tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55550618537946447722024-03-18T06:58:26.548+00:00Cupcake MummaHannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.comBlogger1126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-75258516821442225902023-11-05T21:18:00.001+00:002023-11-05T21:18:28.463+00:00Ten Things You May Have Missed<p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p><p>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.</p><p>What I am excited to start sharing is the <a href="https://www.rebelbadgestore.com/" target="_blank">Rebel Badge Club </a>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.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>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.</p><p>In true blogging style though, whats a catch up without ten things you've missed while I've been away?</p><p>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)</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAdywjeW8rSWgFb5tA5odGKgrTfftM9iPlTaBb542O6m2v_bOqpvS_pSf8jCrFz6JAm7ev6U00cC3F6Xiq-Q7DTatlufRml4WBoe9-OVvTZp6iqHq_KfToel_kBMwM3cDPBS6yq_7RCW1Ii_JrO4pE5g_mqWF3NuA4a4LGafdv9bGrzH8nOX_C-GHGFpM/s953/img_1_1697924863729%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Will stands with windswept blond hair outside on a pathway in a park wearing a black tshirt, an open black denim jacket and black trousers holding a book called The Rescue of Ravenwood up." border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="715" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAdywjeW8rSWgFb5tA5odGKgrTfftM9iPlTaBb542O6m2v_bOqpvS_pSf8jCrFz6JAm7ev6U00cC3F6Xiq-Q7DTatlufRml4WBoe9-OVvTZp6iqHq_KfToel_kBMwM3cDPBS6yq_7RCW1Ii_JrO4pE5g_mqWF3NuA4a4LGafdv9bGrzH8nOX_C-GHGFpM/w480-h640/img_1_1697924863729%20(1).jpg" title="Will with book" width="480" /></a></div><p>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.' </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7uPKx8Al-mil2AFs-VZPKV9SEbEHYvXxwPNkgzrIe6a8ZyjAdJgMQeMX6HHwgD_wwCGYMDJKXJj4CwFuHB1D_ni3rD9ILEfYhhFgLEknPY6TYjif4lY2w9qLbA2Kr1HzbvAkWHCH7rb_DbAcCNBrECXmLWmgTrRy-PPxD3gRFQIK4R_TRcFUN0jcP-kv_/s4000/20231008_134803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A has sweaty blond hair, is wearing an orange and black goal keepers top, black shorts and white goalie gloves. He has a captain armband on and is smiling" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7uPKx8Al-mil2AFs-VZPKV9SEbEHYvXxwPNkgzrIe6a8ZyjAdJgMQeMX6HHwgD_wwCGYMDJKXJj4CwFuHB1D_ni3rD9ILEfYhhFgLEknPY6TYjif4lY2w9qLbA2Kr1HzbvAkWHCH7rb_DbAcCNBrECXmLWmgTrRy-PPxD3gRFQIK4R_TRcFUN0jcP-kv_/w360-h640/20231008_134803.jpg" title="Kids Football" width="360" /></a></div><p>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! </p><p>(Also, all 4 children are basically taller than us both now)</p><p>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. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1B7WbaMQ4fxKOh-uCtLk1MFIfwwk5oK9ZwZoQaBChPRFVNGsjKO_9E6xGobp_6p-1Zz4P8gXp92lrXndjmRRRI9G33sJDVroNvru66YAHqU5VJZ1zA4_LJxZGUDnS7wEwQJ4__vzOtlaSqy0fxaFq97fv16dTDAtGfx-yqfs1QEQaIubavVfKJaAJEC7h/s2498/20231016_095325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mavis,a fluffy tortoise shell kitten wearing a blue collar with a bell on stares at the camera sullenly" border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="2498" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1B7WbaMQ4fxKOh-uCtLk1MFIfwwk5oK9ZwZoQaBChPRFVNGsjKO_9E6xGobp_6p-1Zz4P8gXp92lrXndjmRRRI9G33sJDVroNvru66YAHqU5VJZ1zA4_LJxZGUDnS7wEwQJ4__vzOtlaSqy0fxaFq97fv16dTDAtGfx-yqfs1QEQaIubavVfKJaAJEC7h/w640-h576/20231016_095325.jpg" title="Ragcoon kitten" width="640" /></a></div><p>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!</p><p>8) <a href="http://www.insidemartynsthoughts.com/2023/10/theological-college.html" target="_blank">Martyn has joined college.</a> 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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zrrQFoU7Dx4jeikZkJqVxgEs39aJRBWMKRrcNnvvljde4qQPcCBAF2NLA9RMtzx2nAx9tkK4NWDGve66LT4pJY3YpFtPRqPqjhGHuX60u40PHmccvdt43pXM3CWfRnft_JKpYenDTvXWr_cKvwwcYYcTpW9_36bJ-epx61Y2qQz8GYyzLZORrdbSINvs/s1079/Screenshot_20231029_112409_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Martyn wears his red and black woolly hat, is beaming at the camera while srudying a college libray room. He is wearing a grey hoody and black tshirt" border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1079" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zrrQFoU7Dx4jeikZkJqVxgEs39aJRBWMKRrcNnvvljde4qQPcCBAF2NLA9RMtzx2nAx9tkK4NWDGve66LT4pJY3YpFtPRqPqjhGHuX60u40PHmccvdt43pXM3CWfRnft_JKpYenDTvXWr_cKvwwcYYcTpW9_36bJ-epx61Y2qQz8GYyzLZORrdbSINvs/w640-h640/Screenshot_20231029_112409_Instagram.jpg" title="college student" width="640" /></a></div><p>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!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBf8l7q6zrZ_hJhjEKh4YuwHrniGLSN0eYvgjjLeAtBYoY596ZMB2ZGvtOvPjo-WUae24c-g06Y4kjZ2n-V0q3272_54qy2p0oemBG8Kt-2rgwfE74X9FdKOQft0m6RMq0Golsqj902noc8u3oHbKLwqerFRIOi5xBuH7LPUBaBgQN-dGU3JcWzxyyD-A/s960/img_2_1699202989804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hannah has plaited brown hair, wears a black tshirt and black framed glasses. She is holding a blurred driving test certificate while smiling at the camera" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBf8l7q6zrZ_hJhjEKh4YuwHrniGLSN0eYvgjjLeAtBYoY596ZMB2ZGvtOvPjo-WUae24c-g06Y4kjZ2n-V0q3272_54qy2p0oemBG8Kt-2rgwfE74X9FdKOQft0m6RMq0Golsqj902noc8u3oHbKLwqerFRIOi5xBuH7LPUBaBgQN-dGU3JcWzxyyD-A/w480-h640/img_2_1699202989804.jpg" title="First time pass driving" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>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.</p><p>Before that though there is more family to see, more special days to celebrate and lots more badges for me to be collecting!</p><p>Bye for now x</p>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-8033516802005619122022-10-15T20:07:00.004+01:002023-10-25T23:27:29.965+01:00Five Myths About Dating Someone with a Physical Disabilty <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkVvnl7KU0fiRKrhiTibd80ajjkfmp_ziL1INQFO_jTwLvS0HcVvvZGpZGiKMZ71nibVB03QLBZ9n_0PoAkF1VbnzRPz5MTzO6Esv_269aCxOHQr04Lff0asyzvL7zqtym10xQesQ_ndds00y8QyuixgJDicbz7XFgGoHiysXpjW_ekRAJAETHuj4Aw/s990/IMG-20221015-WA0008.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="990" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkVvnl7KU0fiRKrhiTibd80ajjkfmp_ziL1INQFO_jTwLvS0HcVvvZGpZGiKMZ71nibVB03QLBZ9n_0PoAkF1VbnzRPz5MTzO6Esv_269aCxOHQr04Lff0asyzvL7zqtym10xQesQ_ndds00y8QyuixgJDicbz7XFgGoHiysXpjW_ekRAJAETHuj4Aw/w640-h536/IMG-20221015-WA0008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">When you begin dating someone there's always a lot of interest from those around you. Where do they live? What are they into? How did you meet? And so on. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">When you start dating someone with a physical disability you get questions like: How does that work? Can they do anything? Are you sure you want to do this?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I wanted to write this post to burst a few myth bubbles that I've personally come across. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">When I began talking to Mr K through the world of blogging, we became good friends. I was married at the time, and he was on and off dating people, so I knew a bit about him but not a lot.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">A few years later, after my then husband and I separated, Mr K was one of a handful of lovely people who were there to support me. As it turns out, we started chatting and learning more about each other's lives and thus began to grow quite fond of each other. We started emailing a little and then spent time talking to each other on the phone. We had a real connection, that much was clear.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I had<i> lots </i>of questions to ask Martyn in regard to his Muscular Dystrophy diagnosis. Lucky for me (and in my general experience with other individuals with a disability diagnosis) questions (and being keen to be educated) are, more often than not, absolutely fine: welcomed even.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>What's not fine, however, are assumptions. </b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">And with that, I thought I'd share some of the most common assumptions that I have come across in what is known as our 'interabled relationship.' (That is, a relationship where one individual has a disability, and the other individual does not).</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This post will be done from our experience which is as a non-disabled person (that's me) and a wheelchair user (that's Mart) who has limited mobility.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>1. Disabled people can't have sex </b></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWlT7NNTyXzDf-GG7hWKGSmKTVfyMqDBL9pDBMjtnW3UeZBeJZRKRBKsymouz6W2NGjTLRXOW4dKODdu0TvJjPwgZsE_Xg0TTaGWtwRGeGMxixC_arDiNd35ffWPemQD_br5rzAwHbfK3Ci0XzETPhhhr7fdsQsZSj_niCI--SsmZuKc34JYl3lf0Lg/s8256/womanizer-toys-1e3-lYkJsfs-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="2 pairs of feet belonging to a white couple are intertwined underneath white duvet cover" border="0" data-original-height="5504" data-original-width="8256" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWlT7NNTyXzDf-GG7hWKGSmKTVfyMqDBL9pDBMjtnW3UeZBeJZRKRBKsymouz6W2NGjTLRXOW4dKODdu0TvJjPwgZsE_Xg0TTaGWtwRGeGMxixC_arDiNd35ffWPemQD_br5rzAwHbfK3Ci0XzETPhhhr7fdsQsZSj_niCI--SsmZuKc34JYl3lf0Lg/w640-h426/womanizer-toys-1e3-lYkJsfs-unsplash.jpg" title="Couple Time" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: <a href="https://unsplash.com/@womanizer" rel="nofollow">Womanizer Toys</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">We'll get the awkward one out the way first, shall we? First of all, not every individual with a disability is physically disabled and I find when this statement is made, people aren't thinking about anything other than those who, let's face it, are in a <b>wheelchair</b> because they assume everything below the waist doesn't work.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Many disabilities are hidden disabilities (disabilities you cannot see) and yet, there are plenty of physical disabilities that a person can have and still perform quite well sexually.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In our case, and as I've already explained, Mr K is a wheelchair user. He has very little use of his legs 5 years on from us getting together but he has absolutely zero problems in the bedroom. You may find that sex with those who are wheelchair users may actually broaden your horizons, get you to use your imagination and yes, you can even incorporate the wheelchair into a session! (Not me, I'm horrifically in-flexible)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So, don't go feeling sorry for those who use wheelchairs, they're probably having better sex than you! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>2. You'll have to do everything for them!</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I think when I got together with Martyn a big concern for some of my friends and family was how much I would have to do and sacrifice for Martyn. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">First of all, when you're in a relationship you should be working as a team, helping eachother in any way you can and taking care of each other.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I knew 100% that there would be things I had to do for Martyn that I may not have to do in a non-interabled relationship. I also knew that he has a degenerative condition and the future meant (and still means) there will be things he can do independently now but may not be as able to do in the future.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The fact is, those with disabilities can be and are capable of being independent; often using aids, adaptations, imagination and sheer bloody mindedness to look after themselves, their home and their families.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Do I do a lot? Yes. Depending on the individual there may be more or less care involved but do I do everything? Certainly not.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>3. You won't be able to do anything fun on dates.</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65omXAPlE_BoDkckEX1AY0340HcVwO1z136DMmnwUiaJdsJo99UALNOCe5vsR1HaesdOCxc3WZXCtssaqMlNQIMuITULtFJWpoa9zOZQ_jHZiNwR6qteY1i2txsKZK3xcK1HeySLEYz4k0ASZwPv97D0_dMXIb74p9vLex1OZBhT_bQyyyDSY5M1pGQ/s740/Screenshot_20221015-183507_Chrome.jpg"><img alt="Mart is in a manual wheelchair with the front of a bike attached wearing all black looking ike ghostrider. Hannah bends slightly behind Martyn dressed as a female ghost rider, Alejandra Jones" border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="649" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65omXAPlE_BoDkckEX1AY0340HcVwO1z136DMmnwUiaJdsJo99UALNOCe5vsR1HaesdOCxc3WZXCtssaqMlNQIMuITULtFJWpoa9zOZQ_jHZiNwR6qteY1i2txsKZK3xcK1HeySLEYz4k0ASZwPv97D0_dMXIb74p9vLex1OZBhT_bQyyyDSY5M1pGQ/w562-h640/Screenshot_20221015-183507_Chrome.jpg" title="Interabled Cosplay!" width="562" /></a></div><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Name a date and I'm sure I can give you a place that would accommodate an interabled couple wanting to have some fun.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">There are so many places you can go now that are inclusive such as theatres, cinemas, restaurants, hotels, dirty weekends away, long strolls, sight seeing and adventure parks.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm not going to lie; you will 100% find that sometimes accessibility will be difficult, particularly for old buildings but most places now are equipped with level access, ramps or lifts and have adapted rides and spaces to cater for those who need better accessibility if you plan ahead. There's even a wheelchair accessible tree house for crying out loud!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Plus, if you're with a wheelchair user you get to skip queues and get great seats at venues, if that's not a bonus I don't know what is!* </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>4. You'll be stuck in all the time</b> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Please see above. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Martyn and I are both hermits so the life of going out really doesn't bother us at all.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">He will go for a drink with his mates, I meet up with my friends, sometimes people come to ours, we go to theirs or we load up the car and take a family trip out.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Do we miss out on some things? Sure! But thats not BECAUSE Martyn is disabled, it's because our world ISN'T INCLUSIVE.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Do we have to be more organised and pre plan? Yes, but I also know plenty of interabled couples who love spontaneity and have lots of fun outdoors, being social and even travelling with very little trouble. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>5. You're only dating them because you feel bad for them!</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">As someone who is in a relationship/married to a person with a (again, most often physical) disability it's one of the most ridiculous and yet, most common things you hear.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Its up there with "I bet he has life insurance!" Martyn can't even get life insurance. I'm the one with the policy is he with me for the money? Of course not. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Haters are going to hate. There's not much you can reply with to these statements of ignorance.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm sure there are so many more (please share them with me!) I think I know most people in my life wouldn't think any one of those things (maybe some would still be concerned about my life and what I want to achieve) but that doesn't worry me, I'm right where I want to be. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">* A joke. But if you know, you know.</p>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-70230656120858134572022-07-05T22:12:00.001+01:002023-10-25T23:29:52.345+01:00Four Teens and a Catch Up<p style="text-align: justify;">I haven't posted here since Midge turned 14 with her birthday post. Do I feel a little bad that I seemed to have packed it in a bit before writing up my 3 boys birthdays? I do a little!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The title of this post is a smidge inaccurate; I technically only have two teens but my youngest two, J and A, have turned 11 this year and they're full on pre-teen so I really don't feel like I only have two teens to be honest!<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilC7eIEO8FIy3Y0C6yTnYq0ogSAuK4vyBBjMD0sUPuAP_ALsgyxaj3knH01vAoi1iE2sEqeKx3NS4W6ASX0PWlXYZrDp88vmoLFw07Q27oktlgTxt-w2uBtnyXGQShJZsS9QNHV4dBESOhJsCBH0s0iVq9htA8H1d-aJnj2avuuTQ1c9gpIpDOqIMmPw/s4000/20220603_164728.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilC7eIEO8FIy3Y0C6yTnYq0ogSAuK4vyBBjMD0sUPuAP_ALsgyxaj3knH01vAoi1iE2sEqeKx3NS4W6ASX0PWlXYZrDp88vmoLFw07Q27oktlgTxt-w2uBtnyXGQShJZsS9QNHV4dBESOhJsCBH0s0iVq9htA8H1d-aJnj2avuuTQ1c9gpIpDOqIMmPw/w640-h480/20220603_164728.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">A lot has changed in just these few months, lots of good things really. Of course we've been hit by the cost of living like *almost* everyone else (I'm looking at you politicians) so we have been re doing budgets, reading up on being more frugal as if it's not something we are well versed with already and like a lot of families we are in the very busy part of the year where schools are preparing for taster sessions, summer holidays and all things secondary school in our case.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">J and A are both starting secondary school this September. I think both of them will have a shock to the system. J will be fine work wise but I think going from a 1 class per year small primary school to a huge (and all boys) secondary will be a surprise. James has been getting into some gym stuff at a new group, he is really active and loves throwing himself around so we thought suggesting gymnastics would be a good shout.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">A is going to struggle work wise until he is popped into sets and finds his ideal work level but the thing he will find the most difficult is how secondary deal with behaviour. Being slightly behind cognitively with his additional needs, A doesn't always react in an age appropriate way and although teachers give a suitable amount of leeway he does still know right from wrong and may find it difficult in the difference between how primary treats you and how secondary treats you.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">He's been to some football clubs in the half terms and has more booked in plus he's joined a new football club on Saturdays. He loves playing goalie and it looks like he may have a chance to do some goal keeping for a team of theirs if he keeps coming. