I have man flu or something ;o) Blog will most likely be short as keyboard giving up the ghost. Should go on laptop….

I’ve spent the last week panicking about Christmas presents as the roads/car parks have been roads have been too bad for me to want to risk going to shops on my own. So have spent ages online getting everything ordered and hopefully delivered (next worry is it arriving - post is so behind here).

Got Xmas tree out and up, except couldn’t find decorations so kids have been very cute making their own including a knex star for the top. Shall do some more popcorn strings today. Does look very bare still.

All very boring I’m afraid. Hopefully back to normal some time soon…

(suspect this will be a short blog and I have no pics to pretty it up as I was lazy )

We had a lovely time at a youth hostel in Okehampton this week. M and A spent the whole week running with various friends doing various things from crafting, DSing, playing pool, playing musical instruments, watching films and just playing. They had a fab time, I love watching them with their friends that they just fall back into being with even after a long time of not seeing. they were both so sad to be going home on Friday.

One day we went to Pennywell Farm to do the nativity there. It was the coldest day I can ever remember experiencing! We had a good day though and A was an angel in the play and enjoyed singing the carols. M, as expected, sat and watched! It was so cold that I was pleased that some others knew of a place nearby called the House of Marbles which had a small marble museum and viewing area of glass blowing. Was nice and warm there A nice place to visit too, kids loved looking at the marble runs and the shop inside. We bought a few marbles too

One of the downsides of the week for me was illness. Migraines are something I never thought I suffered from, but that was because I wasn’t sure what they felt like. I think my smell sensitivity is kicking off migraines and unfortunately the first day of the hol had that. Too much air freshener used by the cleaners before we arrived so had a constant headache I couldn’t escape from. I’m also wondering if when I have too little sleep or have to get up early after a late night is setting them off as I really couldn’t enjoy the ‘Christmas Day’ due to just feeling sick and headachy. I spent the whole day trying to sleep some more (impossible due to noise in the corridors). My own fault for staying up late playing games, but argh. I can think of loads of instances when I have had similar illness after no sleep.

I was sad to miss most of the Christmas Day, but did join in for the meal (which I didn’t feel that up for and the noise level did make it not the most pleasant of experiences, but I tried!) and watched a film later on. The kids and James loved it so not all was lost

Our journey home was uneventful until right at the end when we arrived in Sheffield to find so much snow! We couldn’t get the car on the drive as it was so deep and as the road had been cleared all the pavements had huge piles of snow too so nowhere to put the car. We took the kids to FIL’s house and to see if anywhere to dump the car, but no. James also got it stuck and we had to push it free. In the end we dumped the kids with FIL and went back to try and clear the drive enough to put the car on it. It was hard work!

Today I didn’t go to work and spent most of it walking to get J’s prescription and then clearing more snow. Did more of the drive so the car wasn’t half on the road and then our neighbour made a start on clearing the road outside our house so I helped with that as FIL had brought round a shovel. J has felt useless but really he’d have suffered for doing it and then might have struggled with work on Monday so not worth it. I ache now though. The ice on the road was about 3″ thick!

Hoping for a quieter day tomorrow.

Today and yesterday have been quieter affairs. Much needed I have to say. I was thinking I’d need to go into Sheffield yesterday to sort uni things, but in the end decided will do the Mon after we get back as will have to be near there anyway. So yesterday we did venture out to the local shopping centre which was nice and relaxed as didn’t need much, bought some coloured chalk for our next ancient art project and also some chalk pastels to try. Had a really nice time browsin in WHsmith at the books. M spent a bit of time looking through the other Percy Jackson novels, wonder if he’ll give them a try? We do already have the first, which I am oin to read too after I finish the mammoth book that Helen mentioned ages ago (Quicksilver) Doesn’t help I only manage to snatch reading time on the tram to uni. Library will want it back soon! Anyway, I also saw the Henderson`s Boys books which look like something M might like soon. Not sure if will be too old for him, as mentions on amazon that prob 12+, but not sure why. Maybe shall see if library has it and I can have a quick look through.

I don’t think we did anything else of note yesterday. M played lego lots, A pottered about and was generally crazy and in your face. Would like to think a week with friends might calm her but …

Today we’ve done a bit of maths, looked at the prehistoric art again and made our own paints using crushed up chalk and tried to make pictures with them. Varied success, and eventually we all liked trying to do the hand prints like here. Found a rather fab site about the french caves where lots of art has been found here if anyone interested. I need to show kids when not distracted by shiny things though.

A and I did lots of fimo crafting today also which took up lots of our time but was very enjoyable. No pics as a) haven’t had camera out today and b) might spoil some surprises. We also watched the hunters and hunted episode of Life and yesterdays Autumnwatch that we missed.

Today has been a day of two halves. The beginning was great, but sometimes it just takes one thing to knock you over the edge doesn’t it? I’ll get the crap bit out of the way first then. Nothing major, just a phone call I had to make about my funding for uni and the tone of the woman on the other end. Honestly she spoke to me like I was naughty and a little kid since it’s nto all been sorted yet (not my fault, and tbh it’s not the easiest getting all the tutors to sign attendance confirmation things since I see different ones each week, and then needing to go back to Sheffield city centre to get various other offices to sign things. It’s a bloody nightmare, and not one office is near another!) Grrr anyway, so then she was on about how I need to come into Sheffield (again) to sign something else to declare I’ll pay it if my funding doesn’t go through (which of course is worrying in itself), and asked when I can come in. So I said I’m on holiday next week so the week after to which she was a bit snotty and said if it wasn’t done by the 10th my student account would be shut down. Just was a complete bolt out of the blue, I called as I needed to inform them of the status of everything. I didn’t expect to be belittled and made to worry on the phone. Then I had the kids trying to tell me I needed to pick James up while I was talking so I got off the phone, picked him up and was such a mess in my head I spent the rest of the afternoon crying Just tipped me over I guess. I think I’m tired.

But the day until then was good so I shall concentrate on that. We went to a local museum in Rotherham that we’d wanted to go to for ages but I’d never got round to it. Anyway, someone had organised a victorian day where you cook in the kitchen and do some washing in a victorian way. It was a really nice morning. I’m always worried about M just not joining in at these things as he can be so grumpy, but I think I’m finding that if I just take him places and don’t tell him much, or more specifically ask him if he wants to do something, he gets on better. He joined in fine today and answered questions about the victorians quite well too (thank you again horrible histories ). I think A had a good time, but she was in the other group with more adults who knew her so I stayed with M. Shall try and put some pics up, but quite hard as lots with other kids in them.

After the organised bit we had a quick look round the museum which is small, but definitely a place to come back to when we have more time to explore more throughly. M liked the air raid shelter

After lunch we headed to the play park near there and they all spent ages burning off some energy (although not enough judging by how daft my 2 are being tonight!). Finished listening to the Jungle book on the way home and arrived at exactly the time a parcel was being delivered - result.

While A was ‘working’ yesterday morning M and I did the boring supermarket shop (which I was pleased about today as it means I can slump and not go back out!) and we did a bit of his Win A Grand Prix (Using Maths) book and he spent the rest of the time watching some tv.

We picked A up at 1pm and spent what seemed like an age finding something for her to spend her £5 voucher on that she got as part of day. She settled on a cuddly bat Once home, A was fed and we did some Story of the World, both narrations and copywork and we also did some ‘music appreciation’ which was looking at the orchestra as a whole and then some stringed instruments and listening to samples from it. I used this book
mostly (well I don’t have it, but have access to the audio cd/cdrom bit). This is part of the Ancient Art plan I got from Harmony Fine Arts. You have no idea how hard it is for me to see the listed cd’s and books to use and not buy those so I have just the right ones and for me to try and fiddle it myself. *rolls eyes at self*

I flapped for lots of the afternoon as I needed to tidy, make tea and wanted to get some maths done with A. We managed no maths at all last week and this week is going to be so busy I didn’t want to lose the flow. So once tea was cooking we sat and did a bit of her new maths book that I discovered the other day. It’s from the same set as M’s Grand Prix book I mentioned, but for KS1 so a bit easier maths involved. I knew they did a higher ‘red’ set of using maths books, but I didn’t know there was a lower set. Anyway. I didn’t get it for the easier maths, but because the title was Be a Zookeeper. We have the ‘Be a Zoo Vet’ in the same series as the Grand Prix one, but A gets really annoyed as she doesn’t want to be a zoo vet, but wants to be a zoo keeper and so won’t entertain it at all!! Honestly! She liked it though, and the first page covered things we’ve not touched on at all like right angles so worth it, but some stuff a bit more contrived.

Evening was uni and more geology *grin*. Loving that still Very tired when I got home though.

Today was a really early start though as I had to take James to work again. i do wish he could have his own car, but not really financially viable at the moment. We needed to be up early as we had a day out at Lathkill Dale on a nature and pottery day. It was about an hour away, along country roads I didn’t know and I didn’t have the satnav as J takes it for work. So I stressed a bit, printed lots of maps and looked at google streetview lots. Thankfully I didn’t get lost though! We listened to Jungle Book on the way which was a free audio book from somewhere and it helped the long journey.

The first half of the day was a walk around the nature reserve and doing a bit of woodland art, a bit like what we’d done at our local reserve. This was A’s groups effort

A bit of mini beast hunting as well, which was hard given the time of year. A nice morning but felt a bit rushed to me.

The afternoon was pottery which went down very well. The lady in charge showed them all how to do a leaf imprint in some clay and then they had to make a mini beast to go on the top.

Not the best pic of the pre fired article, shall have to update when we get them back (after Xmas I think now).

M’s

A’s

Didn’t get lost going home either (yay!) and the kids vegged for a bit before and after tea. Just before bed we did do a bit of geology as Lathkill Dale a limestone area and it was touched on about that. So we looked at sedimentary rocks today and specifically what chalk made of (which I *have* shown them before but they’d forgotten), looked at our Charmouth fossils again and filled a notebook page on it too.

yesterday was the long awaited keeper experience day at The Tropical Butterfly House which was A’s 9th birthday treat. She’s wanted to be a zoo keeper for quite some time now, probably due to going there and watching Roar (she’s desperate to go on that programme - keep having to check the website!). She also did the experience for her 8th birthday, choosing to do the furry friends encounter which has them feeding all the small animals, guinea pigs, chinchillas, ferrets, the farm animals and then the skunk and the meerkats. She loved it last year and it didn’t put her off her career choice anyway!

So, back to this year, she decided to do a different day this year (they do 3, furry friends, raptors galore, and tropical paradise) and she chose ‘raptors galore’. The weather wasn’t the greatest, a bit drizzly and very cold, but I dropped her off at 9am in good spirits and when I picked her up at 1pm she had had a great time.

This is what she said she did (probably more, she got distracted telling me all this…)

cleaned out the drinking bowls
then got the birds out of bed (upstairs)
then got to hold all except Alfie (turkey vulture)
and then weighed 3 of the birds
then put them on their perches outside.
then took some pics of the meerkats
then cafe for a break and hot choccie and cake

Here’s some pics:

It was raining when they had the bird of prey show and I think only 1 lot of spectators, but she got to help with the show. Here she is with Kookie the kookaburra:

She said that she also got a special surprise treat which was to hold Mollie (who I think is a kind of parrot).

All in all a really good day. Obviously I only hear about it second hand from A, but I really recommend the days.

I’ve been meaning to blog, but kept putting it off. I shall try and do quick roundup of the weekend

Friday was a busy day and started early. There was a bake and book sale at the library in aid of Children in Need that A really wanted to go to so we went there before our monthly soft play meet. Only picked up a couple of books as mostly they were adult novels, but got Blue Planet for 30p, a book about Thomas Edison, a horrible history book and Disney’s Alice in Wonderland on video So then off to the soft play and I managed to offload 3 bags of books to fellow home-edders. Mostly picture books that mine have grown out of, although I’ve saved a lot Good to see them go to a good home though.

It was science at Barbara’s afterwards, but I’m afraid I was pretty useless at preparing for it so Barbara just read through the chapter with them. That seemed to go down well enough though. There was an experiment, but it involved a 12v battery which was obviously too strong for the wires we had as it just kept burning them up! The boys enjoyed watching that though. Need to do better for next week. No latin either as we ran out of time Was a nice afternoon though

Picked James up at teatime, good to have him home Spent the evening avoiding watching Children In Need (I hate watching it) and so watched the First Life episode which was rather fab and a film in the evening which wasn’t so fab.

Saturday was work. A came along too so nice to have a morning with her. It was a bit of a quiet day though and we were home not long after lunch. We spent the afternoon at the father in laws and went home in time for tea. Can’t remember much exciting that went on. James went out in the evening and so the kids played club penguin and I looked to see if anything interesting on iPlayer. Watched a bit of the Ancient Worlds program but it was a bit boring so I then put on Secrets of the Universe (on until 24th) which attracted the kids attention as well. It’s a really fab show, but a couple of bits of swearing in though which is a shame. Nothing major, but why? Kids enjoyed it that much they spent most of the next day telling James all about what happened in it

Sunday started as all Sunday’s should - late! We’d planned to go to The Deep ages ago as we have a rapidly expiring pass for free entry from our visit last year. So today was as good a day as any to go. I really like it there, last year some friends had said that it was really a bit rubbish and not worth the money but we decided it might be worth a try anyway. We all enjoyed it so much last year that we just couldn’t understand the thinking of these friends! So I’d been really looking forward to it this time and it didn’t disappoint. Maybe as we’d been not expecting much it helped that first time!

We spent ages looking at everything, lots of things were relevant to stuff we’re learning about at the moment and I love how these things sometimes just slot in right. A did the touch pool bit and touched a furry crab, a sea urchin and a starfish. I had a touch of the starfish too (I normally stay well away from sea creatures, they ive me the creeps!!) and it felt really odd!

At the afternoon feeding session it was really quiet and one of the staff was really helpful and answered A’s questions (lots!) about what each of the fishes were. She was really enthused though and actually, we’re not always that good at asking questions (adults included!) so it’s good to see.

J’s camera played up so we only have a couple of pics.

today has been a day full of grumps and anxiety. I’d like to say ‘and that was just the kids’ but it wasn’t, just me I’m afraid. In the interests of fairness I suppose I should blog days when it doesn’t go to plan and I just want the day to end really quickly so I can start again. I think I probably need a really good sleep in or it’s just that time of the month, or both really

We spent some of this morning looking at some prehistoric art from this website (look for cave paintings on the left) and talking about why they did it, how etc and then they attempted their own version of them. They both chose a horse picture, which I should have taken a photo of, shall do it in a bit, but at least here they are in action

And the finished articles

M’s horse

A’s horse.

We were planning on going swimming in the afternoon but I was getting completely stressy and anxious about it. I’ve no idea why, except I could see the day slipping by and the house felt like it was a tip and with the Badger run this evening I knew we’d be busy then. James is having a rough few days at work and I can’t help him out really, but I guess what I can do is let him come home to a ‘not so much of a tip’ type house. Tomorrow is hugely busy too and I won’t be able to do anything then, so yeah, I was stressing. Seems a bit of a daft thing to get stressy about, but I think I’m just a bit wound up atm with things I can’t control.

So we decided to just have a day snuggled on the couch, we watched some CBBC, some crud and some better stuff like Barney’s Latin America, had lunch snuggled, watched some more and then switched it off and read some of our Enid Blyton nature stories, this chapter was about moles. I calmed down much more, lots of cuddles and chilling does tend to do that I guess

I eventually made a good start on tidying and hoovering the living room. It’s not *that* bad (although FIL prob wouldn’t agree) but it doesn’t take much for it to look like a bombs hit it. A spent some time making stuff for Christmas for James and I and M played with some lego and had a stint on the computer before tea and the Badger run.

Autumnwatch this evening and as it makes it a late night I got stressy again (which I later apologised for) and A didn’t help it by at 9.55pm deciding she was going to do some stuff for her ticksheet in bed. Argh, just tidy your mess and go upstairs!!! I watched some TED talks by Ken Robinson that I hadn’t seen before, always love those

Overall it wasn’t a bad day, but tomorrow is a busy day and hopefully James home I should get to bed really

Monday was quiet and we didn’t get up until at least 9am as James took himself into work. (I should have blogged before am struggling to remember what we did) We had a fairly unstructured day, I think the only thing I asked of the kids was them to read an Aesops fable and narrate it to me. We listened to the last couple of chapters of Alice in Wonderland while we did some fimo secret santa present making. A was much more involved than M who kind of only flitted in and out of the activity. He did decide to do a really nice hot wheels car drawing (he’s been inspired by a hot wheels book he got on Sunday as he did his required ticks ) and read his chapter book. A spent most of the day crafting and once finished fimo-ing she moved onto a latch hook rug kit she got for her birthday. After a bit of puzzlement from us both on how to do it and a youtube search she got going and managed to pick it up fairly well.

I did well and managed to phone and book A’s animal keeper experience, she goes next Monday and is very excited. She’s doing a birds of prey experience this time

A decided to do some soap making from a Luxury Soap Science
kit she got last Christmas while I cooked tea in plenty of time to feed FIL before I went to uni. M was sick in the evening though, but I think due to being on the computer.

Tuesday felt like a very long day as I needed to drop James at work early so that meant we were all up. I’d been looking at some sites with notebooking pages and wondering if my 2 would like doing them. Our home ed is going quite well at the moment I think so I don’t want to change too much in the way we do things. So I spent a bit of time googling and found I had some credit at CurrClick (no idea how!) and used it to get a Story of the World download and also a Rocks and Minerals one. It used up my credit anyway and will be an idea to try. I also printed off another sheet for SOTW from here.

So I got the kids sat down to copy some of the words on the first thing I downloaded. Not so keen on that one, seems a lot of just copying which I’m not sure is the point of notebooking, although I suppose is ok and is just like our copywork we do, except we’d probably be forever on some of it! Quite a lot in later chapters. I read to them the Nomads chapter again while they were writing and then when they were done I used the free one as a template for them to narrate the story. We haven’t ever done written narrations but that’s the next step and they did well with it, although I wrote and they spoke. They then did a little drawing in the space at the top too. I think we’ll stick with the free ones for now!! Much more what I think we’re lookin for.

I wanted to try out a little rock cycle activity with the kids as I was pondering doing as a group activity at our youth hostel camp coming up. Still pondering!! It worked really well with my 2, I’m not sure will be as good with more kids (or if I’m brave enough!!). Basically you get some crayons which are some rocks and erode and weather them witha grater. Kids loved this bit and then the eroded rocks then layered themselves up on some foil which with you fold and with a bit of pressure becomes a ’sedimentary rock’.

(forgot to mention was a pyjama day!!)

Then you heat it slightly and bash it really hard with a hammer or rollin pin and hopefully it should change a bit and become your ‘metamorphic rock’

Then you heat it much more with the candle/heat source and then let it cool to be your ‘igneous rock’.

Then I showed them the chalk and marble from my rock kit and explained that marble is chalk/limestone metamorphosed, should have shown them my slate and shale too and read through some books. They were really enthused about it all which is good Didn’t use the notebooking paes, but perhaps another time.

One of them decided to do the sketch tuesday thing and so the other one followed, I can’t remember which one initiated it but A did some painting along the theme and M did a drawing. M also at some point did some comic book drawing which I haven’t even seen, must search it out!

M went on the computer in the afternoon and after tea A and I watched the insect episode of Life which we enjoyed very much and reminded A of her Little Einsteins dvd with stuff about the Monarch butterfly in it so she put that on after and got annoyed quickly with it, think it is just too young for her now.

The kids decided to sleep in a den downstairs (as James away and wouldn’t be allowed if he was in!) so I dissappeared upstairs to do some studying and did some more thinking about home ed stuff, namely the harmony fine arts stuff. I may have accidentally bought the ancient art and orchestra ebook So have been thinking about how I can fit it all in neatly. Been a while since I did much orgo-planning

Today I didn’t want to get up at all, really struggling with the mornings lately. I had thought about a trip to the butterfly house before our membership ran out on Friday and today was the last day left to do it. Yesterday would have been good as was much better weather, but since M had been sick didn’t really want to push him. It was dry when we went out and we listened to our spanish cd for the first time on the way. A really liked it, M not so enthusiastic. Always seems to be the way lately!

It felt like we were the only ones around the centre today and at most of the animal encounters it was just us. A was really talkative with the man doing the encounters and seemed to remember lots about various animals which was nice to hear. In the exotic animal encounter we got to hold a royal python called cecil and a leopard gecko. I was glad they didn’t bring out the huge millipedes like normal!! I don’t like them! It was a nice day, but eventually the rain came down and it got really cold so we disappeared after the meerkats were fed. Not many pics as inside the actual butterfly bit the camera (and our glasses) get all steamed up and it started to rain in the afternoon.

Home via Sainsbury’s and I started getting grumpy, the cold was getting to me and I just wanted to be home. We’ve kind of slumped since being home and I’ve spent ages trying to blog this and still haven’t sorted pics yet. Shall do that in a mo. Nearly caught up with the amount of tea I need by this time so feeling better James not home tonight or tomorrow it looks so feeling a bit sorry for him. Must get the house looking good for when he gets back.

We’ve had a bit of an odd weekend due to A not being home. Always makes things seem a little wrong if you know what I mean.

Saturday morning was work for me. It wasn’t very busy and I was home fairly quickly. We walked down to the local shops and library once I was home and thought about ideas for secret santas for those of us not wanting to make stuff. Picked up some books from the library about fossils and the creation of the earth.

We had a bit of a late lunch and M watched the Stormbreaker film which he really likes. I made a start on sorting out our science and art cupboard and then did some studying while James took M to his dad’s house to see his sister and her family who had come for a visit. I went round later for tea and was subjected to torture (watching Strictly and then Merlin) Normally I watch Strictly but this year I haven’t got into any of them at all and really haven’t missed it. Same old, same old.

Sunday was a lateish start, but we headed around to J’s dad’s to see his sister before they went home as they were due to go at 11am. Turned out J’s sister had a bit of a hangover and so they stayed a bit longer while she slept it off M enjoyed playing with his cousins though so a good day. Watched the rememberance parade and grand prix and then it was time to pick up A.

She’s had a really good time, they’d done the communications badge and so I think had done some things connecting to that. I know they had some dogs in, a guide dog and some police dogs and that’s about all I know. Oh and of course the rememberance parade which thankfully wasn’t as wet as last year! A has come home with a stronger accent again, she picks them up so easily!!

Once home the kids have both set to getting their remaining ticks for the week. M got the microscope out, did some reading and got frustrated with some maths (prob better first thing). A did some of her project book on planets with me and they both listened to some of the Story of Classical Music which I’ve managed to get through the uni subscription to Naxos Shame they don’t have the rest of the audio books - would have loved that!!

They wanted to hear Vivaldi’s 4 seasons so we put that on and are listening to it just now, it’s probably one of my favourites, but then I don’t know that much classical music. M has spent the evening doing one of his hot wheels activity books that he’s got as a ‘tickbook’, kept him happy anyway! Might put on David Attenboroughs next episode of First Life if the wii doesn’t play up before bedtime. Feels like a bit of a boring weekend, but it’s been a fairly stress free one so that’s good

should have been yesterday’s title and I forgot all about that, so it can be the title for today

We started a bit of a weather chart for in the nature journals yesterday (which I forgot to blog) as they have been sorely neglected lately (after I made such a good start with them) and so updated them this morning before we got set for a day of being out and about lots!

First off was a trip to a fire station that had been organised by a fellow home edder. Was really interesting looking round the vehicles and the fire station. My 2 were being very quiet though and wouldn’t answer many questions! Of course, no trip to a fire station is complete without a go of the fire hoses M wouldn’t have a go but A did.

Also had a bit of a talk from the Red Cross Victim Support Unit that is based at the fire station, which wasn’t quite so exciting, but think went down ok anyway.

A long drive after, or what seemed like it, to get to Barbara’s for science and latin. We were all in a rush to get through stuff today as we had arrived later than normal and also we both had to be off earlier than normal too. So, no time to sit and chat so much Had a quick cuppa and catch up before we set to some latin. We printed off some worksheets and did those too, A took ages to do hers, dunno what was up with her but she was still dawdling with it when we started on physics!!

This weeks was about electrical flow and resistors etc. We didn’t quite have all the stuff for the experiment in the book so I just brought along our rather fab Electronics Kit as mentioned that A had played with the other day. Kind of just winged it and hopefully it worked ok. I’m not too good on electronics and I do worry that I am going to say something that isn’t right!!

Spoke to James about it lots this evening, as think he could def take on some teaching of this to the kids. I like the look of this book as maybe a good resource. Always like a book that encourages you to lick a 9V battery

Shall have to have a browse to see what else I can come up with - anyone any ideas? Would also like to look more into some engineering stuff soon. Should get our meccano out more I guess.

A went off to a Badger sleepover weekend tonight so won’t see her until Sunday, hoping she has a good time and doesn’t come out all emotional like last time!!

Wednesday started earlier than you can imagine James needed to be at work for 4am (!!) so as I needed the car we all had to get up to take him. We did go back to bed though afterwards We probably should have just cancelled our day out we had planned, but never mind.

So a bit of a lazy start and then we headed out to see a friend who some met at B’s science party. We had a really nice day, M spent lots of time enjoying the sunshine and playing football with the boys. A spent time indoors doing a bit of baking soda bread and banana bread. Of course we then got to eat the results too.

They have a pet snake called Charlie who I was very excited to meet M enjoyed holding him and we all enjoyed watching him get his weekly feed of a mini mouse (or minimus? )

On our way home we listened to the end of our great scientists cd as it was stressing me out that we hadn’t quite listened to all of it Seemed to take ages to get home, probably left it slightly late and hit most of the traffic. My tiredness headache arrived back and really didn’t leave me all evening which wasn’t too good The kids spent the evening watching telly until after the Wallace and Gromit thing when I decided it needed to go off. I have a feeling we did something constructive afterwards… oh yeah I remembered

I bought a very old Countdown boardgame from the charity shop for a grand total of 60p the other day and we decided to have a look at that. Showed them how it worked, what consonants and vowels were and we spent ages doing that. And then it was bedtime - phew Oh except they were sleeping in my bed as James was on an overnight drive and M rolled across my bed too energetically and fell off, whacking his knee on the radiator and generally crying his eyes out because of it. I stifled a laugh. Did swell up so was slightly worried, but thankfully he has been ok. Spent the rest of the evening finishing my assignment (done I think - yay), and then it was my bedtime. Phew

Today was a waiting in for a parcel day. Which is good in that I have something exciting arriving (book people order ) but not so in that I had to spend the day waiting. Was hoping to go out to a home ed group but couldn’t which was slightly annoying. I did enjoy the day in though

A didn’t get up until 11am though - think this is becoming too much of a habit!!! We watched the Life episode we couldn’t get to work the otherday, then M put on the First Life afterwards as he hadn’t watched it when we did. M helped me make some pizza dough, some maths and reading got done, um, oh and the books arrived I got some DK project books after seeing them at Barbara’s and hearing them being quite popular with other people. A absolutely loved the look of it, spotted the 8-12 age tag on it and declared that she would keep it forever! Also got some Spanish Club books in another attempt to get some foreign language in (looking forward to Petits Haricot’s language resource post soon ), some history comic book type books, some science museum fact books and some hot wheels activity books that M wants to have to work towards with his tick sheets.

Badger evening, and autumnwatch when we got back. Feeling tired now. Might manage to flickr and add some photos before bed, shall see. Oh and we should find out about M’s photo competition tomorrow, although someone on flickr said they’d found out already that they had been placed 2nd in one category so since we’ve heard nothing shall not be expecting too much! (have to say the comp hasn’t been run well at all imo)

I am going to concentrate on the good bits today, not because we’ve had some pretty awful days with the kids behaviour (although they haven’t been perfect by any means!) but just that I’ve been a bit grumpy this evening and I can let it colour my judgement. So I’ll look for the positives when writing!

So Monday was an asolutely awful day weather wise, but sometimes I like the fact that we can choose to stay in all day on these kind of days and keep warm. I’ve got a bit of a busy end to the week coming up so it’s been nice to have a day or 2 inside. It started late as although I got up before James went to work, I then decided to go back to bed! The kids slept ages, even M, who normally is up before me. I think they must have needed it.

When they eventually got up I did some GP Maths with M (if I remember rightly A still was in bed!) When A got up we read some Story of the World and A decided to do some of her animal fact finding on anteaters (got to do it in alphabetical order !! ) So we looked up various info about them and added it to her word document that she has. M decided he wanted to do a fact finding thing on cars so set about doing that.

He then remembered he was wanting to do Nanowrimo and gave that a go but quickly decided it was too much hard work. He’s getting really good at writing or typing out his thoughts, but probably not with enough speed yet to make it satisfying.

Decided to get the base 10 set out to help A with maths when she was ready for that. Of course she then wanted to just build with it, but we did get some things done. *roll*

Um what else did we do yesterday…. I think they spent some more time in their rooms sorting bits and bobs out. Here’s a pic of A’s new furniture.

She can be so neat and has places for everything, she just needs enough places iykwim. Can’t see many books on there though….. hmmm…..

I had uni in the evening so no idea what went on when I was there. Was archaeology, which I had hoped I would find more interesting than I am, maybe it’s just the size of the class, which is huge compared to the other modules I have, that is putting me off it (plus seems to attract lots of not so sane people I think!!!!). Anyway, it was an ok evening.

Today I woke up to find M awake and had already read his chapter book and then found himself some maths to do. He also declared to me (either today or yesterday, can’t remember!) that he really likes maths so that was lovely to hear. There was a point when both of them really didn’t like doing it and I just backed off as I really didn’t want them to hate it. We’re probably way ‘behind’ what they should be doing now, but I’m not too bothered about that and I’m just glad that even though we’re knuckling down a bit more nowadays that we’re making progress and it’s not being too painful.

A slept late again and I spent some time looking at The Big Bang Fair site and thinking about if we could make it to London next March for it. Decided to book it and worry about logistics later. Am rediculously excited about it I think we might try and make a little city break of it and have a couple of days in London. Have always wanted to go to Greenwich so would like to go there. Showed M about it and tried to explain about it all too so I think he’s quite up for visiting there too.

A got up and while eating breakfast spotted the electronics kit under the couch and decided to play with that. She spent most of the day building different circuits and trying out her own designs.

This is a bit like our kit, but not quite the same one.

It did get me thinking a bit again about their different learning styles. I know James is really pleased that M particularly is getting on with his work. I think he worries M will end up like him and so worries that he doesn’t do enough iykwim. So he’s happy with him, but then I think that A’s style, which today has been a complete immersion in one activity, is just as good and valid and worthy of praise as M’s. So bloomin different though!! But thought provoking and makes me worry that I won’t be ‘fair’ to them if for example I get M to do maths and reading etc and then A manages to get away with it as she’s been engrossed in something else. Mind you, if M is engrossed in something like that I’d leave him to it too, but more often than not he isn’t and wants to go through the motions to get that stuff out of the way. hmmmm.

I did say to A that she needed to do her reading at least today, which she did, and we’ll aim to get her quota of maths done over the week too, but none done today. Mid afternoon the telly went on and I decided I’d go and do some studying while they vegged.

After tea we did the supermarket shop and when home tried to watch the bird episode of Life but the iplayer on the wii was playing up so we decided we’d try again tomorrow. A spent the evening trying to do a little robotics science kit she got from Sainsbury’s and got very upset when she broke a bit as she was trying to fit it on the wrong place. i think we’ve managed to fix it though so we’ll see tomorrow if it will all fit together and work.

We seemed to have a weekend of opposites. Saturday was fairly busy, I had work in the morning and didn’t get home until 1ish. We watched the new David Attenborough programme on first life which was really interesting and then we started to get ready to go out to the first of 2 very different bonfire parties.

We’d been invited to a home ed friends bonfire party and they’d put on some fab games for the kids that were all themed around bonfires, Guy Fawkes and fireworks. Even M joined in the game that required you to put a shoelace sweet in your mouth (like a firework fuse) and try and eat as fast as you can and then say bang! There was a bit of role playing going on as well I think (I was in the kitchen and didn’t watch) as one of the adults dressed up as Guy Fawkes and took all the kids off to pretend to blow up the houses of parliament and then another adult arrested him I was v. glad of this history as I normally read up about it on bonfire night and completely forgot this year. Although A told me all about it when we had our walk the night before - thank you Horrible Histories Then it was bonfire and fireworks time, kids had a ball out in the dark. A really fun time had by all.

We then went off to another party, which was much more an adult type affair, although a few kids there it was mostly an excuse to get together and have a drink. There was a few fireworks here that didn’t go off as planned though - eeek! Thankfully no one hurt. It felt very late when we managed to go home. I was exhausted. Unfortunately the memory card on the camera played up so no pics unless I can recover them.

Sunday was a home day and a very lazy start. I had hoped for a very lazy, snuggly day but I forgot I had some diy to do as we had the new storage for the kids rooms that they’d decided on. So 6 units to do = not a very relaxed day. But they do look good and I’m hoping will help with keeping the rooms tidy.

I spent the evening trying to study and do an assignment that is due for next week. Hoping to finish it soon and not leave it too late. A decided very late on that she was going to do her 2 remaining ticks so she could choose a book and I think read a Horrible Histories magazine and played on the keyboard for a bit.

It’s getting late and I want to go to bed, so going to blog today seperately

Thursday was definitely a hokey cokey day. I had hoped to take the kids swimming but it couldn’t qute fit in with everything else. James had a dental appointment in the city centre and needed to get to work after that and as I needed the car for Badgers in the evening I had to do the running around. So… drop J off at bus station, pick J up in city centre, home for lunch, drop J off at work, take A to Badgers, pick J up from work, go to Sainsbury’s, pick A up from Badgers and the Home!!! Phew!

In amongst all that we had a productive day, we did a maths game, reading, dictation for M and copywork for A. We also got the chemistry set out and had a look at it all and did the first experiment which was dissolving substances. I made sure we thought about what we were doing, came up with a hypothesis etc etc, you get the idea Quite happy with the chemistry kit except that the booklet doesn’t give any reasoning behind any of the experiments. So we dissolved some stuff, some didn’t dissolve, but why?? Would have been good to have an explanation. I had to go off and google as I couldn’t remember the exact reason *blush* We also did the iron nail in copper sulphate experiment, except with a paper clip. That worked quite well too I must read up on why’s for next time or have the computer handy.

some pics:

Bit of a late night as we watched AutumnWatch after Badgers. Loved seeing Nick Baker on there, kids really like him

Friday started waaaay too early as off to do the hokey cokey again I don’t mind hugely as it does mean we’re up and awake to do other things, but yawn! Takes some getting used to! Kids watched some telly, including the fish episode of Life and we also read our physics chapter in preparation for being at Barbara’s for FridayScience.

I got The Rock Factory: A Story About Rocks and Stones (Science Works) through from Amazon the other day and we sat and read that too. I quite like this kind of book, not too wordy, accessible to both my kids reading abilities and not dumbed down too much either. Quite enjoying learning about geology with them both at the moment, not sure how long they’ll remain interested though!

We then went early to Barbara’s and had general socialising, bit of latin (practise of what we learnt last time 3 weeks ago!), a dot to dot to go with it and then a pairs / word matching game.

lunch, more chatting, and then down to the science experiment. This week was about static electricity (should have got the Van de Graaf generator again!!) and we had to build an electroscope to see if any static electric generated. Barbara and I checked to see if it would work and it didn’t at first although we’d followed the instructions on the Real Science 4 Kids workbook, so we looked for something on you tube and that used a straw to hold the wire and I assume insulates it and means the electrons don’t disappear into the jar lid. Anyway, so now we had something that worked we took it apart and gathered the kids and then they decided they didn’t need me telling them how it was going to go together so we left them to see if they could make something that would show static electricity. They managed to have something which involved a paper clip hanging off the wire which did then move when a charged balloon was put next to it. I was quite impressed at how they did it We then put it together how the experiment said to do and had a go at seeing what happened. We also did the water bending thing with a running tap and a charged balloon too.

It was a bit of a lazy time when we got home, I think lots of telly was watched. We’ve lowered the tick expectation to 20 and if they do 25 they get a book/treat/something and we’ve reached that this week. I’m pleased as we’ve managed to do the things I wanted to get done, not so many of the free rein things done though. But that’s for them to decide if they want to do. I’m still liking it for us, and it seems to suit us well. A more determined to get things done to complete what she’s ’supposed to do’, M not so bothered at all tbh. I’m liking it as it’s making us more aware of the resources we have around us and making us think about using them and that is very good for me.

We went for a walk to watch the fireworks and watched some of the Periodic Videos and one about energy from Sixty Symbols before bed. It feels like it’s been a stressy couple of days (especially this evening - early morning catching up with me) but really not a bad time over all

Just sticking some links together that might be useful if my kids want to continue to learn some geology stuff (or if we move onto learning about it after RS4K for our Friday Science?). Any other ideas or book recommendations would be greatfully received.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks2bitesize/science/materials/rocks_soils/play.shtml

http://library.thinkquest.org/J002289/index.html

http://www.kidsgeo.com/geology-for-kids/

http://www.rocksforkids.com/

http://www.geosociety.org/educate/LessonPlans/i_rocks.htm (some really good ideas here)

*rolls eyes at self*

up early this morning to take James to work, yawn. It did mean that we had some time before our monthly home ed nature reserve meet though which normally gets eaten up with rushing about. We watched the next Story of England (and I’ve realised I’m not going to be able to finish watching them before they disappear from iplayer - bum), and then they tested each other on their times tables. I think I’ve realised that unless we do some work on the tables they aint going to appear like magic in the kids brains! Gotta try while we’re on a productive streak

The nature reserve meet was good, I always like it there and the kids like the freedom of the place and like to run about and have fun. In the morning there was various autumn inspired activities to do. M headed off straight away with his friend finding seeds and was fairly happy doing that. A seemed to not want to join in with friends for the first part at least, not sure why tbh, maybe dynamics with other kids there. Anyway we had a nice time finding leaves to make a picture. A wanted to make a nice graded coloured catterpillar picture and spent ages looking at leaves and we spoke a bit about how and why the leaves change colour. Looked good anyway

The afternoons are spent doing conservation type stuff and this month was chopping down willow shoots and piling them up to make hirbernation piles. Big tools = good fun

Shopping and, picking up James filled up the evening. bla - this is sounding very boring. Need a fun day tomorrow with lots of pictures!!!!!

Well, the magic ended today and we were back to normal sibling *love* I do tend to get a bit of respite from it though as M gets up before A if they’re left to their own devices. This morning was a bit like that as A decided at 8am she wasn’t getting up and stayed in bed until at least 9.30am. M did his maths with me, some copywork and some Aesops narration before A got up. Quite nice to have some time with him on my own though

I’ve been thinking that I really need to try and seperate the kids sometimes when we do work. I don’t think that they’re hugely different in their abilities but I think lately we’re seeing a big difference in how they work and their atitude to work. M is by far the happiest to get on with it, A fidgets and fusses and ends up not wanting to do as much. So trying to get them to do the same thing I think is holding M back. It does make life a bit more difficult and it’s more for me to do with each one, but hoping might be a way forward. I’ve always thought having 2 children close together would make home ed easier and in some ways it does, but I think I can be lazy and not push M in order to do stuff at A’s level (or willingness) iykwim, and vice versa of course.

A decided she was having a pyjama day, but still did her work. Our new chemistry set arrived mid morning and we had a good look through that, although we didn’t actually do anything with it yet, maybe tomorrow.

After lunch I sent the kids upstairs to play, so A played Sylvanians and M went on his playstation. I wanted to get a handle on the house, which is starting to just get such a state. I never should have started trying to sort the under stairs cupboard, it’s been terrible since then!! It’s a bit better now anyway. I think I need to start inviting people over more as I might have more incentive then! Bloomin small houses and friends with large families!!!

We watched some of Michael Wood’s Story of England which was good as tied in with some of what we’d been reading in Our Island Story. We might have to have a bit of a tv fest to catch up and watch it all before it goes off iPlayer. I could try and download it I guess, hmmm, might try tomorrow.

I’m feeling a bit stressy now, think I need some tea. Hate getting to the end of the day and feeling like this. It’s been a nice day, always good to have a home day, but maybe some fresh air tomorrow. I might even try and take some pics (although widget linky things do brighten it up a little )

I had a really nice, if a bit busy weekend. I had two different field trips for uni, one on Saturday to North Lees which was solely for archaeology and on Sunday was to Padley Gorge which was a joint effort from all 3 of my modules. All very enjoyable, good to get out and about

I’ve no idea what the kids did (not many ticks though!), we were supposed to go to a halloween party on the Saturday evening but James was feeling really unwell so we decided not to. Sunday was another party which we did make it to and had a great time, so much so that the kids have spent all of today ‘missing last night’. Awww!

Today I had nothing much planned except I knew I needed to go into Sheffield to get some forms signed and Monday is the best day as I’d need a day ticket on the tram anyway. I decided to get some ‘normals’ done in the morning, have a not too lingering lunch and go after that. M did some maths, spelling (prepared dictation), and then we read some Story of the World as a change to Our Island Story while A got up and had breakfast *roll* I set A to work on a Verbal reasoning paper to see how she did with the older age group (older than her last try, not her real age). She struggled a bit so I’ve decided to start her on the first book and ease her in gently. At the moment she really likes doing them so that’s the main thing I think at the moment and I shall try not to think about the age on the front of the book!

I had my geology tutorial in the evening and I had a bit of homework looking up things about different types of rocks and the rock cycle and looking at it I thought it would be perfect for the kids to do with me. So we googled what the definition of a mineral was, looked at various elements in rock forming minerals and then looked at this fab site with the rock cycle on it.

After lunch we walked to the tram via Whsmiths and the library. I was going to pick up a couple of VR workbooks and figured it might be just as easy to get there as I was sure they couldn’t be *that* much more expensive than the five quid it was from amazon. No prices on the book and I nearly fell on the floor when it rang up at £7.99 each!!! Needless to say I told them to leave them and have since ordered from Amazon!! Have ummed and ahhed about these books for ages as they are so expensive, but hoping they’ll go down well. The sample papers certainly have.

We picked up some good kids books about rocks and minerals in the library and spent some time on the tram reading them. I might try and get the usborne one as I like that. Always good to have a light reading option for myself too (The Introducing Geology is what I have bought today for me.)

I thought we might head to the museum but the kids didn’t want to so it was a quick (hollow laugh) trip in and out of the city.

Home and M introduced A to Roblox. I have to say they have been fab today, really nicely playing together especially when waiting for me to get things done. Playing eye-spy, tig and just being generally nice. They have been having a bickering phase for quite some time so feel I ought to celebrate this!!

I was out before James got back and had a good evening learning more about minerals. All our chemistry we’d done recently came in handy when talking about the negative charges of elements and structure so I didn’t feel too out of depth (sometimes I’ve wondered if I ever did go to my Higher Chemistry classes!!!). I loved the idea of the Earth’s Chemistry Set and the elements that most of the crust is made up of I may have to tell the kids all about it tomorrow

It’s felt like a busy day and not loads to show for it today. Alex and I were up early to take James to work so we could have the car, but when we came back we had a nice snuggle in bed and snoozed a bit more so the early start didn’t seem too bad. I needed to go to the bank so we got up early-ish so we didn’t hit the crowds too much. Of course that seemed to take the whole morning up

M and Babs’ B were delivered back to my house just before lunchtime so it got a bit noisier. They’d had a fab party with cooking sausages on a fire, flour bombing, paintball shooting and lots of cool stuff. We had a quick lunch while watching some horrible histories and set off to see Babs and do science. We listened to The Planets edition of the Music Box collection on the way over.

Science was good. We were very efficient and didn’t waste too much time having tea and chatting and got straight down to chapter 5 of the physics book (still amazed we’ve kept up with it all!!) which was about chemical energy and cell batteries. The experiment was to make a voltaic cell battery with pennies and worked fairly well I think. We definitely got electricity and it went up as the cells increased, but was a bit erratic which could have been us being useless with the volt meter Tried to make sure we did the whole scientific method that we’d talked about last time we did science (which was 2 weeks ago now!).

The boys were quite tired through it all though so we decided we’d not do latin and actually we left earlier than planned as Barbara was decorating and seemed to be wanting to get back to it. It worked well as it meant we’d get back in plenty of time to pick James up as I was worrying about traffic.

Had an hour at home and then I was panicking that I couldn’t find the car keys to go back out and get James. I had left them in the ignition! I don’t think I’ve ever done that before!! Ugh. So rushed to get him, then we headed to meadowhall to get some bits and bobs and spend more birthday money (more Sylvanians!!).

It was bedtime when we got back and sorely needed. James had been feeling a bit odd at Meadowhall and I’ve had a funny headache today - hoping nothing much, probably just the bright lights in the shopping centres, I know I feel really ill inside Tesco’s when I ever venture in there. Really strange! I’ve got a weekend of field trips and some halloween parties so not sure how much pc time will be available (still lots I hope! )

M has been *very* excited today as it’s the day of his first sleepover he’s had without the rest of us. It’s a friends ds’s party and he’s into survival stuff so they’re building a fire and doing some other cool stuff I think.

