Ten Things You May Have Missed

So it's been a while! Just over a year to be precise! I never really got my blogging mojo back after 2019 and I had to think about what to write about now I no longer wish to have such a large focus on my children. They will always have some mention on here, with their permission, because they enjoy looking back on some of their life in this format and I don't wish to take that away from them.

I also pondered for a while on how much I wanted to share about my personal life. Days out are fine but it's knowing where you draw the line on personal matters. I think and will always think it's important to raise awareness on important subjects; such as illness, mental health and my role as a carer, but there's a fine line for me now and I've had some time to really think about that.

What I am excited to start sharing is the Rebel Badge Club that I joined some time ago. If you were ever a Brownie, Scout or Guide you'll love the concept. Doing tasks, challenges and research of different subjects to earn badges. You don't have to buy the badges and I wasn't going to but I changed my mind when I thought about having a blanket covered in my little accomplishments.

I'm looking forward to writing about what is a new hobby for me. So far I am doing a Nature Lover badge, Reader, Stargazer, Mechanic, Adulting, World Traveller as well some badges that are known as monthly and quarterly badges. I can't wait to have something to write about that makes me happy and is something to look back on, especially as a lot of these activities I can plan not just alone but with family and my friend too.

In true blogging style though, whats a catch up without ten things you've missed while I've been away?

1) Martyn has a new wheelchair! Finally! At last! Thank goodness! Plus all other sighs of relief we can muster. His new chair is one provided by the Kent Wheelchair Service so it is provided and funded via the NHS and is made to fit him. The reason he qualifies for this new powered wheelchair now is that he has lost the ability to walk more than a few metres without holding onto me. His new chair is more comfortable and gives him a lot more independence (when the world outside allows for it)

2) L turned 15 and has started her GCSE's! I can't believe she's nearly 16, it's quite mad. She has a nose piercing, is achieving good grades with a lot of hard work and has more of a social life than me. She managed to destroy a pair of Doc Martens in 10 months which I think is impressive but overall, she's still the same L she has always been: kind, sensitive but a bit more assertive.

3) Will was accepted into a specialist provision for schooling and we haven't looked back. He has excelled in all areas, working hard to improve and learn every step of the way. His school is a new provision and as such, he was the first pupil to win the headteachers cup in year 9. He loves science, has left the baking a little behind in favour of farming but is still seen in the kitchen churning out a giant cookie (for one) on a regular basis.

4) A has been keeping us very busy on occasion. Largely school has been a positive experience and most of the real challenges have been as a result of staff members not acknowledging his additional needs. He is back on the pathway (sadly CAMHS) but as that'll be years down the line his school has mostly worked really well with us and I haven't been disappointed. He has shown an interest in maths but PE is proving to be his biggest love. He is playing for a local football team as keeper, has joined a local goal keeping training facility, made captain and plays matches every Sunday. I am officially a 'soccer mom.' 

5) James has had the hardest time with having to move schools several times and neither schools have been very good with their special educational needs approach. School aside he has made new friends and has joined the Army Cadets local to him which he is loving. He is still a larger than life character and my main enabler of my own spontaneous and often ridiculous ideas! 

(Also, all 4 children are basically taller than us both now)

6) We have a new member of the family! Mavis is our half Ragdoll, half Mainecoon kitten. She is now 8 months old and is so fluffy and cute I can't even look at her without wanting to scoop her up and snuggle her. 

7) I have become an Aunty! I have a nephew who is gorgeous, wonderful and has the best parents ever. I'm over the moon but that's all I'm allowed to say about that!

8) Martyn has joined college. He has entered his second year at a college of theology and has been doing really well. It's not been easy with his Muscular Dystrophy and lack of sleep but we have been making things work and I'm so proud he has chosen to go for his second year.

9) I learned to drive! I found the best instructor and tried an automatic car. This has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I passed the first time with three minor faults and can now drive A all over the place for football and basically be the house taxi driver!

10) Our wedding is now only five months away and we have loads still to do. Invites need to be bought and posted and next year we can focus on the kids outfits. We are having a Marvel themed wedding (because why not?) and we are all really looking forward to the day.

Before that though there is more family to see, more special days to celebrate and lots more badges for me to be collecting!

Bye for now x