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-su2iiFrx_BnpQ-PMZuog95ZsWC3YUF5YIK0OQ5CMwfHt6M9r9nFyMfm7CjNsaJFRhiRhS6FKoywMMpC6QBkkoJgIkzGBGvAehPHWZF7u9RCqCmvRVknzH1dhikJsI_e_k_zU5m9QKGoXXInAE-xlgqsvMHa_DPKcjMtnEsyBgbBeJPeYWf8pj9uTw/s4000/20220527_124459.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-su2iiFrx_BnpQ-PMZuog95ZsWC3YUF5YIK0OQ5CMwfHt6M9r9nFyMfm7CjNsaJFRhiRhS6FKoywMMpC6QBkkoJgIkzGBGvAehPHWZF7u9RCqCmvRVknzH1dhikJsI_e_k_zU5m9QKGoXXInAE-xlgqsvMHa_DPKcjMtnEsyBgbBeJPeYWf8pj9uTw/w480-h640/20220527_124459.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I've already been in touch with the new schools SENCO and the school have been great with Midge so I'm hoping we will have a good experience with A too. I think once he settles all will be okay. It's very nerve wracking!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Will is also starting school! After being home educated since he was about six years old this is a huge step for him and for Martyn as well. He has asked to go to school for some time now but we had a long old fight with the council (quelle surprise! Not!) he has finally been given a school for children diagnosed with Autism and he is so excited to start. There are vocational courses and lessons, cookery, a garden and a farm for him to enjoy and learn with. We still have to wrestle with school transport as he is about half an hour away from both ours and his Mum's house. Wish us luck!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwW-9C468EruTk6gwCk6n5anGT_pW0h5CPBZbitOYfG9waLA6jN1TDUKfMB6_3bzCkFilxtvPeI2fxkl3BSCF2xu_7_nkh43NAsJCv8MJHREAlrOeDvt_lNlAzOj9uVhVtB-LVNarFUqysga5gxw0yUHRn4QNJTFGK4hTNMb55UcpAAQKD4WMh5g-ttw/s4000/20220603_164738.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwW-9C468EruTk6gwCk6n5anGT_pW0h5CPBZbitOYfG9waLA6jN1TDUKfMB6_3bzCkFilxtvPeI2fxkl3BSCF2xu_7_nkh43NAsJCv8MJHREAlrOeDvt_lNlAzOj9uVhVtB-LVNarFUqysga5gxw0yUHRn4QNJTFGK4hTNMb55UcpAAQKD4WMh5g-ttw/w640-h480/20220603_164738.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Midge has been doing all sorts of tests and things ready for year 10. She is mostly loving art but has been getting into English too. At the moment she has no plans in her mind about her future other than wanting to do sixth form. I keep telling her there's loads of time for that. There's been other things too which I'm so proud of her for but they are not my stories to share.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLHdNtYe1XEoYAlw6TPD6dCAO7JRnK7D7h4JCpIckXyT3a0IoqG70dlo7NapjtlAB8s9x_N4l7Kh9pOMrmWS1IPdj9m_bzGM-Rp7-kh5ve8Xhe1NFVkBanJYzkURl_bhEKrHMG0YCtWDgsGiBOJs0vVodfB3CG1jFAR1Cce4p88LGRcXbVQKFWJBEnA/s4000/20220603_185327.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLHdNtYe1XEoYAlw6TPD6dCAO7JRnK7D7h4JCpIckXyT3a0IoqG70dlo7NapjtlAB8s9x_N4l7Kh9pOMrmWS1IPdj9m_bzGM-Rp7-kh5ve8Xhe1NFVkBanJYzkURl_bhEKrHMG0YCtWDgsGiBOJs0vVodfB3CG1jFAR1Cce4p88LGRcXbVQKFWJBEnA/w480-h640/20220603_185327.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Martyn will be getting his new indoor wheelchair soon and today we've had a new wet room floor fitted. We have to figure out getting an electric bed and also sorting out his current chair because it's the one that we can put into the car when travelling and, yet again, it's been playing silly arses and not lasting long. Ask me privately where I got it from and I'll let you know to stay well clear!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">We were doing our churches social media but we weren't able to make it grow how we envisioned it, we were also spending a lot of hours a week on it and for Martyn in particular it was becoming too much so although it was a good experience and we were sad to leave it, we don't regret the decision at all and hope to do something with our skills including Martyn's artwork in the future.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">As for me, at the moment I am exhausted all the time. It's probably a low B12 but the doctors have my blood for testing and next week I get the results. I'm alright in general, being kept busy with the school things, devouring books and trying to keep to my pledge of low spending this year. I've not been doing too badly I must say. I'm also trying to look after my body better with walking and my second hand exercise bike. It's not going great but I'm not beating myself up.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp60uPhOt614eNUuJfy4AjFku8EbxZYVM0QKGvSWJFLU0aCwZ38wpUg3pdoEIUYRuDwmcVG-FfHB0AJbLfVvMQ4XFM5HykqgOVMqLtvCF2t-nsMCOuq-W4Itm_ymjy5G6zxTeMrMH5ug5tP5ErCwkQTkzBtxhAEfXVUc0VjpC6cmUOpHDf3tml2G-3fQ/s4000/20220603_185623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp60uPhOt614eNUuJfy4AjFku8EbxZYVM0QKGvSWJFLU0aCwZ38wpUg3pdoEIUYRuDwmcVG-FfHB0AJbLfVvMQ4XFM5HykqgOVMqLtvCF2t-nsMCOuq-W4Itm_ymjy5G6zxTeMrMH5ug5tP5ErCwkQTkzBtxhAEfXVUc0VjpC6cmUOpHDf3tml2G-3fQ/w640-h480/20220603_185623.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">If you got this far then thank you! I'm not sure people really read blogs anymore and if they do I'm assuming they come from Facebook or Twitter, neither of which I have! If you have caught up though thank you! Don't forget to subscribe (it's okay, you wont hear from me often!)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Hannah</p>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-12994200628725246112022-01-25T14:11:00.001+00:002023-10-25T23:30:11.561+01:00Midge Turns Fourteen!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On the seventeenth of January my eldest turned fourteen...14! Where is it all going? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Midge has had a huge turning point over the past couple of years. I feel our children have been through so much since the pandemic started. She's dealt with the onset of social anxiety due to not being out and about as much and then thrusted back into school life, sadly she lost her favourite teacher in her favourite subject and that hit her hard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Still, she's made out of strong stuff this one and with the right support has continued to flourish both personally and in many other ways. Her confidence has changed, she feels comfortable in her sexuality, made more solid friendships with some lovely girls and dived into her art work even further. <span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEHGo1YAPB0tBGmf6FVYTlBTh6gaHAEbhEnAgMujZef8qps7J9qvlzVjz3GPcQSOWfi3jG2h6TQyF1GAom05NP4PUcUd0smxNdfFdNhTgII7GIZ-3bDCks-drCVRMAriMvIuLRIEf_lA56WRhQ8MDDnM32-Xtt2zshTCPhF6rduDm7pRfq2TQ4W_UHuA=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Midge wearinf her blond hair down and a checked shirt smiles at the camera kneeling by a bed" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEHGo1YAPB0tBGmf6FVYTlBTh6gaHAEbhEnAgMujZef8qps7J9qvlzVjz3GPcQSOWfi3jG2h6TQyF1GAom05NP4PUcUd0smxNdfFdNhTgII7GIZ-3bDCks-drCVRMAriMvIuLRIEf_lA56WRhQ8MDDnM32-Xtt2zshTCPhF6rduDm7pRfq2TQ4W_UHuA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Midges birthday was on a Monday this year which meant, as usual, she was in school. We managed to get up early enough for one present opening and birthday pancakes with chocolate sauce. We love our birthday pancakes! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">School wasn't an issue, apparently Monday is a good lesson day and she got to see her friends who actually spoiled her a bit to be fair with books, money and chocolate - so thoughtful. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEhM__tM_XUW3IzXFBECtRoueCp9xGOuTR_QUFcLpYH7nwHXYelATf2NdRHjX5LidQqPwYzUzhHbg1iUNDXBofHkHC26u1FAVUJ5hxE8QrtTvJk3U0dozDCZ-Otb5Qd_IrY_rYGgD0a5gHHbStv8yRO5bbMHcyhMMoi0ZoMUNx-Ou2NnhN-lQFTccAQg=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Close up image of a heart shaped chocolate cake on a silver board. On top are 4 candles not lit, a pink small happy birthday sign and the top is ckvered with icing dust and gold stars" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEhM__tM_XUW3IzXFBECtRoueCp9xGOuTR_QUFcLpYH7nwHXYelATf2NdRHjX5LidQqPwYzUzhHbg1iUNDXBofHkHC26u1FAVUJ5hxE8QrtTvJk3U0dozDCZ-Otb5Qd_IrY_rYGgD0a5gHHbStv8yRO5bbMHcyhMMoi0ZoMUNx-Ou2NnhN-lQFTccAQg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Every year we celebrate our birthdays in a rather understated way. We all choose a birthday dinner and Martyn and I will create it! Usually Midge goes for an Indian or Chinese dish but this year she just wanted a buffet. The girl loves her beige food!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So they had pizza, sausage rolls, biscuits, chocolate and crisps: everything that's not very good for you basically but oh well! It was enjoyed! </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After dinner, we all piled into another room for present time. Midge got money, a new school bag, art set, chocolate, headphones and more things I will never be able to remember!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally we did cake.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh79aLxeXFImApG3wQ6C0lxthyAEZWYZkP_tc4NNl_65eB-pByePH-dP7Q0FU0gHD3VhO6BpdpvBgvhEEH11gZdq4VSUPB2O-Mhnyq-vjzZ0NfBNuR1Pvzqe5b-ENfw5lMhKEgwIZB3v6XPugufSPv-yjhFt7Xg3M4vC282Hl0rXG0V_V4BCPxTw_Elfw=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Samson, a white westie sits behind anheart shaped chocolate cake lookong at the camera" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh79aLxeXFImApG3wQ6C0lxthyAEZWYZkP_tc4NNl_65eB-pByePH-dP7Q0FU0gHD3VhO6BpdpvBgvhEEH11gZdq4VSUPB2O-Mhnyq-vjzZ0NfBNuR1Pvzqe5b-ENfw5lMhKEgwIZB3v6XPugufSPv-yjhFt7Xg3M4vC282Hl0rXG0V_V4BCPxTw_Elfw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNQDL37fn8Nr-qyxhQ-VUoM3j8B6R2txpqiX8UtcCQmdvDOAnmFZe76yWyl_HlR58rCFe3kgLU-58G9f7EIUnSkJBjJJt0HsyxMix8GzACVU02Jz60f8478K7RhfWmrZNaX6gjYA3C8W3NcU4jDrPZ3STMH97M07uhDDfAd3oIHbiTc9NH8b4587kBUA=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A heart shaped chocolate cake with 4 cabdles lit. Midge smiles at the camera" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNQDL37fn8Nr-qyxhQ-VUoM3j8B6R2txpqiX8UtcCQmdvDOAnmFZe76yWyl_HlR58rCFe3kgLU-58G9f7EIUnSkJBjJJt0HsyxMix8GzACVU02Jz60f8478K7RhfWmrZNaX6gjYA3C8W3NcU4jDrPZ3STMH97M07uhDDfAd3oIHbiTc9NH8b4587kBUA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">A heart shaped free from chocolate cake, nice and simple because Midge doesn't like butter cream. There was also a gateau but I can't eat that so I made this! </div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">Here's to my beautiful eldest daughter and another wonderful birthday!</div><div><br /></div><div>1 down, 3 to go!!</div>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-26351634048036966342022-01-14T11:31:00.004+00:002023-10-25T23:30:34.225+01:00Ramblings on Loss<p style="text-align: center;"> I have no idea how this will go, it's a bit of a 'write to get it out' type post. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBpZvluNTZopI1pYtBp5Gr9fz8n4ny3bsWLdMAyzSLQShjSkhw9t95MTszoXmgtobf-AQApH3jEG-cpomzBSjYoaa52J_lzBzxqQoUNKvRWSyRHh2cjgEbozG9MkHfTEgDPHaZ51V7M7v0EGaPSjA-R7U9dVxYf35WHoQeNKzK27UFymcMF3uvvUXBDQ=s3024" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Keith, an elderly white male smiles at the camera with glasses on" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="1860" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBpZvluNTZopI1pYtBp5Gr9fz8n4ny3bsWLdMAyzSLQShjSkhw9t95MTszoXmgtobf-AQApH3jEG-cpomzBSjYoaa52J_lzBzxqQoUNKvRWSyRHh2cjgEbozG9MkHfTEgDPHaZ51V7M7v0EGaPSjA-R7U9dVxYf35WHoQeNKzK27UFymcMF3uvvUXBDQ=w394-h640" width="394" /></a></div><p>Last week, on a Monday evening I sat at home in my bed waiting for a message from Martyn. I was waiting for the message telling me his Dad had passed away. It was a strange moment waiting for that message and not one I've ever waited around for.</p><p>One of my great privileges that I am hugely aware of is that I have never experienced close, personal loss. Well, not strictly true.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>In 2021 I lost one of my best friends. I hadn't seen him in 4 years, the one time I went back to Cornwall I saw his wife, my other best friend, and we had a lovely catch up with some of the kids and her friend. He wasn't there and his absence was felt by me.</p><p>I did get a phone call very out of the blue one evening in February. Some indication as to how often I got called by him was I almost hung up the call thinking he had sat on it! Luckily I answered and we had a wonderful catch up. A week later he was in hospital and 3 days later I had a text I could never predict telling me he was gone.</p><p>Gone.</p><p>I've lost family but I've been never close to them. Either not seeing them since I was very young or they passed when I wasn't old enough to understand. My friend was the first loss and it hit me hard. Keith passing away has also hit me. I wasn't close to him. I also know how he brought up Martyn and treated him, I wouldn't have liked that version of him but the man I have known for 4 years was a vulnerable man. A man who was lost without his wife, deteriorating with dementia and quite funny.</p><p>We bonded over gardening. He loved to share the knowledge he had with me. He made me laugh when he would shuffle around the house muttering about people in his house he didn't want there. When he tried to climb the ladder to the loft I was trying to clear out he nearly gave everyone else a heart attack!</p><p>He came over a few times to our house when Martyn lost the ability to be able to enter his old family home and it was nice to cook for him. We spoke about the same things we always did; his youth, the marines, his family and friends. They were always the same stories but I smiled and laughed and nodded and asked the same questions I had asked a thousand times before because I didn't mind. I didn't care.</p><p>Now he's passed away although it's sad it's a relief.</p><p>But I kind of find that these losses have made me realise my privilege even more. I have both my parents who are only in their 60s. An aunt who is my second Mum. I even have 3 grandparents! My kids have 3 Great Grandparents! I know you can't think about all these morbid things too much because it'll drive you mad and you should focus on <i>life</i>, making memories.</p><p>I've always had this fear of death. It doesn't suit my control freak nature but I wouldn't exactly like to know when it would be my time either.. bit of a problem there! </p><p>Next month is the first year of my friends passing and as it gets closer I feel my heart break all over again. I didn't have enough photos. I didn't have enough memories. I didn't have enough <i>bloody time. </i></p><p>Now I sit here and I think of all those in my close family circle and my close friends. I don't think I have enough memories, I don't know how easy it would be to make more given all our different circumstances.</p><p>Things are so hard for everyone. Money is so tight. My family are in one direction and myself in another. My friends, our relationships much smaller. My oldest friend just stopped being in touch one day. 13 years and suddenly it was all gone. No matter how much I want to move on I still grieve that friendship too.</p><p>I know I have to make things happen. I know who I want to fill my life with. I know those who I feel it would be almost impossible to live without and I know we have to make those memories together. Perhaps I'm having some early crisis or loss drives everyone a bit mad! I don't know, it's all another journey to walk isn't it? </p>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-3314449123241939972021-12-31T14:45:00.004+00:002023-10-25T23:30:48.835+01:002021 at The Cupcake Kitney House<p style="text-align: justify;"> Well, well, hello there strangers!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It's been about 7 months since I wrote anything on here. We are <i>still</i> in a global pandemic, Cupcake Mumma turned 10 very quietly and I have mostly set up camp over on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hannah_cupcakemumma/">Instagram</a> (link to my page there!) getting sucked in by watching reels and falling in love with stories. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">There's only 2 main traditions on this blog and that's sharing birthdays for my children to look back on (and myself) and our yearly write up. If I write nothing else I'm happy to keep up with that at least.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So let's jump in shall we? Let's see how much I can actually remember of 2021!<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>January </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">Midge turned 13 in January and we celebrated with a large chocolate cake, Indian fakeaway, gifts and pancakes. </p><p style="text-align: center;">We also had Will's private educational physiology assessment that we had to get done before the council would consider our application for an EHCP. It was a good day out in London spotting sports cars with A while Will did his assessment really well despite the long hours it took.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjiPy6wgEs_Mg-t7pAt6FL0E7lTXgRWL4KySv4PTk7a1AjBHNZnR1RXSIM5Zp4lXaq4C3c7vewhanB1uOgz_pBN-YBTwNPJdn00Tj0FBsPpbsErx9zR3JSeuW0SvgGZGZ5Y1KyBGVwpGrN6yUyHCiqqqbH-oFozWuJLP9AaKzQk2_Pk8KvXJnXwBfhDg=s903" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Midge sat at the table with 2 pancakes smiling in a white t shirt" border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjiPy6wgEs_Mg-t7pAt6FL0E7lTXgRWL4KySv4PTk7a1AjBHNZnR1RXSIM5Zp4lXaq4C3c7vewhanB1uOgz_pBN-YBTwNPJdn00Tj0FBsPpbsErx9zR3JSeuW0SvgGZGZ5Y1KyBGVwpGrN6yUyHCiqqqbH-oFozWuJLP9AaKzQk2_Pk8KvXJnXwBfhDg=w510-h640" title="13th birthday" width="510" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>February</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">A turned 10 years old quite happily with his gifts and a big flapjack instead of a cake. It seems he now doesn't 'do' cake.. We enjoyed a swim at the leisure centre and a walk with hot chocolate in Rochester this month. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Will also had a birthday turning 12! He enjoyed homemade burgers and wedges for his birthday tea and a zoom session with all his cousins with a virtual DJ. It was pretty cool! It also snowed at the beginning of February which was good fun.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Sadly I also lost a close friend from complications of Covid. I hadn't seen him since I moved to Kent but had spoken to him just 2 weeks before he became unwell. I will always hold that last phone call close to me.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVTkmVfpbzveJOhWDo-RL4IyUn28eYLMRGu-YEc8vLLwQPbY1O5oPFqKJCLxwYOD6VCS6TTuaB9_UqwDX1sVp2IAsZquK-DO098cUKGbhWzydw4nebsqPUEZ6Mbtk_VEXDRXYOfbgOUpj9t_BPdMfeSQDbAigZUzPG79008vkuchL-uK9gqDr-T5RbwQ=s830" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A wearing joggers and a black puffer coat holds a costa cup standing on a grass area in front of rochester castle" border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVTkmVfpbzveJOhWDo-RL4IyUn28eYLMRGu-YEc8vLLwQPbY1O5oPFqKJCLxwYOD6VCS6TTuaB9_UqwDX1sVp2IAsZquK-DO098cUKGbhWzydw4nebsqPUEZ6Mbtk_VEXDRXYOfbgOUpj9t_BPdMfeSQDbAigZUzPG79008vkuchL-uK9gqDr-T5RbwQ=w556-h640" width="556" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcD9kyLmqUOsBayO497Ic8mDJD2zIo7WvCcTmqCiMQmra18v8MxLwX7h-KT_ffUAjcFKLdcfRSxCwQvXrbeVLKfe1jw9Dyeu6M83fk5QId6nkzkJWbHPbSF_mp9l-TgmNbiiEC2U6d9cMktvZ8KRyJ5VnTk4btKxy0dJOhFo0rIOCwGk6djk1OOb0abA=s843" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wills face is smiling in a grey wooly hat with fennal sticking down the front of his face. He is in a grey coat and close to the camera" border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcD9kyLmqUOsBayO497Ic8mDJD2zIo7WvCcTmqCiMQmra18v8MxLwX7h-KT_ffUAjcFKLdcfRSxCwQvXrbeVLKfe1jw9Dyeu6M83fk5QId6nkzkJWbHPbSF_mp9l-TgmNbiiEC2U6d9cMktvZ8KRyJ5VnTk4btKxy0dJOhFo0rIOCwGk6djk1OOb0abA=w546-h640" width="546" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>April</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">The biggest news for April (and the whole year really) was Martyn and I getting engaged! We got the kids involved in the proposal, which you can read in this post <a href="https://www.cupcakemumma.co.uk/2021/05/how-i-proposed.html">'How I Proposed' </a>and had a lovely time celebrating as a family.