But he wasn’t due to be going until 3.30pm so it was a long day with an over excited boy. I tried to take his mind of it by getting on with some work - we did some graphing of halloween stuff which we found from this site, which both of them really liked doing. M spent a bit of time on it but once he was done was keen to do something else. So he did his reading and some verbal reasoning. I read a bit of Our Island Story and some nature stories too while we had lunch. A did lots of the graphing and spent ages on it as she tends to do and did both the pumpkin and frankenstein.

I sent M up to play on the playstation thinking it would keep him occupied, but it didn’t really and he kept coming back downstairs asking how long it would be until he was going out *sigh*

Telly was on at some point too with some Backyard Science and various cbbc rubbish.

A decided to do some science at some point and looked through the books for an experiment, eventually settling on the Science in the Kitchen book and making sherbert. M came down and joined in, and it was quite a cool thing to do. I’ve never thought about how sherbert fizzes but (if it’s a similar thing in real sherbert) it makes sense I guess!

A then decided to do some chromotography like we’d done before and spent ages doing that. M got picked up and all was quiet until A decided to listen to Glee - argh!

Early tea, waited for J to come home and quickly out to Badgers. A was a bit upset that they didn’t give her a birthday card as she says they normally give one to whoever has a birthday. *sigh* But she’s quite robust and got over it quite quickly. She had a late night after watching Autumnwatch, and AW unsprung and looking at this fab website for science stuff. Hide the credit card!!!!

I do have pictures, shall put them up tomorrow

Yesterday was A’s birthday so started a bit early so she could see James before work. She was very happy with a surprise pressie she’d had from M, which was a cuddly meerkat now named Simples She got lots of Sylvanian Families too, but she knew about those

We didn’t have much planned for the day at all except a morning at Potteric Carr to do Big Draw stuff. Unfortunately the weather was bloomin awful, but as we’d arranged to meet with a friend there we still went along. We listened to Alice in Wonderland on the way there from the StoryNory site which is quite good. Don’t think I’ve ever heard the actual story and I only know the disney version.

The rain was on and off but I knew they had an indoor area so figured it would be ok and it was and they had some painting of giant wooden bugs to be put on the sensory garden. A happily painted lots but M didn’t want to join in at all and requested maths instead (!!!???!!!). This is M we’re talking about! So I wrote him some work with fractions. I think his reasoning was so he could go on the playstation as soon as possible at home *rolls eyes* He did eventually join in a bit doing some natural art with leaves and pinecones and making pictures. He made a coral snake

I treated the kids to lunch at the nature reserve and then we headed to the nearby Toysrus to locate the elusive sylvanian meerkat family. Job done

The afternoon was spent playing with new toys and icing the birthday cake. We had a flying, but lovely, visit from the Babs and then rushed to pick James up from work.

A was very pleased with how the cake turned out. She worked very hard on it and we recycled last years candles and the cakes trim that we had for Saturday with friends

Today hasn’t been as planned, as the title of the blog states. I had visions of going for a nice bike ride in the sunshine and some exciting things going on, maybe science experiments? As it was, M was snotty with what seems to be my cold and he didn’t want to go out. Being indoors helped me so I figured it would be good for him too. I managed to get M a doctors appointment for mid morning as he’s had a lump on his ear for at least a month now, probably longer. So before that both kids played more sylvanians then we went out for a wait. Being made to watch lifetv in the waiting room makes it drag oh so slooooow but eventually got seen and the dr thinks it could be a small cyst that might be infected so he has some cream for it. After the long wait we decided we’d have elevenses as a treat and polished off the rest of the birthday cake

The afternoon was a bit slow and we just bumbled around. The kids explored Cyberchase and we also watched a few Schoolhouse Rocks multiplication songs on you tube. We had a surprise visit from a friend and his baby so that entertained A for a bit.

We watched the mammal episode of Life before bath and bed.

A was 9 yesterday!

You know, I never wanted a little girl. I don’t know why, maybe it was becuase I was too much trouble myself! A was such a lovely easy baby, until about 10 months when she changed into a completely mad child. She’s always been pretty mad and impulsive since then, completely different to M.

In the last year or so, she’s really started to grow up, lots of changes going on. I’m waiting for the hormonal grumps to start but so far she’s just eternally happy and full of sunshine (actually it’s possible she saves her grumps for M, he gets an earful quite a lot!) I love when I have to wake her up in the morning, she’s never grumpy and just opens her eyes and gives me a huge smile

I wonder what being 9 will be like

2006 (linked from a friends photostream)

2007

2008

2009

2010

I’m pretty glad I have my little girl now

My 400th post well according to the dashboard when I write the blog. Surely it can’t be right though?

Anyway, I’ve had a quiet day today. I can feel the cold on my chest and I’m worried about it progressing to a horrid cough, so just chilling at home. Another gorgeous day though, always is when I stay in.

We’ve been productive though, M has made a really good start to the week (I may have refrained from telling them both it’s half term…) and got going with lots of ‘normals’ at the start of the day. Some maths, reading, non VR, copywork were done really quickly. I’ve thought that maybe the best way forward for M is to try and get him to do about 5 or 6 things before he goes off an does his computer things. He likes to get stuff out of the way early. So he did that today, A is having a less pressured try at it. She’s happy to spend the day pottering and doing stuff so we’ll see how that goes. I imagine there will be lots of leaning on her to do her maths and reading. I know she did choose a new book to read today, but she hasn’t touched it *rolls eyes*. No maths done, but she has done lots of hama beading, colouring, non VR, baking (birthday cake) and choosing books.

Oh yeah, we played some games today too. A chose to play Junior Monopoly so we all played that and I wiped the floor with them both A also played yahtzee on her own and then M and I had a game of chess. I won that too Maybe I should have been more rubbish

I’ve done more sorting of the books we have and I need to get them into piles to freecycle / sell on amazon. Can’t face ebay. All looking better and feel good that lots of clutter gone. Still need more bookshelves (or wall space)

Anyway, off to say goodnight to an 8 year old for the last time.

I have my first cold of the winter I don’t suffer too badly from colds so maybe I should be pleased, but ugh, fed up of this one already!

Friday wasn’t science and latin as normal as Barbara was getting things together for a party at the weekend so I helped her out (by sitting chatting to her ) and as it was her DS’s birthday the kids just had a nice time playing. They were also joined by more friends in the evening.

Saturday I was working and after that we headed back to Barbara’s for a science party. Much fun was had with mentos and coke, static electricity (courtesy of a v. cool Van de Graaf generator!), marshmallow molecules, blowing balloons up with yeast and a few more. But mosly lots of time having fun. I got to have fun with my friends too, always a bonus Might add pics later on.

Sunday was busy as I needed to get a draft of work done for uni and I really wanted to visit the area I was writing about again, which isn’t far away, but I hadn’t managed it so far. So James and I went for a walk there in the morning and the kids spent the morning with their grandad. After that we headed to toysrus for A to spend some birthday money (and so she can have something to open tomorrow!) and spent lots on Sylvanians as someone had pointed out that they had a free Koala family if you spent £40. Was a no brainer for A Then after that we went to see my parents to have an early birthday tea for A at McDonalds. Was nice

Home and we watched Autumnwatch while I finished the last bits of my draft portfolio task and sent it. Phew. Only a draft, but first bit of work done!

Hoping for a quiet day today as I am still feeling rather rough and I don’t think being out in the cold will help, so a day in before uni tonight. Printing out some ticksheets for this week (went down v. well last week, A is particularly happy to have ideas to do) and some verbal and non verbal reasoning samples from here. Kids are enthused to get a bookcase if they have 2 weeks of lots of ticks!! I said to try and do 30 ticks, but really we had a busy week so M only did 27 and so I said would be fine. A of course had to get 30 so was busy doing stuff till late last night with the microscope and reading mags! Lol!

but productive ones also I’m not really one for having busy days, out and about, so when home educators say things like “home eductaion? We’re never at home!” I always cringe. We like to be at home, sometimes I crave it, and sometimes we even go a few days without going out of the house *shock* I know lots of people who aren’t like that, and seem to rush from one activity to the next, always brandishing diaries and lamenting at not being able to fit things in. That quote seems to be one of the often trotted out lines when questioned about HE nowadays, along with the ‘how normal is it to socialise with 30 kids your own age’. Maybe I’m just getting old, but ugh, hate all the this is what HE’ers actually do things not what your stereotype says. What happens if you *shock horror* do actually do some of the things that is stereotypical? Hmmm.

I’ve no idea where that came from, I think I’m feeling a bit stressy.

Anyway, back to what we’ve been up to. Tuesday started quite late, having slept in We made a start with some ticksheet stuff, maths came from the Primary Grade Challenge Math book. Did levels 1 & 2 of fractions. M read his book, A forgot *roll* um, what else… (glances at tick sheets and curses the fact I don’t date them ) oh yeah read some Our Island Story - we’re reading about King Arthur now. Tempted to get King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (Junior Classics) but should curb the purchases for a bit especially due to storage issues.

We also did a bit of art courtesy of Sketch Tuesday which I’d seen mentioned in a few places but hadn’t twigged was the same blogger who does the nature study blog I’ve been looking at lately too. Anyway, I ran the idea past the kids and they were really up for trying to do it. So the idea was to draw something you see in an art gallery. Here was what we came up with. No colour I’m afraid, just pencil drawings that I hope can be seen ok.

A’s effort

M’s - I like how he added in The Scream and that Escher painting with the stairs

and mine

M spent a couple of hours in the afternoon on the computer and I think A pottered around playing with various toys. We headed to the supermarket in the evening to get some shopping in and when home sat down and watch the reptile and amphibian episode of David Attenburgh’s Life which was pretty cool. Nice to all sit and watch something and I haven’t seen that series before. I must have missed the first episode as it’s being repeated on BBC4 I think (we saw it on iplayer).

Today started not quite so late and has been a lovely day weatherwise, although seemed very cold when I hung out some washing so although I kept thinking maybe I should have just wrapped up and gone out it didn’t seem too bad an idea to be inside. The sun streams through our kitchen which makes it a nice place to be so we sat at the table and made a start with our work (oh to have a conservatory ). I’d said to the kids that I’d make sure we got lots of ticks today as I had lots planned to get through and we did. Maths (more fractions), reading, narration, dictation, copywork, I read some stories, we listened to Classics for Kids about Bach and his brood of kids, and we also made a start on the Galore Park Junior Science Book 1 we borrowed ages ago from Helen *blush*. Kids both wanted to do different chapters but we settled on the first about the human body after flipping a coin. We’ll see how it goes and if we like doing it and manage it regularly enough I’ll buy my own copy! Looking forward to the Rocks chapter and hoping it can help my studies

M did more computer time after lunch and A helped me tidying and also had a stint of ‘Animal Fact Finding’ which was an idea I had for their ticksheets. She decided to find out some bits about Badgers and so we typed up a page of facts that she’d found out. Looked at the classification, found the latin name (which also came up in the Fantastic Mr Fox film too) and added some pics too. We’ll print them out and put them in a folder for her I think. She enjoyed doing it. She forgets lots about how we classify mammals etc, which I remember was such a basic thing for me when I was younger and maybe I forget that she doesn’t knnow iykwim. Shall work on it more I think. She later spent ages writing out all the other animals she wants to do fact sheets on. She’s so busy and spends ages just doing odd things (mostly putting things in order - she’s very orderly!), it’s quite nice just watching her.

M decided at some point to try and get me to sort the cupboard under the stairs out which really needed doing but is such a huge job. I really should have left it, but he’d been ferreting about and made a mess so I decided to just go for it. I *really* should have left it as I’m not going to get it looking how I want and I still have too much stuff and I’m out for most of tomorrow so can’t really do more then. Argh!!!!! Got me really grumpy too which wasn’t the best way to finish the day (but may explain the beginning of the blog).

So all in all a nice couple of days at home, much needed I have to say! Busy day again tomorrow with another film and maybe swimming after lunch.

Another film to see this morning. Today was Fantastic Mr Fox which both kids really enjoyed. I thought it was ok, but nothing more, just a bit meh I thought. There was someone giving a small talk on film classification beforehand and they wanted us all to look at the film and think about all the bits that might make it a U or PG and then he went over it all afterwards. V. interesting

As we were in the city we took ourselves to the Winter Gardens again for lunch and we decided to have a look in the Ruskin Gallery nearby. We’d all just finished listening to King of the Golden River by John Ruskin so the kids were interested to see it with that fresh in their minds. It’s not a gallery about him, but more his collections I think. Interesting anyway and lots of good nature studies that were pertinent to things we’d done before. Both kids wanted to do the family trail worksheet so we did that including some bit of poetry where the first word is using letters that will spell something else. I think there is a name for that kind of poetry but I can’t remember it now. Anyway here was a couple of their efforts:

M-

Perched
Each day
Longing
In case
Catching
A
Nibble

A-

Proudly
Eating
Looking
Into
Clear
Autumn
Night

After we’d done that we walked up to my uni and I showed the kids all the different buildings that make up the uni. Now that I actually know a bit about them, we’d been past loads of times before! But A especially is interested in it all and wanted to know where I went. Loads of interesting buildings anyway, all different and there’s even a church that they hold lectures in. We’d gone there so I could collect my student card and get my computer account - grr at everything taking so long. It’s like wading through treacle!

A wanted to go to Weston Park museum since we were near, M didn’t so we decided to go just to look at one area and only for a short time. Went to the nature bit, pleased to see that they have some bees back and spent a bit looking round there.

When we got home I encouraged the kids to look at their ticksheets and do some stuff so the read some of their chapter books and did some maths. They might have done more stuff but I was out in the evening and they were in bed when I got back. So shall see in the morning! Looking forward to a sleep in tomorrow, have had about 5 early mornings in a row and I’ve had enough now!

our home ed is never static that’s for sure. I’m always trying new things out and seeing if other approaches work for us. A few friends of mine have been using timetables and lists for their kids to tick off and I’d been pondering giving something like that a go. An idea is also to have an incentive if you get enough ticks which I’ve not implemented yet but might do if I can think of something suitably cheap enough but not crud! We don’t have enough bookshelves to add too many books to. Maybe my first thing should be that if they get so many ticks I’ll buy them a bookshelf…

So I’d tried laminating a bit of a timetable with things I wanted to do in the week and we checked off what we’d done. I kept losing it though and really it was only the things that *I* wanted them to do on it and not other things they might choose to do. So having looked at Helen’s ticksheet I’ve tried that approach. It’s not that much different though, but giving it a go.

Basically I’ve printed of a chart with various things on it that I would like them to do in a week and we’ve added in other things that they like doing too like reading Horrible Histories magazines or making comics or models etc. Just some ideas of things that they can choose to do or not. I’ve not set an aim for how many ticks to do. I think I’ll give it a week or 2 and see how many we’re actually achieving first! So far A has done 17 things and M has done 18. Hmmmm. I like the idea of having a sheet a week as I can tweak it as much as I want and keep a copy for my records/if the LA come calling (as they are due I think - shhh!)

Both are quite happy with the idea so far too, A has it in her head that she wants to do everything on the list which might be a bit of a struggle! We’ll see how it pans out anyway, I like trying out different things

It’s that time of year again for lots of films - yup National Schools Film Week!

But first, it seems the RI has changed their decision to discriminate against HE’ers which is great news! Still a bit of an undertone of not wanting home educators there in my view, but at least the option is there again at an equal cost for everyone.

So back to films. We hadn’t planned on seeing any this week, but a friend couldn’t make it to 2 films and said we could take their place if we wanted. So Thursday morning we saw Diary of a Wimpy Kid which I thought was ok. I couldn’t quite work out if we were meant to like the main character throughout and I don’t think he changed his ideas of ‘being popular = most important thing ever’ in it. Kids enjoyed it though so thought I shouldn’t lecture them about it A said the book was much better than the film!

We spent Thursday afternoon at home just trying to catch our breath - been so busy! James took lots of calls about jobs and work and managed to get himself employed again which is good Evening was Badgers, A is struggling with it there. She likes it but quite often she doesn’t want to make the effort to go. I don’t think it’s really that exciting for her, but shall encourage her to stay until Xmas when she’ll get her next badges at least. She’s already sure she won’t do cadets so she only has a year left there anyway.

Watched Autumnwatch afterwards which is always nice

Friday was another early start to watch Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief which we also have the book of but haven’t read. We all very much enjoyed it (well I covered my eyes at the Medusa bit as I had nightmares about her as a child!!) and I think I’ll maybe read the book myself now. All very relevant as been having a bit of Greek Myths in with out Minimus latin books that we’ve started with Barbara. We straight to Barbara’s after the cinema for lunch (shall soon get used to the homemade soup she makes me) and science/latin

Latin is going really well, much better than I expected. We’re all really enjoying the Minimus books and as this weeks topic was about food we decided that instead of an experiment we’d do a bit of baking instead so made some Roman cookies. They weren’t too bad

This is A and R finishing up spooning them on to the baking sheet. The boys did help too but had disappeared at this point!

Not doing an experiment for science worked well too as we couldn’t load the books we’d been using and so couldn’t see what we needed. We’ll save that for next week. Physics is going quite well too, I think we had a little blip doing Biology in the group as the experiments weren’t quite so exciting. We’re all enjoying it though. So what we did do was read a bit of a biography from here about Isaac Newton as he’s been cropping up quite a lot and we wrote out and decorated the ’scientific method’ on some bits of paper and laminated them to go on the wall as that keeps coming up too and we all have to remind ourselves of it so figured a visual thing might be helpful. As an activity it went down well though.

I wasn’t feeling too well in the evening so ignored everyone for a bit so I could feel better for the weekend. Have had a field tutorial out and about today and tomorrow James and I are off on a photography day. Looking forward to that - wish I had a better camera though. Mine is utter cr*p! Might see the kids at some point this weekend

*edit* realise I have totally forgotton to write about our ticksheets we’ve tried this week. Shall try and do it later or tomorrow. *shakes head at self*

When we were listening to our Great Scientists cd yesterday that I mentioned here I really enjoyed learning about the life of Michael Faraday, and especially of his connection to the Royal Institute of Great Britain.

If I’m honest, I’d never actually heard of the Royal Institute before a few friends of mine had taken their children to some of their educational lectures. Home educated children are welcomed at the lectures and from what I heard of them they were well attended. I don’t think I’d ever heard a bad thing said about them. I wished we lived much closer to London to be able to attend too and wanted to make it to at least one at some point if it was ever financially viable for us. Travel to London from Sheffield can be reasonable but I’ve not found anything that would have fitted with the times of the lectures anyway and so hadn’t looked for a while.

It seems I might be as well not to look in the future as the lectures are no longer to be free as they have been. What’s more the RI are now charging home educators 4 times more than school children! (The link doesn’t show the increase - it is proposed to be £1.50 each for schools, £6 for HE kids and £8 for adults) I’m really disappointed in the discrimination showed by the RI in this. If this amount is kept then we definitely won’t ever be able to go to a lecture as it would be £12 for the kids to attend, then £8 for me to go with them and then I’d have to get to London. Nope, not looking good.

Which is a shame really, but more of a shame for people who regularly attended these things and make use of it more. Charging is fine for these kind of things, especially in times that are financially difficult like now, but I can’t see any reason why home educators can’t be charged the same as schools.

I do wonder what Michael Faraday would have thought about it all.

Monday started fairly badly. I get a tram ticket to go to my tutorials on mondays and so I thought it would be a good idea to make more use of it and try and go somewhere in the day time on that day. So I’d decided to get our work done quickly in the morning and set off into Sheffield for lunch and for an amble around in the afternoon.

The kids are such dawdlers though (is that a word?) and if not cajoled and reminded to do things can easily take all morning to get dressed, brush teeth, etc etc. Monday morning was this kind of day and I was grumpy with them as well as I’d had not very much sleep the night before (serves me right for my sleep in on Sunday!). I was in 2 minds whether to go out, but decided to try as I do feel much better about stuff if we’re active and get some fresh air. So off we tootled.

They brought some notepads and spent the entire tram journey doodling and I showed them how I did a cartoon dog and cartoon faces which is all I ever decided to do when I was a kid and the only thing I can really do now. We got off at the station, looked at the trains, looked at how to see what trains go where on the information boards and then did the whole oohing over the fountains outside. They spent ages running up a really steep edge of the fountain.

Then we walked up past Sheffield Hallam Uni, past the water features there and dodging the students and the leaflet-ers. By now this was feeling very reminiscent of a day out in Sheffield we had 2 and a half (eek!) years ago.

It was feeling slightly chilly so we decided to have lunch in the Winter Gardens and passed a new exhibition in the Galleries about art in between the 2 world wars so decided we’d go back to see that once we’d eaten. It was really good, loads of interesting art that fitted nicely with M’s passion and A is just easily pleased anyway

One of the things I wanted to see in Sheffield was the Wild Planet photo exhibition. Both kids were keen to look at it too so we headed that way, passing more water features

The sun was shining by now, and we squinted our way around pictures. Some fantastic shots there, some nice facts about animals on the boards. Just really nice and pleasant way to look at them all, of course the sun helped!

We were getting tired by then, so decided to head back as I needed to get tea done and go out to uni. Lots of time spent on the tram by me, but a good day where it could have stayed bad, so glad I turned it around.

Tuesday, erm, can’t remember….. oh yeah, morning was more work have instigated a little tick sheet with ideas of what things we could do in a week. M decided he’d like comic book making on his and spent a good deal of the day doing that. A was inspired too and is currently making her own too. James had his last day at work and so we did a library visit in the afternoon, picking up a book on Boudicca as the kids have both been interested in her from Horrible Histories on the telly. Bit of a boring afternoon/evening tbh!

Today we got up early with a view to getting out to Bradgate Park in Leicestershire. We’d watched Autumnwatch last week with the deer rut and fancied seeing it, so since James was going to be at home we thought we’d make a day of it as our weekends are looking pretty full for a bit now

On the way down we listened to Great Scientists and Their Discoveries (Junior Classics) which I’d been hankering after for ages. Actually I want all of the similar cd’s and couldn’t decide which one to go for so hadn’t bought, but actually we’ve been learning a bit about Gallileo and Newton in Physics so this one seemed to be a good starter. James likes listening to music in the car though and so though he might grump at it being on, but he enjoyed listening to it too. I think we all learned lots from it!

Bradgate Park was lovely. James had taken the kids there one Saturday I’d been working and raved about it so it was nice to be able to see it too. Saw deer as soon as we got there, and spent loads of time just taking photos and watching them.

A lovely day. We popped in to see relatives who live nearby on the way back too which was a nice end to it.

:D

Somewhere in the land of Twitter someone had an idea to take 10 photos for 10.10.10. I stole the idea from Jax. I think maybe the idea was to take a photo for every hour? I didn’t do that and just took some pics and thought maybe I could also have this as our home ed day in pictures? I thought it would make a nice contrast to previous years as well as it’s on a weekend day. Previous years are 2009 and can’t seem to find any other years atm

I always worry with these things in case we end up having a horrid, boring day, but since we had a day out planned, I figured it was worth a try!!!

It was a *very* late start this morning. I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t managed a sleep in and I do like my sleep! So it was 11am before I was up *blush*. M was up and playing on Roblox and A got up about the same time as me. She’s a bit of an owl that girl.

Once we’d had brunch I had found the new Yeo Valley advert on you tube and showed A it - lol it was very funny and she then proceeded to show M and James

M read a bit of his science magazines

while James started to wash the car.

We’d planned to go to the local nature reserve for Seed Saving Sunday, but James wanted to finish his car so he dropped us off down there and I took the kids on my own. It was a very enjoyable afternoon, helped by the most gorgeous weather we’ve been having.

First we went on a walk around the reserve collecting lots of seeds and looking at the different ways in which seeds get dispersed.

Then we came back to the centre and planted some. We now have a hazlenut and various shrubs like wild rose and elder to find a home for (if they germinate)

This is us waiting for James to pick us up when it was over. Had a lovely afternoon out, was only us and one other family though. Always seems such a shame they’re not better attended.

So home again and A decided to play with some marbles. We’d had them out as we’d been doing some physics experiments with them on Friday. Helen had posted a photo of marbles for her 10.10.10 photo so I wanted to get a photo of her playing but argh the camera was playing up!!

M played more Roblox

Then tea and afterwards we decided to look at some of the seeds we’d found under the microscope.

First sorting through what we had.

then looking at them (notice a lack of M - he did look a little bit but he really wasn’t *that* interested)

By then I dissappeared upstairs to watch Countryfile and the kids settled down to watch a film downstairs so I could also do some studying, and then that was the end of the day! And nearly finished the blog in time for 10.10pm on the 10/10/10

I’m feeling really positive lately and really feel like I should share as I am probably sometimes a bit of a glass half empty person and there is lots to be happy about at the moment.

The kids seem to be growing up so much lately, every time I look at them they seem to be different and taller. M especially is nearly catching me up (not hard!). M went through quite a challenging bit through the summer, he’s quite grumpy quite a lot and we had lots of strops, especially on holiday. He still does strop, but I think we’re probably all handling it a bit better (himself included) and he’s seeming a bit better. All helps with the general feeling. Maybe getting down to a bit more work and a lot less telly has helped too. He’s really good at getting on with his work on a morning, which is generally reading his book, maths and some copywork or dictations. It’s not a lot to ask of him but he gets it done so that after lunch, if we’re in, he can go on Roblox. Don’t ask me what that is, but he loves it.

I must mention his reading too. He’s found a book he loves! Almost all of his best reads have been books set in WW2 times. He loved The War and Freddy, and also he liked the various Sparks and Home Front books like this

But what he’s really liked lately, and I think shows a bit of a leap in his ability is the My Story books

I was a bit worried when it arrived as it was quite a thick book, being 3 in one, and I thought might put him off. But he gave it a go and is really enjoying it and coming out with all sorts of random ww2 facts. He keeps saying that he wishes that the main character was in all of the books which I think is great as I think it shows him really making a connection with the story rather than just reading it to get through it as quick as possible.

I’ll have to keep thinking about things to keep that going though, some Michael Morpurgo books might go down well. Shall have to try and offer them and see how he does. James is impressed as I think he sees M a bit like him and already he’s reading more than James ever did as a child

A’s reading has come on leaps and bounds recently too. She has the dreaded Rainbow Fairy books, which have languished on her shelf for so long now unloved and all of a sudden has dived into them. Helped, I think, that one of her friends is reading them too and I think a bit of competition there (until she realised her friend wasn’t reading them herself, but having them read to her by her mum!). She’s had the first series on the go for a bit now and been enjoying them so much.

She’s also been reading, in between the fairy books, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, which is a bit more of a leap for her. It’s quite a big book, lots of pages, but the writing is like handwriting so not as much as it would be if it was print. But she’s finished it today and I think that it is such an achievement for her. This time last year she was just getting to grips with fluency, and certainly last summer she did the reading challenge at the library herself, but with very simple, very short readers (about 10 pages type things!). SO in a year, I think she’s progressed really well.

Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised, but M & A have both been late readers, don’t particularly have bookworms for parents, and it’s been one of those things that always feels like a Big Thing especially seeing other kids grasping it so easy, or wanting to do it so much, or just generally reading at their ‘age level’ or above. We’ve been on the edge of feeling like we’ve made good progress for a while and I think A finishing that book today and M declaring how much he liked his book has just pushed me past the edge to a place where I can no longer worry about it all.

Oh and I nearly forgot! Big news. I mentioned that we had been taking photographs for a competition a month or 2 back. Well, M has been lucky enough to have been shortlisted for the final in that competition, in the Discovery category! It was with his fungi photo that also earned him loads of praise on that workshop we did.

He has some stiff competition, but out of 1500 entries I think he’s done fantastic whatever.

I was a bit worried about A’s reaction. She’d been the one most interested in doing the competition and had done some lovely pictures herself, but unfortunately wasn’t shortlisted. I told her first in case she needed to get out any upset, but she was the most fantastically supportive sister I could ever have wished for. She was just happy for M to be there. I was very proud of that reaction.

Like I said. Growing up

so I’m going to focus on yesterday and the weekend

The weekend had me at work on Saturday, some housework in the day (which given it was a lovely day I was grumpy at - wanted to go out!) and then off out on a live mammal trapping workshop (just me) in the evening where I learned how to lay traps to catch small mammals like mice and voles. I won’t be doing it myself any time soon I don’t think, but was interesting to learn about and it fits nicely with my uni work I’m doing at the moment (I’m doing this foundation degree at Sheffield Uni). I’d done the releasing of traps as part of an organised event before but it was really different actually setting them yourself as you feel a definite responsibility for the animals.

So having set the traps I *had* to be up early to release them on Sunday morning. But ugh, what a change in weather - it was awful!!! I was fretting so much that I would sleep in so had a rubbish nights sleep and then seeing the weather I was so worried I’d set them rubbish and that would let lots of water in and potentially make the animal wet (and maybe die!). However all were fine, and one of my traps caught a bank vole which was ever so cute We didn’t handle or weigh them though as it was just the worst weather so we let them go straight away. I was absolutely soaked by the end (need to buy waterproof tousers!!!) and drove home and went back to bed

We had a lazy lazy day for the rest of Sunday It was supposed to be the Apple Day at the local orchard we’ve been to the past 2 years, but on looking outside - nope, I wasn’t going out in it! (not doing well in my quest to get us out and about!)

Monday was good. It was another gorgeous day, so warm that I had to keep reminding myself it was October! I managed to get a sleep in, get us all to the bank/library/shop and home again and do some work all before lunch.

So after lunch we headed out to a local footpath I’d not been to before but on looking at google maps seemed might be a nice little walk and was a hidden little bit of nature amongst the houses. Honestly I am so rubbish at knowing what is right under my nose! The kids took bikes and we went off exploring. It was lovely, made better by nice weather of course, and we found a field with horses too. Just had a really nice time exploring around, found some bugs and looked at them in the bug viewer A remembered to bring along. A lovely day. Walked back via the church and M pretty much cycled all the way home himself, crossing 2 busy roads without me (gulp).

I think what I am loving about home ed at the moment is just how interested the kids are in stuff. I’d had my first Geology tutorial on Monday evening and I was showing the kids the rock samples I was given and telling them what I’d learned about how chalk was formed. This was the first link I found , maybe some better if I searched more. But they are just so interested and it never feels like I am lecturing them. I love it.

Another ‘love it’ moment I had on holiday was when we took ourselves off to the Royal Armouries museum. This is so up M’s street, all cannons and weapons and war. Not so for A and I did wonder whether she might think it was boring and be a bit fed up being there. But no, she absolutely loved it, managed to find something there she loved (the tunnels) and lapped it up. She might not have learned about cannons much but I know she gets so much out the day and I love that neither of them find museums ‘boring’.

Was thinking I wouldn’t have any pics (must bring camera out more) but shall add one or two of the museum now that I have gone off on a tangent…

Well it’s truly autumn now! I’ve been meaning to blog a fab holiday we had with friends about a month ago now and I haven’t done it. So am going to draw a line and start a fresh or I’ll keep putting off blogging.

September always seems to be a good time to start afresh with work and getting back to looking at goals and aims and what we all want to get out of HE. Having a holiday at the beginning of this time wasn’t the best idea!!! I always want to get back to it all but know there isn’t much point until we’re all back and settled again. Sometimes it can be really hard to get into it and before you know it it’s half term and the kids want to go and play with their friends all the time again! So this year, I’ve tried extra hard

M would now be in Year 6 (the last year of primary school!) and A would be in Yr 4 as far as I know. I don’t like to look at the year groups too much as then it leads to thinking about what they’re capable of, and if I’m behind/ahead etc. But really being in the last year of primary is a bit of a jolt! I don’t have any worries about either of the children’s education, and what we’ve achieved I think has been done without much (if any) loss of confidence in their abilities and really that is the main thing for us. But I do think they would be ‘behind’ in Maths at the very least and we don’t do much writing so I suspect if they decided to go to school one day that would be a shock to the system. Their reading is fine and they have such a broad scope of interests that I don’t feel any need to worry that much. Of course we are due an LEA meeting one day soon (meep!).

So I’ve been hankering after a bit more structure lately. We’ve gone back to our Charlotte Mason leanings and have started some short lesson in the mornings. Bit of maths, bit of copywork, have started trying prepared dictations to help with spelling (I *like* this way of doing stuff - time will tell if effective or not though!!!), history and literature reading and narrations. We’ve started nature journals and we’re trying to get outside as much as possible. We’ve started doing Physics and Latin at our science day alongside friends. Really enjoying this!

I know I’ll probably not keep it all up, but it would be nice if I could. I love the CM philosophy and when I do try and incorporate it all it feels right and not too forced.

Hmm, that was a bit of a bitty blog. Shall try and keep it all updated from now on though!

but not necessarily together

Both kids, but particularly A, have been interested in a bit of photography lately and A has entered a couple of pictures in the Woodland Trust Nature Detectives photography competition. I saw that there was a wildlife photography afternoon at Potteric Carr which is a Yorkshire wildlife trust reserve in Doncaster so decided to go along. We’d never been there before and it’s a nice place, with lots of walks.

In one of the first hides we saw something swimming but it was too far away to see what it was. We took some photos anyway and tried to zoom in and on getting home and seeing the pics we think it was a Roe deer! Seems they have them in that part of the reserve and it had a vague resemblence!! I was impressed anyway

We had lunch before the photography workshop which was quite good, nothing too in depth, but enough for the kids to be getting on with. They spoke about the rule of thirds and macro and just looking for interesting things. M had such great fun, he was so enthusiastic it was great to see. He wasn’t going to join in but decided to in the end.

One of the mums there was really helpful to him and gave him ideas to get really low down to take a pic of some fungi which I think produced one of his better photos. These were my 2 faves from him:

and my faves from A

which looks like it has an owl face on it!

They both really enjoyed it and at the end they gave them some little frames and asked everyone to choose a scene, using the tips they’d learned, and show the leaders what they’d ‘photographed’ as a competition. M came 3rd in this and, oh my goodness, I’ve never seen such a happy little guy! They all came away with a prize of a wildlife trust bag and leaflets/magazines/bumpf.

A made friends with a boy there and it turned out he’s home educated! We’ll hopefully see them all again on Monday when they have a bushcraft event

Yesterday I was feeling oh so very tired and so we blobbed about for the day. A had badgers in the evening and we decided to go for a walk to Steel Henge while she was there as it’s just down the road a bit. We went a few weeks ago and liked it, and also met a couple who said they’d seen a kingfisher so I really wanted to go back. Unfortunately it rained as soon as it was time to go, but we still went out. James was a bit grumpy but M and I had a fab time even in the rain. I am pretty sure I heard a kingfisher too on the river, and did see a bird fly under the bridge, but I’m not completely sure it was one. Must go back and spend lots of time there.

So the rain kept coming down and I was sure the bat walk wouldn’t happen. I said we’d leave it till 8.15pm and decide whether to chance going out. As it happened the rain stopped about 8.20pm and so we all bundled into the car and decided to rush down to the nature reserve. It’s the local one again so not far to go. I was convinced it would be cancelled, but the kids were so excited and wanted to go so we did. James stayed home as cold and damp aren’t a great combination for his joints

There was a little talk before hand in the visitor centre so actually even without the walk it would have been worth it and someone from the local bat group had brought a rescued bat in too so we saw a little Pipistrelle - awww!! We headed out in the rain with the bat detectors and didn’t have much luck to be honest, it was just too rainy. Towards the end some people said they wanted to go, but my 2 and some others decided to stay on another 5 mins and were rewarded with a bat sighting! So only the one found, but they loved every minute of it and want to get a bat detector and do more. I’m tempted to get this kit and build our own as they are quite expensive. Maybe in time for next year I think the kids will enjoy putting it together too.

we’ve had a bit of a busy weekend. I don’t normally like being busy, especially if it involves way too much driving, but this weekend didn’t need too much so it was quite enjoyable.

Saturday morning was work for me. The kids came along too and watched a film with my brother while I worked. The weather was changeable and I was hoping that it would calm down for the afternoon as we were going along to A’s first Wildlife Watch group.

So after lunch we headed to the nature reserve, which is just down the road M was thinking of joining in, but in the end went off on a walk with James, he says he might do it next time. We know the woman who runs the group as she also does the home education group once a month too. The group was only little, 6 kids this week including A, 2 other girls who seemed to know each other very well (seems they go to school together) and 3 other boys (1 home ed ). I was a bit worried that A wouldn’t break into the girl twosome, but she managed fairly well and by the end had made firm friends The activity this time was orienteering, so not much wildlife, but this months was a special one where they got to choose what they did themselves. The girl who led the activity was also only 14 and had been in the group since she was 8 and was too old to join in anymore and so is staying on as a volunteer helper She did a great job of it, helped by giving out lollies to the group that found all the letters and unscramble the anagram (the girls won ). They also did some observation of a tree that they’ll do every month. A chose an Alder tree This will be part of the challenges that they can do towards the Watch Gold Award and I think more stuff they do in the group can go towards it too. A bit like the RSPB wildlife action awards I think (which reminds me, I need to look at that as we’ve done a few bits for it).

After the group there seemed to be a bit of a whirlwind trip around the local Tesco’s as James was looking for something. I was exhausted and just wanted to go home (as well as work and group had also been up early for a run - phew!).

Sunday started a bit late, but once up we headed for a bike ride around our local country park. Was good, A needs lots of cajoling to get round as she gets tired easily. We stopped to take some photos of the watersports going on and saw some fab little stripy caterpillars, which from a quick google looks to be a cinnabar moth larvae

After we got round so far James and M headed off ahead of us and went home and A and I stayed together. She had a bit longer play at the park there and we headed back too. Managed to spot a little woodmouse crossing our path on the way back too. A tried to catch it but it dissappeared.

In the afternoon there was a bee workshop on at the nature reserve we’d been to the day before and A was keen to go along. The man was from Sheffield Honey and he did a good talk, honey tasting (was annoyed I didn’t bring enough money to buy some though), some candle making and other crafts.

After, we had a little walk. The day before some people had seen a grass snake so we thought we’d go exploring. No snakes to be seen, but M spotted a rabbit which stayed still long enough for us all to get a decent photograph.

A good end to the day and the weekend

I have to say, I struggle with the school summer holidays. There aren’t so many HE activities on and everywhere that seems like it would be nice to visit is full of other people!

What I do like though is free things to do! Unfortunately these things sometimes attract the hordes of people so it’s a bit hit or miss as to if it turns out to be a successful day or not. One such busy day was at the start of the holidays when we went to the local RSPB reserve at Old Moor. Every wednesday in the hols they do some kids activities, and as we’re on a bit of a nature kick I thought it would be worth a go to see what it was like. After struggling to park (my worst nightmare!) we made it in and made a start on some pond dipping. It was a bit rainy but we’d come prepared with rain jackets so all was well.

We found some interesting stuff, a caddis fly larvae which was buried in a bit of reed/twig, a dragonfly larvae and some type of beetle things that I can’t remember. They were really fast though and the dragonfly larvae was having a good go at eating them as they flew round. We spent ages watching it, I loved watching the larvae’s jaws moving - really like something from a horror movie! One of the guides showed us a leech too - yuck!!

After this we headed off to do a bit of craft and have lunch. Then there was some bug hunting going on in the afternoon. the weather had improved by then so off we went with a catching net, bug jars and tried to find some stuff.

We found common blue damselflies (M was very smug that he knew that they were not dragonflies like a lot of other people nearby - we’ve done a bit of research on them recently!), a burnet moth, and other assorted bugs. There didn’t seem to be anyone too knowledgeable to ask about stuff which was a shame, but we had fun anyway. I’m not sure if there is different things on each week as we’ve not made it back (the busy-ness has put me off!) but we might try for one more session soon.

On Monday we had a trip to Hillsborough Park where there was a free Ranger activity on. We had a nice play and a picnic before heading up to get started with some orienteering. I’m sure I’ve done this before, but I don’t remember too well. A good job the first trail was easy! A took on the role of map reader mostly and M ran about like a loon finding the markers. They both really enjoyed it and I have to say it’s so nice now that they are getting to an age where you can explain what to do and they do it!! After the easy trail they both wanted to do the bigger one. They were a bit tired and whingy by the end though!

M doing the map reading of the bigger trail.

I’ve got a few more freebie events on our calendar coming up which we’ll try and make it to, always weather and mood dependent though!

before the holidays started

Just a quick post to say about a couple of nice days out we had before the start of the holidays.

We’ve been very interested in nature recently, it’s a big interest of A’s, especially if it involves cute things. M really likes bugs and although it’s not a passion of his, he’s really enjoyed our nature filled days. Our local RSPB reserve had a ‘Mammal Day’ event advertised and I decided it would be worth the early start to see what it was. We had no idea of what the day would involve so went along with an open mind. It turned out to be about small mammals and the woman leading it had set traps the night before and we were to empty them and see what we could find. The schools (except perhaps private schools) hadn’t broken up yet, and it was just a general event, not aimed specifically at kids. There was another young boy there, older than my 2 though, but the rest were adults. I’m afraid I forgot my camera which I was so annoyed about so no pics.

The leader started off emptying the traps and spoke a bit about the mammals, the first thing caught was a common shrew. She then asked for volunteers to empty some. I was very brave and did it. I figured if I did, then maybe A might have a go too. My trap had caught a woodmouse and the leader showed me how to pick it up (by it’s very small scruff of it’s neck!), so tiny and soft! A emptied the next one but she didn’t want to pick anything up. In one of the traps was a bank vole and the woman said that they don’t jump about so much so if A wanted to have it on her hand before letting it go then she could. A was so happy at this, apparantly it stayed still for just a second or so before jumping off. All in all we found a vole, lots of woodmice, a common shrew and a water shrew, plus at the end a dead water shrew too As a bonus, one of the helpers found an owl pellet and before we set off they dissected it to see what was in it (field vole). All in all a fab day - so gutted no pics though!!

I’d been meaning to go to the Tropical Butterfly House before the holidays too as our member pass doesn’t include school holidays until after 2pm. Managed it by the skin of our teeth! We had a full day out there, and managed to fit in all the demonstrations including milking a goat!!

Apparantly the meerkat there has had babies, so I suspect we’ll be back there again as soon as the schools go back.

M was 3 when I started blogging (way back in this blog), he’s just turned 10 in the last month and is getting ever so grown up. He’ll be overtaking me in height soon (not hard I know!)

This is us at the Festival of History which we went to last month. M loves history, especially World War 2. It’s his thing really. He knows an unnatural amount about guns from the era! Now that his reading has improved he’s been managing to read some easy novels about ww2 too, I must see if I can find some others that will interest him. He loved The War and Freddy, must not get tempted by amazon and search the library records instead!!

M is really interested in survival and bushcraft things lately. He wants to build fires and likes to whittle away at branches. I’d love to get him to a forest school type thing, but not sure he’d join in if I found something. Might be worth a go though.

M has always struggled with joining in groups, ever since he did football training when we were in Scotland. Something affected him there, I think it was that one time he didn’t know what to do and everyone was shouting at him, and he never wanted to go back. Since then he never wanted to join or try anything and goodness knows we tried to get him involved in things! The hard thing for me was watching him watch A at her first Badgers session and seeing that he wanted to join in, but couldn’t let himself. I’ve always wanted to give him space to sort this out himself but at the same time it’s really hard to watch as I feel he misses out so much. A started a sports session at the beginning of this year but M just wanted to watch. He went for the swim after lunch with everyone and seemed to enjoy that at least. I wanted him to at least try the sessions and he agreed to try when they changed to a new sport - trampolining. I was worried he’d back out when it started but he gave it a go, enjoyed it, and even got so far as to pass his award 4 in it. I was very proud of him

Now that M is 10 he seems all of a sudden to want more independence, wants to stay up late, wants to be left in the house if we pop to the shops, wants to go to the park alone. We’re working on making most of this but he needs to learn to tell the time before I’ll let him go off to the park!!

He can spend a lot of time indoors and needs some encouragement to get out and about, but when he does go out he is such a different person. It’s like it lights a spark in him. I’m going to try and get us out and about much more.

M is such a lovely boy, we do clash a lot though. He’s thoughtful, caring, happy, interested, interesting, loving. He’s such a daddy’s boy too, they have such a great time together.

I’m really looking forward to the next year and watching him grow and mature more. My little boy

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Now

I couldn’t find the camera yesterday so this is from then. We are busy on Thursdays doing sports and swimming and then A has badgers so prob not much coming today!

today’s theme is outdoor living Kids spent all day in the tent in the garden, reading, playing, painting cars (M) and playing with the football. Photo’s don’t really show what a lovely day it was though.

A took this one - think she’s better than me at photography!

Thought I’d try turning this into a photo blog and forget the writing thing

some pics from a nice trip to the park this morning, gorgeous day but a little bit breezy.

