Reasons to be Cheerful

I started this post and few days ago and I must admit I struggled to find things to be happy about. Probably why you shouldn't blog in the midst of tonsillitis. I have made a recovery now and I do indeed have things to be cheerful about. I'm happy that Little A finally got his star of the day on Tuesday! He's waited so long and his teacher said he had an ace day so it was definitely his time. He was over the moon and we were really proud.

Midge went for her second gymnastics session on Monday. It was meant to be a taster session but she's already decided it's for her so she went in in a new leotard and got put in for a badge which she got! Well done my Midgey!

Oh yes, I have to be cheerful about this one. I finally, finally got a call from school and I can volunteer! They've asked if I can help out with forest school 2 days a week and I jumped at the chance. It'll be more fun than listening to the children read and I love being outside, plus it's year 1 which is perfect for me. They were inundated with offers so I'm happy to get what I was offered and actually I think it'll do me more good being outside than in.

Beautiful view of St. Micheal's Mount

I got to see my Aunt this week which was lovely, I just wish it was for a little longer. I had a browse around town then thought I'd surprise my Aunt and Gran by appearing at her house. Unfortunately no one was in! I did get hold of my Aunt and we had a nice chat over some mushrooms on toast.

Cupcake Mumma

Reasons to be Cheerful

October has overall been a good month and this week has been a good week. I have a few reasons to be cheerful this week the first being yesterday. I turned 27 and had a wonderful day. I saw a friend who treated me to lunch and a Costa plus brought along balloons and her little ones gave me some lovely cards. I saw family who popped in and my Mum came over who made a wonderful chocolate cake for me and which the children decorated beautifully. I've had some lovely gifts and surprise mail, I'll blog about my birthday properly next week but I had such a nice day it is most definitely a reason to smile!

Morning birthday Costa!

We've had a really good half even though we haven't done much. At the beginning of half term I felt awful for not being able to treat the kids to any days out because our purse strings are simply pulled too tight. I know you don't need day trips or holidays to make a good half term but sometimes it gets you down. We've taken pleasure in the simple things like enjoying friends, going to the park, playing football, seeing family and Midge even slept over her Aunties house with all her cousins which is a huge step for her, I was very proud. We've had movie day at home, celebrated my birthday, bought toys from the pound shop and taken pleasure in each others company.

Mr B is finally getting a holiday from work; he is off until next Friday and I'm looking forward to spending some time with him. Although we have the back to school routine, he'll enjoy getting to see the children properly and I'm sure he has some plans of his own!

I hope you've all had some reasons to be cheerful this week too.

Cupcake Mumma

Reasons to Smile ~ June and July

I'm combining the months once again *shakes fist at laptop stealing children* I like a nice big cheerful post though so I guess it's not so bad. It may be a little long but i'll be keeping the writing to a minimum! I hope you've all had a good couple of months despite the weather and can also pick out some good things from June and July. 

JUNE

We had Sports day which A got into more than I thought he would. Both tried really hard and I thought the school made it the best sports day in a long time! I got a new bike in June for an absolute bargain and couldn't be happier! I've been on some family bike rides and have been out once on my own. Mr B and I enjoyed some quality time having a breakfast, shopping and going to Costa.

I had some lovely girl time with Midge chatting and doing some nail painting and earlier in the month we took A to his ENT appointment which went really well but I have a feeling he'll be getting an appointment soon for some grommets! Midge won a prize which she was over the moon with and I won some money betting on the footie! Finally in June, I booked a CBT appointment and I have that this month plus I got to catch up with my brother on his birthday, it was nice to hear from him,

JULY

July has been a good month actually. I got some new glasses after an eye test at the end of June, they're much nicer and I feel happier in them. We were all happy with the end of school, despite the crying Midge was okay after a while and ready for the long break. Part of the saying goodbye was giving teacher gifts which I made this year and was really happy with. I'm also really pleased that both children have wonderful teachers for next year- phew!

Also in July I took part in the Race for Life with my Mum and we raised just under £200 which we are so pleased with. Doing it 3 legged wasn't the best idea but we were the only ones doing it and were proud to do it all the way. I won a hotel stay in a twitter competition and we started the summer holidays with a great day out at the cinema and a big sleepover with the cousins. Speaking of cousins, I saw one of my cousins, Steph, at my parents house which was great because it has been a very long time! I'm hoping that the whole family can come together next year for a big family birthday party.