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibB9mQJaHP0uqnmJlPAuoAyJQlL8SK9P09DTHQFcYuO8dmcxnd5u7lpcDzSNR-S0LCEl0zYM4apSJkrXjqYX4467xuyUyQZwoG9MJJ_7wB2jzjhbkWCS7l7gzhQQZbTfTmIfKzfRSFjOdjkGb1vPjW0QFs6PfEkLF0DzHgIXkGqpaYxxg5XGmG5woKQw=s720" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hannah on the left smiling opened mouthed wearing glasses shows off her ring on her hand next to Martyn wearing a maroon jumper and smiling widely wearing black framed glasses" border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibB9mQJaHP0uqnmJlPAuoAyJQlL8SK9P09DTHQFcYuO8dmcxnd5u7lpcDzSNR-S0LCEl0zYM4apSJkrXjqYX4467xuyUyQZwoG9MJJ_7wB2jzjhbkWCS7l7gzhQQZbTfTmIfKzfRSFjOdjkGb1vPjW0QFs6PfEkLF0DzHgIXkGqpaYxxg5XGmG5woKQw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>May</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">The last of our lovely tribe, James, finally got his day turning 10 as well. This year he mostly got money for gaming and a few sweet treats. We had a Japanese themed dinner by ordering sushi and cooking a katsu curry which was delicious. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I also got to see my sister for the first time in over a year. We met up halfway at a lovely park for a walk and a picnic and also got Midge back from her weeks stay with them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsB8rliHwDBA4hVNKK_fLF2jlFRVLFZWd_mECvqKA0QEXcOFaV8jbEuUEvqNo3wgi-mBN6vZLH5dBeTc9xgNaivHv4DWE4fwZ_uH8wQFcKpgibatyU85EqbcMmgJ5EHad5Woru1KupIvd_hpqIEYf6HcaT3IsxVHgPr1ct1YKfJKvSqidxhgUJWeYssg=s720" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="James sits on a pavement with green leaves behind him wearing a white and red hoody. He smiles at the camera" border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="720" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsB8rliHwDBA4hVNKK_fLF2jlFRVLFZWd_mECvqKA0QEXcOFaV8jbEuUEvqNo3wgi-mBN6vZLH5dBeTc9xgNaivHv4DWE4fwZ_uH8wQFcKpgibatyU85EqbcMmgJ5EHad5Woru1KupIvd_hpqIEYf6HcaT3IsxVHgPr1ct1YKfJKvSqidxhgUJWeYssg=w640-h632" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>June</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">In June we had a few days out which was nice. I walked around Rochester exploring it properly for the first time in months, actually entering small shops and spending time in the gardens near the library. </p><p style="text-align: center;">We had a church day out at the beach, I paddled with all the kids, we ate chips and ice cream and had a good walk back. We made some new friends that day which was wonderful. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Lastly, we got to try out a new piece of equipment to help Martyn use his arm fully. It's called a Neater Eater and will allow him to eat easier and brush his hair which he can no longer do as easily.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN_gq2V4XfjkN1TbiDYw8yoh8HTslX5ZO3nmUMERNRdp9vLpNfLJCRjR_GUDOksPUgAUjbS0Je4-4J2oLKw3lrOy-wP4b2QsuocRGxrtOGWF-bLMeSnrZ3kPf0q_-A2Y7rrg_UddX-J1zkAaynQdeotdJW6CgIYREB05BDhXnwwxnbojRP6QQvTuQckA=s900" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A stands close to the camera on the beach wearing a black with white splats hoody and a black sun cap. He smiles holding an ice cream cone with blue ice cream on top. Blue is on his chin and teeth" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN_gq2V4XfjkN1TbiDYw8yoh8HTslX5ZO3nmUMERNRdp9vLpNfLJCRjR_GUDOksPUgAUjbS0Je4-4J2oLKw3lrOy-wP4b2QsuocRGxrtOGWF-bLMeSnrZ3kPf0q_-A2Y7rrg_UddX-J1zkAaynQdeotdJW6CgIYREB05BDhXnwwxnbojRP6QQvTuQckA=w512-h640" width="512" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>July </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">July was heavily based around baking and gardening. I got to grow more this year which made me much happier. Still more work to be done but a garden is never truly finished! </p><p style="text-align: center;">We also enjoyed water fights and outdoor church which was so good I think we will do it again next year.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>August</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">My two went to Cornwall for several weeks to see family and their dad. I remember missing them lots and missing out on not seeing my parents. They had a great time and I always love getting them back. </p><p style="text-align: center;">We also enjoyed a great trip to London with the older two later on in the month to explore The British Museum; such a good day out. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRhGUwI-dtoP-SzIlFW5tX-HfHWJNRsMQTJmoaUiV65xD4_QUXYvEmmUdbEmTqj5D-UXInxyVXtwj1uMmgXWpcIGUNyDxhbLZk4s1V-MrY2KGIYW6LX5ryuFCww_OqY9NVHs-vnXTBdM35t_5gpxmfSS54hfEtAvBusB5-s0r_XGeq0qkK57-WZZar2Q=s720" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Will on the left wears a white and black t shirt and leans in next to L wearing jeans and a blue funky shirt. The are wearing seatbelts in the back of the car and smiling" border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="720" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRhGUwI-dtoP-SzIlFW5tX-HfHWJNRsMQTJmoaUiV65xD4_QUXYvEmmUdbEmTqj5D-UXInxyVXtwj1uMmgXWpcIGUNyDxhbLZk4s1V-MrY2KGIYW6LX5ryuFCww_OqY9NVHs-vnXTBdM35t_5gpxmfSS54hfEtAvBusB5-s0r_XGeq0qkK57-WZZar2Q=w640-h638" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>September</b> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;">The kids went back to school after intermittent home schooling and a long summer break. We now have a year 8, two in year 6 and 1 in year 9!</p><p style="text-align: center;">On the 12th Mr K and our friend Nat took part in the Brighton Marathon raising money for Macmillan cancer charity. They raised an amazing £1250 and Nat ran so well pushing Martyn in the chair. I got to walk and explore the town a bit, have a dip in the sea and a rest on the beach in-between chasing them around main points for photos and cheering!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0rYYLZ6Ja0Azq6E1od32ISqeF-SAKvWazuTXjS1m2ZZhBFSuTIMWxJWKQ63hhrmUj84GXgHsxLryyfj05MP8QlbWdXjGxigBJpHnkbG5irtPbWPW6pE0JOcdfeokUI4xjSRWsK1w3DAXi5myYBxP04hLzecZFeQk8qjxVDWz1Ls2mFebx-P3tOzQYEA=s721" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Martyn on the left sits in his wheelchair smiling. He is wearinga red hoody and his marathon bib. Nat stads nect to him in her bib and running gear smiling with the finsih line just behind them both." border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0rYYLZ6Ja0Azq6E1od32ISqeF-SAKvWazuTXjS1m2ZZhBFSuTIMWxJWKQ63hhrmUj84GXgHsxLryyfj05MP8QlbWdXjGxigBJpHnkbG5irtPbWPW6pE0JOcdfeokUI4xjSRWsK1w3DAXi5myYBxP04hLzecZFeQk8qjxVDWz1Ls2mFebx-P3tOzQYEA=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>October</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">Martyn turned 39 this month followed by myself turning 32 later on. Neither of us did anything special. I got a cake made for me by Midge and Mr K and we both had simple dinners with the kids.</p><p style="text-align: center;">We made some awesome pumpkins this year all of which were grown in our garden, I am so proud of them! Martyn's creation was the best (pictured below.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-LlTkgFH23OwBGBaJ_u2E0qVd0aLv51w5Km9MV_D5scM1l15S9XovcBb0KqJQWvHSi1bas4Itrdq2yhFcgtCLXoBmjQ0tOGLI7FLJdS_gatQs0tnrZa0D3Y3nFemJesVKxhLmCGWzosGzH_sVh7Vv9KQTlplQJGUYtbVEBbBpYKIaN7MQt6GJ0wJZHQ=s726" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-LlTkgFH23OwBGBaJ_u2E0qVd0aLv51w5Km9MV_D5scM1l15S9XovcBb0KqJQWvHSi1bas4Itrdq2yhFcgtCLXoBmjQ0tOGLI7FLJdS_gatQs0tnrZa0D3Y3nFemJesVKxhLmCGWzosGzH_sVh7Vv9KQTlplQJGUYtbVEBbBpYKIaN7MQt6GJ0wJZHQ=w634-h640" width="634" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>November </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">We had a surprise family reunion in a lovely lodge in Cambridge for my Dad's 60th birthday. We stayed 2 nights, ignored the awful weather, had a delicious roast cooked by my sister and Mr K and also enjoyed the hot tub! A would've stayed in that thing if you let him!</p><p style="text-align: center;">It was so good to see my brother and sister after so long and surprise Dad. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU-DMOKAV-Uzi1SkKlFo7lev0O3v6hddQeDOt8S6LNyxbR7BpnhrK75UbCYiiDm6Jb_uarChRqFRQ7i7FL6NhgbJJQgoT9NGzkjc2hbjbfofEGyUz5vUOYwSXe1STkVBgo4OlYfS1h-Lt2pMPyBBhdX1UPc0DnFiFrjtRK2Y0F0AznClDAhhpDcqe3Jw=s720" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="On a grey sofa sits A on the left on the arm of the chair with I in grey, Dad and mum holding hands, me wearing a large hoody and smiling. Martyn is behind me in his power chair with B and M and L smiling at the camera behind the 4 on the sofa" border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="720" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU-DMOKAV-Uzi1SkKlFo7lev0O3v6hddQeDOt8S6LNyxbR7BpnhrK75UbCYiiDm6Jb_uarChRqFRQ7i7FL6NhgbJJQgoT9NGzkjc2hbjbfofEGyUz5vUOYwSXe1STkVBgo4OlYfS1h-Lt2pMPyBBhdX1UPc0DnFiFrjtRK2Y0F0AznClDAhhpDcqe3Jw=w640-h474" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>December </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">This year I didn't have my 2 although it was very close! 11 days before they were due to go both Martyn and I got sick with covid after James caught it a few days prior. Some how my 2 avoided it all and managed their Christmas holiday.</p><p style="text-align: center;">We had the boys in the afternoon of Christmas eve and went to church to celebrate the stable service. We also had a random tea thanks to a gammon and oven disaster (I didn't turn it on!) Not a huge problem because gammon on a Christmas dinner turns out to be very, very nice indeed! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I got several books, a wonderful pink fluffy weighted blanket, a couple of care bears and a giant care bear too. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRNrfiF0wBlxr_3y8ftlCKthLzp7vbaUeXDJEePDDKn_vjt3jrxIgmZBptH6k9EvUr-52g2unkBVU12yh8pca9TNL69S4YhMLoNdGL7Hg1adB8aaZJlTzQfc0JbB0mye2KyRoxnPTRB0sjTXUak7C_e9fLTxxS01RCnrWMBB9gTgM5MCpztjmNyaN93A=s3264" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="James smiles at the camera holding a plush cat wearing a long blue shirt and standing in the pews at church" border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="1836" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRNrfiF0wBlxr_3y8ftlCKthLzp7vbaUeXDJEePDDKn_vjt3jrxIgmZBptH6k9EvUr-52g2unkBVU12yh8pca9TNL69S4YhMLoNdGL7Hg1adB8aaZJlTzQfc0JbB0mye2KyRoxnPTRB0sjTXUak7C_e9fLTxxS01RCnrWMBB9gTgM5MCpztjmNyaN93A=w360-h640" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;">It's been a weird Christmas with the boys mostly doing their own thing and my 2 did the same by the sounds of it. Presents were smaller and the magic was less but we all had fun, a delicious dinner and a very slow, intentional Christmas</p><p style="text-align: justify;">There's our 2021, or what I can remember of it! Here's to 2022 with no expectations set by myself for the year. If I've learnt anything from this year it's to stop expecting things to happen, don't try too hard to plan oh and don't read the news too much *wink*</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Have a blessed 2022 friends!</p>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-80591540795573853372021-07-02T11:50:00.002+01:002023-10-25T23:31:01.954+01:00James Turns 10!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1HbMQqgI-1coiTr_unY_kqB2izewlcGljLYlRaqb5b4nVzrVck6ol-bd4aYgWy4p5X5xU8nuPFfZAcRK3ju2sXjKgZHSC0XSFTAmU6zlwW0P5DNV6zp-2G-H9D_Jwqd1PGnAH0BR3Gd2/s960/Screenshot_20210522-161137_WhatsApp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="James with brown hair and a big smile grins at the camera. In front of him is a rainbow birthday cake with 10 lit candles on" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1HbMQqgI-1coiTr_unY_kqB2izewlcGljLYlRaqb5b4nVzrVck6ol-bd4aYgWy4p5X5xU8nuPFfZAcRK3ju2sXjKgZHSC0XSFTAmU6zlwW0P5DNV6zp-2G-H9D_Jwqd1PGnAH0BR3Gd2/w480-h640/Screenshot_20210522-161137_WhatsApp.jpg" title="James birthday" width="480" /></a></div> <div><span style="text-align: center;">As usual, it's better late then never over here!</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our James turned 10 at the end of May and even though I'm a bit (very) late, I would still love to share his special day with you all.<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yet again we went with the amazing Ian from Cakes Against The Grain. He made James his specified cake 'a big rainbow cake with vanilla and raspberries!' I think you can agree the cake looks amazingly colourful and it was just as tasty as the others!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03F9pEoUB6mK5oM4MyfeOMyXb_bAJMGOXdVNIkNlPsqjqkX7bIgcV73IuNxkJmUgP2jWlUaL9Qk4K_uzl9EJfu5qrs3Lq3yR59qtPSKJBR0IX4DAKg8J_mGW7vxFt1cO75NWOEnBz9oY8/s2048/20210519_175836.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The top of the rainbow cake. White melted chocolate with rainbow sprinkles has 10 lit candles on" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03F9pEoUB6mK5oM4MyfeOMyXb_bAJMGOXdVNIkNlPsqjqkX7bIgcV73IuNxkJmUgP2jWlUaL9Qk4K_uzl9EJfu5qrs3Lq3yR59qtPSKJBR0IX4DAKg8J_mGW7vxFt1cO75NWOEnBz9oY8/w480-h640/20210519_175836.jpg" title="Rainbow birthday cake" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIHhAe91pl6wDWgqt1EvLCOk10YBB2H-VPllOzLFEYOCk8r5v4bfpWBtX0blDsUGr9qAc2JjCTSLJW-eOIWJj_C9C7r6oAXo0Vc3Jyiv0Vw8FpqxjNBVmzeJILA3W7KmqeIpuL_PLku1D/s2048/20210519_175944.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="James leans on a table blowing out the candle. Smoke drifts towards him" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIHhAe91pl6wDWgqt1EvLCOk10YBB2H-VPllOzLFEYOCk8r5v4bfpWBtX0blDsUGr9qAc2JjCTSLJW-eOIWJj_C9C7r6oAXo0Vc3Jyiv0Vw8FpqxjNBVmzeJILA3W7KmqeIpuL_PLku1D/w480-h640/20210519_175944.jpg" title="Blowing out the cake" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">James had school on his actual birthday which is never too bad as he gets to hand out some sweeties to his class mates. He also saves one for me, the sweet heart he really is!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For his family birthday dinner he requested a Japanese theme. We've never done that before so it was exciting. Usually we go with an Indian or Chinese or maybe a big old home-made burger and chips. This time I was challenged.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made a Katsu Curry which was lovely. The rice was cooked in an actual rice cooker we borrowed from the boy's Mum and I must admit I cheated a little with the chicken..I bought it already breaded at the supermarket..It was tasty though and I had a free from one as well so that was a win.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJGCBNb6P5pRcsAe1CR6uf6ght1NGUHHphw-QgRubBvz3UqGfb8Iox8MWvPU0ClTYlXyT5etvSNr4VNDBWjI9R51wRwJYAS7W4urm9XGHZPeo9JwOohzhr_QuNwujWZKwZx-FpidfBv0s/s2048/20210519_173127.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="On a white plate is white rice, 2 breaded chicken strips and some golden coloured curry spooned on top" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJGCBNb6P5pRcsAe1CR6uf6ght1NGUHHphw-QgRubBvz3UqGfb8Iox8MWvPU0ClTYlXyT5etvSNr4VNDBWjI9R51wRwJYAS7W4urm9XGHZPeo9JwOohzhr_QuNwujWZKwZx-FpidfBv0s/w480-h640/20210519_173127.jpg" title="katsu curry" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div>We had Mochi as well as cake for pudding. The guys learning to use chop sticks was good fun. I think Will got it pretty quick, James took a while then went and ate with his hands as per usual and A took a while but was very happy when he actually managed to do it. Midge on the other hand totally gave up and just wanted to eat!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXskS6obV5OOt7llz2DplBNMDhGWtdHlSYVYpJAM6A2mYCPRJuQ7_U79ASHVNHBGWTmKN0sKYR2UucafX46ilkbGy7-xHlKpvBxC6ibDN-oQRj9tKNmul9MTO8lxThyphenhyphenpSdGNyI8CYTGX2C/s2048/20210519_173118.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="6 pink Mochi in a circle on a small white plate with a pair of chop sticks about to lift one off the plate on the right" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXskS6obV5OOt7llz2DplBNMDhGWtdHlSYVYpJAM6A2mYCPRJuQ7_U79ASHVNHBGWTmKN0sKYR2UucafX46ilkbGy7-xHlKpvBxC6ibDN-oQRj9tKNmul9MTO8lxThyphenhyphenpSdGNyI8CYTGX2C/w480-h640/20210519_173118.jpg" title="Mochi and chop sticks" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>One thing I wasn't going to attempt, not because I didn't want to but more it was super time consuming, was the Sushi. I ordered a lovely platter of sushi from a local sushi take away who made it up and dropped it all off for him just before dinner. I've never had sushi before and I actually really liked it.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKtj1F7AWwqQ79cgkrSkufoGmgbpHmwHSRgfIssHGgyVrIO2y8KMUjz_9FT0EswzDJLLzcltkfLJ3J8ausspET8nGyahX1Kw3MMr0KSV16Etp79wK_D_GriVkrcSvDPaXF61GDIUL-LO0/s2048/20210519_173104.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A varity of sushi sits on a black tray. Cucumber sushi rolls and whote rice with raw salmon draped on top" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKtj1F7AWwqQ79cgkrSkufoGmgbpHmwHSRgfIssHGgyVrIO2y8KMUjz_9FT0EswzDJLLzcltkfLJ3J8ausspET8nGyahX1Kw3MMr0KSV16Etp79wK_D_GriVkrcSvDPaXF61GDIUL-LO0/w480-h640/20210519_173104.jpg" title="sushi platter" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">James definitely had an awesome day. He loved all his gifts (mostly money because he is <i>the</i> hardest child to buy for) but he also got a sweetie box (some what of a tradition now!) clothes, neon laces for his trainers and some gaming money. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At his Mums party he had a big van rented out with games consoles on. He invited some of his cousins and his siblings over and they all had such a great time gaming on PlayStation, Xbox and their mobile phones in the van before having a huge take away of their choice. It was so lovely that they could all be together and James thought to invite A and Midge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So that is all the kids birthdays done this year! </div><p></p></div></div>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-63559814380754335422021-05-19T15:03:00.001+01:002023-10-25T23:31:18.052+01:00How I Proposed<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.cupcakemumma.co.uk/2021/04/we-are-getting.html">Announcing our engagement</a> a few weeks ago was so much fun that I really wanted to share how I proposed (mostly for the fact everyone keeps asking me how HE proposed) and well, anyone who knows me knows I can't have him looking like the soppy one and taking all the credit! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLFWRq1g_PREvpNJbV23yOjilJIGISbaObKl8Zxcytgx8AYCMARMk1kRSUS0jmd4gscihom48NUZVRh01VXF3eZAufeUV8gGVKYJZM3EuzSIAufBqXq8JxsbXKvq2XwQa_MmMgl4SaeJm/s1920/AirBrush_20210421085152.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="On the left, Hannah a white female holds up her hand with a silver engagement ring on. She has a big smile. Martyn, a white mail sits to her left wearing blog black glasses and smiling with a big grin." border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLFWRq1g_PREvpNJbV23yOjilJIGISbaObKl8Zxcytgx8AYCMARMk1kRSUS0jmd4gscihom48NUZVRh01VXF3eZAufeUV8gGVKYJZM3EuzSIAufBqXq8JxsbXKvq2XwQa_MmMgl4SaeJm/w640-h480/AirBrush_20210421085152.jpg" title="Engagement photo" width="640" /></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">To be fair, it is quite unusual, even in this day and age for a woman to propose to a man. According to a <a href="https://chillisauce.com/blog/post-8ddd70df400174b29fe5 https://chillisauce.com/blog/post-8ddd70df400174b29fe5 ">2019 survey</a> that I found before typing this up, I would be one of the 16% of women in a heterosexual relationship to propose; I knew it was low but not that low! </p><p style="text-align: left;">Martyn and I had spoken about getting married many times in the past being keen to make sure we were on the same page. I think I always knew to some degree that I wanted to get married again some day but for a long time I know Martyn wasn't thinking of marriage. Until a while ago and that all changed.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The only question really left in my mind was when? I felt ready but I wasn't sure if Mart was the same. I knew he would say 'yes' but would he really be ready? I also worried with his terrible indecisiveness that I could be waiting forever! So it was time to just go for it.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Initially, I planned to wait until the summer when the boys were with their mum for a day or two and my two would be away with their dad. I thought about cooking a dinner and doing it at home, then realised my cooking sucks a bit but neither of us would be happy to eat out and be the centre of attention. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I thought it might be nice to go to our favourite park but I couldn't work things out. So I actually prayed about it all one night and it all just hit me.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I ordered my ring. I loved doing this. I got to look for ages at pretty rings, I didn't have to worry about budgets because I could use my own money, I could buy exactly what I wanted knowing I would love it and knew it would fit me perfectly. I absolutely love it. My ring is from a small business seller on Etsy called <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheAladdinsCave">The Aladdins Cave</a> and it is lovely.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pXcHxT4akstZbQt0SyOr5iMENJzmWRZZDj0xRC4DvOPHdrszja4h_u8XF8neFZr5-fWL-D_fPcUzW7GJNkIKP55DKvsXHsBOTe17-2vlyBl66PD8Nrg-ZP4xhoUI9TyFp11nVC8e1Ri3/s2048/20210416_213521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2022" data-original-width="2048" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pXcHxT4akstZbQt0SyOr5iMENJzmWRZZDj0xRC4DvOPHdrszja4h_u8XF8neFZr5-fWL-D_fPcUzW7GJNkIKP55DKvsXHsBOTe17-2vlyBl66PD8Nrg-ZP4xhoUI9TyFp11nVC8e1Ri3/w640-h632/20210416_213521.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I then bought an old American coin from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/771827724/will-you-marry-me-lucky-usa-cent-penny?ref=yr_purchases">DogsandHats </a>on Etsy. The purpose of this was that I stumbled upon it and it bears the words 'In God we trust' and the seller had engraved the words 'will you marry me?' as well. </p><p style="text-align: center;">It was just perfect.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkfY483GM_g2ZFVvk2vr763B608XQrewLUhjFQI_TmOoo3Nb2ErsQ8sJZZz_oxFG-2XNJujkh64hpWQHWM2Wff-fjYGz4bKjUBzFBUNwTXhRYDlja4MI4hpvesSBrue60PhCWks-ZTJbc/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="American coin Will you marry me engraved" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="794" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkfY483GM_g2ZFVvk2vr763B608XQrewLUhjFQI_TmOoo3Nb2ErsQ8sJZZz_oxFG-2XNJujkh64hpWQHWM2Wff-fjYGz4bKjUBzFBUNwTXhRYDlja4MI4hpvesSBrue60PhCWks-ZTJbc/w640-h640/image.png" title="DogsandHats Photo of American coin" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the 14th April, 7 days before the anniversary of us officially getting together, I couldn't contain my excitement. Martyn knew something was up.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I gave him a small brown envelope. </p><p style="text-align: left;">"Are you asking me to marry you?"</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Yes I am," I smiled. </p><p style="text-align: left;">"Yes, of course, he replied. I'll need to get a ring now!"</p><p style="text-align: left;">I then pulled out a little blue box and handed it to him. He loves my organisation and it made him laugh. I let him pop the ring on my finger, (perfect fit of course) and we both just enjoyed this quiet moment.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Telling the kids some time later was so much fun. We got them to open envelopes with different words on and they put it together. All very excited and all happily overwhelmed they posed for several photos before life went back to normal. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXBwBo6F0NqIWiOEuy8zgkLoXWbJpFHhyphenhyphenOwadwOJ6slv9fgVsGr4NitH74xIfJDqlcqKCGhyphenhyphenHKXYLoRqty0-VY1927hONgCa2nnu8S8S1styGIK7ngQ5A6i_Ow1nrk2FyNLl4hxsaVU_d/s2048/20210420_155834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXBwBo6F0NqIWiOEuy8zgkLoXWbJpFHhyphenhyphenOwadwOJ6slv9fgVsGr4NitH74xIfJDqlcqKCGhyphenhyphenHKXYLoRqty0-VY1927hONgCa2nnu8S8S1styGIK7ngQ5A6i_Ow1nrk2FyNLl4hxsaVU_d/w640-h480/20210420_155834.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I think we did things the best way. I was getting all hooked up on what people would think, what society expects and I'm glad I went 'sod it' to it all. I loved asking Martyn, I loved taking the pressure he undoubtedly would have felt off his shoulders, I loved having the kids here with us and I loved doing it <b>our</b> way.</p><p style="text-align: center;">We will plan our big day for April 2023 and there's no danger of this becoming a wedding blog!</p>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-84428666090257164832021-04-21T16:42:00.001+01:002023-10-25T23:31:30.234+01:00We Are Getting...<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Married!</span></i></span></h2><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NkJlgR2SP-C-l9juxNEGbHmIVwKJDDN4kIYVeliP77p7xtpJMWPwyoyK9qvskdWTfkka-4wEMTXHmLfXJhF2_IL16ZvdwmocxFCOoqYYtCKE3LWKQGpZjkFNINb_n_S-Yc9gpQ4i5mYE/s1920/AirBrush_20210421085152.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NkJlgR2SP-C-l9juxNEGbHmIVwKJDDN4kIYVeliP77p7xtpJMWPwyoyK9qvskdWTfkka-4wEMTXHmLfXJhF2_IL16ZvdwmocxFCOoqYYtCKE3LWKQGpZjkFNINb_n_S-Yc9gpQ4i5mYE/w640-h480/AirBrush_20210421085152.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I feel so happy and blessed to be able to share this news with my lovely readers! After 4 years together and being friends for longer than that through the blogosphere, Martyn and I are happy to say we are indeed engaged.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am so excited!</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was never going to be one of those people who separated from their partner, got divorced and would swear to never get married again. I am a hopeless romantic, so much so it was actually me, ME! who asked Mr K to marry him.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are not the conventional type in this house!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thank God we are all slightly crazy and totally original. We are an open family, we do some things differently from other families. I love our set up and the kids think it is awesome that I proposed to Martyn instead of the other way around.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've wanted to propose to Martyn for a couple of months now. I thought waiting until summer would be the ideal time. I could wait for all the children to be away with their other parents, I could take Martyn to one of our favourite spots and do everything that way. I also thought I should wait until we had more understanding about Martyn's Dad's health and William's EHCP process.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I decided to pray about my plan. I heard clear as day in my head 'What are you waiting for?' </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My heart swelled and I smiled as lay sleepily in bed. I knew then that at some point in the week I had to propose. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTj1uj6hfTSRJuO11GJXSoWyYkPt-qBv3_18O9SpHm31nPL_32sGW5dAR6NezAML46IDBIDD4Oc9XDRWiytctK8KUQAW9EWvHjpPCwep3iWMgMmnd-37I5rN_qZNpOi7xaF3qvTSNqJfgE/s2048/20210416_213521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2022" data-original-width="2048" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTj1uj6hfTSRJuO11GJXSoWyYkPt-qBv3_18O9SpHm31nPL_32sGW5dAR6NezAML46IDBIDD4Oc9XDRWiytctK8KUQAW9EWvHjpPCwep3iWMgMmnd-37I5rN_qZNpOi7xaF3qvTSNqJfgE/w640-h632/20210416_213521.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We spoke a while ago about wanting a marriage this time and not a wedding. We were both so young and caught up in the wrong things when we married our ex partners. This time it was about us and our children.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So our children have been involved. They all had to open an envelope with a word on and get together in the right order to make the sentence. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHzRYneFH9wW6wD89EUmWsv5N0Oi3fnkWvzQw0NaXz33anGtK_511J8b9RUcbq_lx2ceKKIBZufqGzsznynL5M3aMJsMZ1F8gKdB9UySFcquqg-1LwU_5FF4t-Pcxr3J0RSZS8DYL-bbb/s2048/20210420_155834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHzRYneFH9wW6wD89EUmWsv5N0Oi3fnkWvzQw0NaXz33anGtK_511J8b9RUcbq_lx2ceKKIBZufqGzsznynL5M3aMJsMZ1F8gKdB9UySFcquqg-1LwU_5FF4t-Pcxr3J0RSZS8DYL-bbb/w640-h480/20210420_155834.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are so excited to spend the next year together knowing we will be man and wife. We will enjoy our engagement for a year while saving up and plan a small, intimate and geeky little wedding that will put us and our kids at the centre in 2023.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I hope you will all continue to come along for the ride! x<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-86064964425320538632021-04-16T23:33:00.000+01:002021-04-16T23:33:30.643+01:00Birthday Boys and Double Digits!<p style="text-align: justify;">I usually blog about the children's birthday individually but as the time has flown by since then I will have to pop them together. As it is, thanks to lockdown, neither A nor Will did anything that requires a lot of writing about!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">First of all A entered double digits! He is now 10..TEN? I can't believe he has finally entered the doubles. He still seems so much younger than his peers but it is what it is (tries to stop thinking about the secondary application she has to fill in this autumn)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">A was originally meant to be in Cornwall for his birthday but it didn't work out so I got my boy for his special day again. We didn't plan anything (obviously) but as usual the children always request their special birthday tea and we keep them to some sort of routine in terms of birthday breakfasts and gift opening etc.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>A had some lovely gifts. Thanks to my brother we managed to get him some Lego sports cars which he loves at the moment, some more Pokémon and new clothes. He had some great gifts from family too. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IX0cfjsjfk-G7u_O4x6YhuhfoKrXTdYqySgbhSIHdZyU8L6MiU7k8I1KEDpge8Ilj1mJDF6a7Dz2kD9uadUOKfA-UrVcWBPxVoFJ8-4lxm9_Varfy5wa-E_Fu3WVGTvkEudnE5lThUo1/s2048/20210219_165041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IX0cfjsjfk-G7u_O4x6YhuhfoKrXTdYqySgbhSIHdZyU8L6MiU7k8I1KEDpge8Ilj1mJDF6a7Dz2kD9uadUOKfA-UrVcWBPxVoFJ8-4lxm9_Varfy5wa-E_Fu3WVGTvkEudnE5lThUo1/w640-h480/20210219_165041.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">This year A decided he didn't fancy a birthday cake so he left it to me decide something different. I went with flapjack! There's this lovely flapjack lady (official name now) on my Instagram called <a href="https://www.instagram.com/justflapjack/">@JustFlapjack</a> who made me 3 slabs of the oaty, chocolaty goodness and got it here just in time for the celebrations. He loved it!</p><p style="text-align: center;">He spent most of his day chilling out on the sofa, watching things he likes on the television and playing with his new gifts after enjoying a delicious meal of hotdogs, wedges and Martyn's homemade special apple and pork burgers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlKKTYpVjgqrZGuJHYDfFVxQi9CUsBghXJlkSUhQvjz74JXpwXlGGdFi_NaaQW-rkju2TYA74lpgumJSfzKriSNFYPG0gpIrMXm5FID5U30cVfLddPinCG7DQCppSB1n9fUff_OJOHdJu/s2048/20210219_162504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlKKTYpVjgqrZGuJHYDfFVxQi9CUsBghXJlkSUhQvjz74JXpwXlGGdFi_NaaQW-rkju2TYA74lpgumJSfzKriSNFYPG0gpIrMXm5FID5U30cVfLddPinCG7DQCppSB1n9fUff_OJOHdJu/w640-h480/20210219_162504.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Will also celebrated his birthday in February by turning 12! We didn't have him on his actual birthday such is the life of co-parenting, but when we had him several days later he enjoyed spending most of his time hanging out with his sister and planning his huge dinner.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Will did want a cake this year but other than specifying it had to have white chocolate on I was free to plan what I wanted. I ordered from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cakesagainstthegrain/?hl=en" rel="nofollow">Cakes Against The Grain</a> again and this turned up the afternoon of the day we celebrated:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1Y_tVfJ8otf1P5JLWxUKigctCjZKcUtSbm4wE6wtr5Vj-lx0IuCYkVlUWPg_74EuTbQkuw2z8TcD2hQ5GQ-krz_EOWTd9IW-RCSbD7ht80LhniFdPGOIs1OTkAztfxDjIPymgmk_fbnn/s2048/20210226_183159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1Y_tVfJ8otf1P5JLWxUKigctCjZKcUtSbm4wE6wtr5Vj-lx0IuCYkVlUWPg_74EuTbQkuw2z8TcD2hQ5GQ-krz_EOWTd9IW-RCSbD7ht80LhniFdPGOIs1OTkAztfxDjIPymgmk_fbnn/w480-h640/20210226_183159.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>Delicious! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Dinner was cooked by myself and Mart, a full on curry with gluten free Naans and onion Bahjis (thanks to recipe's by <a href="https://glutenfreecuppatea.co.uk/">Gluten Free Cuppa Tea</a> in her <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Make-Anything-Gluten-Free-everything/dp/1787136612/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=how+to+make+anything+gluten+free&qid=1600092619&sr=8-1&tag=smarturl-gb-21" rel="nofollow">new cook book</a> which I bought 3 weeks ago!) </p><p style="text-align: justify;">He enjoyed all his usual baking related gifts and we treated him to an ant farm with Grandma and Pops buying him the ants. They're really cool and I hope we can show them off soon when they're ready for their new home.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On his actual birthday, Will's Mum arranged a Zoom get together for him and his cousins. They were joined by a party guy who played music and games, they all ate brownies and played Roblox for several hours before logging off all hyper and full of fun; it was so good to see them have a laugh even if they couldn't be in the same room. To be honest, these virtual parties have been so much better for all 3 of my boys with their sensory processing needs, I'll be sad to have to go back to putting them into noisey disco halls!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, now there is only one more waiting to hit the doubles and that's our wild child James. He will be 10 in May and I can't wait to see what he comes up with to celebrate his day. At the moment, he's trying to figure out what will out do his brother on the non birthday cake front..eek!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-64840531382070061662021-02-10T20:57:00.002+00:002021-02-10T21:06:08.445+00:00Enjoying the Snow!<p style="text-align: justify;">I was inspired by Kim from <a href="https://www.lifeaskim.co.uk/?m=1">Life As Kim</a> to write about our snow day here in Kent yesterday. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">We haven't had a decent snow fall for a couple of years now in Kent and the children have been moaning for months about it snowing almost everywhere else but here. Finally, we got snow!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiET2rm6NwJsXNKzO5cQDxWZtCfs10kx0QSF1je7PHsj-0irMS7DB0EN45-iY00qag3JmBleAVvo1Di-hJbBeRVDKeleDWVHbAysZOPA2ZevGb4CtjRmFf9FFxq47OPFQ4r_f20dQcXPm5y/s2048/20210207_095549.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A close up of a medium sized bare tree with small amount if white snow on the branches." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiET2rm6NwJsXNKzO5cQDxWZtCfs10kx0QSF1je7PHsj-0irMS7DB0EN45-iY00qag3JmBleAVvo1Di-hJbBeRVDKeleDWVHbAysZOPA2ZevGb4CtjRmFf9FFxq47OPFQ4r_f20dQcXPm5y/w640-h480/20210207_095549.jpg" title="Tree with snow" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was such a small amount at first that I really thought it wasnt going to do anything at all. "Yeah right will it snow," I scoffed at my eldest.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It didnt do much to be honest and I thought nothing more of it until I went to let the dog out on tuesday morning and was greeted by a thick blanket of snow at 8am. Awesome.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVI8XhJsnHxn70ocOMU-ta-5ydaLZrgL-Bg72ccANOWZPBlHEdLeU6kLP4UDSupwdWOURGzDM51wHS0WliQdnxDhIe1O27rUsB4497n7Ga8ZD1pze40aThnF7fpOr2LxbK56LOGc5bNKE9/s2048/20210208_152045.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Midge, a white 13 year old female is wearing a long green coat, white top and black cardigan with blue jeans. She is on a pavement of snow holding Sam, a white Westie" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVI8XhJsnHxn70ocOMU-ta-5ydaLZrgL-Bg72ccANOWZPBlHEdLeU6kLP4UDSupwdWOURGzDM51wHS0WliQdnxDhIe1O27rUsB4497n7Ga8ZD1pze40aThnF7fpOr2LxbK56LOGc5bNKE9/w480-h640/20210208_152045.jpg" title="Midge and Samson" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">We were a bit annoyed by the messages from school saying 'We hope you enjoy the snow but for now here is your learning for the day.' The reason this annoyed the children was becuase they had heard of various schools giving the children snow days and I was a little put out that thanks to home learning, it would appear a snow day doesn't exist in the world of school anymore...</p><p style="text-align: justify;">We did get the work done though. Midge had 3 lessons on Teams and A did all his work by lunchtime. Much quicker than normal! He is supposed to have a zoom meeting every day at 1.30pm but I put the laptop away, got my coat and gloves on and went outside, the kids following behind in excitement.