I will not give up. I believe wholeheartedly in home education and letting my children learn as and when they are ready and interested in things. I have seen it happen. Ticking boxes and having plans are not going help our process unless we decide that it suits us. Not the other way round. I will not have what my children learn about be dictated to them by someone who has never met them and who doesn’t know them. I will not have someone else decide what is more important for my kids to learn.

I believe wholeheartedly in the quote :

“Learning can only happen when a child is interested. If he’s not interested it’s like throwing marshmallows at his head and calling it eating.” - Barbara Lamping

These are my children and I do my duty to keep them safe and to bring them up to be responsible and good citizens. The state cannot parent every child and should not attempt to do so. There must be trust in our abilities otherwise we cannot prosper, we cannot have faith in ourselves. I expect you to trust me to make the right decisions for my children. I expect you to trust me to be a good parent to my children.

With thanks to the many people who inspired me to write this - all linked from Jax’s post here. Afraid mine is not as wordy or shows as much knowledge about the current situation. Well worth a read of the other letters too.

for anyone with an interest in history. Looks kid friendly

history cookbook

I haven’t had a good look yet, but will do once I’m back online, we’re hoping to do rations for 2 weeks if I don’t have too much resistance from the troops!

had a lovely week away in Scotland and around the border. Just what the doctor ordered really and James and I came back really relaxed.

It was a tiny village right on the sea front just over the border. It was so rocky though that sometimes it looked like you were on Mars or something!! James and the kids had fun rock pooling most nights and skimming stones when the tide was in. Good old fashioned fun

We went to the National Museum of Flight one day which was really good, with an excellent interactive zone with flight simulators and loads to do.

Most days we had gorgeous weather and we spent 2 fab days at the seaside. One day we went back over the border to Bamburgh which had the most gorgeous long beach, I loved it there.

The other day we headed only a couple of miles north to Coldingham which was the most lovely little bay. Had a nice walk into St Abbs that day too, very pretty and quaint.

We took James to Melrose. The kids and I have been probably 4 or 5 times now but always without J. We walked lots around, down to the chain bridge and also did a couple of geocaches in the area. He loved it as I thought he would.

Had a great, but tiring, day trip to Edinburgh. We drove to the P&R and got the bus in. We stayed mostly round the Royal Mile and did touristy things, but kept to the free things like the museums. We really liked the Museum on the Mound which is all about money and is housed in the HBOS headquarters. The kids cracked a safe and got 2 choc coins so they loved it too Went to the Elephant House cafe we went to last time we were in Edinburgh and which we loved, such gorgeous views. I was a bit mortified to see a film crew and even more so when they appeared to film me ordering LOTS of chocolate cake. Oh dear!!! No idea what they were filming for or even if I want to know!! Everyone was a bit overtired that day which made it not so fab, but nevermind.

Overall we had such a lovely time. The sun shone almost constantly and I was just so amazed at our luck with the weather. Can’t wait to go back to Scotland

I’m going to be offline this next week though as we’re doing our 1940’s week and I’ve said no TV or computers. Eeek. Hope I’ll be able to do it!! I have our rations bought and a plan of what we’ll be eating. James is being a bit grumpy about it all, as is M, but A is really enthusiastic. Hopefully will be back with a full rundown next week.

Why did we decide to home educate?

Initially we were worried about the local schools that we were unfortunate to live near. It must have been before A was born and I remember just being appalled at the lack of road sense and manners of the kids on the way to and from school (oh the joy of being a new parent and thinking it is oh so simple and that we knew all the answers!!). I vowed mine would never be like that We started looking at the idea of me going to Uni, getting a degree and then a job earning a fortune and sending them to a private school. It seemed like an idea, however impractical, and I set about researching it. I remember being on the UKParents forum and browsing the education forums and of course there was the home education forum. I think I had a quick look and expected everyone to be hippies I can’t remember if that was the first impression or not though. It sounded interesting, but was something I was sure my DH would not go for.

I must have been more intrigued and looked more into it, can’t remember why but it might have been from comments on the cloth nappy forum on UKP that I frequented. These things tend to lead onto other less mainstream things I guess. Anyway I looked into it more, and mentioned it casually to DH that M didn’t have to go to nursery or school and we could teach him at home. He was surprisingly up for it and well I took that and ran with it!!

I then joined the MuddlePuddle yahoo group and started to think more about it. It seemed that most people seemed fairly normal, or at least a bit like me. The more I thought about it all the more I knew it was right and the best thing for us. I knew we could change our mind at any time and so the pressure seemed off.

As I learned about the benefits the ‘why’ changed from just being concerned about the schools to actually feeling like it was a great way to learn. I wanted my 2 to grow up knowing that there was no rush to learn to read, multiply, know historical dates, anything really. I wanted them to do it when they were ready and interested. DH had a hard time at school and was slow at reading and maths and it had created such a mark on him that even to this day affects him. If possible I really wanted to avoid that kind of thing. I didn’t want them being 30 and still thinking they were ‘thick’ due to being put in a different set, or not doing things at the right age.

There are more reasons, not sure I can be bothered to list everything though! I suppose while it’s going well that is the biggest reason. We enjoy the freedom it gives us and I can see they are learning lots and are happy. That seems a good reason.

How do we home educate?

We seem to change how we do it constantly. We’ve looked at Montessori, workbooks, autonomous ed, Charlotte Mason and probably lots more. Since we’ve home educated from the very beginning I suppose it’s normal for us to have evolved in the way things happen.

Now we use Charlotte Mason when we’re needing a bit of structure. We like to learn from literature and from nature so it suits us. We try to keep lots of time for the kids to be kids and they spend lots of time playing. They are still only 9 and (nearly) 8 and I’d like to think they have a good few years of playing left! We also follow their lead a lot, M likes history, and A likes animals and nature so lots of these things go on. We’re flexible in everything, and if something doesn’t work we change it. If there is a museum exhibition on and it takes our interest we run with it.

I try and encourage daily reading, but with M it was becoming a chore so now we ask them to try and read 2 books a month that we can record and do a rating for. They are happy to do this at the moment so we’ll continue. Now that they both can read I’d like them to increase their fluency but not at the expense of making reading horrible for them.

Maths has been a biggy for us. We’re still not in a comfortable place with it. We love the Living Math ideas and try that lots, any kind of workbooks or sheets don’t sit right at all and I see the most improvement when we do nothing at all! Both kids went through a phase of hating doing it and thinking they were rubbish at it so we calmed right down with it. That is the benefit of this I guess, even if it is hard to work through. I’m happy to be hands off at the moment anyway!

So I guess we’re a bit of a mixture in how we do things. Next year might be different though!

aka copying the Beans mission statement idea!!

Well I’ve worked out that M will be starting Y5 this year and A will be starting Y3. It doesn’t mean much to us in the way things are done round here but it might be useful to know when the LEA turn up so I know what they might be expecting.

In the past couple of years we’ve tried ‘normals’ with basic requests of a minimum amount of work to do, Charlotte Mason style work, really leaving them to it and probably lots of different things in between! We change constantly with whatever our lives are like at the time. I’m not really sure how to continue things as whatever we do never works for any length of time. I feel we need to try and have more structure, with the pending LEA contact, but I know that it’s not always the way that produces the best results. But, it makes me feel happier about it all, knowing we have a kind of framework, and we do have to all be happy. So in short I don’t know what to do!! I think if I had a child who excelled in an academic area I’d be happier to let them be more. I don’t. I have 2 bright children but 2 children who are still finding the area they are going to excel at, if they’ll find anything at all. And of course what they will be good at might not neccessarily be appreciated by other people. I guess, rightly or wrongly, I worry about how other people judge us.

I’ve seen lots of change in the way my 2 are lately. I can see they are progressing in areas I might have been worried about before. M’s maths abilities are coming along well, well actually A’s too, just in coversations about time, money and things like that. Of course there’s more to maths than just arithmetic, but it’s nice to see that even with little structure and pushing that we’re progressing. And mostly without fear which is my main aim with maths. I do not want them feeling they can’t do it and getting afraid. Both of them are doing well in reading. A has taken off (still no idea *how* she did it) and can read pretty much anything now. She guesses at big words still and often gets it wrong but she’s doing it M is reading well too, but really chooses not to read much fiction. He likes non fiction books and comics still though.

Actually how we do things tend to be - structure for a little while till they start to feel it’s a chore and then let them be a bit more autonomous for a bit while the lessons sink in. Wonder if I should keep going with that then??? Seems to be working!!

I really like the Charlotte Mason way of doing things and always come back to that when I’m planning. Always seems so right. Maybe we do need to do it in fits and starts though as when we have a week away it always feels hard to get back to it. We’ve made it about 1/3 of the way through Ambleside’s Year 1. We should maybe look to do more of that really. I think it will fit in well with our WW2 week we’re planning too as lots of the stories are ones around at that time too!

They like copywork, so I think we’ll do more of that too. M’s writing and spelling is coming along really well but he probably needs some direction in that area.

Nature study is always popular so that can come back, as is music and art appreciation.

I got a book with grammar lessons in that we might try soon. M was fairly resistant first time we tried (prob a year or so back now) but maybe worth a go again. I don’t think my grammar is the best so might be good to have a book to learn from!

I have no idea what to do with Maths. Shall we keep with Living Maths? Not that we’ve done much by way of that recently. Shall we try some workbooks? Which ones and eeeking to the cost at the moment. Although might be better once back off holiday. Always scared to pay lots out to find they hate it. Stile Maths sounds good and what I saw at Michelles ages ago (eek so long ago!!!!!) so maybe I’ll think about that.

Music. They’ve both given up on the idea of playing the violin. A sometimes plays her recorder, but there’s not huge amounts of enthusiasm. We got a keyboard not too long ago and they both really like that. Pity it is huge and our living room small. We need a good area to put it that is easy to bring it out. Maybe need a new coffee table or something that it can be stored under. I really loved playing the keyboard when I was younger.

Science. I’d like to do more experiments as this is an area they love. They adore their chemistry kit and making potions. Hopefully they’ll have their ‘must mix everything together’ thoughts out of their system so we can do other stuff.

Other thoughts are that I’d like to get out more. We have Magna membership hardly used and we struggle with the home ed group with the location of it. I’d like to look round our locality and make a list of places I’d like to visit that are nearby and free or cheap-ish. I’d like to get a year pass to the local butterfly place too to help A’s animal obsessions! I need to make more of an effort to do local things that are easy to go to. Unfortunately lots seem to be on the other side of the city

I NEED to get our library corner (giggle at thought of library in my shoebox of a house!!) sorted out so it’s easily accessible and comfortable. If I can’t get to things then we’re in a losing battle.

Suppose I have a few things to be getting on with then next week so when we’re back from our holidays we can settle down to it.

I always think that engineering will be right up M’s street and have various bits and bobs throughout the house like Knex, lego, geomags and meccano that might spark some building interest and looking at how things work. So far he’s only been hugely interested in lego and building cars and space ships but you know, not hugely bothered.

Today though he started mucking around with something and it evolved into thinking about things much more. He decided to use a wooden tray and lower it down from his window to make a kind of lift thing. He did all of it himself and tried using one string in the middle, nope didn’t work, tried 2, nope. Then he was getting a bit upset so I suggested one on each corner so he tried that. Hooray!!!

He left it for a while after that and has only just looked at it again. He was trying to sort out how long the strings would need to be to get to the ground and was working out how to do it (it’s dark now and raining). So he was using the length of the stairs (I know it wouldn’t be right, but I’m applauding his thinking of ways to do it|!!!!), we then discussed how it wouldn’t be exactly right due to the height of the window and the length of the stairs not being the same.

He’s so chuffed with himself and as he does this kind of thing so rarely, so am I

Also wanted to write about a programme they’ve both been enjoying on Pop (I think). It’s called Backyard Science and is an australian show. They were very indignant towards it at first saying that it had stolen the idea from Richard Hammonds Blast Lab, but actually they prefer this now and it’s really good with ideas and experiments and all very accessible.

Today’s blog has been brought to you by the slogan ‘blogging the good bits’

just blogging quickly as I really need to sleep but am not managing it easily. Might feel better to brain dump this!!

Kids seem v. interested in wartime things at the moment. M woke up and spent a while looking through The Horrible History of the World and the The Usborne Introduction to the First World War before asking that I try and get the WW2 version of the latter. Do we really need more books?

A has been asking loads of questions about various things to do with the war. Neither of my 2 really do the whole question thing lots so it’s nice to have it. We were talkign about what kids would have read and I said that they read the Beano and then we checked Wiki to see when it started. Apparantly in the war it was available on alternate weeks with the Dandy to save paper and ink. Mine love the Beano so I said they could read them when we have our ww2 week.

Although I’m hoping we won’t have run out of steam by then. I haven’t planned to do all this discussion. *I* need to plan ahead so that I actually do the ration week and know what to buy and have a general idea of what I might cook and what people might have eaten. However either way it’s good. They’re interested and happy and that’s what matters.

We did a supermarket shop in the evening and spent the whole time being bombarded with questions about whether this food or that food would be ok. A was upset when I said no to Muller corner yoghurts!!! We talked about seasonally available food, no freezers back then and not so much chicken availability too. A insists she’s already following rations this week (except the yoghurt of course!!).

Dodged the rain on the way home. I love storms so was nice to get in in time to watch one. Never seems to be enough storms.

Kids have camped out downstairs (A has made a morrison shelter (or just a den) to sleep in) and now I must try and switch off the computer

I normally hate bank holidays. Way too busy and so I normally end up staying home to avoid the crowds. This weekend was looking the same but then we decided on a last minute trip down south to visit Nic and Ady and kids. We left on Thursday night and arrived v. late. The kids had a whale of a time all weekend, nothing much planned so they played and played and played. We did have a lovely bbq on the beach while the kids paddled in the v. cold sea. I do love going to the beach Always feels relaxing to go there, no squabbles and the kids just do what kids do. Thanks!!

Today we were home all day and had planned to go to the Sheffield Fayre, which looked like it was going to be very Festival of History-esque and as we had missed that this year thought this would be a good alternative. It was free as well which is always good. We went with James’ dad who also loves history and had such a good time wandering around the WW2 area. The kids were allowed to sit in an old jeep and M looked so pleased!! There were battle reenactments and weaponry displays. A was sat on my knee lots asking questions. She’s not one for history generally (or at least so far in her life) but she enjoyed this one and now knows much more about the American civil war and WW2. Lots of discussion

I may need a few days to recover now though

hmmm. seems a bit much to try and recap all of that doesn’t it?

One of the main things that have happened lately is the Local Authority have got in touch with us about A. I’m expecting a letter and the request of some info after September when they all start back at work. I think it would be a good idea to have something I can check back on that will help when writing up reports and stuff. They haven’t asked about M so I can only assume she has been highlighted from when she broke her ankle in May.

The summer holidays here have really felt like it here. Not with the weather, but with the kids being out playing constantly with their friends on the street. Just reminds me of when I was on holiday as a kid. I’m trying not to worry too much about the education going on for now. It still goes on of course. They’ve been doing their reading challenge at the library and this is the first time that A has been able to read books all herself. Only small ones but still, she’s very proud of herself M hadn’t really wanted to join in, he still dislikes reading, but he’s done it with non fiction and audio books.

Other things of note (mostly very recently as I can’t think too far back!) -

* staying up late to watch the shooting stars (the Percy whatsits). Didn’t see too many but led on to lots of discussions about space
* fab space party at C & H’s. M and James went as Men In Black. Shall forget the conversations with the kids on the street who said that it wasn’t any good for a space party *roll*
*Lots of walking. Our car died on us and we were without for quite a while. Quite enjoyed it
*A has been learning to sew and knit still. Wish she would concentrate for long enough to make some progress though. M being using the sewing machine too.
*Railway museum. Went there for M’s birthday and loved it. He now has his own railway set which he is loving.
*Trip to the seaside to see Jax and Tim.

and probably more

We have a few more busy weeks ahead of us with trips and finally a holiday (yay!!) before settling down in to a more normal routine again. We’re hoping that when we come back from holiday we’re going to pretend that we’re living on rations and have a couple of weeks with WW2 type food. Can’t wait. I know M likes WW2 but he’s not that fussed about the Home Front, which is what I am really interested in. Hoping it will bring a different aspect to his learning about the war. I’ve been wanting to do it for ages as well. I got 2 fab books from amazon that have reprints of all the leaflets that were given out in the 2nd WW. they are Make Do and Mend: Keeping Family and Home Afloat on War Rations and Eating For Victory: Healthy Home Front Cooking on War Rations. Absolutely fab books. The eating for victory one has loads of recipes in it. I need to have a good think to see how to do it all though.

Annual photoblog time! This was last Wednesday, we had nothing planned so just let the day unfold. Normally I worry that there won’t be anything worthy enough for the blog but actually it turned out ok.

M was up first as normal and started by playing and building with his lego.

A surfaced a little later, she’s more cuddly in the morning than M

Creations - a tank I think.

birdwatching

helping me with the washing mountain!

Meanwhile M was still in Legoland, he’d built some sort of Iraq war scene. Lol, slightly obsessed by war!! A eventually got dressed, apparantly I had to take a photo of her putting on her socks.

They both then decided to take out the science box and do experiments, aka mixing lots of stuff together!

And then cleaning up afterwards - very important!

At the park.

M is very happy with his 3 pound skateboard from Asda

It was lunchtime when we got back and a new dvd had arrived from Lovefilm - Carrie’s War so they watched that while eating.

Engrossed! They really enjoyed it.

Reading time, A is still on The Cat in the Hat and M on his Magic School Bus book.

After enjoying the sun they retreated indoors to play some games. M has nearly completed Super Mario Galaxy and so was keen to play more. A likes to watch him but she also spent some time on the PC on a horse game site. Not sure what it was.

I tend to make a smoothie in the afternoon about 3.30pm ish just in time for James to get home. Here’s M testing it out. Has lots of good stuff in it, as well as fruit also some parsley and spring greens and some wheatgrass powder. Kids love em.

Finished article and A enjoying (after taking her patch off).

Once James came in the photo’s were less. He nicked the camera phone! But they played outside with friends, watched (more - ugh) telly and we had tea. Think we had pasta bake as I was really fancying it. Yum.

Kids helped out with washing up after as is their ‘job’ at the moment to earn pocket money. It’s working well atm.

Just before bed, grandad came round and they read Beanos and M finished the day as he started by doing more lego (James deleted the photo of him though!)

Phew!

I’m so behind on e-mails and blogs. Getting to the point where I’ll press delete to them all soon and just start afresh! Sorry.

We’ve been up to lots of things, but tinged by sadness as my Gran died a week and a half ago, hence the hiatus in blogging.

*baking - various types of muffins
*trips - out to a farm, visiting friends.
*VR & NVR - printed off freebies from here and tried some out. NVR seems to best at the mo mostly as their reading is a bit hit and miss for the VR. Haven’t done lots though.
*reading - M finishing up a Magic school Bus book - Twister Trouble and A has been reading The Cat in the Hat .
*History - been to watch BIL and SIL take part in a re-enactment of a civil war battle. Looks fun. James wants to join in!
*Playing - with the new Iphone
*More playing - Kids have been non stop littlest pet shop playing, hours of involved games together which is nice to watch.
*Building - M has been building lots of lego vehicles, different ones every day. Must buy more wheels!
*smoothie making - been getting into this lots. Have started adding greens to them too, fab to see the kids gulping down and not being fussed when I tell them there is dandelion leaves in the smoothie!! Juicer has been used too - thanks Michelle - kids have been making own apple juice.
*Story cd’s - A has listened to more Dolphin Diaries and M has started Stig of the Dump, finished The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and got really into Eragon and is finishing up Eldest . Audio books are great, he’d never pick up a book the length of Eragon!
*Planted - A and I sowed some seeds in the garden and tried to tidy up a little. Not growing much but some lettuce and some chard for the smoothies would be good.

There will be more I’ve missed, but that will do for now. I hate knowing I have to blog and it gets longer and longer without me getting chance. Feel like I need to draw a line and start again!

*grin*

we’ll start with the rubbish so we can end on a positive

NOT
M being a bit floppy last Wed and Thurs, I suspected it was the bug that was doing the rounds but actually he didn’t suffer too badly and all of the rest of us were fine, just was a bit annoying we had to cancel meeting up with friends we haven’t managed to see since before Xmas!

James being sore all weekend. He’s really having trouble with his hip joint/back/whatever it is, was supposed to have his xray results back today but they’re not in yet so couldn’t go to his appt today and so now he won’t find out for another week what’s up. Bleurgh. Just a bit restrictive when planning weekend activities as can’t have too much walking or coldness.

Erm, is that it for the ‘not’? Hmm might remember some more but anyway on to the better stuff

Having a day off James took the kids out on Friday to visit various people and I had a lovely day to myself. Much appreciated!

Easter! Choc and more choc! too much in the case of the kids, I wonder how long it will take till I say I’ve had enough of them asking about it all and just letting them eat it till they burst!! I got a lovely dark chocolate lindt bunny, so haven’t managed to eat it all yet as I savour it soo much more than milk choc.

Nice day out at creswell crags. Lovely day little bit busy on the parking side, but James was in charge of that so I didn’t worry. Absolutely gorgeous weather, and not too long a walk for James. Just perfect really.

Eating a bit healthier. Am being Very Good at the moment Am thinking about setting up a blog so I can gabber on about it all. Might do that tonight.

I should catch up while James watches The Apprentice. Save my eye rolling for a more pressing time

Monday was a chilling out day. Just nice to be at home and have not much to do. Why I decided to clear out my kitchen cupboards is anyones guess! I did need to have a good look at what we had in (or not!) before we did some shopping but I probably went a bit over the top. Kids played various games consoles and I tried not to be too cross about the time spent on them.

Tuesday we decided to go and see my mum and take some home made anniversary cards for her and my dads wedding anniversary - 31 years! Also took the remainder of the birthday cake to share out. Lovely day so we helped walk the dogs, nice to be out and about. We were home for lunch though as my mum was at work and I resisted going to the shop as we really didn’t need the temptation of sweeties, especially as if I didn’t buy the kids stuff I know my dad would have given them bits. Kids went in the garden for a bit and in their wisdom started digging the garden up - argh!! Need to sort that out!

Today wasn’t so good as M has been a bit floppy all day and managed to spend it wrapped in his duvet I haven’t stopped all day but was feeling stressed at the fact that the house looked like a total tip even though I seemed to be doing stuff. Oh well. A and I made some hobnob type biscuits, she read all the recipe to me while I measured out. She’s doing well that girl! We also did some gardening, planted some potatoes and repotted my trees (should have done ages ago!!).

Yay up to date!

lots to catch up on! Will not be very detailed I’m afraid otherwise I’ll never get done!

Saturday
we set off down the A1 in order to visit the Manor Borns in time for lunch. After the initial cups of tea and pizza for lunch we pondered on whether to go outside. The weather was changeable but we picked what we thought was a nice window of time to go for a walk and see the sights of the local village (in other words where dead bodies had been found - cool ) and do a geocache. Took a long route around and through some fields where some overly friendly ponies all galloped up to meet us - eek! Thankfully once they found we had no food they left us be. Kids had a great time playing together on DS’s and in the evening James found the whiskey cabinet!

Sunday
We headed out to Stockwood Discovery Centre. I was half expecting it to be really busy with it being the weekend, but actually it wasn’t too bad. Maybe I should go out more on weekends Really enjoyed the post office exhibition where the kids did loads of dressing up, and the carriages area. We did a few more geocaches here too James headed home before tea and we all had an early night in anticipation of the next days early start.

Monday
up before 6am!! Ugh! Although Michelle was very organised and made tea in insulated mugs so we were ok. The drive was pretty bad on the way to the British Wildlife Centre, but Michelle did a great job, much better than I would have done. Hate driving and really don’tlike the m25 much!

We arrived very early and needed the toilet so sweet talked the lady who was opening the centre and managed to be shown a 5week old (I think, little anyway) fox cub that had been orphaned. So cute! Eventually met up with Nic and the monster teenies who had organised our visit and also the Where the Days go peeps who I adn’t seen in ages and who A had been in e-mail contact with and was really happy to see again. Once some other of the local he’ers arrived we got started with the group session.

We were first taken round the big animals, foxes, wild cats, deer and otters and then after a not so great video (interestng but not the greatest presentation of it) we saw some of the smaller animals like owls and hedgehogs, which we were allowed to stroke, and some rats, moles, mice and other small things. We all really enjoyed the day, I initially thought it would be right up A’s street but actually both her and M got a lot out of it I think. I especially liked the fact M was feeling up to asking questions to the lady who took us round, shame he kept forgetting to put his hand up, but I can forgive him that. Sometimes he’s too shy and won’t do anything but this time he was very interested, maybe as he was with friends? I dunno.

Afterwards we joined Nic and co at her house for a sleepover there. Kids played mostly well I think and stayed relatively out of the way. Lovely adult company as always :O)

Tuesday
Not so early start to the day was good. We were due to visit Paradise Park and head back to Michelle’s from there. En route Ali and F were picked up so good to see them again. Really liked the place and not sure how much my kids got out of the exhibitions but *I* enjoyed them. M & A just seemed to run through it all, but I do remember them having a good look at some fossils which have been a topic of interest lately. It was a lovely day weather wise and just a lovely time had. Not so long drive back to Michelle’s and we were all treated to a show put on by A & C, lots of dancing, singing and nearly breaking their necks!!

Wednesday
Today was the day of Colourbox which I was looking forward to most I think. A day of rainbows!! It’s always a bit hit or miss with these things as to how organised they are but this was just perfect IMO. We arrived and the kids got into some weird white boiler suits and we first of all went into a separate room with 3 spotlights. The lights changed colour and mixed together and the kids had great fun up next to the white wall with shadows and puppets. No lectures about anything, they were just free to explore it.

Then we went back into the main room and did the dark maze thing, they got torches and could go round in that. Endless fun! Sometimes they went in complete darkness and sometimes with torches, and almost always with lots of noise! Then there was the white room with loads of prisms and light sources so that they could have fun splitting light. I loved this bit most. M made something like a kaliedoscope with some mirrors and rotating the prism to change the rainbow coming out of it. I tried to listen in on Helen’s explanations of it all, I was a bit rubbish at trying to put into words what was happening!

(pics courtesy of Helen - thanks for letting me borrow them!)

After our session we headed to Helen’s, my new home for the next few days. Had a wonderful time with Michelle and gang with lovely hospitality and chauffering We all had a good time playing in the garden in the sunshine before it was just Helen’s lot and us left. The kids did some air drying clay fossils and stuff (not sure if I ever picked them up though, best not remind the kids!!) I then cheerfully watched H clean her kitchen and grump The pantry sorting I witnessed must have left some sort of mark as I cleared out our cupboards as soon as I got home! No room for mass bulk orders of tartex and crisps though

Thursday
was a cleaning day! I was very enthusiastic today about helping get the house ready for the party and do any jobs that might have needed done. Anything that didn’t involve sorting my own junk would have been good though, in the end I hoovered lots and cleared lots of leaves from the conservatory. James arrived in the afternoon and in the evening he very bravely ate some bright pink takeout curry. Think he might go for the veggie option next time, much more pleasing colours

Friday
I was feeling slightly out of it and less enthusiastic!! Did help a little but perhaps Chris sensed me planning a strike so he offered us their pass to a local bird of prey centre so we headed there in the afternoon. Slightly scary with me not driving very well there, was really feeling a little worse for wear! Lovely centre and enjoyed watching the bird flying demonstration very much and having some fresh air. Actually it was nice to be just with my family for a bit, had forgotten how much I missed just their company. Not that the other company wasn’t good but it had been a while since I wasn’t a guest iykwim.

When we got back I grumped about making pizza’s for the party but eventually got on with it. Should maybe have made more but hey ho. The kids spent some time in the ‘making room’ making presents for my birthday. They are all so sweet! I was really pleasantly surprised at how little scuffles we had as I remember all too well how bad last year BB and M got on together. They seemed to have forgotton their differences this time though and I think it was a mostly harmonious get together. Phew!

Saturday
my birthday and the party! I was a little grumpy waking up, but I think that was anticipation of the day ahead. I love my friends and going to get togethers but it always takes me a little time to warm up to the whole situation. We all did last minute hoovering and clearing of nets away from ponds etc before the first guests arrived.

I had a lovely time and big thanks to everyone who came along. Some faces were missed though but there were good reasons for their absence. I was really surprised at the *huge* cake and the presents, much appreciated!! James got very drunk as is normally the case and I’d like to say it was the addition of painkillers that made him tell bad jokes, but most people know he’s like that quite often! He did have an early night though as I think it all did hit him quite hard. I hardly saw the kids all day, well A was having a little bit of a hard time fitting into a game with her friends but I think it was the results of a long week. I just remember laughing lots and having lots of sunshine and friends around. Perfect.

Sunday
Late morning as expected. James slept loads which I think he needed. He never manages a long nights sleep due to his back but he had about 12 hours I reckon! The kids were up and out in the garden almost immediately making the most of last moments with friends. I spent ages trying to pack up all our stuff which had just spread out in the spare room we were in!

We eventually got going back to Michelle’s as James was going to help out with some diy bits and were treated to a lovely early-Easter sunday dinner which was a complete surprise. I was expecting sandwiches and we got a roast dinner! Nic and tribe had stopped off too as it was kind of on their route home, felt like we all were neighbours we saw each other so much! Michelle also did the kids a little easter egg hunt, M was especially funny as he was the last to find the allotted 2 eggs per child and was getting increasingly angry at the thought he wouldn’t get as much chocolate as the rest of them!! Lol, my child completely!! He eventually found them and guzzled them both before I could blink!

Felt like a long journey home, I was looking forward to my own bed though Thanks to all my hosts for my tour of the south, it was a lovely week. I do feel so very lucky with all of my friends, I may need to pinch myself!

I turn 30 next week and I’m away from tomorrow until after my birthday so this will be the last post I make as a 20-something. I always thought I’d dread getting to 30 but actually I’m ok about it, helps that most of my friends are already there and James has been there for 4 years almost. *grin* Can’t believe that when I first came on to the home ed scene and met some of my now very good friends I was only 23! A little baby

I managed to forget loads of stuff yesterday when I blogged which goes to show that what I write doesn’t neccessarily amount to all of the ‘educational’ stuff we do or even what I deem to be most worthy if you like. Maybe I should do an Alison type disclaimer

M has been doing lots of lego building lately. He doesn’t do buildings or structures but always comes up with weird and wonderful spaceships or cars. He’s quite good at it really Yesterday he was taking pictures of some of them to send to the Lego club magazine that came through the door the other day. I really ought to buy some lego wheels for them as they’ve lost loads and I’m sure he’d concentrate more on some car designs if he had more wheels!

We *finally* finished up George’s Secret Key to the Universe this morning after starting it months ago. We’ve really let read alouds slip lately which is a shame. I think I should try more. They really liked it and can’t wait for the new one to come out (actually amazon is showing it’s already available. Will have to reserve at the library).

We ventured to the local shops today to return some library books and pick up some ordered ones (I love being able to order in books from the whole of the city libraries for free!) and returned the lost audio book and was refunded my fine - yipee! Also managed to get my new glasses adjusted as they were too tight and were causing terrible headaches last weekend so I’d gone back to my old ones till now. They’re much better anyway but will keep my old one’s on me for the time being.

After being there they played lots of imaginary games together involing lego and littlest pet shops. I dilly dallied about getting clothes ready for the coming week. We did try some more nrich interactive things. M started so very well but got really annoyed at one thing (the negative numbers swimming pool thing), he seems to just not want to try anything new He did do very well at the representation section (Oct 2008) and did the Find the difference and ladybird box one with no strops A had a go as well and also did some stuff on shapes and overlaps. Think I need to do some sneaky maths so M doesn’t realise what it is

I forgot to blog about last weekend I think. A was helping collect money for her local Badger unit (St John’s Ambulance) at a local supermarket. They were supposed to be helping pack bags, but I wonder if they didn’t get enough people as in the end they just were standing with a bucket collecting donations. She enjoyed it anyway. She is really loving badgers at the moment and I think it’s telling that James is also v. impressed at it as well having spoken to several of the cadets who all seem lovely and polite some good role models hopefully!

we have mostly been eating… cupcakes! Yum.

Nah actually we’ve been spectacularly un-busy and the one day I thought we did have something planned ( a hospital appointment) I’d got it all wrong and actually we didn’t need to be in the city at all. However we did have a really nice time at the museum looking round the new exhibition about bugs. They really enjoyed using the computer to make their own super bugs and e-mailing it back to themselves. when we got home we saw that we could play again using this link. As always enjoyed looking round the normal exhibits, this time more specifically at some of the stuffed birds that you can find in gardens as we’ve been doing lots of birdwatching lately. As it was a tuesday we should really have made an effort to get to the home ed group, but I really wasn’t in the mood to go. The kids have said that they are happy to walk there so after the easter break we might try going again maybe every fortnight or something.

A has been doing really well with her reading lately. She never did finish the Little Bear book but I was telling her that I had got that book as part of a ‘reading curriculum’ type thing (Sonlight readers 1) and that I could show her the other books that were at the same or similar level. She was really interested so I found them out, they’re mostly the Dr Seuss books and I left them with her. She read Green Eggs and Ham that very evening and has since read Put Me in the Zoo and today finished One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. She’s really enjoyed them, it’s fab to watch her really come on so well with her reading. She liked doing the questions that the sonlight guide suggests too, I wonder if she’d actually enjoy doing the sonlight type stuff. Might have a think on that one, I think too much about what M wants and would do most of the time and it doesn’t always suit A. Maybe I need to change tack and maybe M will enjoy seeing what she does.

We’ve done a bit of maths on the Nrich site which looks like a really great resource. A has been into wordsearches after finding her St John’s one from that first Badgers meeting and so found the Puzzle Pixies site which had some other stuff that both of them have enjoyed. M said he did some sudoku and some hangman this morning on it.

They have been playing loads together in a nice brother/sister way lately which I always enjoy seeing. Except today they have been awful. Hoping they’ll get over it quickly.

aka animal type stories or more girl orientated that A might actually listen to! She’s actually listening to more now and enjoying them. Just another list for me to look at, these are probably things that won’t appeal so much to M, but then he surprises me sometimes

Heidi
Black Beauty
The Secret Garden
The Railway Children
Watership Down (sad though, maybe wait a while!)
Ballet Shoes
Anne of Green Gables
Alice in Wonderland

A lot of these, and the one’s in the post for M I haven’t read. In fact although I read lots as a child I never seemed to find these ‘classics’ so I’m thinking it will be nice to start to listen to them as a family. Might start with Carrie’s War which M managed to lose about 4 months ago from the library but which has just been found again. May as well listen to it before sending it back.

Oh and I realise some people don’t like the idea of certain stuff for boys and girls and I don’t really mean these lists as certain things I approve of for boys or girls, just really what I think will appeal to M and A at this moment in time. Like I say, they surprise me with what they like and dislike!

after the weekend hasn’t been so easy. Saturday I was working and so that colours the day and means we don’t do much else, and Sunday I wasn’t feeling very well. I think it was some grapes that I ate while trying to not eat chocolate that did it, they didn’t quite taste right. Next time I’ll go for the chocolate So really James did most of the parenting at the weekend and it was a general lazy feel to it.

Yesterday I was still feeling a crummy and so decided against a jaunt to the other side of the city for a woodland activity day. A shame though as it was an absolutely gorgeous day and sounded fun. Next week though. The kids did manage to spend the whole day out in the garden though which was nice to see. They took a blanket and teddies and had the whole picnic thing going on, then decided to do some planting of some seeds. M made James a St Patricks Day card and we made some cakes.

We tried to do a food shop in the evening but the kids were being horrors, you’d have thought they’d been cooped up all day, so we just grabbed a few bits. I hate shopping on my own or I’d leave James with the kids. I really ought to get to grips with internet shopping!

Today has been a bit better but the sun has stayed away for most of it. I’ve done a few bits of decluttering and A has gone through all her clothes and sorted ut a huge pile of stuff she doesn’t want anymore which is great as she has so many. Just need to offload them somewhere now. Kids did their reading and maths, I rolled my eyes at A saying she couldn’t do her page which was asking you to count the sheep and then did some wii-fit and club penguin (st Patricks day goodies afaik which caused great excitement).

Went to the opticians this aft and chose some new glasses and had an almost teenager like strop when I couldn’t find any I liked But James perservered and I found some I should be able to pick up next week. We had a St Patricks day Simpsons binge and that’s been it. Feels a little light on the content though Ugh, should do better.

We’ve been trying to attract birds into the garden for some time now. We’ve never had much luck before and I wasn’t really expecting much this time either. However this time we’ve been attracting loads of different types and the kids are really enjoying catching glimpses of them. When it was snowy we had a couple of thrushes in the garden, or flushes as A calls them, but never had any back since. We have loads of blackbirds and blue and great tits and the occasional robins. Yesterday though we saw 2 goldfinches, one on the feeder and one on the fence. A calls them strawberry faces and really likes them and they both were about when I spotted them so that was really good.

We had a nice day yesterday, seemed to do the required reading and maths without too much trouble mainly as the maths was the tank game. Kids really like that one and play really well together on it which is a plus. We then did some baking as I’d been promising it for a bit, some nice dairy free chocolate muffins. They didn’t taste very orangey though, but were nice all the same. Managed to sneak quite a bit of maths in with the baking and for a change they didn’t strop so I was calmer doing it with them. Sometimes they get so stressed out by thinking the other has a better job than them or that they didn’t get enough licks of the bowl compared to the other - argh! Anyway, was much better yesterday. I’m sure I took some photos, must see if I can download them off my phone…

They played on some games after lunch but as it was such a nice day I insisted we took a walk to the small park for a bit before the schools came out and so we took the football and had some fun playing with that. A took her bike and they just had a nice time in the fresh air. Came home bang on kicking out time and the kids dissappeared back to their games.

A had her Badgers and had a very nice time again, I think next weekend she might be helping pack bags at a supermarket. Poor customers, they’ll be finding bags with one thing in them!! That’s what happens when she packs my bags! Watched the killimanjaro climb when we got home which was fab - would love to do that!!

Today has been a going out day, went to visit the Bonkers tribe and had a fun time making pasta with their new pasta making machine, well until A cut her finger, but she got over it eventually (actually after a looong time!!). Lovely to see the kids getting on so well, think the only telling off was for getting a bit giddy but other than that they played fab.

Home and we did some reading and maths as we hadn’t had time before heading out. A did some fab reading of the Little Bear book which she really liked. We used to watch it all the time on some sky channel and for some reason I really liked it (I know, I’m weird) so I thought they’d both love the book. Unfortunately it’s taken them both so long to get to that reading level that it’s been ages since we saw it and they can’t remember it any more. Wonder if it’s on you tube?

Yesterday started out fairly well. I woke to M reading his horrible science magazines, he’s really enjoying them and I am aswell as it means I’m not on at him to read, he’s not desperate to finish reading to get onto whatever else and so I’m less likely to grump at him.

When Alex got up they played on a tank game that had trajectory angles as part of it. Someone had mentioned their son really liking a game like that and I figured it would be right up M’s street but in fact they both enjoyed it. I think we also need to have an explore of the rest of the games on that site, should be something else there that will catch an interest. I read them some creation stories from a library book we got as A is really interested in how it all happened. She decided she wants to go to church. I’m not really sure what to do on that one at the moment!

A then found some craft paper set she had ages ago and they decided to make a huge mess with that. They were doing it nicely together so there was a plus point and they listened to the Into the Blue (Dolphin Diaries) audio book that A got from the library.

After waiting for the postman to come without the parcel I was waiting for we headed off to try and do some shopping that we didn’t manage the day before. Explained to the kids about the labels that tell you the price of stuff per kilo or whatever so you can compare prices while we were outraged looking for some sunflower seeds in the cooking section. Last time we bought them, which wasn’t that long ago, they were 29p for a small pack. Now they were 99p and it was actually cheaper to buy the organic named brand other than the sainbury’s normal pack. Sigh. I got home from shopping in a little bit of a fraught mood and we didn’t do the Chemistry Pre-Level 1 I was planning on doing with them.

Can’t really remember what the rest of the day held, I know I sent them outside for a little while, but er…

Oh well. On to today M was up before me again, but was lego-ing this time. I decided I was going to spend the morning tidying the living room as it’s beginning to look a right mess so I got on with that while A and M played some weird game together. Every so often they have these days where they play so well and have really intricate games. Unfortunately these days also tend to descend into them just being completley loopy. Happy and not fighting, but loopy.

A eventually read a board book that we had lying about which was about a toddler making a den so then she decided to she had to do this too. I was argh-ing at the mess it was creating but decided to leave them to it till 2.30pm which meant they had enough time to tidy before James coming in.

Once James came in it was looking much better, they did a v. good job of getting on with it. Well eventually! James put on loads of music and A was enjoying dancing to The Prodigy, really should have videod her, v funny! M dissappeared to play his xbox and A had a go on Wii Fit. Think that was about it. Doesn’t look much now I’ve written it down! The downside of blogging I guess.

and girls too but really thinking about M here.

Just going to make a list of books that he’s enjoyed on audio cd’s and have a list I can refer to with ideas on some to try. Will welcome any comments

tried and tested and recommended by M age 8:

Alex Rider: The Six Missions
Silverfin (Young Bond)
Harry Potter (he’s listened to The Philosophers Stone, Chamber of Secretsand Prisoner of Azkaban)
The Twits
Blitzed

On a list to try:

Stig of the Dump
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe(plus subsequent books)
Swallows and Amazons
Tom’s Midnight Garden
Five Children and It
The Iron Man
The Water Horse
Artemis Fowl
The Fox-busters
Magnus Powermouse
Wind in the Willows (BBC Audio)
Indian in the cupboard
The Box of Delights

Ok that will do for now, will go and get some links sorted and have a think about some more. Came up with loads of ideas last night and now can’t remember that many!

should be easy as it hasn’t felt like a full up day

I had a restless sleep which never helps so woke up on another planet I think. Kids were in decent moods, probably because yesterday fell into ‘days never to be spoken about again’ category and so were hoping for better today.

M started by reading some horrible science magazines we have around. I told him that if the fiction books he’s tried really aren’t doing it for him then maybe the horrible histories etc might be better. So long as he’s actually reading and not just looking at the pics. So he sat for ages with them this morning. I’m not sure what A did at all.

We had eye appointments to pick up glasses and for me to get my eyes tested. Local shopping centre was heaving though, no idea why as it isn’t normally on a monday. I decided to choose some new glasses another time as it was getting late by the time I was tested and we were hungry and still needed to get some food shopping. That was scuppered by no trolleys available and so I decided to just get a nice baguette for lunch. Still huge queues at the till. Kept wondering if it was the weekend!!

Home and a late lunch. M listened to his Silverfin (Young Bond) audio book, read some more horrible science and did some maths. A made a mess and played. Was going to do some reading with her when J came home in a fowl mood so I sent her away to read another time.

Had lovely aduki bean chilli for tea, always feel healthy when I’ve had that. Yay 10 mins!! Rofl, it has been a little bit of a crap day to tell about though.

I’ve been meaning to blog for ages and tend to in my head but at the end of the day it just seems so much to remember and write up and I put it off for another day. Jan reminded me yesterday that she was enjoying my little blogs and so I’m going to put more effort in.

So a quick summary of what we’ve been up to:

* Magna - we renewed our yearly pass there as there was a special offer on in February.
* Lovely visit with Merry so we could be in the vecinity for -
* SB’s birthday party at a soft play centre. Fab time had by all.
* A had badgers which she’s still really enjoying
* Home ed group at the Nature reserve where we were looking at soil and then Babs and I took the kids away to do a geocache.
* Another home ed meet up at a soft play, I think as a group there were 80 home ed kids there which I think is quite impressive!
* Club Penguin is what both kids are currently obsessed with. Not sure if I can find any educational benefit to it though but they are enjoying it a lot!

Yesterday we headed north (I resisted the temptation to just keep driving till I got to Scotland, if James were with me we may have just run away there!!) to Jax’s for Small’s belated 5th birthday party. We had lots of fun and was lovely to meet Jax’s bil and kids as well as catch up with Jan and Jonathan although was slightly perturbed by Jan’s M being as tall as my M and she’s 2 weeks younger than A. I should be used to it by now I guess

Educashunally M has been reading the first Beast Quest book, I think he enjoyed it, but he’s not sure if he’ll read the second one. He really just doesn’t get that interested in story books. A has been reading a book on dolphins in her own way, in other words she can read the long words in it but is struggling still with words such as ‘on’ and ‘the’.

Both children have been really enjoying the Usborne Sticker Maths that Alison gave away at Melrose. So much so that I bought M his own copy and since that one wasn’t quite the same and some of the original book had been used A then wanted her own copy. I don’t mind though, this has been the only time they’ve both been really happy about the maths, I’ve even been woken up with them coming into bed with their maths books. This is good. I also really like that M is reading what to do and just doing it all himself really, I mean it isn’t particularly stretching but as a confidence builder it’s working really well.