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicn-sAwUTBaZfyhGh1qad5mYR0fTUXd6X0nlspR5Uai-ov_hKcr2uh7dB-a4fdLHIqey0AdAQpNKbPQ6E080fZqvF89M10I_Zxl7upKRCuEXF_8rkDvBsMgWf-fTkGL-TZ9xj92EjDlGzM/s2048/20210209_131052.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A, a white boy of 10 years is laying on snow covered ground making a snow angel weaing green army joggers and a black puffer coat" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicn-sAwUTBaZfyhGh1qad5mYR0fTUXd6X0nlspR5Uai-ov_hKcr2uh7dB-a4fdLHIqey0AdAQpNKbPQ6E080fZqvF89M10I_Zxl7upKRCuEXF_8rkDvBsMgWf-fTkGL-TZ9xj92EjDlGzM/w480-h640/20210209_131052.jpg" title="A in the snow" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGbLRljj0lEHrKAFtGSgHkyTdl6lK3ye0zsbi9NZPIkQKL4ThAFpllxzc94AXIraQJIhepexcwQ0qefFpj797lIOcVkQneK0eilHOTiJkxD1cH94-98LiOWrajhVIc-C_FsF6He7cLoWM/s1350/IMG_20210209_150521_215.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Me, white femal crouching next to a brown fence and small snoeman wearing a pink coat, leggings and white trainers smiling" border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGbLRljj0lEHrKAFtGSgHkyTdl6lK3ye0zsbi9NZPIkQKL4ThAFpllxzc94AXIraQJIhepexcwQ0qefFpj797lIOcVkQneK0eilHOTiJkxD1cH94-98LiOWrajhVIc-C_FsF6He7cLoWM/w512-h640/IMG_20210209_150521_215.jpg" title="Snowman building" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VHFdqU3BlKWEG55fzP6Y2ahciJpMiNdfrvYOMPpyJ5QI2WlWmnHJIrC18_WejCN1bDJbplgGlKgI2_skDWHcIrrJFprE5PewEVz2w1RhRbqSm1qDQ9O95R9Nv43C05vA00zJGMn0eFYG/s1350/IMG_20210209_150521_227.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Midge smiling with the snowman" border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VHFdqU3BlKWEG55fzP6Y2ahciJpMiNdfrvYOMPpyJ5QI2WlWmnHJIrC18_WejCN1bDJbplgGlKgI2_skDWHcIrrJFprE5PewEVz2w1RhRbqSm1qDQ9O95R9Nv43C05vA00zJGMn0eFYG/w512-h640/IMG_20210209_150521_227.jpg" title="Midge and snowman" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivql4tNAvaZv_O4d1Z_1Ktgs0tK1f01EdbzSyxp39IySH1SaDHQ_FTNEpkcdrtwTj5K2iR1FdzGm4WnGVceoj1LTgI1iiSzjGAAE-fwK2WVl34VSA3eb07ZvOVfYtNaT6TPGsO3axOEBRT/s1350/IMG_20210209_150521_261.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A crouches next to the snowman. He is also wearing red gloves and smiling" border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivql4tNAvaZv_O4d1Z_1Ktgs0tK1f01EdbzSyxp39IySH1SaDHQ_FTNEpkcdrtwTj5K2iR1FdzGm4WnGVceoj1LTgI1iiSzjGAAE-fwK2WVl34VSA3eb07ZvOVfYtNaT6TPGsO3axOEBRT/w512-h640/IMG_20210209_150521_261.jpg" title="A and snowman" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">We had a mini snowball fight and built a tiny snowman we called Jimmy. (A called him Jimmy, everything is Jimmy at the moment) </span></div><p style="text-align: justify;">It was so nice. When I was too cold I came in but left them outside playing, laughing and shrieking like havent done in so long.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was wonderful. </p>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-6105962929490854242021-02-01T17:32:00.008+00:002021-02-01T18:37:14.805+00:00I Have a 13 Year Old!<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">It may be late but it's better late than never! My Midge has officially turned 13. A teenager. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoLCsIkUcB41x0klI64gxFOcSfEwcTLfdf8WOnGVBUdE_pmkbRKrSnCeYw3DFrJIm9IxNwdIPDTyRTSAFwFpny88z2gqZjhJPSO_emfD70aR6Xunkags-4nO87Yss_c4unmz9l4ln0zbq/s719/Screenshot_20210116-224655_Instagram.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img alt="A photo of myself, a white, female teen wearing a black vest top with Midge as a baby in a white and pink baby gro lays on my chest." border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="719" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoLCsIkUcB41x0klI64gxFOcSfEwcTLfdf8WOnGVBUdE_pmkbRKrSnCeYw3DFrJIm9IxNwdIPDTyRTSAFwFpny88z2gqZjhJPSO_emfD70aR6Xunkags-4nO87Yss_c4unmz9l4ln0zbq/w640-h466/Screenshot_20210116-224655_Instagram.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Its mad to think I've kept this being, this wonderful, caring, sensitive and truly unique being alive and well for 13 years! </span></div></span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Over her 13 years already she has moved 12 different times, gained step siblings and half siblings, moved away from family to set up a new life with her brother and I, had to settle into a blended family, start several different schools and has now settled into year 8 in this rather bizarre year.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a name='more'></a></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">But she's amazing. Theres just the right amount of sass with our Midge. She is kind and generous and has more patience with her brothers than I've ever had with my siblings! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I was determined to make this birthday as special as possible despite all this lockdown crap. I've never bought a cake before but I came across <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cakesagainstthegrain/" rel="nofollow">Cakes Against the Grain</a> on facebook and found a lovely dairy and gluten free cake baker who made the most gorgeous cake for her.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A 6 round chocolate cake with chocolate dripping and lit candles sits onna brown dinner table" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xZaGUiCZiWqzuTPq7mcFRk6tcUEe_131AXgF40lU2vRRTmSH8g4WS12H-mDseoChLpZN8agf-lwPDGQU-wWZryqV6SQIBUDpA4SGREckTldauwi7IdfKjuvXxKMFMb9C68MWHaA8GhOn/w360-h640/20210117_163246.jpg" width="360" /></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">It was hard to find gifts as shes right after Christmas but there was a few things we could get her such as false nails which she has got into recently, nail polishes, pots for all her make up brushes, art bits for her continuing love of art and she wanted a flag and badge of the colours that represent the bisexual community (another new development which we are more than happy about!) </span></p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The boys went mad with balloons but were really well behaved. We have to have very low key birthdays here now but we put up banners and had her dinner of choice, a picky buffet tea. The girl loves her beige!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I'm so excited to see the future for Midge. At the moment she works well in school; her favourite subjects are art, religious studies and geography. She wants to be a paramedic and do something arty too (at the moment) as long as shes happy, as long as all of them are happy, I couldn't ask for more.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Welcome to the teen years Midge!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n7ywspSmTLdnqPZKRIArBQUB_YYBx0l5WZ_2dZbv4raVE98UkQDcJ4ngdBkz1_QQH0FDcNFFF4tBfB8FfvNR1ZAVf4FDiKWfYxhF-dZNvTpl9fJ0nZWknOc2KRHI90WsWty3v_FaCsmZ/s2048/IMG_20210117_120852_783.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img alt="Midge, a white teen female with blond hair is amiling at the camera wearing a white tshirt with 2 birthday pancakes on a plate in front of her" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n7ywspSmTLdnqPZKRIArBQUB_YYBx0l5WZ_2dZbv4raVE98UkQDcJ4ngdBkz1_QQH0FDcNFFF4tBfB8FfvNR1ZAVf4FDiKWfYxhF-dZNvTpl9fJ0nZWknOc2KRHI90WsWty3v_FaCsmZ/w512-h640/IMG_20210117_120852_783.jpg" width="512" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><p></p>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-15075947213015220222021-01-01T19:13:00.001+00:002021-01-02T22:13:09.692+00:00Our 2020<div style="text-align: left;">So 2020 has finally left the room (hope the door smacked it on the way out!) and I am here to do our usual summery of the year. I have hardly blogged in 2020, I mean I really didn't see the point. Home learning with 4 children and riding the rollercoaster of emotions meant I also didn't really feel very much in the mood or have the energy to write really anything at all. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I haven't had some meaningful blog break, I did consider jacking it in, I even went and set up a new blog but it didn't feel right in the end. This year Cupcake Mumma would be 10. Ten!? I cant give that up just yet. So I am going to carry on with my traditional yearly post, see if by some miracle I managed any of my <a href="https://www.cupcakemumma.co.uk/2020/01/my-2020-tick-list.html?m=0">2020 goals </a>and set some new ones for 2021 because well, it gives me something to do! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is our (hopefully not too long) post about what the Cupcake Kitneys got up to in 2020.<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">In January we celebrated Midge turning 12 and the year started off fairly simply. In Febraury we celebrated two birthdays: A turned 9 and Will turned 11 a few days later. They all celebrated with a few gifts and their chosen cakes. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Febraury was the month people started to talk about a virus spreading but it wasnt something that was stopping everyone just yet, the wedding that was planned for my Aunt and Uncle went ahead and we had a lovely time. Little did we know it would be the only time we would see each other all year.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFDovwmHYu_eL0B2Xbw_gPBxyBKFFpi-A3gVS4H9BvbMZ8iccyksAO28ImKqNH7zvHKywJOxcFfrcn7WgRMq2guENBiT8C3lpb5nKjjAWVCnNAlK3QqnwmyWJYiePqnBR5efT4N1uODhm/s1999/20210101_131652_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="1999" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFDovwmHYu_eL0B2Xbw_gPBxyBKFFpi-A3gVS4H9BvbMZ8iccyksAO28ImKqNH7zvHKywJOxcFfrcn7WgRMq2guENBiT8C3lpb5nKjjAWVCnNAlK3QqnwmyWJYiePqnBR5efT4N1uODhm/w640-h512/20210101_131652_0000.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">March is when lockdown happened. My anxiety was really bad in March and April and we didnt get up to much only home learning and adjusting to this new way of living. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In May we celebrated James turning 9 and continued to home learn with the rest of the UK. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">During the summer we started to relax a bit. I was able to go to my local shop for essentials without losing the plot and able to collect Martyns medicines freeing up a space for others who may need deliveries etc. That felt good. We had some wonderful weather but becuase we didnt feel safe going out we got nothing for our garden. I only grew tomatoes, strawberries and raspberries this year. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsB9RVgB5B7_8GRcgzUbnKW9FhLW4Y9__IlP4kQuEUY5JN7ye_rtHKQ-1929zJ8QcQPjTSu9ts0PG9G_hcZimxEuHylJoP8zgUSBSaaA1aXgPhr-ec6Jyzt9Na278VwL0R-47plB7Y69-/s1999/20210101_131652_0001.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="1999" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsB9RVgB5B7_8GRcgzUbnKW9FhLW4Y9__IlP4kQuEUY5JN7ye_rtHKQ-1929zJ8QcQPjTSu9ts0PG9G_hcZimxEuHylJoP8zgUSBSaaA1aXgPhr-ec6Jyzt9Na278VwL0R-47plB7Y69-/w640-h512/20210101_131652_0001.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">When September came all the children were back to school. Midge started year 8, Will continued home education for year 7 which wasn't our plan but we are fighting for an ehcp assessment before he starts formal education. Both James and A started year 5, one more excited than the other!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In October Mr K had his birthday. He was spoiled with treats and I bought him Battenburg cake. I celebrated my 31st at the end of October with a fairly peaceful day. I had more Care Bears and that made me happy. We did a low key Halloween as usual, carved a pumpkin and I bought all 4 kids their own little sweet box becuase I'm not really a fan of trick or treating any more.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In November, with restrictions lifted I was able to see my parents. It was so good to see them but it's sad I didnt get to see any other close family and it was a weird moment that's for sure. The children carried on with their schooling, Midge was sent home to isolate once for 14 days but thankfully it never came to anything and her friends who got sick were okay. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">December. We had james off for several weeks, eventually his school called it a day and they broke up early for the holidays. Midge had to get a test for covid which again she was thankfully negative for and returned to her normal self a day or so later. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Both Midge and A went to Cornwall to see their Dad, which meant I got to say hello to my mum who did the return journey at our half way point. It was weird travelling and on my way back from dropping the kids off we learned Kent had gone into a tier 4. Travelling between families has always been allowed and the kids hadn't been for almost a year, even so, it was strange. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our Christmas was lovely though I'm pleased to say. I'm very blessed to have known people only become mildly unwell and most of my loved ones have done as we have done and totally isolated. We had some Christmas quizzes, some lovely church meetings on zoom, we all had a lovely bunch of gifts and Martyns delicious Christmas roast dinner. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuXJLOcmy9px2m3tk_uxHyHrdyULnt2_QG2WFD5Wquc4tFrgWJ-Chz_F_-LA1W9StVz9ctngBu1urAmX-LIeYkyn0PncpiQRC98LAN7eJoZaU08eVWOn3lhlamzAw4HvovQg9Nvv0GT5d/s2048/20201212_194604.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuXJLOcmy9px2m3tk_uxHyHrdyULnt2_QG2WFD5Wquc4tFrgWJ-Chz_F_-LA1W9StVz9ctngBu1urAmX-LIeYkyn0PncpiQRC98LAN7eJoZaU08eVWOn3lhlamzAw4HvovQg9Nvv0GT5d/w480-h640/20201212_194604.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Despite everything 2020 has not personally been my worst year. That was 2019 and it will take some beating. Of course it hasn't been easy. The pandemic particularly highlighted how far away I am from family, zoom or a phone call isnt always the same. Our church has been wonderful and given us something do in the later part of the year. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mental health has been the biggest struggle, although I've had much worse in the past I've certainly had a tough time with health anxiety which is new for me. Its settled down now and I continue to work through my general anxiety like most of the population!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope 2021 will bring better times eventually for us all. </div>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-18139497672588876902020-05-08T23:27:00.000+01:002020-05-08T23:27:05.850+01:00Blind Taste Testing for Science Home Learning!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I was initially going to write up the weeks we were doing home learning and share what it is we're looking at school wise during lock down but surprise, surprise, it's all been rather busy and with 4 children at home doing such a variety of learning I thought I might just write up some of the things we do on and off instead of doing a boring old round up.</div>
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<img alt="The two boys sat smiling excitedly at the table with the food in the middle of them. Both blindfolded and laughing." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRSDhKutbQEi5MKDY3efwcDJ-cIWanHXGR57hyNnJwHuU-LequM0sjB4SrBrcj5gx9_u85p5PPU4cXoliBKYhraAx4_PrRVr_mgBsOyuFUq1GNmGdBas8aG7JacaBcAQUlPOhmtQ5Au0n/s640/20200428_145142.jpg" /></div>
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We love a good science experiment in this house. We've enjoyed making and <a href="https://www.cupcakemumma.co.uk/2019/07/review-national-geographic-build-your.html">exploding volcanoes, </a>making bottles fly like rockets and mixing random things to make all sorts of <strike>mess</strike> fun. One experiment we always enjoy but haven't done for a long time is a blind taste tasting!</div>
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<u>What we used</u></div>
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A variety of foods and sauces (I'll list ours below but this is totally up to you)</div>
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A chopping board to hold all our items on</div>
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Spoons and/or forks for holding and dipping</div>
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A bowl each for any 'emergency 'spit outs' as we called it!</div>
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Tissue for cleaning up faces</div>
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Paper to record our likes and dislikes.</div>
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We did this experiment with A and Will for science. Will has amazing taste buds so I expected him to identify most if not all of these food items blind. A has sensory processing disorder and can be very sensitive to strong smells and tastes so this was a real test for him!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdjjChP3B0pRPdz57zRDkgjHXl2YgV0GcoEtFEGjEkGnmjXWIoF0eK2jVup-z_h6V_K2z3jP3sHRBh7NGfH39N1JvoKJjK-Xx8BKTIC6WhfXdyA9y2jv_eR-h-rSx6CqAugPtNe9rJfuC/s1600/20200428_144430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="All the foods and sauces laid out on a black chopping board. Food on the left and sauces on the right." border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdjjChP3B0pRPdz57zRDkgjHXl2YgV0GcoEtFEGjEkGnmjXWIoF0eK2jVup-z_h6V_K2z3jP3sHRBh7NGfH39N1JvoKJjK-Xx8BKTIC6WhfXdyA9y2jv_eR-h-rSx6CqAugPtNe9rJfuC/s640/20200428_144430.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u>On our board (pictured above) we had: </u></div>
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Chocolate Square cereal</div>
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Grapes chopped up small</div>
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Banana with peanut butter on top</div>
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Raw mushroom</div>
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Cheese</div>
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Sunflower seeds</div>
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Raw onion</div>
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Lemon</div>
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<u>Sauces</u></div>
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Tomato sauce</div>
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Balsamic Vinegar</div>
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Mint sauce</div>
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Marmite</div>
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Chocolate syrup</div>
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BBQ Sauce</div>
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Mustard</div>
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Soy Sauce</div>
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Salad cream</div>
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I helped to guide the boys with each food item and recorded what they liked and didn't like and most importantly, if they could guess what food or sauce it was just by smell.</div>
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William, as predicted only got 2 slightly wrong. He thought the salad cream was mayonnaise and he thought the vinegar was cider vinegar. A also did really well. He struggled with the more 'out there' sauces such as the soy sauce and vinegar. Both boys knew straight away what they were in for with the mustard which was hilarious.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthyphenhyphen_QUrUqnqDmcsuWMYFWcA1gm4UPtc4FL4CSr2fZ-j7efZ9I1GjNH884cLO8dYUreY9-U5yLLVEHd8qwGQeqAIN3DUqKP6W33KIFS0uaCuj9zSM81zl9C4pykCE9zEHuijTN8FH1WYJj/s1600/20200428_145846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A in a spider man t shirt holding a spoon of mind sauce for testing wearing his black blindfold" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthyphenhyphen_QUrUqnqDmcsuWMYFWcA1gm4UPtc4FL4CSr2fZ-j7efZ9I1GjNH884cLO8dYUreY9-U5yLLVEHd8qwGQeqAIN3DUqKP6W33KIFS0uaCuj9zSM81zl9C4pykCE9zEHuijTN8FH1WYJj/s640/20200428_145846.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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Out of the foods, they both guessed them all right but didn't like all of them. Will hates bananas but managed to get the peanut butter off without looking instead! A isn't a fan of cheese on it's own and wasn't keen on the raw mushroom. I was really surprised both boys knew which seed I had used.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WVVaWn8pNapc9BCrrbW7b6i-UKZJ-OfJx3orGBf1dr2GCVmy1XNMErUT5CqcJuZVCrppElrFgSkAANzfONPDD21Z4tG-_0BdZpmPq_rTQhha8n-TsNClxXCOJxSVRpOSLvIveR5qfQoC/s1600/20200428_145850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Will in a tiger suit with a blindfold holding a spoon ready to eat some mint sauce" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WVVaWn8pNapc9BCrrbW7b6i-UKZJ-OfJx3orGBf1dr2GCVmy1XNMErUT5CqcJuZVCrppElrFgSkAANzfONPDD21Z4tG-_0BdZpmPq_rTQhha8n-TsNClxXCOJxSVRpOSLvIveR5qfQoC/s640/20200428_145850.jpg" title="" width="480" /></a></div>
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This was a really fun experiment that made us all laugh. </div>
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You can choose whatever items you like to put on your board. Sometimes this is a good way of helping children who are a bit fussy to eat foods they don't normally like to eat when they see them. If you were going to do this I don't recommended using anything with very strong flavours or that any foods you know they hate because then you'll probably lose them for any more testing!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlKXwesgIw6pDPCIrs7-I-PjNN0v3dL10p1YwJxWbUzHCA0Wvz17MgwiLd-Igt8cikYOWXei3zXIn1_naSNRbfKbHlOVKMRkH4r9TF_uyN2tuebYZNv0Sodvv0p3BD2uW8vlIcfwK4zGq/s1600/20200428_162548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Scrap book with what food was liked and not liked and a labelled photo of all the foods and sauces." border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlKXwesgIw6pDPCIrs7-I-PjNN0v3dL10p1YwJxWbUzHCA0Wvz17MgwiLd-Igt8cikYOWXei3zXIn1_naSNRbfKbHlOVKMRkH4r9TF_uyN2tuebYZNv0Sodvv0p3BD2uW8vlIcfwK4zGq/s640/20200428_162548.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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Because this was for home learning, the boys wrote everything up in some scrap books we bought them. I hope when they hand this in to their teachers they'll really love their work.</div>
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*And in the interests of being safe I have to add that I made sure all items of food were small enough to swallow, drinks on stand by and they had constant supervision, after all eating blind could be a bit of a choke hazard if not done properly!*</div>
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Do let me know if you've tried this before if you plan to. I'd love to know how it goes! </div>
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Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-51002317589317846882020-04-15T00:30:00.000+01:002020-04-27T17:54:27.772+01:00Book Review: Rebel with a Cupcake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4rQ3bDbf5PC-hKUFcNCXIL7XEncJ1NQAnVUk7GlQofEMZ2ghPrTxppbY3l4TFH4-mLIqQZQdcyRnsywBqotEqS7oqYMCFMP4ittEeobmcaQSNp-5Atw7gAZMNMhs-V8pQP6lo2B1mWTA/s1600/Screenshot_20200329-205233_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4rQ3bDbf5PC-hKUFcNCXIL7XEncJ1NQAnVUk7GlQofEMZ2ghPrTxppbY3l4TFH4-mLIqQZQdcyRnsywBqotEqS7oqYMCFMP4ittEeobmcaQSNp-5Atw7gAZMNMhs-V8pQP6lo2B1mWTA/s640/Screenshot_20200329-205233_Instagram.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
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I have been sent this book for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.</div>
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<u>About the Book</u></div>
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Jesobel Jones is bold and beautiful. The daughter of a hand model and a washed-up rock star, she sees no need to apologise for her rambling house, her imperfect family, her single status ... or her weight. Jess makes her own cupcakes and she eats them, too. That is, until Own Clothes Day when a wardrobe malfunction leaves Jess exposed, and a mean girl calling her the one thing that’s never bothered her before: fat.</div>
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<u>What I Thought:</u></div>
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I'm not used to reading YA books but they're something I'd like to read more of. Rebel with a Cupcake was sent to me to review and I'm really pleased to be part of the blog tour.</div>
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I did find it hard to get into the book but once you're in, you're in. I loved the different characters, some to really like and others you really, really dislike! Jess, the main character, is a great character and a really positive one to follow. Even when she's considering (and trying) to sort her weight after <i>that</i> incident her positive attitude towards others and her want to accept herself as she is shines through.</div>
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There was something quite nostalgic in this book for me, taking me back to my school days! A small group of pretty good mates, school days and the ones who are always there to make life difficult! Luckily I had a great friends like Jess and I didn't have such difficult family, or more correctly, a rude family! </div>
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I overall really enjoyed Rebel with a Cupcake and have suggested my 12 year old has a go at reading it too. I'll update with her opinion!</div>
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<u>Information about the book:</u></div>
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Title: Rebel with a Cupcake</div>
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Author: Anna Mainwaring</div>
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Genre: YA Contemporary</div>
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Publisher: Firefly Press</div>
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Published: 2nd April 2020</div>
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Goodreads Link:<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52914309-rebel-with-a-cupcake"> https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52914309-rebel-with-a-cupcake </a></div>
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Amazon Link: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rebel-Cupcake-Anna-Mainwaring-ebook/dp/B07WDFM66Q">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rebel-Cupcake-Anna-Mainwaring-ebook/dp/B07WDFM66Q </a></div>
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<u>About the Author</u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6BPPfaovjJ3tO0mTd4pxcmvzSm6n-N7YNIU6NR3D8h_qzbMjGSoAKJjlqWlZcgXMDzUJkzC30Ho4avcJlIoz3Di0XxFIYjqkMsQXw55qoOCjtO3w_bInWyrM10kq1dyjrFTDI9798UOJ/s1600/Anna+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="420" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6BPPfaovjJ3tO0mTd4pxcmvzSm6n-N7YNIU6NR3D8h_qzbMjGSoAKJjlqWlZcgXMDzUJkzC30Ho4avcJlIoz3Di0XxFIYjqkMsQXw55qoOCjtO3w_bInWyrM10kq1dyjrFTDI9798UOJ/s640/Anna+Pic.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
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Anna Mainwaring read ‘The Lord of the Rings’ at the age of seven and hasn’t stop reading since. After studying English at university, she took the bizarre decision to follow a career in corporate banking. This made her sad so she left, went travelling and trained to be a teacher. When not teaching, writing or hiding from her children in the study, Anna can be found in bookshops, cafes or walking slowly up big hills.</div>
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<u>Author Links</u></div>
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Website:<a href="https://annamainwaringauthor.wordpress.com/"> https://annamainwaringauthor.wordpress.com/ </a></div>
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Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Anna_Mainwaring">https://twitter.com/Anna_Mainwaring </a></div>
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<u>Join the Blog Tour!</u></div>
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See who else has written about Rebel with a Cupcake on this blog tour!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0V_S5y8iTnqwViBTGjTeKguLWoDjP6LRXyGuQ-6UcHYe2fYoIkgvlixnP0G0jdo0YociS5cuBr_hM0-M-CkRk67Fwlv64ERxglNAlOmsoOlgt6eTbz63-Yvb0KWbivQq4SjNJPwTuRmX/s1600/RebelBlogTour.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0V_S5y8iTnqwViBTGjTeKguLWoDjP6LRXyGuQ-6UcHYe2fYoIkgvlixnP0G0jdo0YociS5cuBr_hM0-M-CkRk67Fwlv64ERxglNAlOmsoOlgt6eTbz63-Yvb0KWbivQq4SjNJPwTuRmX/s640/RebelBlogTour.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-92023664299111715332020-04-10T18:40:00.000+01:002020-04-27T17:53:55.996+01:00Easter Reasons to be Cheerful <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm joining in again with Reasons to be cheerful. It's so nice to reflect on things in general but even more so in this difficult time. </div>
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This week is the start of the Easter holidays here. We have kept some home ed for routine but mostly we have been having fun. A and Midge have had a water fight this week and finally managed to get me to drag out the paddling pool.</div>
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I've enjoyed some of the beautiful flowers in my garden.</div>
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We celebrated Passover together this week. For the first time in years I made proper home made bread. I made a loaf of wheat bread and pictured below, had semi success with a gluten free soda bread. </div>
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We lit our candle, had a lovely meal and some comforting prayers led by Mr K. </div>
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We've enjoyed a fish supper tonight and will look forward to our Easter Sunday roast as a big family.</div>
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Our Easter garden on one of our raised beds.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86xKCwylmbFydiZVgAJUEIdeqypMfWxT1_UYpzZT-hO_UxlghyphenhyphenvYvwTjDYrgAX8vxWTxkwcDu43zsqAuQrHMolsjJIkeszavu3jfTp-P8i07fX7rOsKVDJkeLM_pSKfHo3COp6-TcyF9F/s1600/20200406_155757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86xKCwylmbFydiZVgAJUEIdeqypMfWxT1_UYpzZT-hO_UxlghyphenhyphenvYvwTjDYrgAX8vxWTxkwcDu43zsqAuQrHMolsjJIkeszavu3jfTp-P8i07fX7rOsKVDJkeLM_pSKfHo3COp6-TcyF9F/s640/20200406_155757.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Midge and A tucking in to their Passover meal. </div>
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Hope you can all find something positive this week. Much love!</div>
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<a href="http://mummyfromtheheart.com/"><img alt="R2BC at Mummy from the Heart" height="150" src=" http://notperfection.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/R2BC-badge-2016-1024x683.jpg" width="200" /></a></center>
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Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-79942178374407867592020-04-09T17:55:00.001+01:002020-04-09T17:55:57.997+01:00Lock Down Home Ed 2020 Weeks 1 & 2!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHZpX7FAlWXen4LbHTlaMEwzjyDD8yLAvBTgzOHCtPd5X1fiV-CyY0tvedv4byzvj3Xr1lXxnZ4OGGa0wRzUGNEKN1bDlONiZcAKd41-t-_35TEDnEZHuk_asy5atA0nT3GXTWBWwhgzN/s1600/20200308_171956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHZpX7FAlWXen4LbHTlaMEwzjyDD8yLAvBTgzOHCtPd5X1fiV-CyY0tvedv4byzvj3Xr1lXxnZ4OGGa0wRzUGNEKN1bDlONiZcAKd41-t-_35TEDnEZHuk_asy5atA0nT3GXTWBWwhgzN/s640/20200308_171956.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I can't believe we are in week 3 of lock down already! This week is the beginning of the Easter holidays so although we are taking a step back from the past 2 weeks home ed routine, we are still doing our 'core subjects' and some fun educational based activities in between. Mr K has a good post on home learning in this current crisis if you'd like to check out how we're going about things <a href="http://www.insidemartynsthoughts.com/2020/03/timing-routine-and-free-learning-for.html">here</a></div>
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I thought I would record a little round up 2 weeks at a time of how things are going in home ed, what we've been up to etc. As most people know we already home educate 1 of our children, my step son Will. He was gearing up for starting school this year but seems that's all been pushed back!</div>
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All the children have had some experience of home education in their time so this isn't a huge shock to their system. They're missing their friends and some teachers but not much else, a relief! Here's what we got up to for our first 2 weeks:</div>
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Week 1:</div>
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We looked at Surrealism in art. Both the children (we are doing a week on and a week off with Will and James) had to draw out our kitchen and then add something surreal. Midge went with some very colourful backgrounds but hasn't yet completed her artwork. Below is A's masterpiece, our kitchen with a kangaroo holding Thors' hammer. Very cool.</div>
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We've been doing our core subjects, which are maths and English every morning (mostly hosted by Mr K!) In history, Midge has been looking at life in the 1500's and A has been looking at the Anglo Saxons. In French, we looked at body parts and had fun labelling some diagrams and in science A learned about a plants life cycle. In Geography A wanted to look at the Egyptians, so we started by looking at where Egypt was and some interesting facts:</div>
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Midge is set a (continuous) flow of school work, so she also has Latin to look at and most subjects are all on the computer these days. She has been working really hard and we set her up on my bureau in the front room to avoid the noise! We have also set aside some food tech. On the first week, A made a rice pudding and Midge, well Midge is always in the kitchen! Although I think on our food tech day she wasn't feeling great so she didn't make dinner.</div>
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Week 2:</div>
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This week we had the boys stay for the week. Like most of the nation (world actually) we've been joining in with Joe Wicks for his P.E work outs in between using the back yard. They all had great fun doing this. <br />
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For our food tech we made several things over the week but our best makes were my Grandma's Ginger Biscuits for pudding made by James and Midge and a chicken curry made by Mr K, Will and A. That was such a tasty dinner. </div>
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In French we looked at our families and recapped on body parts. In science Mr K looked into photosynthesis and did some worksheets with the kids. English has been focused on Harry Potter books, keywords and handwriting practice and in R.E the boys looked at The 10 Commandments. I love their own ones! James wrote 'Do not throw Lego' which I think is very wise!</div>
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A's 10 Commandments</div>
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James's 10 Commandments</div>
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We have played lots of different board games, James's favourite is this maths times tables game from <a href="https://www.plyt.co.uk/">PLYT </a> It's his go to game. <a href="http://www.insidemartynsthoughts.com/2017/06/review-plyt-board-game.html">Mr K did a review on his blog a while ago here. </a></div>
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James playing a maths board game.</div>
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We had a look at Pop Art which is something I enjoyed. The kids got a bit fed up of doing this one, I don't think they enjoyed how much colouring in they had to do but they all produced such great drawings! Below is Will showing off his fine work. </div>
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So all in all we have worked really hard planning home ed for all the guys both on the week they are together and when it's just 2 of them. I'm not going to lie, it' been <i>tough</i> but it's also really rewarding knowing they're having fun and still learning. The schools are setting work but we are cherry picking what we want, with 4 children all with different needs and working at different levels it would be impossible to remain as sane as we are doing it another way!</div>
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All 3 boys showing off their handwriting practice. </div>
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I'd love to hear how everyone else has been getting on so if you want to leave a comment or a link to your posts please do!</div>
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Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-18677651193135616152020-03-29T21:06:00.002+01:002020-04-08T11:34:21.896+01:00Reasons To Be Cheerful:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Its pretty tough to find things to be happy about some days at the moment. So I'm putting together my cheerful list which is also kind of a thankful list too. Enjoy.<br />
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<i>New Books</i></div>
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Thanks to <a href="https://www.thereadingresidence.com/">The Reading Residence</a> I have had 3 books bought for me on my Amazon wishlist. As part of her Bring Back Paper group we wanted to find ways of still enjoying our love of stationery and books and this was a lovely way to still do that.<br />
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I've also recieved a book to review which I will share on a blog tour in April!</div>
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<i>Homeschool</i></div>