A had a poster she needed to make for Badgers, it was about Ireland, I think for the global badge or something so she made that and did more writing than she has ever done in her life!! Mostly without complaint it has to be said. M did his own poster too without writing as he didn’t need to

I think that kind of brings me back up to date, I’ll try and blog better next week.

I’ll never blog Melrose. I know, very late!!

We had a really fab time. Highlights include:

*fantastic drive up, so very scenic and quiet since hardly anyone else was out on the road.
*kids just getting on with, almost, everyone and being just great (and that’s not just my kids)
*the traditional gorging myself on Tablet from the local sweet shop.
*Snow!! Lots of sledging going on, even had a go myself
*Dynamic Earth was fab, much better than I thought.
*Geocaching with the Manor Borns
*Lots of gaming, although I think I’m too paranoid!
*late night chats - a tradition!
* oh and excellent room mates. M was a bit worried about a room full of girls but he got over it

Worst bit was that James couldn’t come and enjoy it with us, he’d have loved it especially with the snow.

Since we got back I’ve been trying to stay away from real life, sometimes seems a nicer place to be Kids have been busy playing with the kids on the street as been half term so I’ve been family tree-ing after getting the free trial to ancestry. Have discovered Irish and Scottish on James’ side. Despite a story that my mums family comes from Scotland we’ve not found any (although not been able to search that far back on that line, awaiting a few certificates) but found lots of durham and yorkshire blood. So there we are, I’m more English than James!!! Lol. I absolutely love searching the family stories and stuff. If the government ever make me work I think I may just set up my own genealogy business. Such a buzz.

Need to get back into some semblance of a routine soon though, I’m getting a bit stressed out. Kind of fed up with lots being on in my diary, I like free days strung together so we can do whatever we like. I *hate* being busy!

Yesterday was a house bound day. M decided to make use of the snow around and generally played about but A started the day with a slightly dodgy tummy and so was a little more subdued. It didn’t get her down too much, but she just didn’t venture outside.

At some point M made some reference to hydrogen, I can’t remember why now but anyway he was looking at a poster of the periodic table I put on the wall recently and so I decided to show him Periodic Table Videos. He was quite impressed by the hydrogen blowing up in that And it was a newer one than when I last looked. We looked at a couple of other ones, Nitrogen and he mentioned it was what was used in his racing cars (Nitrous Oxide) so we discussed it being Nitrogen and Oxygen a bit and googled why it made the cars faster. We looked a bit at Carbon, A was quite excited that a diamond is a form of carbon. Finally I showed them Lead as I knew it had a bit about it not letting radiation through it and we’d looked a bit at radiation at the science museum last week. So of course it then leads on to a ‘do you remember in The Simpsons when…’ conversation!! (one episode they were spared effects of radiation through lead paint or something). I should really think about writing my own Simpsons based curriculum…

Once we’d looked at that I mentioned that I had seen an experiment I would ike to try from an e-mail we get from the Krampf Experiment site. It was about the iron in fortified cereal and trying to separate the iron from it so you can see it. It worked really well. I was a little doubtful, but definitely some iron filings in there!

Since we were in a science-y mood they took out their kit and did some messing about with it. I had been making soda bread in the morning too so said to A to try some yoghurt mixed with Bicarb to see what it did as that was what happens in the bread. Need to refill almost everything desperately in the kit now!!

I think the next part was ‘then we had lunch!’

In the afternoon I think M stropped over some reading, oh and yeah I stropped at him over some maths. We did some twist and check multiplication cards. We’re still on easy multiplication here, 2’s, 5’s & 10’s. So we chose the 5’s. He was just not getting it and I was more annoyed at him not saying that he didn’t understand, then failing to pay any attention when I was trying to explain and still not getting it but deciding it didn’t matter and he’d done enough to warrant a game on the playstation. Hmm. I got out our Math U see blocks and looked at it all again with him. He just goes into some sort of different child mode though when we do stuff like this and I can tell he is struggling to concentrate. Argh. Anyway, I was so sure he understood the concept of multiplication but now well I’m not so sure. Need to look into it more and think of a good way to approach it with him. We can clash so much and he’s sensitive about it anyway

When James got back we popped to get some essentials like milk and er some Meccano I had reserved from Argos! I had looked at the vintage set before Xmas and have just seen it was half price so grabbed it. So in the evening we did some of that. A was the most into it which was surprising, M was already dreaming about different models he could make. Instructions? who needs instructions??

It was our 2 year anniversary too last night so James and I watched Hancock and ate lots of curry and chocolate.

Today we were up v. early to go to a dr appointment. Then before I knew it it was time for us to go to Shirebrook nature reserve. Quite impressed at the turnout considering the snow. We all headed with sledges to the nearest hill and had a fab time. The ranger tried to sneak in some science about how some things slide better with weight or not if some kids were waiting for turns on the sledges but the kids all just took turns and played together so it never happened. Unfortunately A’s tummy started playing up again even though I thought she was better and we had to cut short our time there. A shame really as in the afternoon they were supposed to be chopping down trees and M really wanted to do that.

Some pics to brighten the blog:

So we came home and did some more Meccano, reading and some skip counting practise. Before bed we read The Tree of Life: The Wonders of Evolution as A has been asking lots of questions about where people come from. She wasn’t convinced so I told her that not everyone believes it and some believe that God made everyone. She thinks this is a much more plausible explanation Our library has a few books on creation so might be an idea to have a read through lots of different things for her.

we’ve been quite busy. I’ll try to remember what we’ve done

Wednesday was quite a quiet day, I can’t remember what we did in the day although my brightkite’s point to smiling over A’s emergent reading. It’s coming along nicely, she’s still a bit erratic for me to feel like I can breath easy over it but I’m really enjoying watching her progress.

In the evening we headed over to see The Babs and have a sleepover. I tried to put the kids to bed, but understandably they wanted to play. Babs and I ignored them in favour of playing some games. We played a game of my new game Memoir 44 and also her new game Pandemic. I really liked Pandemic, very good fun game and I like the idea of playing a game collaboratively. I’d like to try this game too as it sounds like it’s along the same lines - at least if we lost, we *all* lose and I think that might appeal to M. One day

Eventually when it was 1am and A was still awake I figured I ought to hit the hay and try and get her asleep in anticipation of Thursday’s long day. I had arranged a trip and meet up with friends at the Manchester Science museum or MOSI as it is also known. Babs and I and our respective children were taking the train so were up and out nice and early. The train journey was good fun and nice and easy since it was relatively quiet. The 2nd train from Manchester Piccadilly to Deansgate was slightly fuller, and we’d picked up 3 stragglers in the form of jax and co, so was slightly worse but as only 2 stops no big deal really. We met up fairly easily with the other takers for the trip - Jan, Caroline and Anni and headed to the Xperiment area first as my 2 especially really wanted to go there first. Some people headed off to eat first but realistically there was no way I could stop my kids from getting stuck in so we decided to explore first. Good job really as it was kind of quiet at first but when the others joined in so did a large school group of much bigger kids. The museum was fab really, but no way we’d manage it all in a day. I’m not actually sure what my 2 learned from it, but I shall trust that something went in somewhere! We also looked at the 1830’s warehouse, the story of electricity, the sewer and finally the aeroplane building. We were absolutely shattered by this time and decided to head back and get a cuppa while waiting for our main train.

Photos are here

Ugh it was busy on the way back!! We’re so spoiled being able to travel outside of peak hours mostly. Oh well. It arrived back nicely in time, but due to me not thinking things through very well and a misplacing of keys from Babs I got James to take Babs and kids home first before getting us and us dashing off to try and make it in time for A’s Badgers. I was getting so stressed by this time, I was tired and worn out and to top it all off was looking like we were either going to miss A’s badgers which she had been so looking forward to, or be terribly late which I so hate doing. We committed to trying to make it since we would be going that way if we headed home and managed to arrive only 20 mins late. So glad James had picked us up as I’d have been terrible at getting us there! She enjoyed it again, had made a worry doll as part of the global badge, she won more games and just generally enthused She’s looking forward to next week as it’s uniform week, she has been so excited since we bought some school polo shirts. Rofl!

Friday was another early start as there was a local meet up at a new soft play area that’s opened up. It was quite a big soft play, and A kept looking for a friend of hers that was definitely there and it took her half the time to find her! Was a nice time but by the end of it A was feeling very fragile and had a bit of a meltdown on leaving. We don’t really do meltdowns very often so I think she was definitely tired! I think for the rest of the day we just chilled!

Saturday was work for me and A decided she wanted to come too so I relented. She was a good help, much better when only one child there, and we had a nice enough time working away! M stayed at home with James and played the playstation most of the day I think.

On Sunday we visited my SIL’s got fed nicely and managed to have a very relaxed day. It was snowing on and off but we didn’t have much hope for lots of snow at home as it tends not to settle round us. However it was very icy and slippy when we got back so must have snowed a bit before turning very cold.

And finally on to today, Monday. I had no plans which was good really as we woke up to a fair bit of snow. The kids were up early and it didn’t take them long to be out enjoying it. Days like today you just love the fact there is no school!

Once they tired of the snow we fed the birds a bit more, actually we’ve seen a lot of activity today and I’ve quite enjoyed just standing watching them all. I have some nice memories of watching birds as a kid when I made my own bird table so it always reminds me of that. The kids made some bird cake and a string of monkey nuts which we’ll write up and use for the RSPB wildlife action awards.

Worried about James with the bad weather but he made it through the day well enough, hoping it’s a bit better tomorrow. We all had an evening snowball fight which was good fun, I’m not sure if it will still be all around tomorrow so must make the most of it. Snowy photos are here :)

seemed to be a theme of today. I had full intentions of going to the HE group today and told the kids that they had an hour to get dressed and do a bit of reading before we were going out. I neglected to mention where we were going, maybe that was a little sneaky of me, as I knew if they knew it was the HE group they might have been more willing. As it was it wasn’t that they were grumpy or being unco-operative really they just decided that playing some convoluted Ice Age pretend game was much more important. I pootled about making sure I was ready in case of them deciding to get dressed but they didn’t. I actually quite like watching them do these games. It *always* involves lava being on the floor and them having to work their way round it. I figure they probably don’t have *that* much time left when playing like that will be important to them. So I let them be.

I was chatting to James and looking out my window when I saw a bird I’d not seen before so I told the kids and decided to look it up in A’s bird book. I think it was a Pied Wagtail, nice to have something different! On looking at the RSPB site we realised we could listen to some bird calls so the kids wanted to hear if the blue tit and robin sounded like some soft toys they got the other day at the RSPB reserve.

Lunch seemed to start late and take a loooonng time to finish. A is not the fastest eater really at the best of times and today they decided to read a whole load of Beano comics while eating so it was longer than usual! The box of comics is from the 90’s and I chuckled when M came to me reading some joke about someone’s favourite band and it was Blur. He laughed, but it was a laugh that I knew meant he hadn’t understood really. I managed to recall a song he’d know and so he said ‘oh so they’re old then?’ Er not really. Cheeky so and so

We did venture out at some point. We took their bikes down to the local country park. It was very cold though and they were a bit whingy. we got past the little park only as I’d said I’d go no further if they kept whinging like I was torturing them and making them go out. We headed down a part of the Trans Pennine Trail that has a big oak tree they like climbing on. It’s in a little glade type bit and just looks fab as a place that kids could be kids iykwim. I always feel a little daft hanging round when they’re playing there, I need to take a book and plonk myself on the nearest bench and let them play. Mind you they wouldn’t even let me walk 6 ft away today.

All the birdwatching knowledge kept coming back today too as we saw loads of sparrows, robins and magpies. I couldn’t stop them going on about them tbh!! Spent lots of time listening and seeing if we could recognise the songs but I’m rubbish at distinguishing them!

normal late afternoon of games but this time when James got in I headed out to Jax’s to help her do a bit of packing. Always nice to be able to have conversations with adults without being interrupted all the time by various kids. Although I suppose I don’t have that problem too much nowadays, but I always remember going to visit people and never getting into conversations as no sooner would it get interesting than someone needed you for something. Lol.

Been camped on the puter all evening, but got to be up early tomorrow so better be thinking about bed soon.

Saturday started fairly early as we wanted to get along to Old Moor RSPB reserve in time for the start of the Big Garden Birdwatch event. We arrived just in time for them opening the doors to it and so got stuck straight in. We decided to not do the actual birdwatch at the reserve as we figured a whole hour doing that straight might be too much but we headed out to the hide with one of the staff members to look at the birds anyway. There’s a lot of hides out on the water sides but this one looked out onto an area they had lots of bird feeders on. We saw absolutely loads which was fab as we don’t get much in our garden back home. Goldfinches (or strawberry faces as A calls them!), chaffinches (M’s fave), robins, tree sparrows, a willow tit and lots of great tits. M really enjoyed watching them all, as did A but all of a sudden she wanted to go off and do something else.

There was some crafts going on inside so we did some painting. Mostly using some bird stencil shapes. Both M and A wanted to make the the right colours and they all looked really good. When we’d done way more than our fair share of painting we had a v. quick walk round the reserve. We didn’t go too far really. The kids were annoyed that the hides were full of people with no room for them to look. Downsides of weekends I guess. So we went back to the original hide to do some bird bingo. We had to get 4 birds in a row to claim a prize. It was much harder this time and we were wishing we’d done it earlier. Eventually we got the lot and M chose himself a set of wildlife top trumps cards and A chose a bird book. Nice prizes

We headed for an afternoon at work. My dad was ok with the kids being there so I spent the afternoon in a supervisory role helping the kids do some ‘work’. Stacking shelves and quality control, the latter being their favourite!! They did about 30 mins and then sat with magazines and then later on spent their wages back in the shop

Sunday should have been better than what it was. I woke up expecting it to be raining but actually it stayed dry all day. We wanted to do a geocache but James was feeling a little tired and so we stayed in most of the day. We did do our birdwatch though. I split it up into 15 min intervals for the kids and they took it in turns to watch. We didn’t see too much some house sparrows, blackbirds, a magpie and a pigeon. I think it was a little windy tbh. I wanted some peace later in the afternoon and did my own little one where I added some great tits and a robin to the count.

We introduced James to Memoir 44. He really liked it, but M was getting in such a strop when he thought he would lose. I think a bit of perfectionism is getting in his way! They ended up winning anyway *rolls eyes*

Today we had no plans. We played some yahtzee, M was much better at losing this time! I won the first game between A and I and A won the 2nd game with all of us. The kids spent some time playing some weird game jumping round the living room and having to avoid obstacles. Perhaps too much Raven watching? M finished his first magic tree house book, think he read 4 or 5 chapters today rather than the normal 1 *rolls eyes* A sat and looked through the whole of Mouse Guard. She was so quiet and enthralled in it I decided it would count as reading. She’s doing so well atm I really don’t want it to be a chore for her.

They played on some games later, both of them have nearly completed the games that they bought after Xmas. A is playing Littlest Pet Shop on the Wii and M is playing Need For Speed: Undercover. At least their money was well spent! We then went shopping, bleurgh, came home and watched some rubbish about the World Rally Championship.

Oh and hopefully will find out more about the Young Archeaologist club soon as have finally managed to get through to the lady who runs it. Apparantly they have spaces

Er no. It’s a board game. But more about that later

Had my nice sleep in this morning Aaaah… feels so much better! We then had intentions of getting the house in order for friends coming over later, but I was getting distracted by the internet. Oops.

So when Sarah and the tribe arrived, the house was still in a bit of a sorry state but they said they didn’t mind Kids went upstairs and dissappeared with the noises of DS’s.

Sarah and I had nice chat time. She laughed at me for being scared and having nightmares over her book, but I tried to justify it by it being when I was ill and maybe I was just sleepless anyway… Hmmm! Had a good talk over my wibbles I’d been having. I do feel much better about it. I’m just a person who likes to be reassured every so often so thanks for all the nice comments and Sarah for listening today.

We had lunch and then I (foolishly?) said they could play the wii so that meant they were all downstairs and slightly more noisy. They all had fun and played well so I can’t complain really. Don’t think I remember any fighting. Although Mimi did manage to get herself all caught up on A’s bed and had to be rescued by Sarah! She was dangling by an arm I think!

James arrived home shortly after they left. The kids spent more time playing wii/playstations and I sent J to the post office to pick up a parcel that wasn’t delivered yesterday. I did well with using up some leftovers in the fridge for our tea and it had lots of veg the kids ate so felt good about that.

The parcel had some board games in. I’ve been really intrigued by all the cool games people have been playing recently and wondered if I could get something the kids might like. We’re not really very into games though so it was a bit of a decision to spend some money on them. I’d liked the look of Memoir ‘44 as something M would like and possibly would appeal to James as well. It had good reviews but as no-one I knew had played it I was a little wary. I looked at it last year and decided to leave it a while but bit the bullet just after Xmas and ordered it.

M was a little annoyed when I said I’d ordered it with the quote above. He does like war games on the PS2. I really wasn’t sure how he’d take to this game though. When he saw it he loved the look of it and wanted to play immediately. It took me a while to sort out all the pieces and get it ready for the first game but we had our first game this evening. A didn’t want to be left out so I said she could be on my team. Having to work out how to play was getting me a little stressed (I wanted to play with James first so I could get used to how it worked), but the kids were patient with me Once we got going with it they really liked it. It has strategy but also luck of the dice involved. M was a little moany about not winning and A let him win the first time *rolls eyes*. A then won the 2 time we played and he had another strop. Hmmm. But a resounding thumbs up from here so far. We only played the easy game and took out the strategy cards as it said could be done to play with ‘Young Generals’ so also lots of scope to make the game more involved.

One thing that I quite liked about it was that the battle scenarios are actually based on the real battles of d day so I imagine if we’re ever looking into the subject in more depth in the future it will give us a bit of insight into what happened iykwim.

We also got Ticket to Ride and Yahtzee but haven’t had chance to play those yet. Plenty of time though

shall be more upbeat

Had a nice couple of days really, although I’ve been fairly busy which I tend to not like that much. I think it’s the lack of control that I don’t like in going from one activity/appt/thing to the next. Oh and that I never seem to get anything else done. House is like a pig sty right now and the pigs would probably be offended at that

Yesterday we headed out to see Stella and the little Pies. Was lovely to see them and the kids all got on really well. I thought M was going to be funny as he’s the oldest one there. I took him a book to read in case he was bored and for the first half hour or so he read that so I was wishing I’d never mentioned he might be bored as I thought it probably had encouraged him not trying to play. He eventually got stuck in though in his role as big scary shouty boy pretending to be a monster! A and Kpie played really nicely, it always throws me to see A look bigger than someone else though which she does with Kpie (most other kids outgrow A!!). Really enjoyed having a nice chat with Stella too Must do better at getting together again as we left it way too long, I think last time was when she was living in Sheffield. Oops.

Got home and did not very much for the rest of the day - see when I go out it saps the day away from me!

Today we were up very early for A’s eye appointment at the hospital. It was 9.15am which meant having to get the tram in at rush hour. Actually it wasn’t as bad as I expected. One time there were no spare seats at all, bearing in mind we’re 2 stops from the start of the line!! Appointment went as well as could be expected. She needed eye drops so it was never going to be fun, but her eyes have improved ever so slightly which is good. Have a new prescription (again) so will have to go down to the opticians soon and try and remember to book me in too as I am overdue for some new glasses.

We were home just before 12pm and then went straight back out to visit Babs and 2 out of 3 kids. Had a lovely time there as we always do. Babs tried to get me into playing Tantrix, which was good fun but my head wasn’t really up to playing. I was too tired by then!

A wouldn’t shut up about Badgers all day. She went to the first meeting tonight and has been so excited about it. Was kind of worried it wouldn’t live up to her expectations! Anyway, she loved it. It’s only a small group of kids there but she fitted in nicely. I can’t say it was perfect from my point of view, it did seem a little haphazard, but I’m sure she’ll get lots out of it. I’ll also gloss over the wordsearch they were given on leaving, one of the words to find was ‘keep carm’ Arrrrrrggghhhhh!!! lol! Was a good intro to these kind of groups anyway and I eventually got a call back about brownies for her too. Not really sure what was going on why she coudn’t join straight away, but maybe after half term it will be sorted and she can join there.

Tomorrow, I intend to sleep. Well until some friends come over

Apparantly yesterday has been dubbed Blue Monday and I was certainly in a gloomy mood when I woke. No real reason, just wasn’t at my best.

We spent some time looking at a load of (more) RSPB stuff that came through the post, loads of posters, colouring stuff and a teachers pack I’ve yet to look at thoroughly. We filled out the forms for the Climate and Wildlife Action Awards and filled up the bird feeder that also came (our free gift for joining the RSPB) and put it outside. We don’t tend to get many birds in the gardens even though there are loads about. I wonder if there is too much competition around with all the gardens We’ll persevere though and we do get some blue tits on the bird feeders we had already. Not many though A and I also tried a little activity of making an ice mobile which unfortunately didn’t work too well when we tried to finish it up today.

Kids read some more Magic Tree House books and looked at the Dinosaur Non Fiction companion book which arrived. A decided she didn’t want to read the 1st book in the series and wanted to go to the Dolphins at Daybreakbook (unsurprisingly ). She is doing so well with her reading. I’m so impressed by how she’s getting on at the moment, she read the first 2 pages of that book so well. It probably doesn’t sound much as she *is* 7 I suppose but I’m really pleased that she’s getting there. She’s not been the same as M who could always sound out words and work them out, she just couldn’t do it and with M I was sure it was just a matter of time and waiting for him to want to do it. With A I’ve just been quietly wibbling and hoping she’d get there. Feeling much better about it right now.

We read some number devil. All about prime numbers (or Prima Donna numbers as it calls them). Talked a bit about remainders in division and I think it’s going in. No major confusion yet anyway.

Today I was supposed to be going to the home ed group but I woke in a ugh mood and decided against it. M wasn’t too bothered and A was complaining of a sore tummy (same recurring ache - doesn’t stop her eating crap though!) so felt better once the decision was made to stay home. We watched some CBBC - serious ocean and something about dingoes. A is really enjoying animal programs at the moment, must get my Life of Mammals dvd’s back for her. We’ve been watching Zoo Days on channel 5 when we remember too. Much better than *another* simpsons repeat!

We listened to the Jeremy Vine show on the radio and the kids were really excited to hear 2 people they knew on the radio. Led to some conversations about how some people want to have more checks in home ed etc. Oh and whether we had famous friends. Lol!!

We did more e-mailing to friends. I set up M an e-mail account too. A played lots on her Littlest Pet Shop game and M dissappeared to play some racing games. I finally switched everything off to watch the Inauguration of Barack Obama. Felt more involved than that sounds though!

Got a call about getting A into Badgers so we’ll be going along to see how that is on Thursday. Hopefully she’ll like it

Friday started way too early with us off to a local soft play area / home ed meet up. Really like it there, not like some other soft plays that resemble old warehouses! The kids have made some nice new friends there which has been good. A has made a very good friend and they swapped phone numbers this time (and e-mail addresses) which has meant we’ve had a glimpse of the future with A attached to the phone all the time!

After we got home from there we did a little of A’s zoo vet book and I tried to explain fractions and decimals. Not sure A got it so much but M certainly felt comfortable with it all. I can’t remember exactly what he said now, but the other week he came out with something that showed he’d obviously been thinking about quarters (we hadn’t done anything formal iykwim). i do like when he has these moments of maths comfort as he seems to not enjoy the actual arithmetic that is involved sometimes and has managed a kind of complex being formed over it all.

RSPB Wildlife explorers group is a non starter for now as only from age 8 and no point doing just for M as he’s not that interested. If A was going we might be able to persuade him though! Couldn’t get through to Brownies again

I was at work on Saturday but before I went our RSPB membership stuff arrived and the kids had a *very* quick look at it all. After all this was Saturday and the day they can play on games to their hearts content! By the time I got home they were all a bit frazzled and grumpy so I said they could do with some no screen time and we looked at the stuff more. A got a bit annoyed with the fact hers was the younger childs version (it changes over at age but enjoyed looking through it all and sticking the stickers on the folder. She got excited at the competitions in the mag and so we have something to be doing there.

Today we had a half thought of going to the cinema to one of the kids am showings but then we slept late so a good job I didn’t mention it to the kids. We knew we were spending the afternoon with James’s dad and sister and had planned to do a walk and hopefully try out James’s new toy - a gps He’s wanted us to make more of our weekends for a while and we’ve wanted to get into geocaching like a few of our friends do but haven never taken the plunge and bought a gps. So when I was thinking of a good Christmas present for James this came to mind and was a great surprise for him. He’s awful at figuring out what people have got him (I’ll never forgive him for questioning A when I got him an Ipod!!) so was nice to have a real surprise.

So after a bit of whinging on his part as he wasn’t sure what was happening with everyone else we eventually got going. It wasn’t far from us, walkable from home, and we found it after a little search around. M and James had a little falling out over something which spoiled it somewhat but we managed to sort it out *rolls eyes*. Time was getting on then so we all went back to James’s dads for tea. We all really enjoyed doing it and hoping to make it a more regular thing. Kids enjoyed being with their cousins and playing on the playstation later on while we watched Air America and shooting stars.

Nice weekend.

I did not want to get up this morning! It would have been nice to have had that nice feeling like yesterday, but I was worried I’d fall back asleep and miss my appointment for getting my blood taken at the doctors.

I upset the kids by waking them up too, think we’ve got into a bit of a habit of sleeping late over the Christmas break! But we got it together to wait for a bit in the waiting room before being stabbed by the nurse. Kids looked a bit shell shocked watching it - rofl!! We headed straight from there to the bank, not very exciting really but at least we got ourselves out of the house for a bit.

The rest of the day wasn’t very exciting or successful. M fell out with me as I’d said I wanted him to have a day off from the playstation. He’d been going a bit mad on the evenings lately and he was warned enough about it! So he grumped for quite a long time about that. Actually I think he forgot about falling out with me when he put on his Harry Potter audio book. He’s *really* enjoyed the book and I’ve requested the 3rd one for him now. Was quite fun to chat to him about some of the bits that weren’t in the film

While M was doing that A did some Explode the Code book 1. She has about another 3 or 4 pages to go on that book and then will be on the next one. I finished the last chapter of Ruby the Red fairy for her as she isn’t realistically going to do it any time soon and I figured it would be good to at least finish it. I’ve said to her that if she wants to read a book then the Magic Tree House ones might be a bit better for her and she gave it a go. She did the first page but was really getting a bit restless so I didn’t push it. Problem is, James gave M a reward when he read his first chapter book (he got a PS2 game) so A has been wanting to do it too. We tried with the fairy book, but she’s just not ready for it I don’t think even though it’s a fairly basic book.

She did another e-mail to a friend and read her reply from her. I think this is helping her loads actually, she’s not struggling hardly at all. She’s very intriguing to watch learning to read! James had sent her an e-mail this morning before work so even more practise! I might send her one in a bit too

After lunch they were both getting a bit mad and annoying so we put on a dvd. We got The Water Horse from LoveFilm so watched that. kids hardly moved at all through it all, I think they really enjoyed it M put on the 1st Harry Potter after that. So although a game free afternoon, not a screen free afternoon. Hmmm. Oh well.

I’ve been spending the day looking at groups the kids might be interested in. I *still* forgot to phone up again about Brownies. Grrr. Will try again tomorrow. Have got someone to phone about a wildlife explorers group that is once a month up near where my mum lives, not that local but ok for once a month. Also have enquired about the sheffield young archeaologist club for M. I’m not sure he’d go, it depends on how it’s set up and if I can come along I suppose, so we’ll see what they say. He really likes stuff like that though so would be good for him to go there. I can try! I need to look into some sort of Karate or self defence thing for A now.

Feeling much better today, hardly coughing at all and my chest is much better. I slept late again and woke at 10am to a very quiet house. Kids weren’t even up yet! I quite like when that happens, feels really indulgent to be laid in bed listening to the silence.

We watched some cbbc (more bamzookis) and made a start on getting the house looking a bit better. I’d let the housework drop a bit lately and it was getting to me so Alex and I blitzed the living room.

A got out her sewing kit (I can’t find the Play Merrily link ) that she got for Christmas and she was directing M as to what he was to do. They decided to both help each other out to make one of the soft toys. Really like that kit We had lunch and I read stories. I had ordered Can You Count to a Googol? ages ago, but as it came from America it took a while. It arrived this morning though and we read through it. Very interesting. Apparantly if you counted all the atoms in all the galaxies that we know it still wouldn’t come to a googol. (or something like that ) I do like these books - I have the What’s Smaller Than a Pygmy Shrew? one which we like too. I read one of the nature stories from the Enid Blyton book of the year and then some poems from that. A: Oh no - I HATE poems! Me: Ok we won’t read any. Or maybe just one. A: No 2! No 3!!! Me: *rolls eyes*

M trailed away from the sewing after lunch and went on to the Bamzooki site. He’s a bit frustrated at trying to get the zooks to move so I’ve promised to help him by looking at some instructions. Found out why it’s not working I think so we might work on that tomorrow. A finished more sewing, she stuck with it really well.

A wanted to look at the Zoo Vet book I linked to yesterday as it arrived as well this morning. We did the first activity in that but the next one looks much more ahead of us (fractions). Might be ok, we’ll see. M did some reading and then dissappeared up to have some game time. He’s still very obsessed by his new racing game so I try and make sure he does a bit of maths and a small bit of reading and then he can go on it till tea time.

Oh I forgot to blog this. I asked M about what he wanted to do about reading and whether he wanted me to keep offering books for him. He said he does want to keep doing that so he’s chosen the first Magic Tree House book - Dinosaurs Before Dark (Why have the changed the names of some of the books?? Anyone? Ahhh is it a new set for the UK market? Looks like they’ll be similar anyway - shall have to check the library see if they have them) He seems to be whizzing through the chapters in no time which is good, but if I could get him to try and read more than one chapter at a time that would be great!

A and I decided to send an e-mail to a friend of hers and she also sent some e-mails to me and James. She really enjoys stuff like that, but she went a bit mad through it all (rolls eyes at madness of A) so I dissappeared to the kitchen to wash up

We need to go to the bank and to the docs tomorrow so looking forward to getting out and about!

today was a bit better

Slept late again but I can cope with that. I did a couple of read alouds, a story from the 50 famous stories book and also something about snow from an old Enid Blyton Winter book. Was quite interesting if only about the assumption that if you lived in the North you’d definitely get snow There was a bit about frost on the insides of windows too which doesn’t happen too much these days too.

The kids played around a bit, was quite amused with their game of ‘cops’ as they’d been eating donuts and the donuts had played a central part in it all. I do think we watch a bit much Simpsons sometimes

A and I cut out, laminated and played a bit with a skip counter I'’d had printed out and sat on the shelf for ages. It’s nice and a different way of practising the skip counting. Oh I remember what else happened then. A got very upset at the thought of certain friends not being at Melrose so we thought about what would make it better (and moving nearby unfortunately is not an option but the only thing she wanted!) and settled on writing a letter to the said friend which we later posted. I’d roll my eyes but it’s really nice she’s got these little friendships as I know there would have been times that I’d wonder if they’d end up friend-less with home edding. That’s certainly not proved itself so far anyway.

M and I had a look at the first page of a book I’d had on the shelf for ages (hmm things being on the shelf is a bit of a theme here!) It’s called Win A Grand Prix (Using Maths) and I bought it as a way of trying to interest M in *anything* lol. I think when I got it I thought it was a little too much for him, but on looking at it again I figured it was probably doable with me guiding him. So we brought it out and did the first page which was looking at distances from circuits to your home city of Monaco and then we had to work out by how much further one place was than another. I let him use a calculator for doing it as I wasn’t too interested in the calculating going on but more the working out from the text what we needed to do. He really enjoyed doing it, getting the info and working out the answers. And M never enjoys maths so This Is Good.

A had a go at it all afterwards and she needed a bit more help but again enjoyed it. Realised she doesn’t tend to know how to work out which number is larger with bigger numbers (5772 and 6148 for example) so maybe we can work on that. I have ordered the Zoo Vet book in the series as I think it will appeal to A’s obsession with animals at the moment. I think it was a book people set at one point and it’s a shame I didn’t get the lot as they are nice, different kind of books.

*edit* Aha! Found the red set which I think is for older kids - here

and failing! I really wanted to get back into normality today, but failed miserably to wake up when I wanted to (before James goes out) and felt utterly crap all day.

A & M both started the day reading and being fairly quiet which was nice. A found a Futurama comic and M was looking at a Dinosaur model making book and they both set together to find bits to make stuff. A also told me that she had read the Korgi: v. 1 (Korgi) (Korgi Graphic Novels) I had mentioned in a BrightKite and really liked it so wants the next one. It’s a nice little comic and no words except a little intro so excellent for her.

Oh I’ll tell you what else I got recently. The Comic Strip History of the World I’ve been on a bit of a book buying spree lately. This is so up M and A’s street, very horrible history like and has been recommended so far.

We eventually made it to the local shopping centre to do a few errands which included picking up the 1st Harry Potter on audio book from the library for M. He’s listened to the 2nd one as it’s in our library but we had to request this one. We listened to a bit of it in the car this evening as James wanted to go to Meadowhall and all really enjoyed it. M is now listening to more in bed. He’s kind of got out of the habit of listening to stuff at night, and tbh I’d much rather he listened to this than the radio which I do worry about being on at night time.

Also found a bargain in the pound shop of the Horrible History and Horrible Science annuals at £ each and since the kids were so nice and said they’d share them I decided to get them. Not enough books in the house. Erm.

Tried to phone about Brownies for A tonight but couldn’t get through so must remember to keep trying.

Just so I can keep a page with some links.

Alex is desperate to do a keeper for the day for her birthday after seeing her friend have a day doing it. She’s woken me th epast 2 mornings going on about it! Anyway, been looking for places that will do it for her age. Most are down south but maybe Nic might find them of interest anyway?

Dudley Zoo

Lakeland Wildlife Oasis (Lake District)

Drusillas

Port Lympne Wild Animal Park

Leeds Castle (Birds)

Will add as and when I find anything

Life has been fairly slow round here. I think I’ve had flu, I don’t think I’ve ever had flu before but I’m sure this was it. Coughing, sneezing, runny nose, temperature, aches, sickness. Ugh. Seem to be over the worst of it now but feeling very weak and wobbly still as an earlier trip to the supermarket made me realise. I thought the kids might be coming down with it as they’ve been coughing but no further progression there, James on the other hand has been not great all day and has been in bed since about 7pm with a very hot temp He managed work today but not sure if he’ll manage tomorrow. He never did go for his flu jab this year either. Hope he’s ok with it and doesn’t suffer much.

So the kids have been mainly bumbling around while I’ve been sleeping. They’ve done some Explode the Code and M has read another couple of chapters of his book. Only one to go then he’s done. I need to think about whether to keep trying to encourage him to read these kinds of books to help his fluency or give him a break and let him come to it on his own terms. Argh. He doesn’t *hate* reading or anything and doesn’t really grumble when he does it, but if I don’t remind him he would never pick it up. It just feels a little forced which I don’t like. Hmmm.

We started reading george’s secret key to the universe and the kids are loving it so far. Lots of talk of science and space and such like going on. Not my strong point unfortunately so I’ll be learning alongside them.

M has been watching CBBC in the mornings and has got into Bamzooki’s again and has been having much fun designing and building his own zooks. He really enjoys doing stuff like that and the fantastic contraptions site. We were a little behind the blog craze (BK craze??) of doing it but I’ve never seen him take so well to a site!

They’ve both been playing round with their chemistry set, never ending fun that! I really should actually start trying to teach them something about the many concoctions they make. They have managed to conclude that the vinegar and bicarb are the things that react though! James thought they were wasting all the stuff by just blindly mixing it all but I figure they need to get it out of their system a bit so it’s not always the thing they feel they want to do.

Ok, I have an associates thing and have a search box in the side panel. I’ll try and remember to put proper links in so if people buy stuff I can get a percentage. Anything I make will be ploughed back into buying fab books that I can then share with my friends I know they so love me for doing it.

Eventually I might do a page with some book recommendations on them but I feel like crud today so I’ve probably done too much already today.

I thought that since I’m back on the blog ring I should just do a little post about who we are for anyone new visiting.

M is 8 and is mostly interested in cars and WW2, A is 7 and interested in animals. We’ve home educated since birth apart from a term for M in a Montessori nursery when he was 3. I’ve dabbled in lots of various teaching styles such as Montessori, FIAR, and Charlotte Mason and at the moment have stuck with CM albeit fairly loosely.

Both my 2 have been late readers. M has only in the last 6 months or so been at the stage of reading simple chapter books. I still think I’ve pushed him more than I should have done though but he was always able to decode phonics and so we kept at it. A is much different and really struggles with phonics. She cannot decipher anything without visual clues so our learning to read journey with her has been much different. I think she may be dyslexic or have some dyslexic traits too so that’s always been there. I’ve since done lots of reading on Creative Learners or Right Brained learners and believe that’s a style we fit with. I joined a yahoo group about it all and have tried to approach our learning from another angle.

Actually for the last little while that’s not been strictly true as we’ve been a bit too much workbook orientated, but I’m trying to get back into that way of thinking more.

We try to learn through living, through reading books about interesting people or things. I try to follow my children’s lead when it comes to something they are interested in. Mostly I want them to learn at their own pace, which is just as valid as a pace that someone invented as ‘normal’.

Is how I’m sounding. 2nd cough of the winter and I don’t normally do coughs. I can’t remember the last time I was feeling really well actually Hoping it’s over with quickly and doesn’t infect the children. M has been lucky and hasn’t had any of the colds the rest of us have had.

We had a nice time yesterday with a trip to the Imperial War Museum North. It was the last day of the exhibition we’d been after seeing since about September. It was a Horrible Histories exhibition on the first world war. We’d been to see a HH exhibition at the Armouries and although it was ok, was only a little bit of the museum and we didn’t spend much time in it. I was wondering if this one would be the same. It wasn’t. It was fab. Loads to look at and see and as we’d looked into WW1 lots last year, including the audio cd of the HH book, lots was familiar and I think the kids got a fair bit out of it. Rest of the museum was as fab as it was last time we were there and apart from Alex playing up a little was a lovely day.

We were supposed to start our new routine today, or at least get out of holiday mode. I was up quite late though and we didn’t start too well especially with me being ill. Although M had started the day by doing some reading. We got dressed, had brekkie and headed to the library. I managed to get Alex interested in a couple of Audio books, Owl Babies and a Harry and his dinosaur type book. It’s funny, she still clings to these younger kids type of books and she always wants to get out those touchy feely books. I’m sure they have helped her with her reading so far, so hopefully keeping with ‘younger’ audio books means she can follow along if she wants to. We got out Spy Dog which we’d read as a read aloud and enjoyed, and Marcus got a Horrendous Hiccup story and some other one I can’t recall at the moment. I picked up George’s Secret Key to the Universe
which I’d heard good reviews about and thought M would enjoy. Actually Alex has been asking lots of stuff about space recently so maybe she’ll get lots out of it too. I had a nice little browse around Wikipedia and read about Stephen Hawking, as I really don’t know much about him at all.

We did a little of our read alouds while having lunch and after that I retired somewhere to cough while the kids played various video games that are nice and new and still have some novelty value.

This evening Alex and I have played Blokus, trying to keep her mind of a persistent tummy ache she has been having in the evenings. If she’s not thinking about it she’s much better but once she’s bored I think she’s using it as something to relieve the boredom iykwim. We’re trying to keep her food intake nice and healthy and up her fluid as she hardly drinks anything. Hope it passes as she’s no fun whinging!

I must also write about the Build an Internal Combustion Engine kit Marcus got for Christmas which he just loved. He seems to have a much better understanding of how it ll works now and considering cars are (and probably always will be) his passion it’s been nice to have something that has included that love. We found a good site with a game or 2 on it and a nice animation aimed at kids on how the engine works.

I’ve probably missed something major in the blog but my head isn’t really in a fit state to write so I’ll leave this here.

Just in reply to Helen’s comment that she didn’t know how the composer or artist study works.

Bearing in mind I’m no expert here goes. Each term (3 per year) there is a set composer or artist to study. By studying them it might be as simple as just listening to the works or viewing the art.

This term we might find a little harder to do more since there doesn’t seem to be much about online to delve deeper with. The composer is Franz Liszt. There’s some nice clips on you tube where the music is on Tom and Jerry, Bugs Bunny and also a Muppet clip. But it’s only the Hungarian Rhapsody that’s covered. I’m hoping to borrow one of the parts of Magical Music Box from Barbara which might give us something to work from as it’s about the Piano Concerto 1. I’m looking on ebay for some of the series for myself now!

We did well with the Rimsky-Korsakov study a while ago, there was a fair bit online and we looked into the Arabian Nights stories and found some more sites with things to do. A nice site I found is Classics for Kids which has podcasts and activity sheets on some composers (none for Franz Liszt though! But a small Bio). Depends really who it is as to how much you can find.

You don’t have to do who they say though, it’s just that way so people can share resources and stuff. I’m thinking it would be a good idea to use the Classics for Kids site and go with what they have as their composer of the month.

Does that help at all?

What I want to achieve in 2009:

This past years efforts in HE haven’t really been all that successful and certainly lately we’ve got ourselves into a bit of a rut. Just some rambly thoughts on how we might proceed.

Reading/Literacy etc

This is a tough one. I’m really not sure how to proceed here.

Alex, I think, is still too young at the moment to be pushing the reading. She tolerates Explode the Code and does it well so we’re going to keep up with that. I’m going to try and bring in some more comic books that she’ll like. The beano is very popular with her and I’ll keep looking out for others that will appeal. I’d like to see if she will be more receptive to listening to audio books, she’s always been a bit iffy with them before but as I think M has benefited from them a lot it would be good to try. Maybe I’ll try her at times other than bed time as she def doesn’t like that.

Marcus is reading now but really not much out of choice. I’m not sure how to encourage him to keep reading so he can get more fluent. I’m going to probably try and do as I am with Alex and encourage more comic and audio books and just keep throwing things at him that I think he’ll enjoy. I’m not sure he’ll ever be a kid who devours books but so long as I know he could if he wanted to then I suppose that’s ok.

Maths
This has recently fallen into M wanting to do a page of very easy things and declaring it as enough. I am ok with this sometimes as it’s building his confidence and it’s very easily knocked when doing maths. However we need to move on from just simple adding. I want to incorporate much more living math, games, books etc. We’ve started reading The Number Devil
which they like so far. I have lots of stuff to do, but need to be much more organised with it all really.

Charlotte Mason
I’m going to ease back into our Ambleside Online year 1 which we started ages ago. I like doing this and it eases my conscience when I think other people are thinking we do too little. I enjoy the composer and artist studies too so will get into those. Not much to orgo plan there, all done for me

Science
I’d like to keep up with some nature diaries and study ala CM. I’ve also got the Real Science 4 kids Pre-Chemistry book coming and so we’ll be making a start on that. If it goes ok, we’ll move onto the Pre-Biology. The kids have their own ‘chemistry set’ which they can experiment with to their hearts content so I’ll be encouraging that and doing experiments from books too. They all love experiments so I should do more.

I’d like to do some reading of the lives of scientists and such like. I have a Marie Curie book here and will look out for some others.

Music
Violin has fallen by the wayside here. Alex didn’t like doing the lessons and she was getting frustrated at not being able to make nice sounds. She was starting to think she was rubbish and stupid for not being able to do it so for now we’ve switched to the recorder which is suiting her much better. She loves it and managed to do Jingle Bells for us all on Xmas day. I’d like to continue by maybe getting some music for some simple nursery rhymes (or writing it myself if I can) and going forward with that.

I’m not sure how to get M into anything. He doesn’t show much interest. I guess we’ll just see if he does. We have the composer study for exposure to different stuff at any rate. Actually I’m sure the history of music will be more up his street!

Foreign Language
Have done terribly with this. I’d like it to become something we could work on though. Hmmm. Maybe I need to look at the schools library. I’d like to do a little Latin too with our Minimus books we got.

Groups
Continue going to weekly HE group when we can as both really like it there. Monthly nature group too. There’s a soft play meet up which is really nice that we can go to while M is still 8 so will continue with that.

Alex wants to join brownies so I have some phoning round to do on that. She would also like to do Karate or some sort of self defence. Will be looking into that soon too. M doesn’t want to do anything. No surprises there then

Hmm, not sure what else. Might come back to this later

went by with no blogging. Oops. Just going to fill in a few blanks, mostly for my reference as it’s nice to look back and remember what we did.

August
Jan and Jonathans party. Was lovely as it always is! Unfortunately the weather wasn’t so much and our tent collapsed in the high winds.

Had lots of car problems this month, one left us stranded on the motorway next to the Tinsley Towers. A few days later they were demolished, still quite weird not seeing them when you drive past.

September

Taught Alex to knit, she really loves it and managed to pick it up really easily.

Marcus finished his first proper book - Captain Underpants.