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A has slipped into home school really well and that's made me very happy. He's actually doing more work here than he would do at school. Midge has been getting on with all the tasks set, we've had a few wobbly moments from both of them but we like our new routine. I feel <i>very </i>lucky to have Martyn doing most of the lessons, it just made sense with his teaching background and he feels useful too!<br />
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<i>Routine</i></div>
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Many times we've tried to establish a routine in this house and only parts of it stay. Martyn drew up a home school timetable and it's really been helping our days flow. We don't stick to it rigidly, it's more of a guideline but it really helps us all get through the day.</div>
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<i>Those still working</i></div>
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I'm incredibly thankful to those who are still working in essential jobs. I should be getting food this week, today I had medicine delivered that I couldn't get locally so had to order online, I had a plumber come out to fix a pipe that has been leaking all over my bathroom for 2 weeks. There are so many people still working out there holding everything together. Thank you.</div>
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<i>Good friends</i><br />
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Martyns piano student brought over some bits that the school didn't need any more, plus some extras they had in their cupboard. We've also had Ken and Ember get food for us despite them living an hour away and the boys Mum donating some spare food to keep us afloat when we only got enough food in our order for 4 people and not 6!<br />
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Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-80290284984828816682020-03-25T16:13:00.000+00:002020-04-09T10:49:54.701+01:00Finding a New Normal...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.cupcakemumma.co.uk/2020/03/strange-times.html" target="">My last post Strange Times</a> was a bit of a mind dump. I think I need this blog more than ever right now. It's been so neglected the past year with not wanting to write too much about what went on in our lives in 2019 for privacy, then wanting to give the children more privacy (they tell me they're fine with being on here but I prefer to scale it back a lot now because I'm sure they won't always be!) </div>
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Since I last wrote things have happened so fast with this virus that has spread globally. We're in a kind of lock down in the UK, joining many countries around the world. It was so, so strange watching Boris Johnson announce that we would not be allowed out of our homes unless we had to go to work, or exercise once a day. No more gatherings or meeting loved ones. This had been in effect as advice for several weeks but after thousands all across the country decided to ignore it it has all become a 'must do.'<br />
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I live in a small close so have not seen much going on here in Kent. I already avoid going out unless absolutely necessary because you just don't know who has 'the sickness' (I'm determined to make its name!) My parents have reported police presence and other counties have said they've noticed an increase, they're all making sure the shops that are not essential are indeed closed and that people are in groups of no more than 2.</div>
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I'm finding myself on a continuous roller coaster of emotions. One moment I feel okay, I am reminded that I am safe with my family and I know my loved ones are too. Other times I feel angry that people are not listening and continue to make decisions with no care for the lives of others. Sometimes I feel totally normal. I'll put the bins out or wash my dishes like normal and then it hits me: there's a horrible virus out there killing thousands of people and we haven no idea when this will end.</div>
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When I last wrote we were all still going about things fairly normally but being more vigilant. The infection numbers were lower, the death rate lower (now both standing at over 1000 and over 400) I attended my one to one meeting with my counsellor, I was still taking my children to school, myself walking to and from and still stopping in the local store for some extras I needed.</div>
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2 weeks later and schools have been shut to all bar the vulnerable and key workers. We must not leave our homes unless absolutely necessary. People who are high risk and the over 70's have been told not to leave their homes <i>at all</i> for the next 12 weeks. I now have my therapy appointments over the phone and make people leave packages outside my door!</div>
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There are some positives though. These actions are important and I am happy to live by them. Although I don't know what will happen to our food supply near April I hope the supermarkets will have more control back from panic buyers. We have a new temporary hospital being set up in London, companies are mostly being supportive to their hard working employees (and those that are not are being called out left, right and centre) Thousands of ventilators have been made and thousands of people are signing up to help the NHS as volunteers in this awful time.</div>
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I don't write this to scare people or make others anxious. I am simply writing this for myself. I could sit there with a pen and a piece of paper but this blog has documented so much of our family life and this is pretty major. One day people in the future will learn about the great sickness of 2020. I don't want it to be all about how amazing our leaders were and all the positives. It should also be about those on the front line, the people losing their jobs, the people struggling to find food, the raw emotions of us 'simple folk' left to lock ourselves in, wait for a daily news bulletin, ration our food, work from home and teach our children and all for on God knows how long.</div>
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Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-79066550915124816882020-03-16T13:52:00.000+00:002020-03-16T13:52:23.420+00:00Strange Times<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's such a strange time at the moment. There seems to be an atmosphere of so many emotions. At home I see the children going about things as normal, just like I did when I was younger and these big events went on.</div>
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Mr K is being his usual self. He has plans in his head in case one of us does get sick and in general he isn't losing his mind in any way, shape or form. He is concerned about James, who is high risk and he himself is potentially high risk. He does have Muscular Dystrophy but as usual with FSH we really have no idea how sick (or not) this virus would make him.</div>
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So in general the household is pretty calm. I'm sort of keeping my anxiety at bay. I continuously try to remain calm and logical and try not to engage in the news too much during the day, just the odd peek here and there. I'm far more worried about getting sick as a carer than a parent. This isn't a 24 hour bug that I can push through a little, it's a full on flu type sickness and I have to be there for my partner when no one else is, not with everything but with some things still.</div>
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Outside the world is pretty calm too..until you go to the supermarket. Then it's full of people cramming loo rolls, water bottles, tins and pasta into their overflowing trolleys like mad men and women. I find myself feeling judgemental but reminding myself some people, like myself, would be doing their normal monthly shop. I get paid monthly so it's how I do it, meaning the poor staff in Tesco would have 2 big green trolley things going around purchasing all our tins, our 3 9 pack loo rolls, and doubles of most things because we are a family of 6. I'm even justifying myself in my head! </div>
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The online world is absolutely mad though. I see many people ripping others a part, people scared, a lot of us lost without our government and others feeling like we have enough information so they disregard how others feel. There is abuse, a lack of sympathy, plain foolishness, fake news flying everywhere..but then I see people both locally and nationally making groups and offering help to those who are elderly and vulnerable. People offering to pick up groceries or find items in their shops when someone has been everywhere to look for something as simple as paracetamol.</div>
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It's such a roller coaster right now for everyone. I think now, more than ever, it would be really good to not say anything if you have nothing kind to say. Offer help if you can and if you want to. Make choices that are right for you and your family but don't make fun, abuse or call out people who are making different choices for themselves and their family.</div>
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For us, we have no idea. I'm still thinking schools will close in time for or bang on Easter holiday time but that we may see an extension to our holiday. We may not. Our children are in school at the moment because they are healthy but it is worrying knowing that you have to recognise that you can't control other people; not everyone is following the guidelines which is frightening to a high risk home. I feel like we are all a bit in limbo right now.</div>
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Strange times indeed.</div>
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Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-46168127629562934532020-01-30T17:20:00.000+00:002020-03-16T14:01:28.961+00:00Reasons To Be Cheerful #1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Okay, so we're finally at the end of January and that's probably one huge reason for a lot of us to be feeling more cheerful. I was supposed to write this post up the first week of January but as usual life got in the way: oh well.</div>
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I do have many reasons to smile despite the miserable weather and the long month. The main reason I can say this is because I have been keeping an (almost) daily journal of all the good parts of that day (even if the only good part is that I haven't gone off my trolley by the end of it!)</div>
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Here are some of my reasons to be cheerful this week:</div>
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1. Mr K has finally picked up his pencils again and has made his first picture of 2020 for me. It is my beautiful dog Peppa who passed away last year very suddenly. She is so loved and missed. I will be framing her and finding a special place for her in our home.</div>
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2. I have finally found the secret to an amazing milk free and gluten free (most importantly!) Yorkshire pudding mix: Gram Flour! Also known as chickpea flour. I cannot tell you how happy this has made me (clue, very) </div>
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3. An impromptu visit to Eastgate House today for some history with Will. </div>
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4. Mr K's power chair has been ordered! We hope it'll be here next week.</div>
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5. All the kids are making progress with their schooling. They all feel the pressure slightly these days, the younger 2 are having to go through this new times tables testing in a few months. Midge is having to do revision and exams already and she's only in year 7. They all seem to be doing their best and I can't be happier than with that plus Will is looking forward to school too, we now have an EHCP journey to embark upon to get this ready for him!</div>
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I've also managed to catch up with some family this week, attended the funeral of a lovely man which is obviously not a happy event but it was a lovely service and as a Christian we believe that this is only the beginning for such an amazing man. </div>
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Hopefully I'll make it back next week too!</div>
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Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-84423443789486428002020-01-18T00:00:00.000+00:002020-03-16T14:01:55.570+00:00My 2020 Tick List<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Just like last year I thought I would make a new list for this year. If you read my update then you will know how surprised I was to have accomplished as many of my goals last year as I did. I am hoping that by tth eend of 2020 I will have managed to do just as well.<br />
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<u>Here is my list for 2020!</u><br />
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<li><b>Sort Martyn a new wheelchair</b></li>
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This will be really beneficial for us both in the long run. We have chosen a really good chair and we just have to wait for it to all be put together and fit Martyn to ensure he's as comfortable as possible. It will mean I get to walk alongside him instead of pushing him all the time, he will hopefully be able to stand up from the chair like he used to do and he will also have more independence for example, he hasn't been out on his own for almost 2 years!<br />
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<li><b>Be more frugal and environmentally friendly</b></li>
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I have really scrutinised my budget. Living as we do, myself a full time carer to Martyn and himself on disability benefits for his Muscular Dystrophy we don't have much to play with when all is said and done. I would like to get better deals on some of our outgoings, shop smarter and using David Ramseys guide I want to build up an emergency savings to cover those unavoidable mishaps such as broken washing machines and what not! Then I can focus on paying off any debt quicker and hopefully feel a little more secure financially.<br />
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We also as a family want to focus on reducing and reusing. Buying second hand, not being wasteful, eating less meat and simply being more conscious of our world and environment.<br />
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<li><b>Get our home decorated fully</b></li>
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We have 2 more rooms to decorate: the kitchen and our bedroom. It's taken me months to decorate the place and it's only a flat! I am a terrible procrastinator! We need to fit carpet into one of the bathrooms to make it accessible for Martyn and that's really about it. Just a few finishing touches here and there but I would love for it to all be done this year.</div>
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<li><b>Help Martyn launch his artwork</b></li>
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Martyn is an amazing artist and we have been considering for some time to create him a business to sell his artwork. There is a lot to do but hopefully by the end of the year we have a good basis for it or maybe even be started.<br />
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<li><b>Emergency fund and debt cut</b></li>
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Part of my frugal lifestyle mentioned above, this one is really important to me this year.<br />
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<li><b>Giving back in some way.</b></li>
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Whether I manage to volunteer again, do something with one of the children's schools or find a charity I would like to regularly support, I hope to find some way of giving back. As always, this will something I pray on and wait to be shown.<br />
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<li><b>Sort out a disabled badge for Martyn</b></li>
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<li><b>Find coping mechanisms, need therapy less and hopefully be able to either have a regular massage or osteopath appointments to help with my lower back self care!</b></li>
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<u><b>Some extra goals:</b></u></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Make homemade candles for my home and family</b></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Read 15 books</span></b></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Do a journal</b></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Make homemade Christmas gifts</span></b></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Donate to a good cause every month</span></b></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have a family gathering</span></b></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Make sleep a priority and get into a good bedtime routine</span></b></li>
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<b><i>Do you have any goals for this year? I'd love to read your posts your comments.</i></b></div>
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Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-33943532882034409812020-01-07T22:58:00.001+00:002020-03-16T14:02:28.156+00:00Our 2019...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I bet loads of people would be surprised to see me posting a positive round up of 2019. It's true it was a fairly bad year. We had a real rollercoaster with social services being involved. We voluntarily asked for help but they didn't give us any help at all. </div>
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When we followed some advice from one of our workers we ended up in a spiral when she left and it came out she had not documented a single peice of advice or guidance she gave us. This meant that we were viewed in a very negative way, instead of supporting us they started an investigation into our family life and how we treat our children. </div>
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Obviously and thankfully this never went any further. We ended up getting rid of the social worker who did this to us and had a final one. One who did listen, who did empathise and did see us for us. We were under her for a few weeks and thankfully signed off which happened in the end of November, officially early December. Praise God! </div>
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Although we went through that, we've had friends who have been unwell, family has passed away, it's been difficult. However, there is always a silver lining, reasons to smile and I know it wasn't all bad. </div>
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So here's some positivity:</div>