Apple Day - a local orchard holds an apple day every year so we popped down to that aand came back with bags full of apples to do things with! Pear tree from FILs was prolific too so lots of preserving going on!

Went to a friends wedding, James was a best man (1 of 3).

October
Ireland: Guinness Factory & Dublin
Tullamore Whiskey Heritage centre
Walking in the Wicklow Mountains
Visit to BallyKissangel

Alex’s birthday - 7!!!!! Had some friends over for a play.

Halloween. Both kids were very excited at Halloween and duly dressed up as a witch and Darth vader and pounded the streets Most neighbours happy to do the whole thing so was very nice.

November
Fireworks. Didn’t go anywhere specific but wandered round our estate watching them all which was fun.

Nic’s. Visited Nic and Ady and had a lovely time with them. Kids get on so well with hers so always fun to visit. Made a detour to Reading while there to another friends pool party. Hadn’t seen those friends in ages so particularly nice.

December
Helmsley. Wish I’d managed to stay for the whole time here but when it was booking time we were skint. Since it’s so close we managed to go for the ‘Xmas day’ and Nic kindly let us sleep over in their room so we could be there for S’s birthday the day after. Had a fab time there especially as it snowed! We never get snow so this was a big novelty. M had lots of snowball fights.

Nativity play. Went to a local Nativity play which, while overpriced, was very nice and the first time we’ve ever done that as we missed the Pennywell trip back when we went to Okehampton years ago. M predictably wouldn’t join in though (which made the over priced part worse!).

Xmas. Argh Xmas! Should have been lovely but unfortunately we had a bug which Alex got on Christmas Eve Eve, M got on Xmas Eve and I got on Xmas day. Luckily we had Boxing day free of Sickness but J then came down with it the day after. The kids had a good day though so that’s what matters I guess.

Finally to end 2008 we visited Em for a party. I don’t tend to ‘do’ NYE but that’s from having parents who don’t celebrate it either. Normally we go to James’ family so it was nice to do something else. I so love these get togethers, it makes me feel so lucky to have such fab friends. Was a perfect way to end and start the year.

A review of Captain Underpants

dictated by Marcus

I really liked the bit when he said it was good that he had spare underpants but he didn’t so he had to use a barrel round his waist to cover himself. I also liked the warning before the Flip-o-rama it was really funny. I think all boys should read it but it’s a bit rude so don’t give it to your mum or your grannies either. It took me about 4 days to read it.

(naughty mummy for taking so long to type this up)

I’ve found my next house to rent. How fab is this?? And not too far away from the rent we pay now for a cold, damp shoebox. Can you tell I’m fed up of living here??

is this house? Now I just need some land then…

I’ll never catch up. So behind on people’s blogs, twitter, e-mail. Just feeling a bit uninspired to even try and catch up. Sorry.

So will try to summarise the past month or so:

*Picking cherries

*Gardening - started growing a few bits

*M’s birthday - he’s 8!!! Almost outgrown muddlepuddle!!

*Sundown Adventureland - kids loved this even though I felt they’re close to outgrowing it. Nice to be proved wrong.

*Staying with friends. Huge thanks to Chris and Helen for putting up with us for a visit. Enjoyed the company loads even though M and BB were at loggerheads so much. Also while there we:

*had nice trip to the RSPB centre with pond dipping, owl pellets and moths to look at.

*Home Ed sports day. We’ve never had one of these near us (or not that I’ve known about) so was really pleased to be part of this one. Was great fun!

*Camping with friends - the best!

*Wicksteed park. V expensive, but kids all adored it there. Thanks to Nic and Ady for helping me out, it’s hard doing rides with 2 kids sometimes! Pics of kids on the rides make it worthwhile, they had such a great time.

*Festival of History. As fab as I expected. We did mostly WW1 and 2 stuff. A was a little moany, but think was tired. Shame we missed the 2nd day due to:

*Car died - arrrrrghhhh!! Lots of money to come home. Note to self - upgrade RAC cover. *sigh*

*quiet time at home

*Amazing reading girl. Still not sure how she processes and does it but she’s doing Oxford Reading tree level 5 almost effortlessly and has made a start on Ruby the Red fairy.

*Fairy madness. 37 books and one girl in heaven. Thanks Jax (and Sarah too I think!)

I’ve managed to lose the whole of June. Whoops.

I will have a holiday blog at some point I hope, we had a very nice time on the Isle of Wight, although we were hounded by quite a few crap events. All in all though it was good. Have lots of pics I need to sort.

Our car has kind of died. Which has meant that this week we haven’t been doing much. I’ve also been having a small self imposed limit on my computer time (aiming for 2 hours a day with it being switched on) so I’ve been doing lots of pottering around. I like pottering, it makes me feel happy. I’ve been out in the garden lots just sorting the few plants that are out there. I know I said I wouldn’t but my mum gave me a huge bag of compost and I do have lots of seeds so before we headed off on holiday we sowed some peas, lettuce, carrots and a few others. I get annoyed when I get really excited to grow stuff, spend money on seeds, pots, compost and then get nothing out of it. Which is the reason why I wasn’t going to grow anything. But if I keep to having not spent anything it might be worth a try.

We did find a frog yesterday in the garden which was a great source of delight. We have no pond and not sure who else has one and I’ve never seen a frog in my garden before. He was hiding under some old growbags in a corner. Lovely bit of impromptu nature spotting.

Not being doing much formal stuff, really kicking back a bit. The world Wars are still on the back burner and we do have some conversations about that when it comes up. Seems to have been lots going on so that I’m not worrying but not so much for me to blog.

Now hoping the car will be fixed (off to garage tomorrow) in time to do something for M’s birthday next week.

What with all the war stuff going on here, I was thinking we could get a model of a plane for Marcus to have a go at. Have had a look online to see what there is, although been a bit dissapointed when looking at sites that it doesn’t show you the skill level or even what paints are required (some sites, not all of course) Anyway, it reminded me that we actually do have a model car that M got for his birthday last year that had been awaiting a father/son type day to get started on. Of course, this hasn’t happened as neatly as we’d have liked so it’s laid in wait in the back of a cupboard. I dug it out yesterday and we duly got started.

As expected really, M was a bit heavy handed at first with the painting, but as it progressed he got better and better and has really enjoyed doing it. It’s not perfect by any means, but for a first model he’s done really well. It’s not quite finished, I’ll do a pic when it’s done, should be done by the end of the weekend.

We’ve been doing quite a lot of looking through books about the wars. We drift from one world war to the other quite easily! This book arrived yesterday and M was over the moon at it. He is absolutely obsessed with guns, not just with playing with them, but knowing the names and everything about them. I, of course, am not the best at supplying him with the information (but my FIL is) so I thought this book would come in handy. We also cleared the library of almost every war book around, oops! I managed to pick up one of those Michael Morpurgo books, Jan mentioned in the comments. It was the Private Peaceful one which I’ve started to read to see how it would be. I’m not sure just yet that it will be good, always got to check for anything that might cause anxiety and nightmares. The first chapter has the boys dad dying and him blaming himself! Might be a book better read in the day time! I’m enjoying it so far though. Haven’t read anything in ages. I did pick up this book from the library too which is lovely. Yet to read it to the kids, but will do soon.

Alex and I have been playing some games. We got Landlock and Castle Keep from PlayMerrily. A absolutely adores Landlock, even though we’ve only played a couple of games of it. She just likes to make up a little world for the gnomes! Also of note is that M played his first ever full game of chess with me. I’m not great at chess, and have hardly played it but he did really well with the game and I only just beat him. I should probably have let him win, but I was being a bit of a meany!

Also had a couple of nice visits from Jax and kids. Finally managed to actually get to chat to her on the second which was nice, even if my children were just being awful. I think they’ve had too many e numbers or something lately, but they’ve just been going mad. Acually, maybe it’s the paint fumes!! Apart from that though, we’ve been a bit stuck in the house as FIL has had to borrow our car. Meant I missed our violin lesson too

Speaking of violin, A did her practise in that today (I need to try and make her do more as we’re just never managing to do it) and she’s also started her new recorder book I got her. It’s called Recorder Wizard which I quite liked the look of and so far she’s been able to do it on her own as it has a cd with it. She def seems to like the recorder and is getting much better at it, mostly from her own steam too which is good. She can play Mary Had a Little Lamb well now. It’s actually taken her this long to be able to cover the holes properly (and she still sometimes struggles) as her fingers are so small. Of course I did find my old recorder book as soon as I ordered the new one, but hey ho. She has a few things to go through now.

As I may have mentioned before, M has a definite interest in both the world wars, any sort of military stuff, guns, fighting you name it. I decided it might be an idea to get a few books on the subject and let him educate himself on it. Actually he’s been educating me mostly!!

Last week I got The First World War Usborne book which I’d been eyeing up for a while (still would like to get the 2nd WW book). Wasn’t sure whether M would go for it as it’s a bit hit and miss with him when I get books, however he loved it and spent a good half hour at least looking through it with me, telling me all the bits he knew about etc. Now, I know *nothing* about the 1st world war excpet a bit about trenches so this is all new to me. M wanted me to try and find a WW1 game that he could play. he really likes Medal of Honour on the Wii (I know not really appropriate for his age!) and wants a WW1 game. Doesn’t seem to be much there, apparantly due to the boring-ness of the fights but looks like there might be some plane games about I said I’d look into.

Anyway, today I spent a good while reading up the book so that I’d have a bit better grounding in the subject. I managed to also find a couple of free online games for M which he really enjoyed - here and here for anyone else interested (and for me to find when I lose them). We had a bit of discussion about the planes and I told M I had found out what Aces were (was one of his questions the other day) and so we talked about that.

I realised I had enough in various survey accounts to get an amazon voucher so spent some of it on various WW1 books. A horrible histories audio book and a couple of those My Story books. Hoping they won’t be too harrowing though.

Am going to try and take the kids to the Imperial War Museum as there is a Frightful First World War Exhibition on there. No rush though, it’s on till the beginning of next year.

Bedtime story was the first from the War Stories book I’d also bought. I wasn’t planning on these being bedtime stories, but M insisted. The first was a very long winded overview of the war, how it started, ended and the main bits inbetween. Anyway, they said they enjoyed it They were looking through some horrible histories cards (from the magazine) at the time, and managed to pick out some WW1 cards which we read afterwards. There were quizzes on the back which we did too and not just about WW1 so lots of history done!

yay - we love camping! We spent 2 nights near Ipswich this weekend so we could be near a party the kids had been invited to. I think we managed to get all sorts of weather thrown at us!

First of all, and one of the best bits for me, was as soon as we arrived at the camp site there was some kids in the playfield and Alex shouted ‘can I go make friends with them?’ and so Marcus and her went off and we hardly saw them. I don’t think we’d even got the tent out of the car by this point! My poor children who can’t socialise Always nice to see them make friends so easily, especially lately as I do tend to be worrying lots about M. I know I shouldn’t!

The tent went up nice and easily althought it was windy and we never managed to get the canopy up. We just couldn’t control it and I was worried we’d end up paragliding down the field. The wind only got worse over the weekend, so probably just as well we never managed it. Saturday was really nice weather, I managed to catch the sun while putting up the tent, so we went to Felixstowe for a much needed visit to the sea. I really liked it there actually, wasn’t sure what to expect, but being the bank holiday weekend I expected it to be slightly busier. We had ice cream and a nice walk and it all felt rather holiday like Went to buy some food supplies and then headed back to the tent for some tea. Again we hardly saw the kids, think it was 9pm when we finally managed to convince them it was time for sleep. One camper was doing a magic show (not sure if this was arranged by campsite or not) and Alex really loved watching it.

I think it rained a lot in the night, although sometimes it seems hard to gauge how much it did. Was slightly annoyed that the tent was dripping in some places but on driving out in the morning and speaking to other people we realised it was a spectacular amount of rain so maybe I should forgive it. We headed off, trying to stay respectable looking, to the party which was held at a gymnastics centre. All was great fun, for adults and kids alike. Although I think James hurt his back doing and indiana jones like rope swing. Hmmmm. We headed back to the party house for food and games which was lovely. Was really nice to catch up with people and have some nice chats. Lots of house and ‘rainbow stuff’ envy went on!

We were a bit worried to get back to the tent so put offf going back by having tea at Mcd’s. I just couldn’t imagine cooking in foul weather. The tent did survive though, just a few drips but as we’d covered up all bedding that was fine. We spent a nice evening playing ds’s and battleships before bed. I think the fact we were in the bedroom for most of the evening led to me being a bit claustrophobic and I struggled to sleep that night. It was extremely windy too and I was worried the tent would go so that didn’t help! Managed about 4 hours I think.

Taking the tent down again was nice and easy, small tents have advantages. Felt sorry for some of the others taking down huge tents which were inner first, just looked really hard work. Journey home was uneventful.

Kids had a fab time, M has requested that we camp for his birthday so will have to see what we can do. Shall try and add some pics in later on

he looks at your ‘FCUK it’ t-shirt and says - Ahhh now I get that t-shirt!!

ok, I was going to buy a khyam windbreak with a canopy even though they have very mixed reviews (you either love em or hate em (in other words can’t put them up well). The reason I was thinking about it was basically just for somewhere to cook in the event of rain.

But, I’ve seen this atrium canopy for small tents. which will fit our new weekender tent and looks like it will be a useful extra space if we need it, plus we could use for cooking under. The more I was thinking about it the more I wondered if it would fit our big tent too. But just wanted to see if anyone else thinks it might do too. It says it fits to the front pole of the tunnel tent or the porch pole of a dome. Now our Tourer 600’s back bedroom section has a door and we normally don’t put the bedroom up in that bit so we can use both exits. It’s a lower door and has a pole that I am assuming is a porch pole. But I don’t know if what I think is the porch pole is what they mean is one iykwim!! You can see the back of the tent in the rhs of this pic (courtesy of TRB’s). Does anyone think that the atrium would fit that side? The height of the porch pole is around about the same height of the tent we’ve just bought I think.

I guess I’m just looking for another reason that it would be a good buy… (maybe I should just e-mail Khyam and ask…)

and feeling sorry for myself

Anyway, have spent some time browsing camping sites and thinking about various possibilities of places to go to. Not a bad way to spend a day really.

Have been looking here for places near the F of H - not much nearby is there? Are there any thoughts on it all yet? Not even sure where we should be discussing it, obv don’t want too much given away on blogs. Any ideas?? Edit - or was it decided to go to same place as Beans last year? Fine by me if so, I’ll stop looking

Thinking about going away camping is the only thing that’s keeping me going at the moment. Havign a few stressful days lately. Normal stuff really, I’m hormonal and the kids are just being too boisterous and I can’t cope with it.

But today the new tent arrived and after our violin lesson we headed off to my mums garden to put it up. Admittedly I didn’t pitch it well (didn’t put any guys out so it looks slightly lopsided), but am fairly happy with it.

We’re off to this campsite at the bank holiday weekend and so will test it out properly there. Half of me is dreading camping on a busy weekend and half me is so excited. I just prefer nice quiet spots!!

Been reading this book too which is very armchair camping, but my kind of book all the same. Some gorgeous looking campsites in there. Have to buy them all, but thank goodness for the library.

Hoping 3 bad days in a row will be the end of the run and tomorrow will be better.

ok, a bit of a more cheery post than that one below (although I suppose it is helpful to write things down, I hate being down constantly on the blog).

I meant to blog my decision to become vegetarian when I first decided about 6 weeks or so ago but I never got round to it. So for those that don’t know: ‘My name is Kirsty and I now no longer eat meat!’ I’ve often thought about being veggie again (I was veggie at school) but had always talked myself out of it on the ethical side as I never felt it would make as much of a difference to animal welfare as buying good quality meat would. It wasn’t as if I never liked the taste of meat, I did, so i kept on.

When james went to the doctors last month and was told he had high blood pressure it made me think about our diet (I constantly think we eat badly!!) and I knew we had to do something. I googled (as I do about anything!!) and saw that vegetarians tend to have lower blood pressure and asked James if he thought it was a good idea, he agreed and my decision was made. James lasted about half a day and had chicken sandwich or something to which I said: ‘ that’s not very vegetarian is it?’ and he replied ‘but I’m allowed fish and chicken aren’t I? Otherwise I’d be vegan’ Hmm *rolls whole head*. He hasn’t done very well since (why on earth did he say he’d do it in the first place - was it one of those Homer Simpson moments where he was just agreeing while thinking about donuts??) but I’ve decided I’ll stick to it and since I cook all our main meals will be veggie so I suppose he’ll benefit a bit.

Have to say I’ve really enjoyed it so far. Such a far cry from being at school and my mum feeding me chips and a veggie burger all the time. No wonder I didn’t stick to it. We’re still trying to figure out meals we’ll all enjoy. M is very fussy with food and tbh it’s taken ages to get him to eat what he does like now, but mostly his faves are spag bol (made a nice one the other day with mushrooms instead of mince which we all loved), pizza, boiled eggs and pasta and tom sauce so don’t think should be too bad and certainly no worse than normal in trying to get him to try other things.

Some of the sites I’ve found really helpful are Lucy’s Vegan Family House and also Vegan Dad. Lucy’s site has been such an eye opener for me and tbh I didn’t realise I had such strong preconceptions of how ‘weird’ and ‘extreme’ a vegan diet was until I started reading about it. But I started looking at the recipes and thinking how fab they all looked and sounded and realised how wrong I was. I actually think I’d like to aspire to being as animal free in my own diet now (again for both health and ethical resons), but am taking it all a step at a time. I don’t really eat cheese that much anyway, in fact normally only on pizza and I’ve even given that up (I have sesame seeds on instead of cheese now if I do make it for myself) so it’s really only milk, yoghurts and eggs. Eggs will probably be the only sticking point, but we’ll see. Oh actually - chocolate!! That’s the hard bit. I’m trying to wean myself away from milk chocolate and develop a taste for plain which I’ve always hated so far. It’s working a bit Anyway, I’m not in any real rush to change.

I guess one of the best things about it all is that i’m trying so many new things. I’m a really fussy person when it comes to food, (M certainly takes after me!!) that I can sit in a rut for ages but this has made me have to try new things and it’s been great. Not to mention that I’ve managed to lose half a stone since starting it (I was doing WW too before my hol - not since coming back but in the weeks on hol and since coming back have lost another 2 lb). Now if I can just lose the rest I’ll be happy

Any veggie recipes, especially ones that kids seem to love will be really appreciated!

One of the other things we’re going to be starting doing is cutting out Aspartame and sweetners in the kids diets. I was always dithering about what way to go on it as I never saw any Hyperactive effects on the kids. One of the deciding factors of my starting to *not* worry about it was that M was having teeth problems and as he won’t drink just water we figured the sugar free drinks would be the best way to go.

However, lately one thing that has been getting me a little concerned is M’s constant worrying and anxiety in situations. I do really feel he’s not getting better with it as time goes by (if anything he’s worse) so I was looking into it and wondering if his diet could make it better. Seems Aspartame may cause anxiety so I’m figuring it’s got to be worth a go to see if it will make any difference to him. Will be starting it tomorrow (as kids had one last day of crap at my mums shop so I could brief her on it) and I’m going to try and keep a food diary. Will see how it goes, anything so I don’t blame myself for it (I keep blaming the moving about we’ve done although I’m sure it’s not the only reason). If anyone has any ideas on the anxiety then I’d be happy to hear that too

this past week has been quite a nice reintroduction to the British Climate it has to be said We’ve been ever so busy (by my standards) with something happening most days. I’ve taken some photos which are on flickr, mostly of kids out and about enjoying the fresh air. Always good. I also took some photos of a Home Ed Day in Pictures which I’ll blog about soon hopefully.

Only downside to this week has been falling out with my FIL over the whole HE thing. Had started a blog to get out of my system but never finished it. James saying he sticks by our decision regardless of anyone else seemed to make everything just feel better. I do love him!

Seemed to have a little bit of a wobble this morning over local friends. Dunno why, because I’ve never given it much thought. Maybe I had a dream about it last night or something, whatever it was really shook me up. But basically I was feeling pretty crap about our lack of local things that we do (I do tend to be envious when I read of other peoples HE groups and stuff). I can’t seem to penetrate the local scene at all and feel at home there and make good friends for the kids and it really got me down. Reminded me a bit of starting work life. All my school friends seemed to have gone in different directions and I assumed I’d make friends at my first work. As it was it seemed they were all happy with their own friends and I didn’t seem to be very good at getting in with people. I eventually felt I had no-one special to call a good friend, it shaped my whole future and is why I’m so crap in social situations now I’m sure. It seems the same now. I feel like I’m struggling more now than I ever did when starting the HE thing. It’s not like anyone is nasty or unfriendly, I just seem to be just someone who people say hi to, maybe have a little chit chat and that’s it. God I’ve been down here for 18 months and feel lonely as hell sometimes. I just wish I was better at it all, but it just drives me more into my shell and I want to run away and start somewhere new. I suppose I just need to be brave and start asking people if they want to come round. I guess just sometimes it would be nice if someone went out of their way to invite us round to get to know them better and I can’t remember the last time that happened. So the cynic in me thinks it’s because I’m not worth getting to know better or that the kids are annoying as hell and noone wants them as friends for thier kids.

(reading this back, don’t mean to say I don’t feel like the local friends I do have and see aren’t good enough cos they are and I value them loads. I just feel like I aint getting anywhere with anyone else and I suppose wondering about if my social crapness is going to be passed on)

Ok I’ve slapped myself now and will shut up. This wasn’t supposed to be a moany post

Slightly sunnier this time though

Had a nice time in the Algarve, we were there for 12 days and managed pretty much fantastic weather for 11 and a half of those. On arrival there were a few showers, but not much. The thing that made it ‘only nice and not a great holiday’ was the distance we were from everywhere. The hotel was another of my mum and dad’s timeshare deals so didn’t cost us anything but it was really set up for people who had hired a car (we wanted to but as we don’t have a credit card were having problems). It was nowhere near *anywhere*. The first day we figured we ought to try and walk to the shop and it took us over an hour. There were no taxis anywhere and if James hadn’t flagged one down luckily we’d have had an hour walk back. It just made life very difficult there as we were constantly worrying about food and when we’d get more. Couldn’t even treat the kids to an ice cream either and we certainly couldn’t afford the restaurant there so didn’t try it!

There was a couple of trips out due to the courtesy bus the hotel did have. We managed to go to Albufiera and Vilamoura and although touristy, it was so what we needed - life!! (and ice creams ) Managed to do a couple of supermarket trips with this too which helped, but I was still stressing about food!

Kids loved swimming in the pool. At the start of the holiday it was a little cold outside in the pool, but warmed up after a few days. There was an indoor pool too and both kids really improved in their swimming. A is without armbands now!

Mostly we spent time around the pool and at the beach which was a shorter walk than the shop thankfuly. It was a very relaxing holiday with not much to report, but I do wish it had been different. I hardly felt we were in Portugal, we could have been anywhere really. We would love to come back and do it justuce, although as James and I are hating flying more with each trip we might drive!!!

Photo’s will follow once flickr uploads them, I pruned them heavily as James was in charge of the camera mostly and there are just loads of the kids on various beaches!

Oh and before I forget, I must mention that James met Kate Garraway from GMTV at the airport on the way back. She’d been out to do a report for the Madeleine anniversary and we’d seen her on telly on the morning. He asked her for an autograph for his dad which just really makes me chuckle!!!

Photos:

A few of my favourites, rest are on flickr

Marcus just loves the sea. He really is just like a different kid, he;s so at home there. More fuel for me to go and live by the sea!!

and finally, I don’t really like this one as the sun was in our eyes, but it’s the only one of all of us together.

write up our trip to Edinburgh while James watches The Apprentice.

We had a really nice time, if a little stressful at times. The kids are just being really stroppy and we’re not dealing with it too well, which does get me down a bit. Mostly it’s the ‘us not dealing with it well’ part that gets to me though. Lots to think about there anyway.

The train journey up went well, lots of musical chairs going on though! Kids loved it and seemed a really quick way to get to Edinburgh.

Once we arrived in Edinburgh we got ourselves one of the 24 hour tour bus tickets which would take us near to our bed for the night and checked ourselves in. It was a bus with headphones and you could listen to the Horrible Histories channel which was really interesting. We’d bought the Horrible Histories Edinburgh book before going up and read some of it so it was all familiar territory.

It was quite sunny, but cold, once we’d dropped off luggage so we made the decision to take a walk up Calton Hill. I’d never even known it was there even though I’ve been to Edinburgh so many times in my life. Nearly killed James on the way up, as his asthma got to him. Good job he had his inhaler!! Really nice views from the top, but was cold and started to snow!!

We headed off to the Old Town again after that and everyone really wanted to go to the Museum of Childhood so we did that as it wasn’t going to be open on Sunday. Felt a bit faint in there though, so we popped out to a cafe for some sugar injection and came back in later on. Nice little museum, kids really liked it there.

Tea was various bits and bobs, but M really wanted to try a battered Mars Bar after I told him that you could get it in Scotland. Funnily enough he didn’t like it!!

We were up early in the morning, making sure we were all packed in a nice compact way and we headed off for the next day of being a tourist The Museum of Scotland wasn’t open for another hour so we spent some time wandering around Greyfriars Churchyard. We’d read the story of Greyfriars Bobby before going up and the kids loved it. So getting to see all the bits about the story was really good for them, they took a stick to his grave and left it there and Alex just totally fell in love with ‘Bobby’

Snowed a bit in the morning too, not loads though, but looked really nice.

Wandered round a bit more, found the ‘Heart of Midlothian’ which Marcus really wanted to spit on for good luck And then headed off to the museum.

Had a nice time round there, but the highlight of that day was at lunchtime going to The Elephant Cafe for lunch which was such a lovely little cafe with great views of the castle and the churchyard we’d been round in the morning. Lovely food too. Apparantly it’s the cafe that JK Rowling spent lots of time in when she started writing Harry Potter. Can see why she liked it so much!

Afternoon was more museum and as James and I were flagging quite a bit, with a good few hours to go before our train home we decided to try and see if there was a film we could watch so we could rest! Gosh we are so unfit!!

Really enjoyed the trip, but was definitely a bit stressful! Less than 2 weeks till we’re off again, this time hopefully some sun and relaxing!!

playing Blokus and top trumps.

eating lots of chocolate

playing the Wii

violin practise (not enough though!)

doing a little bit of reading and maths

and our bedtime story at the moment is The Twits.

We listened to the cd of the twits after Alex got a set of Roald Dahl audio books for Christmas. They absolutely love that story and we’ve listened to it so many times. Dug the book out and showed them it and they begged to have it read. I think they enjoy seeing all the pictures to go with what was inside their head iykwim.

I’m feeling a lot more happier about those 2 thorns, reading and maths. We’ve been trying out a new strategy which although isn’t hugely perfect in my mind is working ok. I really wanted to try and be more autonomous in what we were doing. I was getting way too annoyed at M asking constantly for the playstation/wii whatever all the time and wondered if I could get the kids to a point where there was no set time to play it, no limits and hopefully they’d limit themselves eventually. I think I chose the wrong time to try though. Straight after buying a new game! Anyway, it still wasn’t feeling right and I was niggling away, being too controlling so I said if they had done one bit of reading and one bit of maths I was quite happy for them to get on and do whatever else they liked in the day. Well, this seems to be working for now. M seems happy enough with it and isn’t whinging. And it also means sometimes he isn’t so desperate to go on it straight away and will do other things before thinking about doing his work and after games. I suppose I’m maybe justa little too much of a control freak to be truly autonomous.

Maths wise. I think maybe M just doesn’t like the Math U See we got. A still likes it, but we haven’t done much of it recently. Maybe it will be a good way to get them on different paths wrt maths and so not so much of a worry if A can do things M can’t (and vice versa obv). Anyway, he’s been doing ‘anything he wants’ out of Miquon Orange book. So for a while all he was doing was pages of adding, but you know what he now has stopped thinking he can’t do it. Which is how he was with MUS and was really worrying me for a bit. I so did not want any of my kids growing up with a complex about maths (or anything really). So feeling better that his confidence seems to be back to normal.

Reading still going ok. M got a couple of joke books and has been doing great reading through them. A always surprises me by what she can read, and subsequently what she can’t when we try a reader!!

A has been learning some recorder as well as her violin, I’m sure I have a book for learning it but I can’t find it. Am having to rack my brains as to what I can remember!

She’s also written an e-mail to F from Where the Days go and so we’ve had some fun working out what to write and then typing it. Set her up her own e-mail account too so she’s been thrilled to have recieved her first reply, and also one from me that she could read perfectly. See what I mean about surprising me?? Anyway, if anyone wants A or M to write to them (or their kids ), let me know and I’ll suggest they write to them too.

this time to Eyam. It felt like we’d wasted the rest of the Easter weekend by doing not very much so I was determined to go out today. Except we couldn’t decide what to do so I was etting stressed out at the idea of going somewhere far away and being grumpy with everyone. Eventually told James just to drive to the Peak district and we’ll just see what happens. Anyway he took us to Eyam where I’d never been before and tbh didn’t know a great deal about. Cue lots of talking about the plague, when it was, how it happened. You get the idea

After lucking out on a parking spot we headed for a walk round the village and up to the little museum where we did a quiz sheet and had to find the names of the people on the sheet. Marcus was whining about being indoors but I know he’d have whined more at being outside for the whole time. Was interesting seeing all about the village, the huge list of names of people that died was quite sobering too. There were 3 ‘Stubbs’ family members who died. Came out with a small booklet from the shop too so we’ll read over that tomorrow and I think we’ll try and put something in our timeline book.

Had another walk around, into the graveyard to spot some things we’d just seen and to see th Plague houses that are still there. It started to snow then and got very cold, so we headed back to the car and had our lunch.

Had a looong drive home as James thought he knew the best way but obviously didn’t

The rest of the weekend has been pretty uneventful. Kids have had lots of chocolate - you’d be proud of me, I’ve been extra good and have hardly had any choc! I watched the BBC’s Passion on Sunday as I’d missed it being on through the week. Really enjoyed it. Alex seemed to pick up on a few bits as when I finally got round to reading our traditional Easter book she remembered lots from the telly, even though she didn’t really watch much at all. I do really like that book, I must see if I can get hold of the others he’s written.

Sometimes I wish we didn’t have a car. Aside from the general costs when doddgy garages don’t do things right (don’t ask) it’s getting so expensive just to get from A to B these days. And it causes so much stress!

I was reading the Green House By the Sea holiday blog this morning (And also Ali’s blog made me think of it the other day) and it set me off thinking about when we never had a car and had to go everywhere by public transport. I know it sounds mad, but I used to love the freedom of it, of not having to think when I got on the bus, it took me where I wanted and I didn’t have to worry about traffic, other idiots on the road or how much it was because I’d buy a weekly pass. So I could go anywhere I wanted and it was no more than if I just did my normal route. I loved the time I got to myself, just letting myself daydream and think about things. I really miss that time to think nowadays and often I have days when I just need to think so I spend it moping around daydreaming!

I was so much fitter back then as well. I can’t believe how unfit I am these days, all that walking to bus stops and running to catch the last bus must do something!

This *was* before kids of course so maybe my romanticising about it isn’t wholely about buses and public transport in general!!

Train journeys are great too. We used to get the train to London when I was a kid so we could visit my aunty. It’s been a while since we had a good train journey and my kids have never been on a train so we’re really looking forward to going to Edinburgh by train in 2 weeks. I think I’m more excited than anyone else though! Definitely shall put a train journey to St Ives on my to do list as well.

So yeah, I think it would be really interesting to give up the car for a while and see what life without it would be like. It aint ever going to happen really. James would rather cut off his arm than go carless, but maybe I can have a think to see if I can really cut down on my use of it. Start taking the bus more and get some more fresh air. I’ve just found out we can get a much cheaper weekly bus ticket if we just use certain buses, so will be looking at that more. I’m sure it won’t all be a bed of roses, but worth a try anyway.

(keep starting blogs, but never seem to get my brain and fingers working together to write it all how I think it should sound, or it just sounds boring so I leave it)

We had a nice day out into Sheffield city centre on Friday. I decided we just needed to go out so asked the kids if they wanted to go to the museum or the gallery and they decided gallery. We always go to the museum when we do hospital visits as it’s next door, but it’s been a while since we went to the gallery. Anyway, we took the tram in which is always a nice treat and got off at the railway station to look at the trains.

Outside the train station has been done up fairly recently and includes lots of fountains so they then raced around there.

Then I realised my camera batteries had died so we headed off to find some new ones (which then still didn’t work - james thinks has to be special ones?) before then going to the Graves Art Gallery. We’d never been to this one before and tbh scooted round most of it, but we did see some nice Impressionist paintings so looked at how they were made up of blobs and were better viewed from far away (ala Katie and the Impressionists!)

We then headed back through the winter gardens and on through to the Peace Gardens which again has loads of fountains. When it’s a nice day it’s lovely here. Kids just ran around like loons…

Eventually we headed to another gallery (Millenium I think) and looked there. Kids took a pew and drew the stuff they found. They also looked at Hallmarking of silver and stamped their own marks on silver card.

Then before long, we decided we’d head back. Cue another race around the fountains at the train station and another at the university. Have to say, Sheffield is looking quite nice lately (better than when I arrived 10 years ago anyway!)

We had such a nice time. I think mainly due to being no pressures. We didn’t go for any reason, we just did whatever we fancied at the time and mostly it worked. Wish everyday was so good!

Just uploaded some photos to Flickr from various points inthe last year. Included are A’s 6th birthday, our trip to Donington Park and our holiday to Wales last year. Nice memories.

Now if I can find the remaining few from Friday I shall try and blog something…

I’ve been determined to get back on to a better footing with home ed and being at home in general, we’ve just been having a pretty crap time lately and getting shouty and just not enjoying our time together. This doesn’t even start to go anywhere near the amount of ‘home ed’ actually being done which gets me down too. It’s bad enough us all not enjoying being at home, but to not enjoy it and it being unproductive too, well that’s much worse. So I was all ready to get back into it all when we’ve been struck down by a horrid cold.

I’ve been a bit out of it, mostly feels like a head cold, enough to just feel wiped out. Alex has been much the same with a temp last Sunday. M has an awful sore throat and snotty nose. I actually thought my luck was turning yesterday and that M would lose his voice, but not yet We’ve tried to keep going with some bits and bobs - we’ve done a few bits of reading practice. M has been reading Superpooch which seems just the right level for him at the moment. We read some Murderous Maths and the How big is a Million book (thanks Joanna). Alex and I did some violin practise the other day too, couldn’t find her book so she did some of mine and did quite well with it. Just glad her confidence with it is coming along.

Sarah and the bonkers tribe came over Monday so at least I can feel like I have socialised a bit too. Lovely to have them round and kids played fairly well throughout. I tried to do more socialising today with a trip to the Nature Reserve which I’ve missed the last 2 months. It’s only on once a month and so I really like to try and make it. Got there and M was just being obnoxious so I was thinking of only staying for the morning session, but then A started looking droopy and clingy and said she wanted to go home so we did. She never asks to go home from these things so she must have been bad. We went home and had hot chocolate and watched Indiana Jones. Much better. I think the rest of the week will involve us staying in and just recovering.

Feel like I’ve got more to say, but can’t be bothered just now. Maybe trying to get back into the blogging habit is enough for now.

4th time at Melrose and finally enjoyed myself. Maybe it was due to not expecting to The kids had a whale of a time there and I hardly saw them. Sometimes that makes it hard though as you’re stuck with nothing to do except sit and chat, which is ok but sometimes I feel a bit overwhelmed with the amont of people in Melrose and so it’s not so good. Anyway, I was fine this year.

Another change that I enjoyed was sharing a room, although was worrying slightly about that too in case I needed my own space, but in the end it was fine. The kids didn’t need me so much at bedtime as there were other kids so bedtimes were a breeze!

So the highlights were:

having big kids that entertained themselves
swimming
yummy meals
evening chats and jigsaws (not games though!)
geocache around Melrose
computer game workshop

lowlights I suppose included me not feeling well one night. I really thought I was going to come down with the sickness bug, but thankfully didn’t. Don’t really know what it was, just felt ill and dizzy. Also not making it to Edinburgh due to said dizzyness which re-appeared the next day.

The only other bad thing I can think of was Marcus being a bit annoying during the week, especially when it came to the computer game workshop. He wanted to do it and I knew he’d enjoy it, but he kicked up such a fuss about joining in If he’d not expressed any interest I’d have left him, like I did with the music (he definitely didn’t want to do that!) but he did want to do it but he gets so shy he panics and can’t join in. It just gets me down as this is how he is with lots of things. It’s why he won’t do anything like Beavers, swimming lessons or violin lessons or anything really. He seems to be getting worse and not better either. I think it is just his personality but it’s something that I know can be picked up as a negative thing by James’s family so in turn it feels negative to me too. Argh! I need to chill a bit!

But this is why I like getting together with friends, I realise that my worries aren’t that bad. Everyone is so accepting of the differences between the kids I just wish I didn’t let everything get to me so much between meet ups

Aren’t i good to you?

ello - anyone out there?? Won’t be surprised if no-one is, been so terrible at keeping up with others as well as writing my own and then because I wasn’t reading anyone elses I figured who’s going to read mine, even if I do blog. Well anyway, that a vicous circle starting to form. So here goes another post about reading…

Oh it’s been a hard slog!! If anyone could have given me any advice when starting out HE it would have been that reading doesn’t come on overnight. I imagine the reason no-one ever did say it is because it’s common sense, goodness knows why I keep thinking it should be super fast. I suppose I always remember myself reading and not struggling.

Anyway, it seems like we’ve managed turn a corner and M is really reading well. He was doing ok before Christmas, then we had a little break from doing anything and then when we came back he was in a different league. I do like watching him, when I’m not stressing , as it amazes me how many stages there are to reading for him. He’s managing to pick up some jokes that are written on The Simpsons, is reading all sorts of stuff, but mostly still comic books. That’s ok though, I love comics!

I’m so amazed he doesn’t have a complex about his reading and thinking he’s rubbish at it. I’d pat myself on the back about that if only the story was the same about his maths. Oh the maths - I daren’t think about it! Actually I think it’s compounded the problem as Alex has overtaken him ability wise, and she loves doing it. Where Marcus will do what I ask, and do no more. Alex will keep asking for more. Sigh. I need to have a look into doing more games and livign maths, but I’ve been a bit rubbish lately. I need to have a good look at our shelves and make a game plan.

Alex is doing ok, she’s still a bit of an enigma with the reading thing. But she likes to try and doesn’t seem to get discouraged when she needs to know a word (like very 2nd word!!). Every so often she’ll read something, like today at the library she was reading the titles of books. I do worry less about her as she enjoys it all.

We had a lovely trip the other day to Dover overnight and then onto France for a day trip. I’ll try and stick some photos in. We visited Dover castle which was fabulous, M is very into history and the war so this was perfect. We want to go back some day. The weather was absolutely perfect, so warm.

France was great too. M was a bit nervous about the ferry - he reads way too many shipping disaster books, but was ok once we got going. To see them both getting so excited at the prospect of going to a new country was cool. James did fab at driving on the other side of the road, was the first time we’d done it and we visited Boulougne-sur-mer which was really nice, really french (read - dog s**t everyhwere!) and lovely weather again. had lovely time sat on the beach there. Bought lots of booze and cheese - huge babybels!!

Should be getting packed for Melrose, but am not yet. Kids extra excited, I’m still a little wary as I never enjoy melrose. Still, take a deep breath and then go for it!

Just sending out wishes of a happy holidays to everyone!

:)

Violins are going down well. Although I do wonder at my own ability to teach them both, visions of eventually getting them lessons (if they decide they want to) and the teacher saying I’ve been rubbish! Ah well. They arrived last week and until I got some form of book to learn it I’ve been googling bow holds, watching you tube videos and basically just letting them have a go at playing the strings. Our book arrived this weekend so yesterday we had our first ‘proper’ lesson which was rhythms being clapped then plucked then bowed. M took one look at the book and proclaimed he wouldn’t be able to do it as it had ‘notes on the page and I don’t know what they mean!’ A was enthusiastic. Both did well with it all, but A struggles to get a good sound sometimes from the bow and was beating herself up about it saying she was no good They’re not normally that competitive but she definitely doesn’t like struggling with this, which is a shame as I think she has really good musical ability. Anyway, today we practised the same thing again, but she decided she’d just stick with plucking and she was so much happier with it all so saved for today.

Had a bit of a maths day today too due to having done none all week (Mon was a wash out as wasn’t feeling well, yesterday we just didn’t get round to any). Looked at rounding numbers, not sure if that wooshing sound was the wind or it going straight over their heads lol! I feel much better with maths at the moment, but sometimes I think I just either give them far too easy stuff or way too difficult things. Just don’t seem to be able to aim and hit the right level for them. Or at least it feels like it. We played a game from the Games for Math book and also kids requested Junior Monopoly. I put new batteries in their watches so we can learn about time. Oh and they both did a sudoku puzzle (at M’s request!!! - thud)

Need to make it to the library tomorrow so ought to find out their books.

I really wanted to add pictures to my holiday blog, but have lost my little adapter thing for my memory card so the holiday blog will have to wait Feel I should check in though

Had a nice day today with a trip to the theatre to see a concert type production of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes and Dirty Beasts poems. Lots of instruments to see up close which was great as both mine love musical instruments at the moment. Both really want to learn the violin (as do I) and since I can’t fit a piano in the house (the other thing I want, not so much the kids) I went ahead and ordered some yesterday. Apologies to anyone who will be able to hear them (prob whole of Sheffield!) Kids v. excited though, hope they arrive tomorrow.

Generally feeling much better and have got over my little wobble about M and his reading. I *know* deep down that what everyone says to me is true but at the same time I felt it was something that should be made public if you know what I mean. But yeah, feeling much better about it so thanks everyone for their comments

Loving HE just now, just watching the kids making friends so easily, having such a good time, not feeling stressed out or feeling not good enough. You can’t beat it really

I have to say that I am finding this period of our ‘home education journey’ incredibly stressful at the moment. I really wish there wasn’t this big ‘thing’ about learning to read and about it being the be all and end all of everything. So much value is placed on this one skill and with that comes this pre concieved idea of it being learned before the kids get to around about age 7 (this is the biggie I think, so many times have a I read stuff that implies if you learn to read early you are clever, but that is so not true for everyone). So now that M is at age 7 and not reading for pleasure yet, I’m really feeling it.

I will say however, that I am one of the biggest culprits of what I’ve just said. One part of me says that it’s not the be all and end all right at this moment and the other just bloody wishes he could read Harry Potter so I could get people off my back and make me feel like I’ve succeeded in one little way. Yup, I’m getting hassle again from the family

I was feeling rather pissed off the other day at our lack of progress with both A and M. I felt that in the big 2 areas, Maths and reading we haven’t got anywhere. I feel like I’ve been saying ‘Oh M’s really coming along with his reading. He’s getting there.’ And yes he is, but I just feel like a broken record! So I thought I’d look back through the archives and see how much they had both progressed in the last 6 months or so and tbh I wished I hadn’t!! Rofl! On paper it just doesn’t feel much. It’s hard to gauge how much more comfortable they are with stuff in a tangible way.

So I gave up on that post

I have noticed something today with M though. We were doing Explode the Code with both A and M before I decided to back off with reading for a bit. M was doing book 3 at his request, he’d mostly got the hang of 3 letter words so we didn’t persevere with all of books 1 and 2. The last time I blogged using it was August I think. M could read the sentences in the book but it was a struggle for him. I think we could have persevered really if I’d wanted to, it was enough of a challenge for him. But today we looked at it again and it really showed how much he’s come on in just the simple reading of a sentence. He seems to have so much confidence in giving it a go, gets most of the words right and is happy about doing it. I’m really happy with it. I still don’t want to push too hard, but really 2 months ‘off’ (from my gruelling hothousing lol!!) has done him the world of good. I think one thing I always worried about happening, if he was at school, was it being too hard for him and for him to get the feeling he was no good at it and for his confidence to be dashed. I think I can safely say that hasn’t happened so far with him being at home. He reads things all the time and tonight while doing bedtime stories he decided he was going to have a go at reading one of the picture books. He read the first page really well, some faltering, but then it wasn’t an easy reader but a picture book for parents to read.

I think I will feel so much better when I’ve got both of them independently reading (don’t we all), I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but the actual getting there when it seems lots of people are waiting for an excuse to point fingers and look down on you has been harder than I ever imagined. It’s the age thing though I think, they expect a lot from M now he’s 7 I think and it’s an easy thing to say ‘oh look he’s not reading’ whereas other aspects of his education aren’t so easily pinpointed. I’m really lucky that my parents are ok with HE and give me no grief, not so lucky with J’s side of the family and there have been a few issues this week. But we’re away for 2 weeks now and it couldn’t have come a moment too soon!

*edit* and I really shouldn’t read the BBc’s Have Your Say bit. If you hear teeth gnashing then it’ll be me (ala Marge Simpson style).

I found this speech by Dav Pilkey, the author of Captain Underpants and really enjoyed it so am sharing

well, it seems to have been a while! I meant to update at the end of last week but things turned against me. Last week started with a trip to the theatre to see Hamlet in a Shakespeare for Kids production. Really enjoyed that, but Alex didn’t really enjoy the ghost of Hamlets father and it scared her for a while after.

The rest of the week was taken up with the Film Education week which I’d foolishly booked too many! I think I got carried away, by Friday I was filmed out But we did see The Simpsons, Bridge to Terabithia (kids loved this and we immediately ordered the book when we got home), Charlottes Web and The Little Polar Bear 2 (That was a complete load of rubbish!!!). In between all that we had another trip to the home ed group which I’m feeling much better about. The kids are really enjoying it and I’m being braver Kept up with our Ambleside Online readings but really did very little else education wise!

Saturday we had a birthday party at Barbara’s which was lovely. M was feeling rather ill by the evening, but I put it down to a long day and much excitement. Unfortunately by the time we got home he’d been sick and was up the rest of the night being ill. Sorry if anyone got it. Hope not.

Sunday, M just flaked out and Alex and I went to see some football with my dad. It was Doncaster Belles (ladies team). A was fine for about 20 minutes and then just wanted to go off an do something else, namely get in with the teenagers that were hanging about rofl! She has no attention span at all.

Monday and Tuesday, M was still bad, but by Tues he was pretty much better, but we didn’t risk going to the HE group which was a shame. James was ill Tue and Wed and so had a day off. Typical, just before our holiday he’s ill so we have less money. Argh! We’re doomed when it comes to holidays this year. We’re half thinking about a trip to Venice for our 10th anniversary of being together, but I’m not sure I dare plan anything.

So again this week education wise I don’t feel we’ve done too much, read our stories and done a small bit of copywork each and a little bit of maths. Trying to work on sums like 2 + _ = 5. Half of the time they are fine with them but sometimes, esp M, they just look at the numbers and add up what they see. So today we looked at them again but I concentrated on showing them what ‘=’ actually means and shwoing that it has to balance each side. I’m not sure they got that before.

Off out in a mo to take M to buy A a birthday present. My last day of having a 5 year old. Sniff.

Britains Brainiest Family

M and A have been very boisterous today but in a kind of good way. Me, I’ve been having a dreamy day and so have been on another planet, not really the kind of mood that is good for dealing with the kids. But really they’ve been happy enough and I do like to see them playing together as siblings, sometimes they have off days but when they do play nice it reminds me of why we’re home and together. If only they’d be a little quieter, then it would be great. And I also wouldn’t go upstairs in too much of a hurry to sort them out (after a paricularly noisy eposiode) and hurt my foot on the stairs. Oh well.

Btw - thanks for the hugs, made me feel much better!

isn’t it always the way. Nothing ever really goes all ok together does it? HE is going well now, feels like all is being positive and steps in the right direction (will all fall apart tomorrow now!), but ugh I feel so crap as well. Feeling so unhappy with myself, so down Not helped by being on and off unwell-ish (I say that as always seems to be little things, nothing big) for ages and as a result James is being really git-ish as he has no patience for me being unwell. I just want to be back on top of things. Might help if I could lose some weight, I may actually like myself then. SO if anyone spots me with chocolate, just shout at me ok??

Now watch, now I’ve written this, next week HE will be crap, but I’ll be happy again!

;)

Or something like that anyway. What I love about HE and the way we’ve been doing it lately, (through books, using Charlotte Mason and all that jazz) is the way some things just mesh together and the ‘hooks’ it gives the kids quickly have other things hung on them.

Dunno if all that makes sense But this past month or so loads of stuff have come together through no contrived unit studies or even thought on my part (which for me is very good, I’m a bit too controlling I think sometimes!). Today we’ve been to the museum in Sheffield. It’s just across the road from the Childrens Hospital which we were at for the kids eyes, but normally when we go to the museum we’re all a bit tired and fraught. Today seemed to be a bit different. The kids spotted a new exhibition on our first trip in (we were early so had a quick scoot round before our appointment then came back later) which tbh I thought looked boring for them. It was about Yemen and the people who came to live in Sheffield from there. Anyway, we went in and looked at the photos on the wall and the displays. Alex found a drawing bit with some pre-printed house outlines and the idea was to decorate the houses like those in Yemen which were quite colourful. She set herself up to do it with no coaxing and spent about 30 mins colouring. ALex doesn’t really do concentration much so it was quite impressive. Marcus came and did some too and although he didn’t spend quite as much time he spent a good lot of maybe 15 mins drawing. While they were doing that I looked at some books on a table and sat down on a sofa. I showed M the books, one was Ali Baba and the 40 thieves and while we were waiting for A to finish her colouring we read it. We’d been introduced to the 1001 Arabian Nights from the Ambleside Online Composer Study section which this term is Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. I downloaded this cd a few weeks ago and listened to it when we were in the car, so this tied it all in with that. M also picked up an audio book of the 1001 nights and recognised the ‘arabia’ part. We looked at the maps on display and spoke about how close it was to other countries we’d looked at recently in the Story of the World book. It all seemed to fit in together and brought so much more to this small exhibit that I would have dismissed myself. It actually doesn’t sound much written down I don’t think, but I loved the fact it was all so natural. If I’d said let’s do a study on the Middle East and took them to it on purpose I’m sure it would have been a dead loss and deadly boring too.

well I suppose it’s not even over yet, but there we go! I’d been feeling ill all the 2nd half of last week with some kind of virus (thankfully no-one else has had it yet) and this week I’ve just felt wiped out. So tired. I normally get up really early with James nowadays but haven’t done all week, I’ve just needed to sleep. Feeling much better today though

So all week, we’ve been a bit lax with anything too heavy workwise. I’ve been keeping up with our reading from AmblesideOnline, we’re on week 4 now, which went well and made me feel like I’ve not wasted the time. M wanted to read the War Boy book I blogged about before so that’s been our history this week. Which reminds me, was supposed to put it in the timeline book - shall do that later this afternoon. Have hardly done any maths, although did a lesson from MUS this morning that went down well. I also got a book about infinity for them called The Cat In Numberland which although we haven’t read yet, looks really good. They’re both kind of obsessed with infinity atm! Also read Katie and the Mona Lisa to keep some art appreciation going But all fairly relaxed tbh.

Wednesday we went out to the nature reserve home ed meeting which was really nice. Managed to speak to some other people. I feel like I’ve been around for a bit and know a few people by their faces, but I don’t know them well enough to chat so sometimes I feel a little awkward at groups. But getting better. Went off to my mums afterwards for a change of scene listening to Bindi Babes (Alex’s choice) on the way. Yes we have more audio books on the go Not so many this time, 3 each. A is getting more into them too.

I’ve been quite enjoying watching M read a few more things lately. It’s been over a month since I decided to stop the reading of ORT books every day and take a step back to see how things would go. I never said anything to M about why, but when he turned round to me one day and said that he gets all confused in his head when he tried to read I took it as meaning I was probably doing the right thing. He doesn’t ever ask to practise reading, but he picks up comics often and will attempt reading lots there. I don’t think it feels as hard for him. The other day we were getting petrol and he read ‘Have you checked your oil?’ only pausing to check he had ‘checked’ right. Ok hardly earth shattering, but what I liked about it was he wasn’t doing it for anyone but himself and that’s how he generally is, doing it for himself. Oh I saw this Artemis Fowl Graphic Novel and think it looks fab. Might have to get it.

And now I’ve lost my train of thought as the kids were fighting over the playstation so have been sent upstairs. Humph.

We have 2 war ‘nuts’ in the family so far, James and his dad. I think we may have another one soon enough. Marcus caught the end of ‘Kelly’s Heroes’ on Saturday and loved it so on Sunday James’ dad brought out a video of it and they watched it all. He likes the tanks, the guns, the aeroplanes and weaponry, pretty much like his dad and grandpa then

So this morning, after a late start, he brought down a book that’s been on our shelves for a while. It’s called War Boy and is the childhood story of the illustrator Michael Foreman. It’s a long book so we’ll have to read it in a few sittings, but the pictures are fab and I don’t think I’ve ever had M interested in a book like he was today. He loves stories, being read to but today he was on my knee the whole time lol! It’s set in Lowestoft so he was excited to see it in a place he knew of. We looked at how close that was to Holland on the map too so some geography crept in

I was wondering if I should try to do some sort of more in depth study of it all with him, then realised how much we’ve actually done in the last year. We visited Eden camp last October which we all really enjoyed, I wonder if we could do another trip there one day, I really enjoyed it. We’ve visited the Imperial War Museum and the Royal Armouries and we’ve also had a couple of visits to the Aeroplane museum in Doncaster which has lots of WW2 planes and exhibits. We’ve read a couple of books about WW2 - twenty and Ten and also Make Do and Mend ( franklin Watts book - why do they do such fab books and then a year later they are out of print?? I only bought them last year). We have a couple of other books in that series which we’ve still to read too.

So add that to all the discussions that come up and it’s amazing what you get through when you don’t try eh?

I have no money. Am pondering music, and instruments and I want to buy lots. For both the kids and me. I especially would like to learn something like the clarinet, or maybe the violin. Well actually I do want to learn the violin, but am afraid of the sound really! It would be nice to get good at something, I think I could have done well had I had some more encouragement as a child. School forgot about me once I went into High school and my parents couldn’t afford private lessons (I assume). So I think for the time being I’m going to start looking over music and try and refresh my head with reading it and have a think. Shall try and get my recorder playing back (might encourage the kids - actually A is quite good with it so far) Oh and I did start trying to learn my first chord on my guitar, then James tried to retune it and the string snapped. *sigh* I do love music

In other news, I’m ill. Been feeling crap for about a week in various guises. But the last 3 days I’ve had a really sore throat, earache and just feeling rotten. So I’m going to go back to window shopping.

(don’t miss post below with pics!)

Been doing ok this week so far (although only halfway through!). LAst week we achieved a lot educationally but really it was an awful week with one thing and another. Nothing major, just a bit of a rough week.

But this week’s been a bit better although can’t be bothered to blog in too much detail. Highlights have been watercolour painting, listening to Rimsky Korsakov music (Scheherezade in particular - looked at this website/game (ugh not working shall look later)), making it to the home ed group and enjoying it and doing weather charts.

I’ve been trying to do some more Charlotte Mason type stuff so have a plan for the week from the AmblesideOnline site. I hadn’t ever bothered with the art and music studies when I’d looked at them before, but have this time and both have enjoyed what we’ve done so far. Artist is Leonardo DiVinci so as we had a story book or 2 about that we’ve talked loads about him. Quite enjoying doing the AO, it really helps me to do ’stuff’ without asking too much. I still think we have an awful lot of time for free play and time for them to be themselves so a winner all round.

Have completely backed off learning to read for a bit and neither of them have asked to do anything. Oh to have a child who wants to be taught! I’m still kind of at a loss and wondering how to proceed here, but really I can watch M pick up words and read them to himself when he’s interested so I do wonder if I left him a bit longer whether he’d either pick it all up himself or be more receptive later on. My gut feeling is the former, but I do wonder how long it will take. I’m imagining it will be a while and that does scare me, just really because of pressure from other people. I can see he has a good relationship with books and has all the support in the world for when he is ready, but argh it feels so bloody hard sometimes!! The AO stuff is keeping my mind off it for now. As for A, well I’ve no idea how she’ll turn out, but no point in pressing phonics. She just doesn’t get it. Sight words all the way I reckon!

Maths going well. We’re doing a little MathUSee to try and get them to remember maths facts, but really spending more time with ‘living’ maths. Lots of games and books and just talking really. They are both really fascinated with infinity at the moment so we’re talking about that.

I really want to do more music and art stuff though so will try to concentrate more there as they both enjoy that stuff but it isn’t done enough.

Only about 6 months later than everyone else did it, but have been meaning to do one for ages so here goes.

We were all up late-ish today. If James is noisy enough he’ll wake M up when he goes out, but today he wasn’t so I got extra ‘me’ time this morning. They eventually got up around about 9am and brought their duvets down (with no covers on as I stripped them as soon as they got up and washed them - extra good brownie points for me!) and we had breakfast. I’ve started reading some stories or doing some poems while we do this which works well. Today was a bible story - Cain and Abel.

It took them about an hour to finish breakfast and get dressed so at 10am we baked some jam tarts. These have been on the cards for baking for over a week and only finally have we done it. Always been postponed for one reason or another. We halved the measurements so they could each have their own pastry so some maths was thrown in there. I could do with better scales though, mine are cheapy and they struggle to use them.

10.50am While the tarts were cooking I set the kids up with some copywork. M is copying some proverbs, today’s one was ‘Silence is golden.’ (HA!), A is just practising the letters. I then braved the cold and hung out the sheets, on coming back in the kids were playing some game under the duvets but calmed down enough to do the rest of our stories I had planned at 11.30am. First were some Aesop fables, then we did a ‘maths’ book - Earth Day Hooray and then another couple of chapters of Charlottes Web. Should def finish before we go to the cinema to see it in a few weeks.

We also remembered about the weather kit the kids opened yesterday and took readings from the thermometer and filled out our chart.

12.00pm And then it was lunch already. not helped by a late start, just didn’t feel like we had much time in the morning. We did scoff it down quickly in order to have a nature walk. I had wanted to go and find some horse chestnurt trees but it was so cold today that we stuck close by, only venturing to the little ‘park’ but we had a good explore round the bushes nearby and picked up lots of bits of nature to draw another time for their nature journals. Was way too cold today! Managed an hour outside though, so good going I think, only coming back for A to go to the toilet (we may have managed another 5 minutes otherwise!)

1.15pm Back in the warmth of the house it was patch time which gives them time to play on the games consoles or the pc. Today they both played Crash Bandicoot together while I tried to rescue the house from it’s disaster zone status.

3.00pm Alex fell away from the computer before M and started doing a craft activity from a Barbie annual - making cheerleader pompoms. She sat with it for ages following the instructions and not asking for help till the end when she realised it wasn’t going to work, so I had to help her M had a bit of a strop about something and was going on about wanting some italian job mini set he’d seen in Meadowhell last week and how he’d never get them so I said we could look on ebay and see how much they are on there and see if possible to save up.

4.00pm James came home then and we headed straight back out to visit my mum and dad in their new shop. i’d warned my mum we were coming so she had some ‘jobs’ for the kids to do to earn money so when we arrived they set straight to work stacking the sweety shelf.

They earned a pound and spent it straight back in the shop. M was going to save it for the aforementioned Italian job mini’s but couldn’t help himself. *rolls eyes* We had tea at my mums and then headed home at 7.30pm via the other grandparent for a quick visit there. (Camera decided to conk out now so no more pics). Looked at the huge moon and wondered if it was the harvest moon, so bit of discussion about that. On coming home was pleased to see a post on EarlyYears list saying it was!

9.00pm So after a late start it was a late bedtime. I’ve been trying really hard to get into the habit of always doing stories. Shouldn’t be hard, but we’ve had periods where they’ve gone ages without for some reason but for the last 3 or 4 months we’ve done them pretty much every night. Tonight we read ‘Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel’ and 2 more chapters of ‘The Folk of the Faraway Tree’. And so finally to bed. M has gone to bed with another cd - this time a horrible science one my mum saved him from a newspaper.

Oh and this is the last time I did one of these - 2 and a half years ago!!

Math Playground Good for word problems

Timez Attack Game

Skip counting and Multiplication printables

We don’t seem to get much inventive writing from Marcus (I can’t remember him ever doing it, although still time I guess!), so it was nice to have Alex write this all on her own today:

me story is colt the pig ant the fairy (translated as My story is called the pig and the fairy).

She was playing with the jackanory bit on the cbeebies website and making up a story.

Been having a rubbish few days in that nothing seems to have been going right, so can’t be bothered to blog it!

and one in which I’ve felt completely detached from the whole world. I get days when all I want to do is sit and thrash out the things going on in my head and today was one, but I never had the chance. It also didn’t help that I had an awful nights sleep, with a really horrible dream. Set me up really badly.

But anyway, I managed to trim some bits in the garden and fill the green bin up, it is so overgrown and I dread anyone coming to check up on the house (we must get a check soon - been here nearly a year). So a little bit better, but really I wasn’t in the mood for it. Kids tidied their room after a lot of prodding and Alex did some of a maths workbook of her own accord. She did about doubling numbers and matching numbers to words.

Watched the GP qualifying and then headed round to FIL’s for the afternoon and for tea. Was a welcome break from having our 2 out in the street. It’s just getting worse, yesterday the boy who we have problems with was trhowing A’s scooter around and has managed to break it Why must one stupid obnoxious little 8 year old ruin everything? I mean I hate the house here anyway, I’m covered in bruises from knocking into things cos nothing fits right in the house and there is just no room, but it did feel nice that at least the kids had friends, could do the whole playing out thing and everything. But argh, I’m just hating it all atm. Kind of wishing winter and bad weather

Watched Stuart Little and Italian Job then home and baths before bed. Seemed ages ago that though. We’ve nearly finished the Stuart Little book and we had a little history and geogrpahy tonight in the form of Warm as Wool story (M recognised Pennsylvania from the Magic Tree House books - must check where it is on the map!) and more Maths in Tally O’Malley.

Supposed to be going out for a drive somewhere nice tomorrow but as car just been fixed and has cost a further £100 maybe we won’t. can’t face a day in the house though I don’t think

which is why I haven’t blogged. I have been keeping notes of all our educational stuff in a notebook as I feel like a fraud blogging what we’ve done if actually what we have done is only a tiny proportion in between a really fraught couple of days. But having the notebook helps me, I dunno why but writing it down physically is much better for me than typing. Only lists though, I’ve never actually written a diary - typing much better for that!

Today has been slightly better as we started with maths and some reading before I asked them to get dressed. If I wait till after they always get distracted by something and then I get stressed waiting for them. I’m not sure it’s a good habit to get into though, but it worked today. We did some place value from the Math U See (they really like this) and then I read some of M’s Bone comic to him. The idea was him to follow the words, but I was going too fast for him. But I think it will be helpful for him anyway as he’ll get the gist of the story and be able to work it out next time he looks at it.

We then got dressed and made our way to the library to get lots of audio books like I said below and I also picked up some comics for M. A Simpsons one and an Asterix. Watching him sit down and really enjoy a comic makes me feel a little better about the reading thing. I asked him the other day if he wanted to read something himself and he said his brain gets too confused if he tries to read. I need patience, but it’s hard, and I’m fighting feelings that I wish he was into ‘proper’ books. But then I see him picking up words here there and everywhere and I’m sure he’ll get there eventually and getting there with a love of books still intact would probably be preferable.

We went to Magna after the library which was the first time since before the holidays that we’d made it inside. There was a new exhibition all about sports and so we were on that for a bit riding the bikes and kicking goals. Good fun. Then off to the other parts which were pretty much empty, the way I like it! I was very good and packed a picnic so we went to the outdoor playground to eat that. Unfortunately it wasn’t long before it was full of school children, lots of them. A local school has discovered asbestos in its roof so the kids were having classes at Magna but that meant that their lunch break was time in the outdoor playground. It was soooo busy and my 2 didn’t know what to do!

It was getting warm so we got the kids changed into sunsuits and they went into the water bit which is just loads of water jets. No school kids there They had loads of fun, only the 2nd time we’ve made it in and I’ve realised there won’t be many more opportunities once it gets cold so will try and go again if the weather holds a bit longer. We won’t get membership next year as they’ve changed the rules now where once you get membership you still have to pay £1 each every time you visit, which kind of defeats the object for me I think.

Home and patch/computer time then play outside with gits on the street time.

We’re reading Stuart Little at night time which I’m not really sure about, but the kids are enjoying so I guess it must be ok. I’m trying to read some Charlotte Mason books I’ve got which I’m really enjoying again (even though they’ve been read before), they’re making me feel much more inspired which is just what I’ve needed the past few days.

Oh and I’m sure Marcus has just had a growth spurt after last weeks grumps and sore achy legs, he’s def looking much taller today!

Marcus has recently taken to listening to audio books at night time and has completely devoured loads from the library. We returned 5 this morning and he picked another 7 up. so here’s a list of what he’s been listening to (I feel like it would be agood idea to keep note!)

Giant Jim and the Hurricane
The Worst Witch
Witch In Training (though think it had a few books included with this one)
Just William
How to Be A Pirate
The Killer Underpants
Sophie’s Tom
Sophie Hit’s Six
The Indoor Pirates
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Whizziwig
And lots of StoryNory stuff

Phew! That wasn’t including what he picked up today!! I’m not sure he ever gets to the end of them mind you, but he does talk about them so must be getting something from them. Libraries are def good, esp as 4 of the above list I got in the 2nd hand bit of the library for a grand total of £1.60.

but since I’m not generally a busy person, I suppose once in a while I can handle it

Saturday was the drive down south to Monster’s party. James was very good about driving as I’d really rather not and the kids were fairly good in the car. We arrived with some time to spare so we headed to the beach and just really enjoyed sitting there. I so love the beach, the sound of the waves and just the peacefulness of it all. It really calms me. I think one day we’ll have to live near the beach, I can get a dog and wander along every day. Bliss.

The party has been blogged elsewhere, so I’ll not add to much to that. M was really good at staying out of party games. He’s quite happy not joining in now as he knows he can’t handle losing. I think it’s quite grown up of him A had fun and had a fab ladybird painted on her face - thanks Ros! Can’t believe I didn’t nab any cake for myself though. I love cake.

Really enjoyed chatting and socialising in the evening too, the fish and chips spectacle was very funny!! Alex fell on the slide at some point came in and said she’d hurt her eye, but I couldn’t see much so sent her away with a hug. When it came time to take her face paint off though I saw she’d really hurt her eye and managed a big cut and puffyness under her eye. She looked a state! Especially the next day as she was a little stained from the facepaint and so looked really ill, washed out and beaten up!!

I went off to bed earlyish as we knew we had to be up early to go to the Renault World Series Show at Donington Park. I’d got tickets ages ago and even though they were free it seemed like such a good event and so up our street that we didn’t really want to pass it up. So we got up at 5am ish, got ourselves tea and coffee and then tried to get 2 sleeping kids in the car and tidy away all our airbeds and stuff into the car. All done and off by 5.45.

It was just as well really as we still managed to get caught in lots of traffic going into the show and James’ dad and his mates who were going too spent 2 hours queuing to get parked as they arrived later. It was a really good event with a free funfair too. Alex and I went on the Big wheel straight away and she hated it. I did too, forgot how much I hate heights! Then they both had some more goes on some more little person rides. We watched the many races going on, got freebies and winced at the sound of the formula one cars. boy are they noisy!! Wandered around nearly everywhere I think and managed to time it just right for the Renault trackside girls to be making an ‘appearance’ in the crowd. Cue loads of men going goggle eyed!!

It was a long day though and we were flaggin by around 3pm. The food was extortionate (£2 for a tray of chips!) so we made a quick getaway. Well we tried till we hit more queues on the way out, but it wasn’t far to James’ sisters so we decamped there for tea and toast (my favourite!).

Today has been way more sedate. We had a much needed sleep in and then headed off to the shoe shop to try and get new shoes. Both kids feet have grown but Alex was most disappointed to find that the shoes with dolls in the soles didn’t go as low as her size (she’s a 9 now and they start at 10). But she was very good and chose some other trainers. M got some with a car in the sole so he was happy.

Then home and we had lunch and read a bit of Murderous Maths: The essential Arithmetricks. And that was about the height of educational activity. I cleaned up various grubby spots in the house and then it was playing outside time (not lacking here atm!). I went to Sainburys on my own after tea and managed some bargains - a wetsuit for me at half price (I dithered when the rest of the tribe bought them as I wasn’t sure I’d wear it, but at £13.50 I thoughT I’d chance it) and some fab artist stuff at 75% off. Got some watercolours, A3 pad, artist case and brushes all for less than a fiver I guess. I was naughty.

So all up to speed. I *will* try and make it to home ed group tomorrow. Shout at me if I don’t ok?

I should start putting myself a page of links together (or maybe just organise my bookmarks!)

Maths (including printable Set game in the Games section)

Apple puzzle someone on a yahoo group I’m on posted this and I thought it was pretty cool!

I’ll see if I can remember what we did. First of all I had a sleep in, I’m still feeling a little out of sorts. Not ill, but certainly very tired. I feel really weird tonight but am blaming it on the heat, is very warm in our house tonight.

So we had a late start and although I had written down stuff I wanted to do this week, I don’t think any of it was done today. I started well on Wednesday, but hey. So this morning Alex wanted to play Ooky Spooky so we did that for a while. Then she wanted to do some reading (actually I can’t remember who instigated the reading, but anyway) so we decided to print a nursery rhyme and learn it, so we looked through her nursery rhyme book and she decided on ‘Heads, shoulders, knees and toes’. Printed it out and cut out the words and then put them all back in order. She liked it anyway!

Then the post arrived and 2 graphic novels I ordered arrived with it. First one was for Marcus and is called Bone and I got Owly for Alex. They both absolutely loved them and M sat for ages looking at his (I had a little read too and it was really funny.). Result.

Spent rest of the morning with the lego set, built a pyramid and helped M make a car of his own design. he’s really good at doing that.

before lunch we did some looking at Google Earth and then while lunching we read some Story of The World about the Pyramids so that sparked lots of discussions and we then looked into another book we had to see what was in there. I tried to convince M that we should try mummifying a chicken as per the sotw activity book but he wasn’t having any of it. rofl!!

Rest of the day has been them playing outside really. Been gorgeous today. Weekend is busy - Monsters birthday party tomorrow and then we have to be leaving dead early on Sunday to get to the Renault World Series day at Donington Park.

before I put the kids to bed. And also because not that much to report really today. By the time I’d tidied up this morning all we had time to do was a couple of games of Monopoly Junior (first time we’d played that) before Sarah and her bonkers children (or is that bonkers Sarah and her children?) arrived. So the rest of the day was taken up with socialisation and bombing about. We headed off to the park after lunch and they all disappeared in and out of the bushes playing various things. Nice. Sarah and I had some good chats about learning styles (about the only thing I’m thinking about lately!) and other such stuff.

Once they dissappeared the kids on the street were back from school so the remainder of the day was spent outside too. Charlotte Mason would be proud They’ve been in about half an hour and we’ve been mucking about on this site doing the base ten stuff and also patterns. Fab site, I could play for ages!

a bit bleurgh lately hence the lack of posts. Seems to have been going round, James had it at the weekend and James’ dad had it too.

Monday seemed for some in blogland the day to get back to ‘work’ but I figured I’d wait till Wednesday as that was when the local primary schools round here went back. So Monday we spent in Conisbrough up at my mum and dads new paper shop. Kids did loads of jobs and earned money which was promptly spent in the shop again! Loads of sweeties in there. We were in Conisbrough to meet up with Michelle from the Manor Born as they were in the area doing something with bikes or somesuch So we decided to go to the castle which was really nice. It’s been a while since we’d been there and the kids had been asking to go back for ages. M never made it to the top of the castle, he has a real fear of heights. A had no such problems and made it up at least twice (maybe even three times?). Marcus made friends with ‘Big’ Marcus and was having arguments as to what certain parts of the castle were for. M thought everything must have a fighting aspect! Anyway, was lovely to have a day out especially after keeping away from such places in the summer hols.

Tuesday was fairly non eventful as the local kids were still about so most of the day was spent playing with them. I’m writing down what they do cos I like having notes and M did some drawing while A played with our electronics set. Both of them watched some MathUSee which I’ve managed to get second hand from BringandBuy. It only arrived so I was watching to see what we thought (I’d already seen the trial video) and they really liked it. I’m going to get some blocks next week from the UK rep as she lives nearish to me and we’ll make a tentative start with it. Not planning to do much with it, but to have it supplement the ‘livingmath’ we’ve been doing.

So today was the start of ‘not being back to school!’ Yay! Not that it’s that much different to what we’ve been doing lately, but anyhow. We read some African picture / math books and learned how to count to 10 in swahili. Kids loved this one, I didn’t think they’d be that interested!! Then we looked on the map to make sure they knew where africa was - they didn’t! So I showed them, talked a bit about continents and M started looking at some places in USA. He found New York and I told him that lots of places in America have English names and that there is Sheffield and London over in the US among others. Read some of Zero to Ten as well which is going back to what we’d been looking at last week (or whenever) about the history of numbers).

Showed them how to play Mancala which went well for about 10 minutes till M just went mad and assumed he’d lose so he had the most enormous tantrum I’ve ever seen him do. He spent at leat 15 minutes screaming around and throwing himself about saying he hated us all. I just didn’t know what to do or say to him This past week he’s been so angry and has been constantly bickering with A, it’s been a bit of a nightmare. It could be due to the cold thing that wiped me out on Monday and James at the weekend, or I suppose it could be hormones. Is this the time for hormones with boys? I dunno. Anyway, it’s all a bit bluerghy there.

We had to walk down to the bank before lunch so I braced myself for M behaving awfully, but he was fine and I think the fresh air helped him. Sent them round Sainsbury’s with their own little list to read and get stuff.

Home for lunch and patch time which tends to coincide with computer time. A helped me make some cookies, M wasn’t interested in helping today. Once it got near school finishing time that was it, they were out on the street waiting for their friends to get home. So they’ve even socialised a bit too

It’s been a long day

when you plan for no education, lots (ok a little) happens? Maybe someone is trying to tell me something.

Already this morning we’ve made a k’nex car with suspension together. M really likes suspension since his new bike has it so when I saw the instructions online I thought it would be cool. Alex made a lighthouse as well. I’m so crap with k’nex. can only make stuff if it has instructions!!

Now M is watching Time Team and hasn’t taken his eyes off it. Maybe the fact they’re digging up a grave yard has something to do with it…

they’re off out soon with James and I can’t wait. i really do not know what has been up this week but they’ve been utterly horrid (me included at beginning of week). Going to look at their diets I think and try and eat a bit better to see if it makes any difference. can’t be a bad idea to try and eat healthier in any case.

cool link

Folding circles

online comic strip

but a long way to go The kids have been taking it in turns to be horrid, M particularly so yesterday. I had to split them up so many times as they were clearly intent on rubbing each other up the wrong way all day long.

Like I say, today has been a bit better, but my throat is really hurting from all the shouting I’ve been doing lately so it’s not perfect by any means We had welcome respite in the form of Jax and kids who came by for lunch. Was good to have a nice chat for the first hour or so till the kids just started being noisy and in the same room as us. After lunch we headed out to the little park to let them let off some steam. It worked well and Jax and I gave dirty looks to the teenagers wrecking the swings.

We haven’t been doing that much else of note I don’t think. Nearly finished The Magic Faraway tree book which they’ve both loved (was supposed to finish tonight but on havign to shout too many times and havign been warned they lost that right due to me having no voice). M is desperate to start the next Magic Tree House book (I need to read something that doesn’t have magic and tree in the title!) but I’m insisting reading this first, nice that he’s enthusiastic though.

Introduced Alex to negative numbers yesterday as she owes me some money Think she gets it.

Also showed both of them about square numbers today. I’m trying to steer away from bloody sums as I’m getting myself bogged down by them, let alone the kids getting bogged down! Made some pentominoes (click right hand side for printable pentominoes) and both helped cut them out then sat trying to figure out far ages how to fit it all in (still figuring…).

Lots of craft going on which makes my heart race due to the carpets, but I got a cheapy art box from the Works and so they’ve been making pictures with it all. It’s been really lacking lately so I’m letting them get on with it.

And that’s about it. I have a day off tomorrow as James taking kids to his sisters with his dad (car gone to get fixed) so I’m on garage sorting duty. Yay. Or something like that.

that I’ll post here as I’ll lose them otherwise (my bookmark folder need serious sorting!)

Cool Math for Kids

Free Books Oh poo - this is only for the US atm.

is about the only way to describe my mood lately. Normally I can attribute it to my time of the month, but I know it’s not that this time. I’m just a grumpy cow

I think it’s mostly down to me doing a *lot* of thinking about our learning styles at the moment and it’s just really taking its toll. I’m finding it utterly fascinating though. I’ve been talking with James a lot about it and for the first time really in the last 6 years he’s ‘getting’ why we’re doing HE. The reason I think he’s getting it is because we’ve been talking about the Right Brain stuff and we think that is what James is like. Which has finally showed him that he’s not as stupid as he’s always believed and as everyone (school, his parents etc) have thought of him. He recognizes so many of the things I’m telling him and it’s like a light has switched on in him. It’s quite fun really! So he’s seeing that if this is a part of the kids in whatever way then school won’t help them either.

I do recognise a lot of RB things in both kids, specifically in M and to some extent in A though i’m not sure how much with A. My dilemma is how to proceed with everything. I don’t want to be pushing them and really that’s the beauty of HE isn’t it? But I think this is what’s stressing me. From what I read about it things like reading and maths computation are going to come later (like age 8-10), they’ll get maths concepts but remembering the facts will be a long slog. But these are the things that I know they are judged on by people like James’ dad and I feel like it’s just not what I need. We were at his house the other day and something was on the telly and he was showing M some words and I said ‘he can’t read that it was too quick’ and straight away he was saying ‘oh he should be reading by now’ and it reminds me how against it all they are. Ugh. I do find it all hard.

Anyway I got a book about it all today (ignore the ADD thing, it’s more just about RB learners, I don’t actually think my 2 have ADD or anything like that) so I’ve been reading more about it and have some ideas to help so I think the next few months are going to be spent watching and trying to work out how they both learn better so I can tailor what we’re doing. Feels like such hard work I have to say!!

just sharing a couple of links I found

StoryNory

and

Activated Storytellers

Not checked out the second yet, but 1st one looks fab!

without me blogging. Oops. Keep meaning to but have had quite a bit on my mind lately.

Ok boring stuff first so I have a record. Wed - er… Oh bollocks. I can’t bloody remember can I? I think we’ve done reading practise and probably a bit more of maths story books. Ugh.

Alex’s reading style has been puzzling me a lot lately and I’ve been looking round the internet trying to gather ideas on how to help her read. On one of the groups I’m on I saw something about Right Brained Learners. Initially I looked into it when M was not doing great with his maths but I discounted it as I figured he could do phonics pretty well and there was other stuff I didn’t hink fitted either. I came across it again when thinking about Alex and it’s got me really thinking about learning styles and stuff. It’s kind of all spinning round in my head at the moment and I’m not sure if any of it is really applicable to my 2 but I’m thinking that in some areas at least they may be more ‘right brained’ and so have been looking for ideas and information on it. I’ve a book coming soon about it and hopefully that will help me work out some more. I’ve joined a(nother!) yahoo group on homeschooling creatively which has a wealth of ideas too. I’m always a bit wary of labels, not because of the label itself causing problems, but sometimes it’s like I think I’d actually like something that would explain why we’re not progressing in whatever (reading, maths, whatever) as it would stop me feeling like it was just me being crap at HE. So before I read too much I started writing down stuff about both A and M even if I had no idea if it was a RB thing or not so that once I did look into it, I didn’t just home in on the stuff that did fit. Don’t know if that makes sense at all. I have been doing *a lot* of thinking!! I’ll probably write some more on it once I’ve thought some more but for now that will have to do.

Animal School

(not sure how to add the video into the blog, but there we go)

as I wasn’t feeling well. Time of the month (or 3 weeks in my case) and have had awful cramps today. So we did our work on the couch all snuggled up this morning which was nice.

Maths was a game from the Games for Math book. Just keeping going with addition atm. Also tried to concentrate a bit on the adding of something (1-9) to 10 as so far they haven’t noticed any pattern.

Then we did some reading practise. M read the first one of the ORT Stage 5 and then Alex read it too. Checked their knowledge of some tricky words from the Jolly Phonics manual. M doing well and knows quite a few, Alex hardly any! Which doesn’t surprise me really, she really can’t read words if they are on their own, she needs pictures and context so she can guess! Shall have to do some googling tonight and see if I can find any ideas on how to approach this reading. She reads the books after M and I don’t want to discourage her, but I feel I should be doing more. I sometimes think she’d be the kind of kid who could learn to read on her own eventually as she is always picking up words from when I am reading aloud. Hmm lots to ponder about. if anyone has any ideas do shout!

Then I had had enough of making them do stuff so read them the last few chapters of Alex’s Fairy Chronicles book. Am steering her away from the Rainbow Fairies They both really liked this book which is a surprise, I didn’t expect M to like it and actually he didn’t hear the beginning as I think I read it to A when she had pox.

I went for a lie down and the kids played for a bit. The french dvd went on again, A really likes it and I found her out the book that I had that matches (it’s the usborne french one). She reminded me I have a tots tv french video somewhere so I’ll look that out. Then all I need is to connect the video player and we’re sorted.

M at some point sat down with me and tried to read some more of Yuck’s Big Bogeys. He still finds this kind of thing really hard so I’m not pushing it too much, I think I’ll leave it for a while longer and concentrate on the ORT stuff as he’s doing great with that. I guess I’m a little impatient, I’ve made an extra effort to have some good boy books on his shelves in the hope he’d pick them up and read them, but so far he’s not biting.

Can’t remember the rest of the day. James fixed M’s bike as he’d worn out a tyre by skidding on it too much, so they both played a while on bikes. Then xbox was allowed and I found out some old cd’s I had bought ages ago for the kids. Alex decided to put them on and has been listening to them this evening. So we’ve had Peter and the Wolf, some Sleeping Beauty Ballet (complete with dance from A) and lots of Putumayo World Playground 2. Even M came down to dance to that one, he likes it too. I reckon I could tick off PE if I had a category for it, but I don’t!

I think we’ve covered a fair proportion of my categories boxes today I started with a plan of what I wanted to do so no pretending it was autonomous - anything but! First off they both did some copywork, I only wanted them to do one thing each (a proverb for M and some letter practise for A) but they wanted to do at least 3 times what I planned. Then they did a couple of pages of Explode the Code each. We then looked at a new book we got last week called The History of Counting and discussed about numbers being invented and how people did it when they had no language for numbers. Quite interesting. Also showed them about Lebombo and Ishango bones. We made our own out of salt dough later on too.

But before that I took them to the schools library again and they chose some books each. A got some dolphin books and M some car, ship and bridges books. I was looking to see if they had anything for teaching latin but they didn’t. I did however pick up 2 French videos so we watched one when we got home.

I tried to air the tent out a bit, but it’s tricky with a tiny garden. It was sopping wet though so I was thinking I ought to do something, anything! Almost dry, shall try again tomorrow to get any other damp bits.

Then we did shopping when James got home, I got myself into a foul mood so this evening he made himself scarce. I printed out some (v. easy) sudoku puzzles for the kids and stuck them into some work books for them (otherwise I lose them). Alex made a start right away and did about 7. M eventually did 2 although I never asked him to he just did eventually. Got some cheap sudoku and kakuro books at Sainsbury’s (£1 each) so am training them up

Anyway, time to get kids out of the bath and do stories.

I really meant to blog before going away this weekend, but managed not to. However there was a few bits and bobs I wanted to make sure I wrote down so I’ll try and remember what I did. Prob only interesting to me though (keep thinking I ought to record something in case an LEA inspector does decide to call).

Last weekend seemed an age ago but we did venture out to Creswell Crags which was a lovely walk and prompted lots of conversations about early people, where they came from etc etc. I’d like to visit the caves too at some point, but M is slightly worried about caves since we went to the Mining museum and went down the mine. he doesn’t like underground!

Monday I headed off to Barbara’s house and we managed to leave my kids with chris while B and I checked out the Schools Library. Wow. What a resource. I could have spent all day there! It was mostly non fiction books but a selection of ficion too. I picked up lots of maths books, some more ‘Katie’ books (the ones where she visits paintings) and a couple of space type books. Am going to take kids one day and it will be so nice knowing that whatever subject they want to know about, we should be able to find books on it. Our local library has had it’s cars, boats and machine books exhausted by M so I think we should be able to find some good stuff in the Schools one.

The rest of the week seems like a blur now, but workwise we’ve started off some copywork. m has really good writing which I think is unusual for a boy, but we don’t do any practise. He idn’t mind doing this as it was nice and quick. The Story of the World book arrived and we did some chapters of that along with spotting the areas on maps. this tied in nicely with the Creswell Crags visit. Our new Electronics Kit arrived so we’ve done some of that too talking about circuits and conductors. We loved the Beans kit and so when a little bit of money came our way I decided that it was going to be spent on that. Also have spent some but not lots of time on maths, been looking through books and finding any maths in the books so lots of looking for patterns, shapes etc.

M read 4 of the level 4 ORT books last week. These were the books where the ‘Magic Key’ was found so great excitement there and have ordered the next level books where the first adventures are had. Definitely getting there with all of it, don’t really want to take too much time off the practise as I think it is doing M the world of good.

And so we come to the weekend spent in a field Off The Path which was lovely despite the weather being slightly against us. It’s always nice to have the kids potter off with all the other kids there and be able to chat with the other adults. Def a plus since the kids have grown up a bit. We did have a small break as we had a cousins birthday party. What a difference! Full of hyper children and an awful dj/party bloke, was glad to get away! I didn’t sleep too well in the tent though, was v cold so on coming home today I had a bath and fell asleep for about 2 hours.

Oh and I managed to borrow a couple of books from Jan - the Time and Space of Uncle Albert and Uncle Albert and the Quantum Quest which are story books about lots of physics-y type stuff. I started reading the first one (just for myself) as soon as we got home and am enjoying it immensely. I know absolutely nothing about these kinds of things so it’s nice for me to learn about stuff!

I need to really be concentrating on Alex with reading. She is normally ok alongside Marcus, but M is getting to the stage that he’s reading well and needs practise. Alex on the other hand is really struggling so I need to be going back to basics with her. We have the Explode the Code books which we all really like so more of that I think and if she’s still struggling with it all I’ll start looking for look-say kind of ways to teach her. Will be hard after all our phonics! M likes the workbooks too and I don’t think it will do him any harm to do some more in them.

Maths is going well, after all my wobbles M seems to have leapt ahead. When we do adding sums Alex used to get them way before M but now it’s swapped over. Planning to much more games, learning through stories (have quite a few maths readers now) and try and be relaxed about it. We really don’t do well with structure and workbooks. I’ve been looking at this Living Math site for a while and have started implementing loads of stuff from it. Maybe not everyone’s cup of tea, but I like it. I’d love to learn everything through books!

History is going to be books too. Have got Story of The World and plan to do some of that. Geography I think will be attached there too. The Magic Tree House books are proving really popular and they cover both sections so we’re sorted I think.

Science is one area we’re going to try and do more of. M really likes it and that’s as good a reason as any. We’ve a shelf load of kits and all the Sonlight stuff too so should be sorted.

Erm, what else have we? Music. Hmm not doing so well there, have recorders and books but haven’t doine any lately. Must start it up again. Art. Well I got some more of the Katie books (like Katie and the Impressionists) which my 2 really like, but on a more practical level we’re pretty crap. Mostly because of the house, but I should be doing more. Argh!

Foreign Language. Again more can be done here. I ‘d like to do Latin and am planning on getting the Minimus course. We should do more French or Spanish I guess.

Ugh, just realised now how little we’ve been doing lately. Oh well, plenty to do. Best get going…

I’ll start with the bad, which was today. We’ve been up early all week as I’d been asking James to wake me up before he goes to work. Normally if I ask him to do this it lasts about a day before I fall back to sleep and give it up as a bad job. But this week I’ve been ok, and I do like to have some veg time in the morning so an earlier morning means I feel less like I’ve wasted a day. The kids seem to wake up whenever I’m up so they’ve been up early all week too (about 7.30am) so the upshot of that is that we’re all really tired and grouchy. It’s been a busy week too which hasn’t helped.

So Marcus woke up really grouchy today and he hasn’t really got out of it all day. Which is a shame really as he’s been really good company lately and I’m feeling really positive about him. He’d read his last 2 books for the Big Wild Read and was really excited about going to the library to get his medal, certificate, game and final set of stickers that was promised when we signed up. We had nothing else planned to do today so we made a trip to the library especially for this. Bad idea. We got there and the lady gave them the stickers and the game and said that as they were short staffed we’d have to come back for the certificate and the medal. Kids absolutely distraught at this, but managed to keep them calm while we headed to books section. Made up the ‘game’ which was a fortune telling foldy up thing and Marcus got into a right strop and said it was completely ’stupid and rubbish’. Had to agree! We chose more books and on getting them stamped I asked when to come back for the medals etc and was then told that it would be the end of the hols as normally the school children get them at school so we wouldn’t get them till then. Grrr. M so not pleased then! I was pretty annoyed too, if they’d said so at the beginning then my 2 wouldn’t have been so desperate to go today and we wouldn’t have had this. *sigh* Pretty bad timing I guess what with M’s mood and the fact I’m trying to get him more interested in reading, not sure this will help but maybe he’ll forget it.