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There were 4 very happy birthdays, six altogether really! Dressing up days at school and my parents visited in November so we had a lovely dinner a games night plus some quality time. We had lots of cooking days, especially with William and his home ed and a trip to London for Mr K's MD appointment. Although we don't go into London because it's such a tight schedule, I love seeing the views and buildings. </div>
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Another year means another line up of the kids and their new school years, Mr K obtained some new piano lessons and even taught me a few songs! Family outings for walking and blackberry picking, soup making in the winter, the children went to Wales with my parents and Midge left year 6..eek!</div>
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I designed an awesome den for the front room: go me. We had a huge anniversary bash for my aunt and uncle which was amazing. Everyone got to meet Mr K after 2 years and loved him. Polling day came and went, which wasn't everyone's favourite time but it was the day we raised over £2000 for Mr K's electric wheelchair.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWMDgnPcG6Uo3VdiiwQ_xDspjGlaT6g03S8LKh2ZPwTGj8pC1UK4ncQ9vzVwb80zmppCTJMYQpoKAQ4j7gow_y15vEISQbNmbh3gcbrpKNzu1T8fsAgZ1wxaEBgBWrM_vN8B6wzrA4-rR/s1600/20200106_205546_0000.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWMDgnPcG6Uo3VdiiwQ_xDspjGlaT6g03S8LKh2ZPwTGj8pC1UK4ncQ9vzVwb80zmppCTJMYQpoKAQ4j7gow_y15vEISQbNmbh3gcbrpKNzu1T8fsAgZ1wxaEBgBWrM_vN8B6wzrA4-rR/s640/20200106_205546_0000.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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We had several cinema dates, Christingle was lovely this year and the church very full. Although we lost my gorgeous Peppa Dog she was remembered on our Christmas tree and always will be now. We had Christmas number 2 on new years day, I turned 30 and we enjoyed some pumpkin making for Halloween too. </div>
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So many little moments and some rather big ones that are totally worth not writing 2019 off completely for. My faith has grown so much over the year too as has some of my friendships and relationships with family. Everything happens for a reason and there are some things I can see clearly now. Some are still not entirly clear and maybe never for me to know and that's okay.</div>
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Happy New year to you all!</div>
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Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-82958945526163180022019-12-22T17:59:00.001+00:002023-10-25T23:43:20.949+01:00My 2019 Tick-list ~ Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjURT46MAKlugKQ65EckompihFkNus8yd6fpWRMcrvUCqN5FWLbPmz6RTsqSZvnsH4vhY8dph4_67c6mRDwm6XNADE4tr0qoyd19I8V9El1BkEqz0T2cuXlVNikKwUlPazhVnN5Y3PmzS/s640/20190111_095237_0000.png" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Gosh, what a year. I feel like I've been through hell and back this year. The important thing to remember is that I came back. Not all the dust has settled from this awful year but I'm positive that things will continue to sort themselves out and we can move forward in a happier direction.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Family life is good. In just a few months I will have been with Mr K for 3 years already. We've had a lot of positive change, I'm now officially in my 30's, as a family we have pulled through a very difficult time and whilst like all families difficult times will always appear I know that I have a wonderful partner, amazing children, some truly great family members and friends in our corner and God truly is a part of our lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> ****</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now onto the actual post! Last year I wrote <a href="https://www.cupcakemumma.co.uk/2019/01/my-2019-ticklist.html" target="_blank">this post about my 2019 ticklist,</a> a simple list of things I would like to accomplish in 2019. I had no idea how awful this year would become but even so, I feel really pleased that I managed to cross off and do as many as I did! Here's a round up of 2019's goals and how I plan to continue them in 2020.</span><br />
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<li style="text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Focus on my Eco goals.</span></b></i></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am pleased to say that we have all been working hard on this topic. This year really saw schools and local communities go further with key eco areas, recycling being the top of the list. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We continue to recycle all we can. I now keep crisp packets for a lady at church who collects them, I am aware of many schemes that can mean you don't have to throw many other types of plastics away but due to storage I have struggled with this. We upcycled a little this year, mainly in the garden and I have donated a lot of things instead of throwing them out thinking no one would want them.</span></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Get the garden growing flowers and food again. Attracting butterflies and bees</span></b></i></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We had a really good growing year, not the best but I found the weather was really bitter and frosty still here until at least April which slowed our planting process. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The garden needed a massive overhaul and I did what I could with the help of a good friend. We had tomatoes, raspberries, various herbs, a few flowers popped up for the bees, we also had loads of runner beans and potatoes. </span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-size: 17.6px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Get a divorce</span></b></i></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am half way there! Annoyingly I have had my decree nisi application returned twice due to addresses missing. On one occasion it was my fault but the other the form didn't specify something quite important. It's been returned to the court for the third time and I am hoping this time a nice judge will agree I can apply for my absolute, this means I should, with any luck, be divorced by Easter.</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-size: 17.6px; text-align: justify;"><b><i style="font-size: 17.6px; font-weight: 400;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Come off anti depressants</span></b></i></b></i></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have actually done this! In July when things went really bad and everything started to feel too much I needed to look at a different form of medication. I tried this new medication and it made me feel even worse. I have since decided that anti depressants are just not for me. I now have Kalms, a herbal remedy and a wonderful counsellor. I also try to make time for myself each day and enjoy my long showers. Of course some days can feel pretty dark but I am pleased to be in this place now and really proud given the crap I have had to deal with since July!</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-size: 17.6px; text-align: justify;"><b><i style="font-size: 17.6px; font-weight: 400;"><b><i style="font-size: 17.6px; font-weight: 400;"><b>Focus on small money making </b></i></b></i></b></i></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well I have continued with my surveys which have brought in some nice small amounts a couple of times this year. I haven't been able to make any kind of nest egg. Well I did but since August it's all gone on court fees, which is fine because it's for my children so it doesn't matter at all. Hopefully next year I will be able to use any savings on something more fun for the children instead!</span></div>
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<li><i style="font-size: 17.6px; text-align: justify;"><b><i style="font-size: 17.6px; font-weight: 400;"><b><i style="font-size: 17.6px; font-weight: 400;"><b><i style="font-size: 17.6px; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Get my health back on track both mentally and physically</span></b></i></b></i></b></i></b></i></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mentally and physically I will always be working on myself, like most people! As above, I am keen to look after myself mentally to keep me in a good mood and looking forward to things. Working with CBT, my counselling, and my own self care methods I know things will be good. Physically I think I need to at least do some exercises that will help my back and arms to maintain the muscles which will be beneficial for the care I give to Mr K.</span></div>
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<li><i style="font-size: 17.6px; text-align: justify;"><b><i style="font-size: 17.6px; font-weight: 400;"><b><i style="font-size: 17.6px; font-weight: 400;"><b><i style="font-size: 17.6px; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><b><i style="font-size: 17.6px; font-weight: 400;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Decorate the bathrooms</span></b></i></b></i></b></i></b></i></b></i></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One bathroom is completely finished (a part from the floor which needs some anti slip flooring costing a lot of money!) It is a Doctor Who themed loo! Our main bathroom is currently being painted white and will be a rather pink kawaii based bathroom- no shame!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Annoyingly I have not managed to make anything this year. I would very much like to make homemade items such as candles and I have been collecting wax to melt down and make new candles for myself at home, I have just not got round to it! I also never got around to making homemade wax wraps for my fridge food. There is a project for the new year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gfs neohellenic";"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 17.6px;"><b><i>And below is a little list of the extras I wanted to achieve:</i></b></span></span></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i><b><strike><span style="font-family: inherit;">Regularly write again particularly to pen pals</span></strike></b></i></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Read 30 books</span></b></i></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><i><strike><span style="font-family: inherit;">Go to another christian festival</span></strike></i></b></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><i><strike><span style="font-family: inherit;">Spend some time doing more Bible study</span></strike></i></b></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><i><strike><span style="font-family: inherit;">Play a song on the piano</span></strike></i></b></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><i><strike><span style="font-family: inherit;">Donate to good causes every month</span></strike></i></b></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><i><strike><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have a family gathering</span></strike></i></b></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Make sleep a priority and get into a good bedtime routine</span></i></b></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><i><strike><span style="font-family: inherit;">Significantly reduce my take outs this year. I spent way too much last year!</span></strike></i></b></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">7 out of 11 isn't too bad at all! Reading books has been something I simply could not focus on this year. It's only been in this month that I have managed to respond to all my very overdue pen pals but I am pleased I have done so. I have also not conquored the art of an early bedtime yet! I seem to find that after a long day the night is mine so I tend to definetly spend far too long doing what I want to do instead of sleeping and starting everything again the next day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">However, I have reduced my take outs massivly this year, I had a wonderful day again at Big Church Day Out; a Christian festival in the spring, I have managed to donate money or items every month to several good causes, can play several songs on the piano thanks to Mr K teaching me and we had a huge get together at my Aunt and Uncles anniversairy bash this year which was amazing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I will set up my new tick-list for 2020 shortly and I hope to do just as well if not better next year.</span></div>
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Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555061853794644772.post-89323355540157625852019-11-07T10:51:00.002+00:002020-03-16T14:04:15.972+00:00The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ November<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>For Today</i></div>
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It has been a long day. I haven't got much done a part from a small amount of home school and running around sorting the children out. I did manage a lovely long shower this evening however which is always a welcome now it's got much colder up here!</div>
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<i>Looking out my window</i></div>
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It's very dark, a few street lights on outside and it's quiet. Often I still see people walking up the alleyway by our home but I guess with this weather they're choosing to stay in.. </div>
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<i>I am thinking</i></div>
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About an awful lot of things. Happy things and things that worry me, but which shouldn't worry me at all. Also about meals for the week, I'm always thinking of food!</div>
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<i>I am thankful</i></div>
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For the lovely doctor we saw today, who was cheery and friendly and told me how well I helped Mr K. She even asked if I was a nurse! I've never had any training to be a carer, I do it purely out of love and believe it's why God made me the way I am. I am also thankful to Him for all the good he has brought towards the end of this awful year. </div>
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<i>One of my favourite things</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRSoI_oawv6LhL1TBa_lwhIMJi3TyJpC1-KJg0vojl8a49iDfhi2bHinjw30C5JOWWVFquw-SirimgYNGXGfIQhSQunL95V03l1MmQ7l5WzhmcJJLsXMST1Et57fjYN-joNrJZSCnR1PY/s1600/20191104_120146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRSoI_oawv6LhL1TBa_lwhIMJi3TyJpC1-KJg0vojl8a49iDfhi2bHinjw30C5JOWWVFquw-SirimgYNGXGfIQhSQunL95V03l1MmQ7l5WzhmcJJLsXMST1Et57fjYN-joNrJZSCnR1PY/s640/20191104_120146.jpg" width="480" /></a>7</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Bz0ip4aiBGRYW7QXylMY6wKItVvBYibNy-Qp7T56rUAiX3DJ4TtxAeg0RhAX_iZoM7frAKulCqzH4ZoOh3p5KaHHM6TFDdJNm8HuSulBfAeH0icshz1K52D40Xhq_kamSOqyuqSxad6k/s1600/20191104_113454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Bz0ip4aiBGRYW7QXylMY6wKItVvBYibNy-Qp7T56rUAiX3DJ4TtxAeg0RhAX_iZoM7frAKulCqzH4ZoOh3p5KaHHM6TFDdJNm8HuSulBfAeH0icshz1K52D40Xhq_kamSOqyuqSxad6k/s640/20191104_113454.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Some photos from my day out with my Dad. He and my Mum visited us last weekend and we got to be tourists in my home town. </div>
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<i>I am creating</i></div>
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Letters. I love to letter write and it sort of got forgotten about as I had other things to prioritise.</div>
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<i>I am wearing</i></div>
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My pyjamas. Fleece bottoms and a jumper so I can stay snug all night long!</div>
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<i>I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to</i></div>
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I'm reading a Doctor Who book on and off, some trashy magazines and some blogs. I am catching up on Eastenders and The Apprentice and listening to old songs from my youth as well as my album of Christian music that I love. </div>
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<i>I am hoping</i></div>
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For a good close to 2019 so we can focus on good for 2020.</div>
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<i>I am learning</i></div>
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That I need to accept who I am but find a balance. I have to believe I have power and can be resilient but I need to work hard to do these things when I am such an empath because without the balance I am nothing but a people pleaser which is honestly no fun at all.</div>
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<i>In my kitchen</i></div>
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It actually smells of burned cake! Midge thought she'd bake a cake but she forgot about it. Happens more than we care to admit! I'm hoping tomorrow it'll smell more like apple crumble!</div>
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<i>In the school room</i></div>
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Writing letters to Father Christmas and learning about the science of fireworks in home school.</div>
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<i>In my garden</i> </div>
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It's getting very muddy out there. I need more covers to put my beds to..well, bed over the winter. I have pumpkins to donate to the pigs and tomatoes still growing despite this awful autumn weather!</div>
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<i>Post Script</i></div>
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It's been a while since I blogged. My blog turned 8 in September and I have hardly touched it this year. I plan to ease myself in gently and find a new focus for my corner of the web. </div>
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<i>Shared Quote</i></div>
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<i><b>"Just because someone carries it well, doesn't mean it isn't heavy."</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Unknown.</b></i></div>
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<i>A moment from my day</i></div>
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English requires all the concentration!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7BYSt9CtFn9ApCGiZPU9K5osyULA167m1nzILdMtCzWMn3BCnK9q9e_iIrpYraw33t93ajNWWO6LpYpQ022wphOz6TugwyX8nUxW2Fq6XBOsDA5WaKXHBMs3B3jSy2VbsP_B8rFPNu01/s1600/20191106_104853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7BYSt9CtFn9ApCGiZPU9K5osyULA167m1nzILdMtCzWMn3BCnK9q9e_iIrpYraw33t93ajNWWO6LpYpQ022wphOz6TugwyX8nUxW2Fq6XBOsDA5WaKXHBMs3B3jSy2VbsP_B8rFPNu01/s640/20191106_104853.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Closing Notes</i></div>
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Please do join in by visiting The Simple Woman's Daybook <a href="http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. X</div>
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Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895363452546128497noreply@blogger.com4