So the rest of today has just been them 2 whinging. M mostly, but A not being great either. Thankfully they’ve played out for most of the day on their bikes (another reason why they’re so tired I think) so I haven’t seen them much.

Onto the good then. It’s been a busy week by my standards (which means probably still very quiet for everyone else, but I HATE being busy!). Tuesday I managed to get rid of the kids for the afternoon and I headed over to jax’s for a pleasant time sat in the garden sorting through books. I do love books! Was ever so weird to actually have a decent conversation that wasn’t interrupted all the time. We should do it more often

Wednesday we headed over to see The Babs which was fun. I wanted to flop as soon as I got there but they wanted to go out and do more stuff, but I talked them round to my way of thinking so we vegged for the afternoon. The kids were playing ever so well, so it seemed a shame to stop it! headed home in time to meet James from work and drive over to my mums new papershop that they’ve taken over. My dad has finally retired from working at Asda and is now running this shop. they seem really happy with it and hopeflly it will all work for them. The kids love it there. My mum has a sweety jar in her house that the kids always raid and M says the shop is like a huge one that you can walk in. He’s right! They’ve been helping out in exchange for money which they they then promptly spend on sweeties in the shop!

Yesterday we had eye appointments for both M and A. I never blogged last time we went although I know I meant to. They’re doing really well at the moment with their patching and M’s eyes especially are much better. Last time we went they said they’d start weaning him off the patches. So he’s gone from 3 hours a day, to 2 to finally being told 1 hour yesterday. They did say that once they get to 7 or 8 then it’s harder to get their eyes any better so I imagine that’s one of the reasons, but apparantly his vision is ok to drive a car now whatever that means! Alex is better but hers dropped back a bit this last time, so she’s on 2 hours a day. We’ve been a bit bad though what with hols, chicken pox and with them playing out so often so am trying much harder now.

So after the hospital we headed into Sheffield to have lunch in the Peace Gardens, the kids wanted to run through the fountains but as we had to catch the tram back I figured it was bad idea. Also wanted to visit the childrens library so def bad idea! Got more books in library (this is bad, I’ll prob lose them!) but they had such nice ones in the main library that I had to

Thursday evening saw James be read to by both kids. Well they tried. M read 2 leapfrog books, he likes them and will read nothing else at the moment. James was most impressed as there seems to have been a big improvement since the last time. Alex tried to read an Usborne farmyard Tale book. She’s much different to M, she sso does not seem to get phonics and sounding out. I wonder if I should make more of an effort with it or just carry on with the ORT that she likes. She tries to sound out but gets terribly confused, she often mixes 2 letter words up, ‘no’ reads ‘on’ to her and she just really struggles. But, she’s spotting words all the time when we’re reading on an evening. She’ll find sentences out before I read them and once I have read them she’ll spot them on a page with loads of words on (we’re reading the Enchanted Wood atm). She seems very interested in it all, much more than M was, but he picked it up much easier. They do like to make it hard for me!

And after that long blog I’m going to stop. James is off out tomorrow so we’re without the car.

I like where we live for the fact that the kids get to play on the street and it’s fairly safe, I can keep an eye on them and not much cars about. But argh to the bloody kids who live on the street.

At first I just couldn’t cope with the politics that were going on. C did this to me, E called me a midget etc etc. you get the idea. It still goes on but what’s annoying me more now is that the kids just wander into our house without being asked. Normally they call for them and then my 2 take another 5 mins or so getting stuff to go out so while they’re waiting they just wander in, sometimes half way up the stairs. i’ve lost track of how many times I’ve had to ask them to get out of my house and they still do it! Not even kids from the same family but 2 seperate ones. Argh!

Had a word with my 2 yesterday about it and made sure they knew not to go in someones house till asked and that it was good manners to wait outside and they said they never do it at others houses which is good.

Roll on the ned of the school holidays. Bah humbug!

love The Magic Schoolbus series that we’ve been watching on a morning on Pop lately. As I was hanging out the clothes this morning I was saying to Alex that the sun would help the clothes dry and she said ‘and the wind. Because the water goes into the air and I know that is called evaporation’. My job here is done. Must go into Magna again and look at the (pretty rubbish) water cycle model.

The Titanic Research Guide from the Magic Tree House arrived this morning too. When I first saw them I figured they’d be like activity lessons and stuff but they’re not, they’re like a non-fiction book written at the same level as the story books so kids can read them themselves. I read through it this morning showing the kids some bits of it and I thought it was really good. Made me cry though!

Marcus read the 4th book in his reading challenge, this one was a bit tricky for him and it was a bad time. We were both stressed and too hot. But he did it and we went back to the library to get the 2nd set of stickers and fridge magnet. 2 more to go. While out doing library run M was asking lots more questions about Titanic and Rose and Jack from the film. He’s struggling to remember they weren’t actually real even though the story is real. Also did some maths questions while walking. Mostly car related like ‘ if you are going 5 miles and hour and had go twice as fast how fast would you be going?’ Seems to be working well.

And then when we got home Alex made herself a floating experiment with some berries. Autonomous learning!

I’ve loads of housework to do now so will get on with it, having an afternoon off from the kids tomorrow and can’t wait!

if M can read this blog. He’s come out with so many mathsy things today I’m in shock! He never says anything about numbers. Ever. And today he’s mentioned being able to divide 10 sweets between 5 people (he did get a bit confused by the answer, but at least he was thinking it), and was adding up money and working out how much he’d need to buy 3 ten pence mix ups. Oh and he said earlier that ‘4 times 3 is 12′ as he had a load of cars in a carry case in 4 lines of 3. Weird. Wonder if he’ll keep it up.

We’ve had an ok day today, some science kits arrived from Boots so we had a quick look at those. The biology kit went down well and Alex has taken to the skeleton model (it’s called Skelly) and has been carting it round with her many cuddly toys. We do have a couple of older science kits that are space related and I’ve been thinking we could do those and loosely try and learn something about space. M likes science, so think it could be good to concentrate a bit on. So Alex got down a kit we got from Magna ages ago which shows the moons shapes and how the sun moves. Took a while to set up as it we had to build it all and wire it up (an experiment in itself!) but looks pretty good. We didn’t look too much at it, but will do soon.

Made A stick a small pic of the titanic magic tree house book on the map before I forgot and lost it. Have a worksheet thing for them to do if they’re interested in it (and I can pin them down). We read the next book called Buffalo Before Breakfast the last few nights. It’s about Native Americans and the kids have learnt how to say ‘friend’ by sticking up 2 fingers (and how not to say friend also!). We’ll stick that on the map too once the hallway gets cleared of boxes as the large ones are right over america.

Did some sweety maths. Todays game was ‘what did I do’ where I showed some sweets in a bowl, kids had to close their eyes and I took some away or added and they had to work out what I did. Of course it went down well as sweets were involved!

New bikes came today so that was the big excitement. James completely mucked up putting stabilisers on Alex’s. I shall be the very good wife and not roll my eyes But it’s all sorted now. So they’ve been outside lots. Alex had a bit of a strop and so managed to get banned from going out again after tea. Wasn’t so bad as we were reading some of her book she got the other day ina series called the Fairy Chronicles. It had really good reviews and A seems to like it, but it feels very slow going to anything exciting so far!

Just before bed Marcus attempted to read some of his Yuck book I got him. And then we read some of the Enchanted Wood book before bed. Kids fell asleep straight away. been a busy day and tomorrow James and I have to put up new beds - ugh.

Oh and I’ll try and e-mail people about the postcard swap soon, please shout at me if I forget again!

I taught M a new game this afternoon. He wanted to play his xbox and knew that it would entail him doing some sort of ‘work’ so I had a look through Games for Math and saw the Pyramid card game, a bit like solitaire? I’d never played it before but there’s a few versions online. Anyway, point is to get 2 cards that add up to 10. I’d written out the bonds on a bit of paper so M could do it without it being a chore (idea is that maybe he’ll learn them one day before he’s 30). He did two games of it and enjoyed it quite well, especially as he managed to beat his score. This is good for M, I struggle to find stuff that he’ll enjoy, he’s becoming a real tricky one to HE.

Anyway, we didn’t do anymore after that until this evening when we went round to James’s dad’s house. There’s not many toys there and Alex and I often end up playing cards or doing jigsaws and M goes on the ps1 upstairs. I decided to try and get us to play Pyramid again but see if we could beat each others scores this time. Also let me show Alex as I’d not shown her before. They both loved it so much! Why can’t it be like this more often? Someone somewhere was looking down on us as in the first game M managed to win (and got rid of all his cards!) so he was really enthusiastic about it. I even caught him not having to look at the sheet with the bonds on to know what goes with what. So a little pat on the back there.

It really does feel like such slow going sometimes. Alex seems like a much more typical learner and by that I mean I recognise her style from reading round blogs iykwim. She’s enthusiastic about almost everything, will give loads of stuff a go and would be read to for hours. She’ll do workbooks till the cows come home and listens to what I say so tends to understand it. Marcus is such the opposite though, I really struggle to get him interested in anything. He’ll maybe grudgingly do some stuff but he knows it’s part of ‘learning’ and wants to go off and do his own thing as soon as he possibly can. But if I try and capitalise on any of his interests that doesn’t work either. *sigh* If he was coming along better with his reading and maths I’d be inclined to let him be, but at age 7 he struggles with so much, esp maths. I wish I could just find some way to click with him though, but as it’s taken us this long to even have a good relationship with each other (for ages he wouldn’t hug me or ay he liked or loved me, but he’s been fine for the past year or so, extremely cuddly now!) maybe it will take even longer to get us in sync with some form of education. Ponder, ponder…

I’ve reinstalled sage on my firefox so I can FINALLY get back into reading blogs. I’ve been so bad and I apologise, but maybe I’ll get better. Or maybe I’ll continue being rubbish…

Bit of a rotten start to the day as I’d planned to go to our once a month home ed group at a nature reserve and when I arrived there was one other person there and the regular lady who does the activities was on holiday. We were told by the other rangers it wasn’t on this time so headed off (well we had a wander round the nature reserve first) but on getting home looks like it was just a communication problem and it should have been on. Oh well. We had a nice game of pooh sticks on the bridge instead!

Came home and pottered around a bit. the kids played outside with some other kids from the street. I quite like having kids they can play with, but sometimes it would be easier without! The amount of fights, bickering and crying that happens is unbelievable. Today’s not been too bad though. I started clearing Alex’s room as they have new beds arriving tomorrow. They won’t get put up till the weekend, butwe still need floor space! Gave up after a bit as I was feeling a bit ill.

Marcus wanted to play his x-box but I said he had to do one of his reading books for the Big Wild Read challenge first. This is the first time we’ve done the challenge, M is reading his own books and Alex is getting picture books we either read together or she tries. We’ve done the first 2 and stickers were a good incentive! Anyway, I remember looking at the library early readers and thinking they were all way above M, and most of them are. they have a pretty poor selection tbh, although might be better when he can read just that little bit more. I found the leapfrog books which looked just perfect, if maybe a little long for him. BUT he did really well with the first one and has become noticebly better with each one he’s read. When we’re reading I normally help him with any long words he’s not sure of but he’s started telling me not to help while he works it out. He’s also started sounding out in his head. Little things I suppose, but I can see it’s a good improvement. He has one more leapfrog book to read before I have to find some more in the crappy shelves of the library!! There just seems such a leap between those books and the rest of them in the young readers section.

Went out to buy the kids some new bikes this evening too, Marcus has been on a tiny bike for ages and wouldn’t attempt the other bigger bike we had for him (2nd hand one that is a bit rubbish) so we decided to get them new ones. He straight away took to the bigger one we got, although he was annoyed when we couldn’t get it till friday. Hopefully we’ll have a nice bike ride at the weekend. Slightly bemused by the checkout lady who couldn’t work out what 10% of the total was (as I had a voucher), I mean honestly!

before bed. I’m done in today. Wanted to get lots done but didn’t quite make it.

Both kids did some reading practice this morning. I managed to borrow a huge stack of the stage 3 ORT books for Marcus and he read one this morning really well. I think they may be a little easy for him, but atm I think easy is good. Get his confidence up. Alex read a red nose reader. She really likes them. It’s weird they’re kinda reading the same level of books but there is such a difference between them. Alex guesses loads, so we need to do some more work on decoding I think, but she has come on lots since she couldn’t hear the end sounds. She still sometimes reads ‘h-a-t’ as ‘haaaan’ but it’s much less these days!

The spent lots of today outside with the kids on our street but came in when they saw me testing a new game I bought them. It was Cluefinders year 3. It’s beyond them at the moment, but we can do it together. The maths is a little too advanced for them (M struggles with 4+1 sometimes - rolls eyes), but will be ok if we work at it.

The next Magic Tree House book came with the computer game and both kids are very excited about that. they really enjoyed the Titanic one. I’ve printed them off the passports from the website and they both answered the questions on the Titanic book to earn their first ’stamp’.

And now I’ve lost my momentum with the blogging so shall go to bed!

Been feeling a bit fragile lately, for lots of reasons, none very exciting though. Mainly worries about the kids education. Gets me down sometimes when I feel like we’re not progressing as well as I think we should (or even as well as others seem to which I know is bad - shouldn’t compare).

So a weekend away visiting friends was just what I needed I think. Mostly because my 2 were fairly well behaved throughout (even had some compliments on Marcus!) so of course that just made it easier to enjoy. The castle theme went down well as loads of knights and princesses (and the odd dragon) played in the garden. M isn’;t that much into dressing up but he got stuck in really well.

After a really late night and much too early morning (it felt like it anyway!) we lazed around Chris and Helen’s house, had a lovely pancake breakfast and then some of the girls brought out an electronic set. M was very interested and managed to get involved without making anyone cry (well done M!). So they built circuits and I’m sure a little education was had The most popular was a rotor blade that flew into the air, kept them quiet for ages that did

Lunch was had and we made our exits. Alex made me into a liar when I said I didn’t normally have leaving issues with my 2 if I give them enough warning. After 30 min warning, 5 min warning and time to go she was in hysterics! *rolls eyes* Never mind. M came quietly

We had a fab time, thanks for having us and enjoyed seeing everyone else.

been a while since I blogged. I’ll endeavour to do one later. Have one brewing inside my head, but not sure whether I’m going to write it or not (bit depressing).

Anyway. Does anyone who I may see at the weekend have any Oxford Reading Tree books they may be willing to lend us? I have some up to level 4 but any more than I have would not come in wrong. If not ebay here I come…

I know some people weren’t aware of it, and I think it’s a very good deal - Vue kids cinema £1.50 for each child and for every child you get one adult in free. Hope this helps some people!

A day late, but it seems Marcus has chicken pox. I think anyway. Having never had a child with it I don’t really know, but he has some spots that are a bit blistery so I think so.

But anyway, Marcus was 7 yesterday. Can’t believe it and probably never will each year! My little boy is growing up. He had a lovely day yesterday and was allowed to invite one friend to have a sleepover and go to the cinema and have McD’s so yesterday the Babs dropped off B and a good time was had by all. She then popped round with the other 2 today and they all had cake and a play. Was v nice. M got a Lego racers garage set from us which we’ve been on and off building the last 2 days and only just finished. He loves it. Also got him Mario Kart on the ds again so he is over the moon!

Supposed to be off to Meadowhall tomorrow to spend some of his money, but will have to see if he is ok, although he’s fine atm.

managed to kick Alex off the computer to tell the good news. James got the job!!!!

He managed to get the one that called him on the day of getting laid off. It’s fitting and reading (I think) electric meters, the company is in an industrial estate just behind our house so not far to go at all. He gets a company van so I get to have the car!!! yipee! And lots of scope for getting more electronic qualifications too. So a completely different direction, but hopefully one he’ll be happy with.

I should rename this blog the many adventures of James’s jobs!

So very happy today

Been off to meadowhall today in amongst the interviews to get M something from A for his birthday. Settled on a Horrid Henry joke book from WHsmith. Got a few other kids books too since it was 3 for 2 (and we were in fed up spendy kinda mood!), so kids chose one each (M got a early reading book called ‘Sinclair, wonder bear’ and A got some Rainbow Fairy writing set). I also got M some more books from Nana and Grandpops. Picked up a couple of books that looked very similar to those Magic Tree House books that Helen mentioned a while ago. Anyway I picked up the first 2 in the series, just found them on Amazon - The Secrets of Droon Series, The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet and Journey to the Volcano Palace. they look quite good, still above his reading level, but I’m trying to entice him more! Also got the 1st Horrid Henry book.

Nothing like buying books to cheer you up!

Once home the kids have played computer games and I’ve helped Alex write some letters to her friends. Will have to get some stamps tomorrow and post them. Handwriting practise at least!

Which reminds me, does anyone fancy doing a postcard swap? I know we did one ages ago and it went down really well with the kids. They both want to do one again and since they know the people we’d be sending to and getting from I reckon they’d get more out of it! Anyone up for it? Let me know and I’ll see about getting peoples addresses and distributing them.

Alex has lost her other tooth from the bottom 2.

Alex has been coming on leaps and bounds with her reading, I think I could say she is reading now. It’s always been a bit hard for her though, dunno why, but she’s well on her way now.

Marcus has been reading his joke book he got a couple of years ago and has come up with some new jokes. Wow, he’s reading for pleasure!!! Have been trying to sell him on the idea of horrid henry books since hearing Ernest was reading them. might get him one for his birthday.

I don’t feel like blogging, but if I don’t blog about it soon I never will and then I’ll look over my blog all nostalgicly (don’t think that’s a word) and wonder where it is.

I wasn’t completely up for camping this year I don’t think. It was just all proving really stressful getting ready, probably because James was coming and we had less space in the car. We really struggled to fit everything in, I think we need a roof box (or a camper, but maybe we’ll have to wait on that one). We managed to get there in good time, about 11.30am if I remember rightly, after a really good journey and managed to pitch the tent on the uneven ground. I kept getting it all wrong though and remembering stuff I’d forgotten to do!!! Kids started as they meant to go on and fell back into friendships straight away. After eading to Morrisons to get some food for lunch we settled down on the picnic mat to watch Sarah put up the folding camper - free entertainment that wasn’t Sparky! The rain came down in the afternoon/evening in such a way that we really felt it was muddlePUDDLE camp. Tried to help out Nic and Ady with their tent but it was all kind of conspiring against us!

I think the 1st and 2nd day were probably the best, because I could cope with a muddy field. I could cope with rain and wet kids (they were much more sensible this year than a couple of years ago!) but I really couldn’t cope with the stink that started to come up from the field. It was disgusting. Anyway, Sunday I think we went swimming and just dotted around being sociable. Well trying to be. We had really bad wind and rain that night again and the tent collapsed in the middle of the night which was a slight pain. I think it was due to being pitched slightly uneven.

Monday was… erm… can’t remember. Probably wet again! Was that the music workshop? Em did a fantastic job of a workshop making instruments and then managing to make it all sound musical. We all really enjoyed that one Yeah that must have been Monday as that was the day we were wondering whether to move the tent due to encroaching puddles. Went swimming again, leaving James behind this time. Remembered to wear my glasses in the pool so I could see both kids this time. Monday night again saw lots of wind and rain and the tent collapsed again. I’d had enough in the early hours and resolved to enquire about statics in the morning. I was getting tetchy and taking it out on James. I really didn’t want to have a bad week. I can cope with myself being grumpy if I’m on my own, but I find it harder with James.

So first thing on Tuesday I booked us into a chalet. they had 2 things left in the whole place so I was really pleased to get somewhere dry and only cost us an extra £25. Bargain. Spent some time on the beach that day, cacthing up on the news about Sheffield and the floods and just enjoying the warmth and dry feet feeling! Actually I’m glad I didn’t see the flood pictures while we were camping as I think I may have been a bit paranoid! Oh actually that must have been tie dying day too which was fab again.

Wednesday was Africa Alive! which was really nice but it always seems a shame the kids like the ducks more than the wild animals! Jax came back for tea and I think I spent the evening in the chalet as it was James’s turn to be sociable in the field.

Thursday we headed off to Lowestoft for a short while and spent sometime on the beach collecting stones. It was also cabaret time and both kids wanted to do something this year. Marcus decided to do jokes and Alex was going to do some too till last minute when she wanted to sing something instead. Was very proud of Marcus getting up there as he can be very shy. He’s such a different boy round people he knows. Alex was a little bit shy so I had to go up with her but well done to her for trying too. Had a lovely evening down at the tents, kids stayed down for a while till James took them back and left me round the fab campfire!

Friday morning we had to go as the chalet was only till then. Packed up in record time and headed down to the field to say goodbye but most people were still in their tents as it was a bit yucky outside. Got home in good time with no road problems.

All in all I had a good week, but it could have been much better. I like camping at these things as it’s much less hassle to let the kids go off and play while you potter around the tent doing whatever, then wander off for a chat. the days are just nicer. Maybe I’m just reminiscing about last year too much! I enjoyed catching up with people again as ever andlooking forward to teh few meet ups planned in the next 2 months.

Big thanks to all who did stuff for camp, really appreciated it!

shit fuck bugger

was meaning to come on and blog good stuff about camp and the last few days. But James has just phoned up and said he’s been laid off at work Not his fault, apparantly the bloke just can’t afford to keep him on or something. So totally gutted. Supposed to be off to dublin next week for M’s birthday but can’t now, at least flights didn’t cost us anything. ARRRGHH!!!

shall try to write up something about our week away, but just wanted to say am home safe and sound

by me. Just watching Layer Cake - Daniel Craig is yum!

am getting into far too many.

1) Staying up too late, then not getting up till late, which means the kids get up late and then they don’t go to bed till late. Am hoping camping will sort this out next week. Feeling like utter crud due to it though.

2) no blogging. No excuse, just being crap. Keep meaning to and then being lazy.

3) not eating well. Have put on half a stone due to eating waaaay too much crap.

4) watching big brother…

(btw - Jax, don’t unhibernate me. I don’t want to go back onto the ring just yet. Maybe when I blog about some HE…)

every time the computer gets back up and running it keels over again. Really must sort my laptop cable out (only been meaning to since Christmas!) So am totally behind on lots of things I’m sure. Really need a good chin wag gossip session I reckon. Which reminds me about bookin gKessingland - job for today!

James is on his first day of his new job. He’s on his way back from Leicester this morning, after going to Gloucester. Am fairly nervous for him and keep wondering if I should issue warnings fro the motorways Only joking. He’s a fab driver, but I am still nervous! He’s very happy so far and says it’s the easiest job he’s ever had.

Feeling much better in myself again, although house a mess, we’ve no money (STILL! But at least no debts, one day we’ll be better!) and kids generally being crap.

Ok off to phone Kessingland. *edit* called and BOOOOOOOKED! Ooooh all excited now.

James has a new job! We’ve been a bit in limbo lately, wondering what to do re his work, whether to risk him being available for agency work full time, try to get him a part time job so he could get agency work part time or even for me to work part time so he could be available for agency work. It seemed the only way he’d get on and get experience in driving would be agency. BUT, managed to find a job vacancy which he phoned up for on Monday with a local company (just couple of miles down the road), he had an interview yesterday morning and was offered the job yesterday afternoon! Yay, permanent job, not agency, local and driving! I just hope he’ll like it an it will all go ok from now on.

Am tentatively smiling

is going to have to be a regular occurence here! It’s about the only way I think I’ve ever managed to get Marcus to understand anything mathematical at all! Today we’ve been doing addition, sets of stuff, dividing, fractions and whether numbers where odd or even. This is good.

:)

(I do however feel like death warmed up, have some awful pain in my jaw and feel so wiped out, so letting the have their games time now while I snooze!)

;)

having constant computer problems. This time it’s really dead, so have nicked my mums laptop again, and am set up for the week till they come back from holiday. *sigh* I hate computers.

I’m really struggling to get back into blogging, reading blogs and all that jazz. I’m craving some sort of stability in our lives at the moment and it’s not happening so I’m just ever so down, every day James does have a new job though, although nothing majorly exciting, and not driving So he’s still restless and wants to be driving understandably, but it’s really taking its toll on me which is spilling over into the behaviour of the kids and my moods (never that good at the best of times!).

Kids both doing well, Marcus was reading something to his Grandad the other day and I felt really proud that we’d got him reading wthout the aid of schools. Alex doing well too, she’s taken to the Big Brain Academy game which James has prematurely got for his birthday. She beats James at it!!! Well not all the time Both have seemed to have had growth spurts, so they are pretty much average now (maybe)

Should be booking Kessingland soon too, I need a holiday!

well not quite a big update as I can’t hugely be bothered to write much. Internet still poorly but have my brother on the case tomorrow so fingers crossed it will be done soon.

James is having a crap time at work still. Looks like his job might not be there in a couple of weeks so we’re a bit shaky wondering what might happen. Lots of cv writing going to be going on and contacting recruitment agencies. Bleurgh. Does mean aswell that we’ll not be doing 2 of our proposed days out to legoland and to France (supposed to be mine and James’s birthday treat). Suppose they might still happen, but seems daft to assume the best atm All pretty crap.

I’ve been hugely down lately too, dunno why, although suspect it’s just pmt. I should keep a proper diary of when I feel crap. I’m sure it will be monthly. just more bleurgh.

Kids also been pretty awful. Attitude is generally crap and driving me up the wall. Bleurgh.

Maybe I’ll do a blog of the better stuff when the kids have gone to bed. I’m sure I can think of some stuff!!

4th April

3 events

1) 1581 - Francis Drake completes a circumnavigation of the world and is knighted by Elizabeth I
2) 1968 - Martin Luther King, Jr. is assassinated at a motel in Memphis, Tennessee.
3) 2007 - 15 British Royal Navy personnel held in Iran are released by the Iranian President.

2 birthdays

1) 1978 - Lemar, English R’n'B singer
2) 1979 - Heath Ledger, Australian actor (my twin!!)

1 death
1995 - Kenny Everett, British radio DJ and television entertainer (b. 1944)

1 holiday or observance
International Day for Landmine Awareness and Assistance

Anyone out there?? Feeling all neglected. But hi to Nikki, must catch up soon (my most used phrase lately I fear).

Internet not back. Borrowing my mums laptop. However I will share this piece of advice with you all:

when choosing a film to see for your birthday, actually think about the content of the potential film rather than just the lead actor. Much as I can spend aaaages watching Sean Bean esp with Sheffield accent, watching people literally getting the sh!t kicked out of them was a bit much for me (outlaw in case you were wondering). I am so daft sometimes.

Life a bit sh!t here, James had a big fight with one of his friends yesterday (physical) and is really down. Not sure it’s something that can be resolved. Off to give him a phone to drag him out of the pub

will be resumed shortly (I hope). Have internet problems so have been having a break - not fun.

I’ve been a bit ill, nothing major, but the drama queen that I am meant that I’ve been grumpy with it Can’t do anything other than sleep which isn’t so good.

Thursday, hmm what did we do that day? We walked down to the library which nearly killed my hands as the kids tok so many books out last time. Must take our little shopping trolley with us next time. Marcus got a Where’s Wally book, some books about bridges and ships and a maze book. Alex got a Barefoot book of horse stories I think, an Usborne fairy tales book and something else I can’t remember. We all had 3 books at one point and we aorked out that was 9 altogetehr, then Marcus decided he wanted one more and Alex had to get 1 more aswell so M then managed (without prompting this time) to come out with the fact that we had 11 altogether. Excellent, maths done for the day Can’t remember what else happened, prob tidying and baking as seems to be the current theme.

T-bird Anni and Aprilia arrived early on Friday and the girls headed off fairly rapidly leaving the adults to talk, have tea (lots of it!), while Marcus hinted at being allowed to play the playstation. Was lovely to have visitors, our house isn’t well set up for it, being absolutely tiny! Watched Cars in the evening which was probably just as well as I had a vague idea of watching James Bond again. mmmmmm.

On Saturday I felt like I’d slept hardly at all, but must have still had a good amount. When A & A headed off home I went back to bed lol! But I am blaming it on the bleurghness that had started Didn’t quite get any better that day and no sooner had I woke up then we had more visitors. James went out for the night so kids and I had a lateish evening watching dvds.

Sunday was awful. Just felt so crap. Had to go to the shops when they opened to get teabags and a present for our niece who was coming up. They had arrived by the time we’d got back, bleurgh. Was grumpy at the fact we get shouted at in their house for daring to look at their carpets with shoes on, while they were all over ours with theirs on. Not that I’m strict, but ya know, it;’s a rented house and we do need to look after it. I can only just tolerate SIL and her husband when I’m normal. When I’m grumpy, tired and feeling crap I’ve got no chance. So I stopped in the kitchen out of the way, probably offended them no end, but never mind. James took the kids out in the afternoon to give me some space which was so appreciated.

Today is still not 100%. Took me ages to drag myself up this morning. We did reading practice and read the Sir Cumference book. That was all I could muster. The kids spent the day in the garden though as it was so nice. I started washing the table outside and of course they had to take over. Wasn’t going to stop them really was I?? We did want to head over to the country park but they were being as grotty as I was and so I decided that for the sake of the rest of Sheffield, we’d be better on home ground. Alex came out with me to do food shopping in the evening and she was lovely. Ought to do it that way all the time, just swapping kids. Had a bath this eve and still feel crap, so going to go to bed soon.

Sorry, absolutely awful post, but at least I’ve blogged so I feel a bit better about that.

Today’s been fairly busy even though we’ve not been anywhere and not done half the things I wanted to!

It started lazily (as always *sigh*) but then Marcus launched straight into some questions about the Tay bridge disaster having remembered about it last night. So we looked on google for some stuff about it then he compared it to the Tacoma Narrows bridge which we’d seen as there is an exhibit at Magna about it (actually not sure he even looked at it yesterday, but he has seen it lots of times before) and so we looked up stuff about that, when it was built, if they built a new one, where it was etc etc. Marcus thought they were really ’stupid’ for having built it wrong so we discussed about mistakes being the things we learn from (and I’ve been saying this lots lately about loads!), looked at what was different about the new bridge and gave an example of the Titanic and the Zeebrugge disaster which had been on the news not that long ago and how things had been made better because of them. Cue talking about those for a bit too! We looked at pictures of the Titanic in the Britannia book, spoke about the brave musicians who played till the end and about it being the cold that killed most people not drowing. And just to keep the disaster theme going he then wanted to know about 9/11 so we looked at pics of that too and had a quick run through of it. Phew. And then we had *breakfast*!!!!

Maths consisted of sharing out a packet of refreshers between 3 bowls! Then we baked a lemon drizzle cake and the kids helped quite a lot with the measuring and talking about halves for working out how many eggs to use. More maths! Then as the kids were licking out the bowl and I was off to head in the shower I realised it was nearly 1pm! Argh, where had the morning gone???

James called to say he was finished once I was out of the shower and we spent most of the afternoon tidying the tip we live in. We have so much stuff, but I’m so crap at decluttering. Argh. While we did this the kids played outside (cos I kicked them out!!) with lego, and that kept them occupied pretty much till evening.

I was a domestic goddess all day long, what with doing lemon drizzle cake earlier (kids not impressed, but James and his dad loved it) and then doing ‘The Beans’ veggie curry for tea. Was gorgeous, could have eaten twice as much. But then I am a greedy so and so. Also made some naan breads too, yum.

James’ dad came over in the evening so it’s been a fairly late end to the day. Alex spent ages reading some of the word lists from the ‘I can read it’ Sonlight books. She did really well, all 3 letter words and she’s getting much better at the end sound but she still adds whatever she feels like sometimes! I wish I could find our book 1 of it though, Alex can amble through that one and I think it would be good for her to have her own book that she’s reading as she tends to want to do what Marcus is doing but it’s often way beyond her. Marcus never finished it, but on looking at book 2 I think he’d be ok to start with that one. must look harder for the first one.

today has been a bit weird. I’ve been up and down all day long. Started first thing, I just couldn’t get myself out of bed and just wanted to snuggle all day long. Eventually got myself out knowing James would have been just setting out on his test. I felt sick all morning, probably due to wondering how he’d do, so when the kids came down we declared a snuggly morning looking at books. Which was convenient, since my Amazon order came Marcus was over the moon with his DK readers (yay!), we got him the Star Wars, Spiderman, Rockets and Sumbmarine books (all level 1) and although fairly simple, probably just right for him. We read a little bit of the Star Wars one taking it in turns as it’s quite long. I also bought some maths story books; What’s Your Angle, Pythagoras?, Sir Cumference and the Knights of the First Round Table and The Grapes of Math. Alex and I looked through the Grapes of Math one, which is lots of riddles to try and get you to count things easier, like grouping into sets etc. Was right up her street tbh, she amazes me with her ability, not because I think she’s a maths genius or anything, they are just so contrasting that it surprises me We were counting in 6’s and I stopped after 6 thinking she’s never know but gave her a chance and she actually came out with the right number. Was very impressed. Other books look good but not read them to the kids yet.

Also looked at seeds in a jar experiment (still not written anything!!), one of the beans has split. Duh duh duuuuuuuh!

News of James passing his test kind of stopped everything and when he came home we went out for a celebratory lunch to Mcd’s Kids well impressed by this!! Then we went to Magna and had a really lovely time there, much nicer than usual. We seemed to have a much more in depth look at stuff than we normally do. I also met another home educating family there and I was very brave and struck up a conversation once I decided they really must be he’ers (4 kids from 5-10!). She made me laugh as she said one of the defining characteristics of He’ers she knew was that they ate hummus!!!! Kids had a good time bombing around outside in the playpark afterwards as it was gorgeous by then.

Went off to James’ aunties house after that and Marcus and I just started to flop, don’t know what it was, probably just changes in the temperature but we just felt awful. Felt better on getting home, basic tea was had and Marcus headed for the playstation and Alex headed for the pc. She;s been playing on some games I found yesterday on the PBS kids site, mostly the George Shrinks game.

Read more boxcar children story tonight, Marcus was very impressed to learn there’s a whole series of stories about them, going to try and get some for him for his birthday maybe. Marcus then went to bed with his lamp on to read (new rules, only reading aloowed, no playing!!) so he was looking at our Britannia book and found the story about the Tay Bridge Disaster. We got a fab book about it last year in Scotland, can’t find any immediate evidence I blogged it though, but anyway, he wants the book again, so looking on our library site to find it. It was a Sparks series book and I remember thinking they sounded really good to have stories about history and I meant to look for more but must have forgotten about it. Just found one on ebay I’m going to get about Vikings and tehre seems a few at the library so we’ll have to try and check some out.

James has just passed his HGV test - wooooooohooooooo!!!

thanks everyone for sympathy last week when he failed again, glad I don’t need more!!

Another good day here today, helped in part by the sunshine although we weren’t out much in it. Wasn’t it just bloomin gorgeous?? Like summer.

Anyway we started the day with a little recorder practice. Alex seems to really like it but her fingers are just not big enough yet, Marcus was a bit self concious but once he realised I was only after practising one note was a bit better. He struggles as he rushes so much and doesn’t always stop to think what he should be doing iykwim. But a good first lesson I think, not going to go by the book we have yet, but just experiment with rhythms and notes for a bit.

After that we did some maths. I feel this is coming along well now that I’m paying more attention to it. They did a dot to dot from the red miquon book and you had to do it by counting in 2’s. Both of them got the hang of it well, Alex is much quicker at working out the next number though! Sometimes I forget there is 15 months between them as the are quite often at a similar level. Also did a ‘guess my number’ game where they guessed hwat number I was thinking and I had to say higher or lower. More work definitely needed there as it was clear they didn’t have much of a clue about that!!

Also did some Explode the code again, M read another ORT book (still level 1 but gaining confidence rapidly). Actually all of a sudden I’ve noticed M trying to read almost everything, it’s like all of a sudden he’s realised he could do it if he tries. I never realised how long a process reading is and it’s quite an eye opener really (although why I didn’t think it would be a long process I don’t know!!). It seems so long ago that Marcus looked at a word and realised it’s sounds added up to a word, so to still be at that struggling reader stage is quite weird and I suppose a little frustrating. I hope our fairly relaxed last year where we did hardly anything hasn’t kept him back too much, suppose I’ll never know though! Getting some of those DK readers from Amazon soon and think M will be fairly impressed by Spiderman and Star wars books - here’s hoping.

Then we got out some old cereal boxes and did some junk modelling. Well actually what I had in mind was making some magazine holders but the kids had other ideas. Well who can blame them since we hardly do any crafts round here lately? Paint just scares me in this house, so will have to be just sticking I reckon

And then we had lunch And James finished work early so managed to join us so that was nice. I also was looking at some maths games sites so since I was looking at them the kids just had to play them didn’t they? So they did some tessalations, adding, and measuring plus a little more work on higher and lower numbers. Sneaky but good Alex managed to get herself onto some other games that had spanish language in it which kept her amused for a while.

Afternoon was Sainsbury’s shopping (been putting it off as can’t stand to go at the weekend) and then we popped to see W and her daughter and grandkids were visiting. The baby had chicken pox so you never know, we may actually come down with it. Tried to entice M to go closer by saying he could have a day playing the playstation if he was ill, but it didn’t work

Home for tea and telly and M has just read James his book from earlier on so all happy

Been to a car boot today Managed to come back with not too much crud which is always good. Got a Mastermind game after seeing Alex playing with it at Hunstanton, a microscope set, a bloody awful car board game and a couple of books and small things. Was actually quite nice although we’d kitted ourselves up for muddyness and it was typically lovely!

At home we had some patch time and Alex and I played Mastermind with her rules which were slightly easier, but still made her think about it all so of educational value still! (need a logic category).

(Em hair fell out yesterday so we decided on a SB hairstyle as I can do that one!)

Marcus sat and played the playstation - *sigh* He is rather obsessed, can’t imagine where he gets that trait from

There was also some looking at some Usborne beginner books and Marcus wanted to do some of the internet linked bits at the backs of the books so they spent a good deal of time playing the Jousting game.

We also did a little bit of science / gardeningy type stuff in the way of “The Bean Experiment”, am hopefully going to get them to write up (narrate!) what happens in a little book. Oh and kids did more counting practice in 2’s with help from the 100 square on the kitchen door.

And that’s been pretty much it for today, Alex has mucked about with my camera loads, taking quite a few photos of toys and requesting photos of herself. I liked this one:

Back to ‘proper’ work tomorrow again

before I get out of the habit

Hunstanton was fab and loved it all. Although I am so not used to staying up late as I struggled through the days to make up for it. Sea life centre was great and brought some education to the week Marcus was very good at asking questions, not shy at all which helps with my worries about him (him not wanting to do groups etc). I just loved seeing the kids all getting on so well really, I know we say it all the time after we get together, but they really do mix so well with limited bust ups.

Since we got back we’ve chilled out mostly (it’s the weekend!) but in amongst the lazyness has been some early morning sums done in my bed, counting money (Alex managed to grasp counting in 20’s quite well even while Toy story on in background), Marcus also seems to have got to grips with counting in 2’s and 10’s. We discussed sets of numbers so I suppose a very basic foray into multiplication going on there. Not bad really.

Also today we caught the tail end of The Clan of The Cave Bear movie which led to some discussion on Neanderthals, early humans, a bit of evolution (seems to be a recurring theme round the blogs!) and if I could have found the book I got from the charity shop on early people we’d have looked at that too, but I couldn’t.

Been browsing round the web today and come across the DK readers which tbh I never knew existed. How silly am I?? been away from sites like the book people for too long. Anyhow I saw on Red House that you can get some superhero one’s so pondering getting those one day. Unfortunately they aren’t on the bookpeople site which has others I want. Always the way. Seems to be a few boy-ish ones, so am going to try and get a level 1 book about something to test the water with them. Marcus is very into comic books so maybe, just maybe this could be the thing we need to inspire him. Can feel an amazon and book people order coming on.

just have to get this t-shirt for my birthday. Cool.

I will update soon, promise

decided St Patricks day should be the day before Mothers day??? *sigh* was looking forward to breakfast in bed, a lie in and general laziness but didn’t get it. I did get flowers, chocs and some lovely cards (great one from Marcus , he drew a vw bus on it and a peace sign - I think he thinks I’m a hippy!!) and if James gets his butt in gear, possibly the James Bond dvd today too

today’s been a bit of a thinking day. I get days like today every so often, where I spend quite a lot of it just sitting and contemplating how our lives are going to go. I like having plans and this is my problem I guess! All the following is a bit random, just trying to put things down in the hope it will help I guess.

James’ job isn’t helping really with it all, I’d like for him to have a nice job where he enjoys being with the people he works with, isn’t shit on every day and pays a decent wage that we could eventually buy a house. he hates this new job, so I’ve no idea where we will end up on that road. I try and help him out, but tbh he’s a bloody nightmare. Ages ago he decided he wanted to be an ambulance driver so little old me finds loads of stuff out about it on the net, presents it to him, he looks all interested and proceeds to do *nothing* about it at all. Repeat at least half a dozen times. So when he complains and wants out, I help by finding a site with jobs, but I resent having to do any more legwork. But then I feel bad about that, I mean I am at home. Maybe I should help a bit more. argh!

So anyway, that’s a crap bit. James also has high hopes and expectations of me on the job front. he thinks I’d be able to go out and get a job with the click of my fingers, and a good job at that so puts a bit of a guilt trip on me for not working. But the thing is, I can’t. I may have got Highers, which is more than he or a lot of his mates got, but really they don’t count for anything at all do they?? And I have no experience doing any worthwhile jobs that would lead to a well paid career as he expects of me. Honestly, he’s so deluded. I could go out and work and sometimes I want to, so that come 10 years from now I’m not some housewife/mum who’s after a school dinner lady job or something. Know what I mean? I keep waiting for the day when I know what it is I want to be in life. I never knew, ever. Will I ever???

I wonder also about our intended year out travelling. It won’t be for 2 years now as the wedding took a lot of our savings away, but I still want to do it. But I worry about the effect it could have on the kids. I wonder if they’ll feel too uprooted and when the bloody hell will we ever settle down anywhere?? If we do that we’ll be back 3 years from now in another rented house, trying to get another job and waiting till we’ve been in it long enough to even think about a mortgage. I dunno. It’s such a wonderful idea, but I do worry.

But then say we decide not to (or even fast forward till we come home and this will still apply). How on earth are we ever going to afford a house, ever???? Everything is so out of our reach at the moment. Even if James manages to get into HGV driving which is better paid, we’re still going to struggle to get in an area we’re happy in. I really like where we are now, although the house is way too small, as are all new builds I reckon (I walked past 2 open garages the other day and not one had a car in it, all jam packed with stuff - cos there are no damn cupboards!!), but it’s at least twice what I think we’d ever get in a mortgage (actually not 100% sure, been a while since we mortgaged anything!!). I don’t want be living in the middle of a council estate in the city, it’s not ever in my grand plan!!

I guess I’m having an off period in it all. There’s times when I think to myself that it doesn’t matter that we’re not on the housing ladder, that it doesn’t matter that we don’t have a place to put down roots cos we have each other and so long as the kids have a family that love them that will be all that matters eh? When we moved down from Scotland I was so upbeat about us not being tied anywhere, we could do what we want. But we still can’t. It doesn’t work like that, we have the kids to consider and I’m not sure it will help them if we decided to just up and leave a house with no thought to the future.

So although of course nothing needs to be decided straight away, I like to know what we’re going to do, which way we’ll jump and how we’ll manage what we plan. It never goes to plan though, so why I bother I don’t know!

Marcus spent absolutely ages just sat looking at this Dandy, not sure if he was trying to read any of it, but for something to keep his attention for that long it must have been good whatever he was doing.

I cleared the kitchen table yesterday

And I don’t know what inspired this pose from Marcus today, but thought it was rather cool (if you ignore crumbs from lunch on the floor!!)

Trying to take more pics of the kids lately. Or rephrase that, more decent pics of the kids. Normally manage to get them with their backs to me or the tops of their heads!! Now getting one with a straight face from Marcus would be good!!

Have to say really enjoying being back into blogging again and think it’s been doing us good as I’m def takin gmore notice of what we’re doing and wasting days less (I think!)

Kids had been requesting to go to see my mum and dad for ages but since we don’t have a car it’s been out of the question. So anyway I asked if they’d come and collect us for a day at their house and that’s what we did yesterday. While waiting for our lift, Marcus read an Usborne Farmyard Tale (the top parts of the writing iykwim) which he did well with, but there was a bit too many unknown words. I suppose practise will help here? Once we got to my mums Alex helped us to make cookies and Marcus dissappeared upstairs with my brother to play the playstation. Hardly saw him all day! Cookies were lovely and Alex helped my mum bake some more (my mum’s new obsession is baking!), we walked the dogs and basically chilled in a different setting! James was late home (very late ) so we had to ask my parents to take us home again oops. Was going to pick a bike up for Marcus on freecycle but my mum reminded us about a bike we got ages ago from Dottyspots which for some reason I thought was much bigger than it actually was. We tried Marcus on it just before going home and it seemed fine, just a little big, but I think he’ll be fine on it. So we wedged it in the car and took it home. Marcus was desperate to ride it again but it was getting dark.

Today has been a mixture. I could paint it rosy I reckon, but mostly I’ve been on a different planet, not feeling very well and just being down. The kids woke me up early which wasn’t too unusual, but what was different today was that they both got dressed while I was still coming round. They wanted to go out and wash their bikes and play on them. *sigh* shouldn’t complain really eh? Marcus must have done something to his brakes though as I’m sure they were working yesterday but there was a bit broken today, so he couldn’t practise on it. They were fine with washing though and managed to get plenty of fresh air while it was still sunny this morning. They continued to play while I tried to finish tidying the kitchen (started last night sorting shelves and took me too long!) and then they decided they wanted to go to the park so we headed there. It was freezing by that time so we weren’t there long!!

Home and hot baths for them 2, while I tried to work out how we were going to make it to Hunstanton next week. I was sure it would be closer than what it was but on looking at the AA site it’s 3 hours away - ugh. Was planning on James taking me after work on Monday and picking me up on Thursday but if yesterdays finish time was anything to go by then it won’t really be fair to get him to do it. Well it might still happen, not sure. But anyway been looking at train fares which might be comparable with driving 4 journeys, except it only takes us to Kings lynn then we’d have to get a bus. Not sure what I fancy doing atm, I do like train journeys though and would be an adventure!

I started to go downhill from then on and felt awful (still do ) so prescribed films. Alex chose a dora dvd and Marcus wanted to watch Home Alone, his fave film. Actually they really surprised me at one point as they were watching an extra where they dub over bits in lots of languages with a flag at the bottom and the name of the language. They’d only ever watched it on their own but could identify Spanish, Italian, French, German and Chinese. I don’t know if it was the flags, the language that they guessed or if M had tried to read it or all three, I was impressed anyway. That film makes me want to cry though, so I couldn’t watch it with them even though I needed to lay down.

I was starting to think about a chippy for tea but james phoned to say he’d be late again so I had to make something. opted for pizza as no bread left for normal beans/eggs on toast emergency stuff. So hauled myself up to set breadmaker going. Alex spotted the scales and proceeded to weigh lots of stuff, Marcus decided he wanted to do some maths games on the internet so we tried to find a couple. He quite liked a noughts and crosses game we found that he could play against the computer. I must make them up a links page with some games that are a bit different to teh cbeebies/cbbc websites. He played a bit of Hotwheels website too.

Telly was on by then though so it’s been bamzooki, simpsons and now we’re settling down to watch RND. Well I might just go to bed, will see!

today hasn’t quite been as good as the past few days, but it’s been down to me as apposed to the kids. I woke up funny and early so that set me up badly. We did sit and do some explode the code, the new workbook was really good for M, he’s improving so much day by day so I think the sitting doing *something* every day has worked. Did a bit of counting in 2’s which as normal wasn’t received well by M but A loved. Then the postie brought some more reading books from Sarah so that brought a nice end to everything and I just moped about making soda bread while the kids played ‘war’ outside. Had afternoon baths and Alex sat and did a maths workbook with me (her request) but I transcribed her answers as her writing is hard for her sometimes. We also looked a little bit at some of the dogs in ‘5 true dog stories‘ (last few nights bedtime stories) and where they came from. Going to stick some pics of the dogs on the map at some point.

Bleurgh, sounds crap dosn’t it. Mostly what’s getting me down is James’ new job which is just crap from what I hear, feel really weird about it all, something is so not right. So have gone out to get chocolate to cheer myself up.

Today’s been good, not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but good. Started with a lie in again, I’m so bad at getting up. I think I’ll keep some story books near my bed and then when we’re being lazy in bed we can read something.

After breakfast we cracked on with some work, I started by reading some stories which have been lacking a bit lately. We read 2 stories from March in Enid Blyton’s Book of the Year which I love just for the old fashionedness of it. Then Marcus read the book he read the other day again to me. I figured that we could maybe do each book a couple of times so that he can get chance to be good at it iykwim. Actually he is very good at it, but it was nice to hear it with a bit more fluency today. While he was doing that Alex sat with those flip over word games we got from ELC (can’t find link), well one anyway as most of the sets had at least one missing - grrr. She guessed most of them so I don’t think it helped her struggle with the last sound, she just looked at the first sound and found the picture that went with it. Anyhoo, after that we practised some more 3 letter words and I gave Marcus some 4 letter words to practise (no pics just the words). They both did really well.

Did a page and a bit of Miquon with the cuisenaire rods and Alex decided to do a page of sums too, but I think she only did 3 out of about 5 before she got sidetracked (I left her to get on with it, she did really well all on her own!).

It was approaching lunch time then and since it was lovely and sunny we decided to go to the little park with the football and bikes. Then lunch, which the kids ate outside and I decided to declutter a bit more of the garage. Only did a bit and then turned my attention to trying to find some stuff. It’s been bugging me that 6 months down the line and things like lego were still nowhere to be found so, today I did find:

lego!!!!
reader rabbit maths game
next explode the code and Miquon workbooks
critical thinking book
loads more workbooks
loads and loads of books and magazines
scalextrix
learn the recorder book

I didn’t find:

recorders
seeds

and tbh I looked everywhere so I can’t imagine they are in there now which is annoying to say the least.

Kids played outside all afternoon while I did this with a bit of time spent playing the Arthur game again. Marcus was interested to try the reader rabbit maths game but found it too much like hard work which is him all over with Maths I reckon, it is work for him and not enjoyable work! Both kids excited at the prospect of new workbooks (strange), I think I’ll start Marcus on the ETC book 2 as really the 1st one was a bit easy for him, although it has been good practise in becoming more fluent in 3 letter words much more and with writing them. And he enjoys them so all the better. The second workbook has blends which although he can do, I think the practise will propel him that next stage forward. Alex will stay on the 1st book I think as she still struggles with those end sounds. I really need to look into buying the next set for Alex though as we only own 1 set of books 2 and 3. Shall no doubt be thinking about a Sonlight order unless anyone knows where else they can be bought?

Evening has been telly again, but I don’t mind that as it’s not on any other time and James’s dad came round so Marcus read his book again and alex showed off her reading. Also attempted to play battleships on paper with Marcus (thanks to Nic - I had no idea it could be done this way having never played any version of it) but he kept getting distracted.

garden blog is up and running again

Saturday was a busyish day, headed over to see Kris, new baby, girls and chickens in the morning. Marcus was excited as he wanted to kill a chicken and eat it so he was most upset when this didn’t actually happen! I was proud of myself for holding the baby a lot, still not a baby person, but he is rather cute. Talked loads, mostly about veg growing, new cars and babies, must say I was surprised that Daniel Craig didn’t come up in conversation Kids very upset when I dragged them away but James and I wanted to go off an have a nosy at some Bongo’s to see if we liked the look of them enough to buy one and give up the tent. I liked them, James liked them but on the way home from seeing them he turned round and said, he;d rather get an old Type 2 VW camper. I didn’t even need to say anything (and tbh I’d have gone with his decision, if we get one it will last us 2 years then we’ll sell it before we go travelling, well that’s the plan) but was really pleased

Sunday was fairly lazy although I did make a start with decluttering the garage. Mostly moped about though! Kids played various playstation/reader rabbit games.

Today we’ve spent the day inside. It was a late start as I had an awful nights sleep with bad dreams about plane crashes and us turning into the Simpsons (oi don’t laugh!) so when the kids came into bed with me I decided to snuggle them. We did eventually get up and do a few pages of explode the code each and I taught both kids to play naughts and crosses. Can’t believe it’s taken us so long to do actually! Also did a brief game of hangman although that’s quite hard when they don’t read much! They helped me make some rhubarb and apple crumble after lunch and spent a good few hours playing reader rabbit and an Arthur game. Alex likes the game with the coins on Reader rabbit year 1 although she struggles with it a bit, but she gets there. She was good with the music pattern game too. Evening shopping at Sainsburys and Marcus behaved like he was a complete loon so less said about that the better Home for Fame Academy ( we want Ray and Angellica!) and Braniac and I’m about to snuggle up and read this book I got this morning to get some inspiration. (managed to get it from America for a grand total of £3.50 or something inc postage!) It has mixed reviews so we’ll see.

was good, although I still had a fair old grumpy chops air to me Bonkers Sarah arrived shortly after I blogged, can’t believe it’s been a year since we saw them last. I do wonder where on earth time is going, so many times I double take at my friends kids and think ‘hang on they’re how old? Nah, that can’t be right. Oh yeah and M’s 6 and a half and Alex is nearly 5 and half. OMG - nooooooooo!’ Or words/thoughts to that effect Anyway, they arrived, chaos ensued, pizza was eaten, we tried to persuade Marcus to give Beavers a go since Dino does it, but still no, he’s not even bothered about going to the same one as Dino so it must be that he thinks it sounds a bit crap. I dunno, not worth pushing though (but I’ll still moan about it )

We walked round to the park after lunch and it was lovely to watch them all playing together, hiding in bushes and chasing each other. Just what childhood should consist of much more than it tends to these days imho. Nice to watch and the fresh air no doubt did them good, maybe M will have a growth spurt and catch up to Dino. Or maybe not.

James arrived home as the bonkers tribe dissappeared and the kids decided to go and play with some friends from our street, although it ended up not being nice play with the boy from across the road excluding Marcus and just playing with Alex. So, (and I was back to being grumpy again as I was getting tired) I got a bit angry with them and all told them to play together or not at all. Specifically I told Alex to not stand back and watch someone get excluded, esp her brother. Anyway they went off and played again and Marcus ended up in the house in tears as this boy was trying to trick him into going down his drain (?) and threatening that his dog would bite him. Obviously since Marcus has first hand experience of being bitten by a dog, this wasn’t a great thing to say to him. james actually said something to the boy (not sure what) when he went to fetch Marcus’s scooter. Why do they have to be so bloody rotten?

After tea Marcus and I sat down to have a read of this book on electricity which we picked up at the library purely as it said electricity on the front and not actually checking the content. It actually had quite a lot of experiments to do and some good explanations. We did a couple of experiments this evening, bending water and we tried to make a spark with a pan but that didn’t work so James showed them how to do it with the telly and a bit of tin foil. Thatw as pretty cool and they could def see the sparks, I also showed them the sparks on the gas hob from the ignition and basically we talked lots about it. It’s started Marcus thinking anyway as he keeps asking now how the electric made the water move, so more needed to explain the concept I think.

*edit* just checked our library catalogue online and my local library has 3 more of the series of 5, plus other libraries have the last one so that should keep us going in sciency things for a while!

Just before bed I found out the kids Reader Rabbit year 1 cd rom that I couldn’t get installed ages ago. tried again and it came up with the same error, but I just clicked a few random things and it ended up installing so I had a quick look at the types of games on it and of course the kids spotted me and wanted to have a go themselves. They can do most of it, but with my help, so definitely one that should improve some skills if they keep at it. We didn’t do it all so I promised more time on it tomorrow. Now I need to see if I can make the one zoombinis we have that doesn’t work do the same. Oh and I’ve bid on a Bear and Penguin cd rom as I seem to remember that being talked about by some people so fingers crossed I get that and that will be something else to add to the growing pile of stuff to do.

Feeling a bit better about the maths thing now, I think I’m gettin ghung up on it too much and need to just try and concentrate on bringing it into every day life much more than I have done so far. Hopefully add in games like we’ve done tonight and the odd work books and maybe we’ll get somewhere. I really mustn’t make it an issue and tbh one thing I’m a little worried about is Alex overtaking Marcus in a maths book. That will not do his confidence much good at all and I really doubt he’d use it as incentive to get better. Anyway, we’ll see how it goes.

Oh and finished the evening with 2 stories from 5 true dog stories and managed to end on the one where the dog dies in it. So both kids gone to bed in tears. A succesful day all round methinks

I had been meaning to blog loads of times over the last few days, however I never seemed to get there.

Tuesday felt like it was a bit of a wasted day, mainly because I’d planned to go to the Home ed group but was feeling decidedly shaky and too tired to face the tram and bus to get there so we never made it. It was a pity as it was a lovely day and they apparantly had a climbing wall available. Anyway I declared it a ‘lazy’ day and I sat on my computer. I half expected M and A to laze about too and watch telly but amazingly it never went on. They found some lego and played fantasticly together making up games. To say I was surprised would have been a bit of an understatement! So we didn’t do any work that day but when James came home from work it was still nice so we headed out for a drive to Chatsworth where we had a look round the garden centre and had a nice walk and play with the frisbee.

Wesdnesday was back to work and we did some 3 letter word practise for Alex, just trying to get her to think about the end sounds really. Marcus did something, I think it was reading Stunt Duck from the phonics book. We also did a bit of Maths too from the Orange Miquon book. Think that was probably the most of it in the day time. At around tea time James’s cousin came over and saw the abacus sat on the dining table and decided to sit down with Alex and do some maths with her. Half of me felt like he was testing her to see how she does with it, another part of me was just happy that someone was taking time to sit with them and do stuff and it made me realise how little they get in the way of time with others doing anything. My parents certainly don’t spend any time with them talking about anything other than what’s on telly, james’s dad definitely doesn’t either, although I imagine at a later date he will be useful when we want to learn about the war and all that stuff (he’s really interested in it and knows all sorts of useless facts ). Even James isn’t that great at doing anything with them. Anyway, Alex surprised me by catching on to counting in 2’s and generally just being good She definitely has a different maths brain to Marcus and can pick it up much easier.

Thursday I read the riot act to the kids. All week long when they go and get dressed in the morning they know I’m waiting for them to come downstairs and start work. We don’t ever do too much, really only about 15 mins of reading and maths plus whatever else I think they might like. Anyway, they always end up playing upstairs and leave me waiting which just riles me as I think it’s bloomin rude. They have all day long to play, I hardly nail them to the table to do work! So I went off on one and probably made too much of it, anyway I made them do lots of work. Marcus did some Explode the Code while I sat with Alex reading through some very basic Usborne readers we got from Barbara. She did quite well with them but got fed up by the last one so we left that. Marcus had a go after that and did really well too, I think it really was a bit simple for him, but was a good exercise in looking at the pics to get a clue to the word. While we were doing this some parcels with some Oxford Reading Tree books came (thanks Sarah!) and we had a quick look through them (not reading just looking at the pics) and I think they’ll be perfect for Marcus. He’s doing well, I think it’s helping making him focus on it once a day. After reading I made them do some maths (I was still being evil) so made Marcus do a page of sums (only about 6 though). Alex did about 4 pages and wanted to do more - she really likes them atm. I really wish I cold find something to help Marcus come along with it, he just doesn’t seem to ‘get’ it all. We’ve been doing some adding in little chunks for over a week now and he still looks at it as if I’ve asked him to perform brain surgery and he just can’t remember what to do at all. I dunno, I’m really struggling with it. Maybe a computer game or something might help. Shall look to see what we have and get him started, I know we have zoombinis. Anyone have any other recommendations? In fact if anyone has any good ideas for things to do with him shout, cos my brains seized up. Don’t want to make it an issue, just want to find the best way to do it with him.

We went to the park afterwards as again it was a lovely day, they took their bikes and scooters down and I read a book on the bench. Came back for lunch and then Alex and I sowed some seeds while Marcus played a bit on his playstation.

This morning we’ve all been up early as I wanted to tidy up as we’ve visitors coming soon. How come no matter what time I get up they’re up with me? But i’ve been grumpy this morning and already had a go at marcus because he has said he still doesn’t want to go to Beavers tonight and tbh I can’t be arsed to waste any more time on it. I can’t help feeling dissapointed that he doesn’t want to give it a fair go. But then I feel bad for getting angry at him and feeling dissapointed, I don’t feel like it’s the right thing for me to feel as his mum, but I do. So that’s got me down a bit. We’ve already done some reading practise but really I can’t face much more at the moment as I’ve very little patience. I hate feeling grumpy

James and I are after buying *something*. Don’t know what yet, haven’t given it too much thought but want something fairly cheap (few grand?) Any ideas on what we should be looking out for / things to avoid?

Cheers!

*edit* I got excited seing some local dealers having bongo campers for between 3 and 4 grand but on further investigation it seems there hasn’t been a conversion done hence the cheap price although they did have the pop up roof. Oh well!

where did I get to? Oh yes, Thursday was a funny day, mostly because we were out of routine and went straight to the bank in the morning after breakfast instead of doing some work. It was cold and horrible on the walk down and a little whinging was heard but it wasn’t all bad. I struggled to keep them doing anything worthwhile when we got home so I inspected the garage for seeds and the kids just pootled about and read some magazines I bought them.

Friday we did some explode the code, Marcus is getting noticeably better with reading, but I still feel he’s not there for books, he’s more at the few sentences stage, but I can stop worrying about him being able to read - he can Just need to concentrate on developing it. Alex is struggling with end sounds so I’m going to work on that with her.

I also introduced the kids to Fimo - they love it. Way behind on the trend but who cares! Made some lovely bits and bobs.

It was a lovely day on Friday and I was keen to be outside doing something and the kids fancied going to the park at Rother Valley. So amazed was I that they wanted to anything we jumped at the chance and took a walk all round the lake stopping at the parks for a play and a general muddying up.

Friday evening was time for Beavers - Marcus was so not keen to go but I made him go to see what it was about. Apparantly he liked it a tiny bit but wasn’t too overly impressed. James took him and noticed they really talked down to the kids and thought Marcus wouldn’t cope well with that. We’re going to try another night for him next week and see how that goes, he’s not looking forward to it.

Saturday was another nice day so James washed the car and I started chopping things up in the garden (my arms ache now!), with us being outside the kids followed and they helped in various ways. James’s dad came round and sniped a bit about Marcus going to Beavers as “well he has to learn to meet strangers” so I bit his head off. I was grumpy. Was sure we did something else but can’t remember now. Oh it was the eclipse wasn’t it? Yeah we spoke lots about it and the kdis seemed to grasp the idea and were really excited to be watching it all night. They were grumpy by the end though so we were glad when it was bed time!

Sunday was miserable weather but Alex and I walked over to the local allotments to put our name down for a plot. We’re 27th on the list so I’m not overly hopeful for anything soon, but I suppose I have to be on it to be in with a chance. After that we headed out for a drive, took a look round my village of choice for buying a house (yeah right) - Tickhill in Doncaster. Lovely village, still a good size, lovely small local type shops and very picturesque and in the country. I liek where we are now, but I don’t like the fact it has no shops, we don’t have a corner shop as it’s closer to go to Sainsbury’s. Makes it feel like there’s no soul to it though really iykwim. Very boring and of course in the city. After driving about we headed over to see James’s aunty who didn’t make it to the wedding and we showed her the pics. She treated the kids to a McDonalds for our lunch so we headed off to do that and then it was home for lazing about. I picked up my knitting needles again after sorting the stash under the bed and Alex is keen to learn so we’re going to try that soon.

Today was a lazy lie in as I’ve been very tired lately but then we were up and did some more explode the code and worked out the number bonds to 10. M & A both wanted more sums after I had felt we’d done enough so they made up some for themselves, Marcus did some writing and then they dissappeared in a whirlwind upstairs doing goodness knows what! And now it’s lunch, so I better get something made, house is empty though so need to be creative!

I have just found:

7 cookery books
my 2 stitch’n'bitch books
stitch’n'bitch journal
Flylady book (oops - possibly not the right place for that…)
FIMO!!!!!
Hama Bead CD rom
my lace scarf I knitted last year (found just in time for spring *rolls eyes*)

What I didn’t find was all my seeds from last years gardening Really want to plant *something* this year. I keep walking past the allotments across the road and feel slightly jealous, I don’t think any are available though. Maybe I should put my name down in any case.

On Tuesday we started off the day with a bit of reading practise. Alex was first as she’d got ready first after breakfast and for once we didn’t have a performance while she was giving it a go. I think the early start helped. She did quite well, but has a way to go I think, but practice will help. Marcus did some after (the same book, a basic ladybird phonics one) and did well too, again more practice just to reinforce he can do it and to keep the momentum going is needed I think. They both did some Explode the Code too after that.

With Alex looking at her ocean life book last night and the relative sizes of the animals and fish in it, I thought we could maybe do a bit of a measuring thing. So we decided to measure ourselves (actually I should have got them to do me too) and then I cut some bits of paper to scale to show us next to a dolphin, green turtle, orca and blue whale. I should have done it smaller though as the blue whale will cover all our kitchen wall!!! Oh well, a lesson in scale And maths that didn’t involve adding which is also a plus.

That was about it for yesterday. They did patches early and have all of a sudden stopped complaining about having them on at all, even with them being stuck on the eye. Very impressed with them both, and I think it just shows what a difference a year can make in asking them to do it. I just have to hope it will make a difference when they go back to the hospital.

Oh I forgot, we did a few puzzles I printed off the internet. Need to start dating and keeping hold of stuff, never know if I may need it.

Today we were up early as we had visitors in the shape of Barbara and kids and I had to tidy! Trying to gradually get up earlier, I can sleep fairly late consistently and the kids just follow along side me. If I try and get up earlier I’m hoping they will too and we’ll actually get stuff done at a reasonable time. Alex woke up with me so again I set her off with some work this morning once brekkie was out the way. Today we just did some basic sums working out with the base 10 blocks. When Marcus graced us with his presence he surprised me that he actually remembered some very basic sums (2+2, 5+5, 3+3, 10+10) without having to work them out. I know this seems very easy, but it’s a big deal for us especially as no matter how much I show him things, it never seems to stick. I do think he’s needed his own pace with this though and I really don’t want to make maths a huge deal. The problem we’re having is that for the family who don’t agree with HE (and for some reason I’m feeling more like the concerns are being said louder lately) it’s the academic things that they will base their opinions on and if he’s not reading or showing great competence in maths then that will speak volumes to them. It doesn’t matter if he would have been the same in school, it’s just ammunition for them. It also doesn’t matter that he knows loads about cars and types, or can draw 3 dimensional cars or whatever he has an interest in, cos it’s not reading and writing. It gets me down quite a lot. (also substitute he for she soon as it will start with Alex soon too)

When Barbara called to say she was on her way with kids and ds’s my 2 rushed to get their patches on, but I was evil and wouldn’t let them playwith them till B got here. Muahahahah! But once they arrived that was them all sorted for a while, can’t say they were quiet though I sat Barbara down with a cuppa and LOTS of photos and forced her to look at them Was really nice to have them all round

Felt really like putting the telly on once they’d gone, but decided against it. Instead I told them they could do a kit I bought at a toy shop a while ago which makes a stick puppet show. The attraction wasn’t in the puppet show but the sticker maker that was included that made the actual puppets. Anyway, that kept them busy for ages, and meant that I could investigate the public transport options in sheffield so we can make it to some HE groups soon while I actually want to.

This evening after James got home we watched something about hurricanes which sparked lots of discussions, I don’t think my lot are hugely keen on going to America now!! More dolphin stories at bedtime too

finally got all the official pics on Flickr. Have fun, there’s quite a few

our visit to Jax’s the other day to pick up wedding photos (putting them on Flickr, but only managed a small selection of the many before I got bored!!). We made some fab bead geckos while we were there, Alex sat very patiently and tried really hard till about a third of the way through when she got bored, but I was impressed nonetheless. So I finished it off for her. Marcus was so impressed he wanted to do his own but wanted a snake so we started that off and finished it when we got home. Thought I’d post a pic as no doubt it will be lost once Jax comes again to see the finished snake!

I must write up something before another day goes by with me being too busy. Since we got back from tenerife we’ve been really trying to get some “proper” educational stuff done simply because I feel it’s been lacking too much and we’re constantly getting bad feedback from James’ family about HE and I’d really like to prove it does work. For some reason Marcus has also turned into a 6 and a half year old and I can’t quite remember that happening, it does feel very ‘big’ and as such I feel he should be doing a bit more work. Although, this being me it isn’t normally that much!!

So last week we sat down and talked about stuff we wanted to learn and so I have a big list of possible things to do. Funnily enough learning to read didn’t come up for either of them, but they’re both getting there with it all. I wish they wanted to though. Actually my mum was really impressed with M on holiday as he quite often draws and writes stuff to go on the picture and instead of always asking how to write something he just thinks in his head. most of the time it’s wrong, but that’s to be expected with our language!!

It’s become apparent that M is really struggling with the concepts of numbers, adding and all that stuff. We don’t follow a set curriculum or anything, but we might look into something in the future. Anyway, yesterday morning I took our base ten block s and went way back to basics with him and we just counted out the right numbers of blocks for each number up to 12. Then we looked at swapping 10 cubes for a ten, etc etc and I think he stared to get some of it. It was kind of nice just to have a maths session without him just looking all confused!! He managed to work out that 100+100 isn’t something like 100100 or whatever he normally thinks. Nothing spectacular but a big break through for us. Alex did the same after too and didn’t flap and wail so that was good too!!

Also yesterday we finished the Spain project we started just after coming back from holiday. We’ve been looking at maps, themoney they used and writing down what language they learnt over there. We also read The story of Ferdinand and Marcus narrated back the story (with some poking and prodding).

We went down the library and managed to get some books on future learning ideas - dolphins and electricity. Wonder if you can work out who wanted which Actually M’s list was all physics-y kind of stuff which is crap for me as I never did it. But James did electronics at college so he knows what he’s talking about. On the way to the library was lots of nature spotting, M remembered about ‘lambs’ tails’ and we talked about spring starting with all the flowers coming through.

Back home and it was patch time - both of them have to have them for 3 hours a day - ugh! horrible, but actually yesterday wasn’t too bad. I think they’re getting used to them. They can play their computer games while they have them on and I think this helps Although I’m not sure the whole 3 hours is good for M to have on a playstation, we’ll see about maybe dropping it. Alex at least isn’t that obsessed with her ds!

Alex spent some of the evening pouring through a book on ocean life and looking at the sizes of the fish/whales/dolphons compared to humans and trying to read the sizes (so work on cm and metres - yay!)

Finished the night with few chapters from a book from Sonlight - Dolphin Adventure, that I happened to find on the shelf and fitted nicely with our ‘theme’

So a good day and I wanted to record it!

Oh and the hot socks refers to James’ bad neck so I made him a rice thingy that you warm up in the microwave with a sock. Of course the kids then wanted one each to take to bed so have been wandering about with socks all bloody day!!

ok so a quick recap on the good bits of the holiday and I’ll try to add some pics too. (might be later on though as flickr is getting grumpy with me)

With it being half term time it was fairly busy with more than the Saga brigade at Tenerife and any visions I had of just chilling somewhere went pretty rapidly once I saw how busy it got next to the pool. We tried it on the 2nd day as we’d arranged to meet my mum and dad there and it was my idea of hell - noisy kids!! Especially bad when I don’t have my own to worry over So we tried to do some cool stuff there rather than just blob about. The kids were desperate to spend a night with us so when they did we took them on a boat trip to see some whales and dolphins.

Really loved it, I even got some good pics but managed to wipe them off the camera a few days later and was so gutted.

James and I walked loads. My new Crocs got a real hammering and didn’t once give me blisters. I got the kids some too and Alex hasn’t taken hers off! She’s still insisting on wearing them even though it’s been raining since we got home!

My mum and dad treated us all to a day out to Loro Parque which is a large zoo with som fab orca, dolphin and sea lion shows.

We decided to sit in the splash zone of the orca show and got rather wet as these photos of Alex show

before

after

actually that pic was not representative of her mood after being splashed - she was not impressed!!! The dolphin and sea lion shows were much drier and she liked them much more!! Had a fab day there and resolved to bring the kids back another time to see it all again (another holiday though).

It was Carnaval time for some of our holiday and James and I ventured up to Santa Cruz to watch it, was lovely to have an evening to ourselves, and fab to watch.

Ugly Betty at the Carnaval!!

Batteries ran out at the carnival so photos were sparse, wasn’t having a good camera holiday!!

A lot of time was spent at my mums complex where we had our 2nd week (all 3 days of it!) as her balcony was HUGE so I could chill out and read my books in peace. The kids were in the pool loads and have really come on with their confidence.

And although that was a very brief round up of it, I can’t be bothered to go into the nitty gritty of it, nor subject you to James’ 250 photos of sunsets and mountains!! I think we’ll go back to tenerife one day, i’m so not a package holiday person, but there was a lot there that we enjoyed and more we wanted to do but didn’t have time for. Plus we promised another trip to Loro Parque! So although not a honeymoon really, it was a lovely holiday.

arrived home late on Tuesday night after a very nice 11 days away in Tenerife. Was lovely to surprise the kids with us being there and was nice to have a holiday pretty much with my mum and dad as I doubt we’d have ever chosen to do it.

Shall endeavour to catch up with everyone soon!

watching a music channel with songs from 1996 on - oh the memories, I was free then

So I guess I should do some sort of post wedding update then so in the time honoured tradition, the good and bad bits:

Bad bits first as there’s not that many of them
Our ipod crashing when we’d planned to have some background music playing. Also we missed having some good dancy songs which we really wanted, and our proper first dance song.

The barman not turning up when I expected him to - made me feel slightly uneasy and worried, but all worked out ok.

Coming home the day after to the news my mum had collapsed in the night and wasn’t breathing, think it was similar to what I had, but bloody scary!

Feeling sick and faint to the point of not being able to walk on the morning of our flight to Tobago and having to cancel it. Still bloody gutted!

Good bits
the gorgeous weather

feeling calm and not at all nervous

looking good (or so everyone tells me!!!)

hearing that james was nervous!

all of the ceremony

the ceilidh band (except for daft caller)

watching all the kids all day

Ros and Nic dancing!

the buffet

the lovely messages in the guestbook

my lovely friends insisting me and James head off early while they tidied up

and mostly just everyone who managed to come and share the day. I can’t say how much this bit really means to me, that I have some bloody good friends who made my day just fantastic! Thank you all of you who came - love you all.

I’ve probably missed loads too!

So now we’re waiting to try and get a last minute holiday to Tenerife to try and manage some sun, sea and sex Got most of it booked, just running out of money so have to wait till James is paid tomorrow to book some other stuff! Not quite Tobago but it should be ok. will be able to see the kids a bit which I secretly am looking forward to! And fingers crossed the insuarnce will pay out and we’ll get to tobago eventually.

photos from my brothers phone are on flickr now if anyone wants to see them.

Thanks to everyone for turning up and making it such a fantastic day, I love you all!! And special thanks to the tidy uppers, you know who you are!

*edit* rofl to the one of Alison and Nic doing “the Alison” !!!!

but since I had 3 natra-sleeps earlier, the screen is a bit blurry!!! ooops. James failed his HGV test this morning which was a bit of a bummer (2nd try), BUT he has landed himself another job with the company he was going to have a job with if he passed his test. Of course it won’t be driving but he has some sort of runaround job, and they should give him some time on the trucks with L plates on so next time he takes it fingers crossed he’ll be much better. Unfortunately he starts tomorrow, and still has 3 shifts to do at Mcd’s. He’ll be so knackered, as soon as he finished one he’ll be at the other. Plus I guess this means that any last minute stuff for the wedding will fall to me, nowt new there then!

Thank goodness BA decided to pull the strikes or I may just be in a crumpled heap on the floor right now. Don’t ask about the bloody ceremony hotel, they’ll be getting an earful about something in the morning and only then if I can sort that out I’ll be able to start looking forward to Sat.

what can I wear that is suitably weird to meet Jax’s sister??? Sorry, Jax, I’ll be normal I promise. Now where did I put those rainbow armwarmers….

and anyone else who may have lost details about next week - my website Although not very exciting - meant to do more to it, but never got round to it!

Ugly Betty? I quite like the bloke who plays Daniel Meade . Yay or nay???

been baby visiting today!!! Got to see baby Robin, the newest member of the Mud and Mischief clan which was lovely. he’s so cute! Makes me only a weee bit broody, but not enough really!!

Have also managed to cry over everyone today, including my dad who I don’t think I’ve cried in front of since I was a kid Just a *tad* stressed as our honeymoon plans are up in arms due to the BA strike. I wish someone would give us a bloody break. My mum and dad, bless em, have said that if the worst did come to the worst they’d give up their space on their holiday and we could have it. We’d have the kids, but we’d at least have a honeymoon. Gotta love em eh?

just so I know where it is! Found this on a weight loss forum, apparantly aduki beans are very good for detoxing. The recip is fab although I used canned aduki beans from sainsburys as I’m useless at thinking of the next nights tea!!

Ingredients :-
Aduki beans (pre-soaked overnight or 8-10 hours) - I use half a bag of dried aduki beans
1 large onion (finely chopped)
olive oil or water to ‘fry’
3-4 garlic cloves (crushed)
1 tablespoon of tomato puree
1 tin of chopped tomatoes
3 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 heaped teaspoon turmeric
hot chili powder to taste (1-2 teaspoons)
1 OXO cube (any flavour, I use beef)
water

Method :-
Boil the soaked aduki beans for 20 minutes to soften them further and to remove the toxins, drain and rinse.
Lightly fry onion and add garlic.
Add aduki beans and mix with onion and garlic.
Add tomato puree, and dry herbs.
Add chopped tomatoes and OXO cube.
Add water as desired, or if mixture becomes too dry as it is cooking.
Bring to the boil and simmer for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve with brown rice.

didn’t go to plan yesterday. We’d planned to go to Magna and get a year pass as atm we’re so skint and it will give us something to do when we’ve no money and the weather is crap. Anyway there was some big conference on by Asda with Wayne Rooneys missus there so it was closed to the public. Much whinging later (I have never heard a kid whinge as much as Marcus!) we decided we needed to go out *somewhere* so we headed off to Castleton. It’s lovely out there and we haven’t been since before kids when James and I went climbing up some hill! Had a lovely time wandering the streets, watching ducks and in the museum there. Was bloomin cold though and we had to invest in some hats for the kids since we keep losing theirs! Did a bit of visiting on the way back. Turned out much better than it looked like it was!

Another night of no sleep hardly last night (I’m turning into a zombie!) and today James promised we could try Magna again when he finished work, so we did and managed to get in this time. The wind was awful though, trees in the middle of the motorway and everything! Had a great time going round, we do really like it there

James has started his stag do early and is off round the pub with his mates, I’ve found chocolate (although not enough - muahahahahaha!) and looking forward to a quiet weekend - he flies to Dublin tomorrow!

I’ve been feeling rotten today. Didn’t get to sleep till 4am last night and I think everything is just catching up with me. I feel utterly exhausted. So when I finally managed to get up I set the kids up with some new websites they’d not seen before. I showed Marcus the Hot Wheels site for which he has declared he is eternally grateful and I showed Alex the Barbie site which came back with a similar report! Just nobody mention gender stereotypes eh?

I meant to do more exciting stuff but couldn’t get going with it. We watched some schools telly some other crap telly and generally played around. Well they played, I flopped.

I did love the conversation I had with Marcus today though. We may not have managed much formal education lately and I try to console myself with the fact that I think they learn an awful lot just from conversations, but it’s hard to measure any sort of usefulness they have iykwim. Anyway, I picked up one of Marcus’s library books today about cars and it had lots of stuff about old methods of transportation so he decided to look at it with me. So we started off talking about stuff in the book then he saw a picture of an old Roman road from Pompeii which led me on to tell him a little about the history of Pompeii. So then we got onto volcanos and how they work and how they can be extinct or not. Then we started talking about tectonic plates (not even sure if that’s the right word now I’m writing it, I just called them plates!!!!) and how it makes mountains and then we looked at the world map and looked at the shapes of the continents and how it’s thought they were once joined and you could see the similar shapes. Then we got onto talking about how you could drive all the way from North America to South America in one go (I decided at this point he didn’t need to go off on another tangent about the Darien Gap so I kept my gob shut) and then we talked about the Long Way Round and how that was nearly all ridden in one go. Phew! I just love the ability to go off on tangents with stuff, he’d never be able to do that in school, it would either be a project abotu one aspect, or just listening about one aspect.

James off tomorrow so we’re heading out

I’ve had enough for the time being of wedding related crap and as I’m painfully aware that as a family it’s been more about shouting and being horrible than doing stuff together and learning I decided to take a week off and spend some quality time with the kids. I feel extra bad that I can’t seem to organise my wedding AND home educate 2 kids succesfully, especially after what some other people manage, but I suppose that’s me. Life still doesn’t feel settled, or normal, and we have no money so it’s easy to say we’ll just stay in and do nothing extraordinary. In desperate need of some socialising with people, maybe after we come back from honeymoon we can arrange some visits to friends and maybe get some - anyone?

So today started out full of good intentions and we’ve kept pretty much to them. The kids had loads of crafty items which haven’t been let out of the boxes since Xmas due to increasing boxes on the dining table, so I cleared that and we got a jewellery box out to paint for Alex and Marcus decided just to paint some pictures. He’s forever drawing and making pictures, I really should encourage him more. That lasted most of the morning and then we sat and read some library books before taking them back, The Gruffalo, some other picture book and we also read a story from Our Island Story.

So then was a trip to the library which didn’t have quite enough walking as we’d hoped as James dropped us off en route to somewhere else and managed to time it right to pick us up again. Still it was nice to get out.

At home they’ve looked at their books, which tbh is quite a rarity, normally they take ages to choose then come home and forget about them! Then Marcus helped Alex to put some jewels on her now dry jewellery box while listening to the Big Toe Radio show (till the internet died).

I used this time to try and find their reading book, the one from SOnlight which they like, but is a bit of a bore. Anyway, I couldn’t find it so got out The Magic Porridge Pot ladybird early reader. normally Marcus doesn’t remember words even if he’s read them loads before, he still tries to sound them out. ANyway we sat down with this one and he managed to read it all! He seems to have got over his remembering thing and did much better. So that’s his first ever proper book. Seems to have been quite a long time coming, but I think the not pushing it has been helping him at least. Alex is as much a nightmare with the reading as she thinks she knows it all and will not tolerate any help from me when I know she’s just making the story up. It’s quite frustrating!

And now they’re sat quietly watching telly and I’m going to go off and make some tea. It’s been a good day, I hope we can continue this all week and beyond!

(idea shamelessly nicked from Sarah’s blog - hope you don’t mind!)

This year has been such a funny one, I really wanted to round it up in a way but couldn’t qute work out how as I can never write it as well as I think it iykwim. So anyway, at least a year update should be good as my blogging has been patchy and I think it will be a nice thing to look back on. Mostly family stuff rather than HE though!

January
January started off with a bit of despair as we struggled to see how the future would pan out with our money problems. We even thought about school for the kids so I could earn some money. But this was the month everything turned round, my brother offered James a job with a house in Scotland, a completely new start which I think we needed, so we had a mad visit up to scotland to talk things over and once that was on the cards it was a mad rush to get moved.

February
February we actually did the big move and tried to settle in with lots of money problems keeping us worrying! Some nice meals out with my brother celebrating his business and the kids getting to know their cousin a bit better. We happened upon the melrose crowd at the tail end of their week which was nice enough but since everyone was ill could have been better!

March
was when we met our home edding friend, was so glad I liked her and that we got on well as it was the only thing keeping me happy about HE up there. also took advantage of her 7 seater by going to our first home ed group with her. We had some fabulous snow and made some trips to Sheffield to keep James happy. Started thinking about the garden which proved to be a popular project in the year.

April
My mum and dad and their 2 dogs came up for my birthday and to visit my brother (they don’t see him too much due to the distance and them working.) Was a lovely week with a day off from kids, meal out to a curry house (yum!) and just nice havign some familiar faces back up. Did lots of nature stuff which was so easy up there, and some reading showing off was done to the parents! We also set up the huge trampoline in the garden which was ever so popular with all guests!

May
May started well with a cheque for over a grand from sueing the A&L!! Still haven’t done anything about the Halifax charges though. We had lots of days out to the Blue Peter Bark in the Park (first intro to sponsoring!), a car museum with lots of James bond cars and Harry Potter stuff in and to see Curious George in Edinburgh for the film week.

June
June was lovely weather and of course the annual Muddlepuddle camp in our nice new tent courtesy of Sarah. Spent a week in our old house too to sort bits and bobs out so also had family visists and days out to Magna. Marcus learned to ride his bike!

July
July was parties and friends. Nic and Ady came up and we got some lovely pics and memories. Marcus turned 6 and was introduced to the world of DS! We had football training at Falkirk which went down really well with both kids.

August
was more visitors in the form of Stella and co, gymnastics club for Alex (which didn’t last long) and me restarting my knitting hobby. We had visits to Callendar house and a trip Off the Path. Decided that Scotland wasn’t working and it was time to move on.

September
was the move back down. Not much else to report there!! Oh wasn’t that Davies’s party?? If it was then we had a lovely time there visiting Nic and catching up with lots of others. Seem to remember a gorgeous sunny day on the beach with kids managing to go for a paddle.

October
we set the date for our wedding, booked a few things and promptly forgot about it all. Started thinking about all the things we wanted from our lives which was mostly travel and living life to the full. We made it to Halloween camp which wasn’t too far away and managed to celebrate Alex’s birthday while we were there (which was handy!!)

November
was bonfire parties!

December
was a stark realisation that a) christmas was coming and I wasn’t ready and b) the wedding wasn’t much farther behind and I wasn’t ready! So lots of panic, lots of family visits, including a trip down south to the Goddards for a princess party (lots of ideas for my wedding since I’ll be such a princess!!!!! lol!) & santa visits. We rediscovered the Cars movie after seeing it in the summer and watched it loads and listened to the soundtrack loads.

And now I’m going to have a blog break. I’ve so much to do in the next 5 weeks I shall be blogging on my wedding blog only about boring stuff!! Hope to see everyone soon at the wedding and if you have had an invite from me and haven’t mentioned if you’re coming or not can I just chase you on that?? Need to know numbers asap.

looking through my online photos and can’t find one single one of me and James together. Must try harder!!

I know a few people who could make a few bob from making these!! And if I ever find my fimo I bought donkeys years ago, I might have a go myself!

and really struggling at the moment. I think a lot of it is wedding stress, related to the fact I have done hardly anything. I tried to finish making the invites yesterday only to get a 1/4 the way through and the printer to pack up. So went out today to get a new one only to find I can’t get it to print on the size of card. Feel like tearing my hair out.

*edit* got printer working. guess what I’m doing for the rest of the day???

Still need to sort the passports out. Tried to fill in the forms this morning and mucked it up on the first 2 attempts. Have since given up. *sigh*

Kids are just being a complete nightmare. James has completely lost it with them this morning, they just cannot live together under the same roof (kids, not James) and bicker constantly, call names and physically fight. The house is just too small and we’re on top of each other constantly. I just hate it.

I just want it all to go away. Don’t even get me started on Christmas, I’ve got James pestering me for a fucking i-pod every minute of the day, the kids talking non stop about all the stuff they’re going to get and tbh we’ve hardly got them anything. My mum, dad and brother are coming round, plus James’s dad so I’m not going to be able to breath in my house let alone cook dinner.

Someone wake me up in the spring.

can you tell I’ve been watching Cars a lot? Tis my new favourite film. Ok not so new then

ugh - bought 2 games from ebay on the 13/11. When I bought I looked at the feedback but at the time there was much more positives than negatives and decided to take a chance. In the last month there has been over 300 negative posts though. Don’t think I’ll be getting these games

to tell everyone. James passed his theory test for his lgv license!! Just lessons and practical test to go and hopefully he’ll have a better job!! He starts them on the 18th and I think his test is on the 22nd.

I’m a Porsche 911!

You have a classic style, but you’re up-to-date with the latest technology. You’re ambitious, competitive, and you love to win. Performance, precision, and prestige - you’re one of the elite,and you know it.

Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

Marcus
playing on Thomas Pc game
trip to library
reading - “I can read it!” last story in lesson 3
reading books about WWII
jigsaws

Alex
playing Thomas game
trip to library
reading - “I can read it!” 2nd story in lesson 1
maths puzzle book from the library
jigsaws

about the new James Bond movie of course - FANTASTIC!!!! We went to see it last night and I think I am seriously in lust with Daniel Craig (but possibly only as James Bond) and have spent a lovely afternoon oggling pics of him on the pc at Kris’s house. Bliss. Wondering now if I can persuade James to take me to see it again… Seriously though, as someone who normally can’t stand James Bond, this one was really good.

my internet is playing up again, really pissed off with it all. So I’m on my mums laptop and means I don’t have anyones passworded blogs anymore. So I’m not ignoring anyone!! Just can’t get in (cos my head’s a shed and I can’t remember them). Hopefully normal service shall be resumed shortly.

I think I’ve found my favourite shop. Just spent a huge amount (for me) on this jacket for my Christmas which I just love!! Wish I could afford to shop there more often, the kids stuff is fab!

going to do an Alison type post, but I just wondered whether anyone quite liked Daniel Craig?? Because, quite unsurprisingly…. I do!!!! Rofl!

my wedding blog password, so expect lots of blethering over there

after the success of last years Christmas lights switch on in Sheffield with Dick and Dom, we’re planning on doing the same this year with McFly. Marcus loves them so hopefully should be good. Doubt we’ll try and get autographs this year, screaming teenagers I could probably do without!!!!

btw - sorry Ros, didnR