I hope everyone has had a good couple of months and that you're all enjoying the summer holidays! It's been a bit hit and miss with some bad weather and bickering but we have had some really nice days where we've had some good fun!

Cupcake Mumma

Reasons to be Cheerful

Hello all! It's been exactly 20 days since I last posted a blog. I have been in one of those up and down places for the last couple of weeks but even though I am waiting for all these dental appointments, I am currently not in pain (oh such a difference to the frame of mind that makes!) By saving in previous months, selling some things and my wonderful parents giving me some money I am able to afford the private dental care and am positive that the outcome will be very good. Although we are in a situation with my husband redundant, we have an opportunity that we can go for and it seems to have come at just the right time. Basically I feel like I'm being looked after both on land and off is what I'm saying.

So all of the above are reasons to be cheerful and here are some other things:

My new slow cooker. I have felt so organised this week after finding it at a cheap store, it is my new favourite toy! I've made mince for a spag bol, a chocolate rice pudding and a lovely veg and mince stew with some gluten free dumplings. Although I'm struggling to watch what I eat, I think I've made a good choice in getting this little thing to help me along.

My new dentist! I'm actually not scared of seeing a dentist! I know it costs a blooming fortune but the care I have received so far now that I'm off the NHS is just amazing and I haven't even had my big scary root canal yet! It's just, you really cannot underestimate how important it is to be made comfortable the minute you walk in and then see dentists and nurses who are so friendly. It also helps my new dentist works with a lot of anxious patients.

Warmer and sunnier weather. Oh it has done wonders for my mood. I have some lovely photos of different flowers blooming which I get to pass everyday on the school run. We had a lovely walk today, Midge was telling Roo all about How to Train your Dragon and he was listening intently, asking questions, then they overtook me on the pavement and I caught this precious photo:

Brother and Sister hand in hand

Beautiful pink flowers

My friends and family have made me not just cheerful but thankful. I cannot thank my parents enough for helping me, I know they don't want the thanks, I know I'd do the same for my children but still, I'd still be utterly miserable if it wasn't for them. A friend that always texts me everyday means so much to me. I've had help from a blogger about my little man and his writing, a friend bought a camera off me which enabled me to take my babies to the fun day out in the town that they had been talking about all week. A friend that is going through so much and yet still calls to see how I am when I had bad news. Pen pals for staying in touch and making me so happy every time their letters fall through the letter box. Not to mention all the positive root canal stories from everyone and words of encouragement, Thank you all.

What are your reasons to be cheerful this week? Please visit Michelle's link up to read more happy posts.

Cupcake Mumma

Reasons to be Cheerful ~ Lingerie & Hot Chocolate!

I've had a pretty good week this week! I've had some lovely hot chocolate dates this week the first at home with well, myself actually! Hot chocolate, Little A playing nicely it was a perfect moment. I took A for a date on Tuesday with his new hair do which I love. He gets so hot with his thick locks (even though his hair is gorgeous!)

I had a costa date with a new mum friend on Friday! It's taken us weeks and weeks of just casual hellos and quick chats, then longer chats when we realised we walked the same way. One day two weeks ago I handed my number over, she actually text me unlike several other mums last year and finally we had lunch and a hot chocolate. I had a genuine 'I'm so friggin happy moment' talking, getting along really well, having baby cuddles. It was a lovely couple hours before the school pick up.

Lastly, I attended a blogging event in Bodmin last Wednesday. I went with stevie from A Cornish Mum and met several other bloggers, 3 lovely volunteer customers who were posing in the underwear and swimwear ranges and a couple of ladies from the local WI as well as Mish herself, her lovely staff and forgive me I cannot remember your name but lady from Panache who also fitted me you were lovely!

We had a yummy lunch, got fitted professionally and went home with gifted underwear and a Panache goodie bag. Can't wait to write about the event real soon!

Cupcake Mumma

Nothing but Happy Thoughts! ~ A-Z Challenge

It's Thursday, so I thought as I'm in a pretty good frame of mind today I could use the lovely Reasons to be Cheerful link up to spread some cheer and to also use it as today's letter on the A to Z challenge; because today I really do feel there's Nothing but Happiness!

1) Firstly it's proud Mumma moments. Midge has been doing so well with her reading she's now going steadily through her set books and her teacher has moved her up to a different phonics group. I'm so proud of her. Now we are working on her confidence! Also, Little A is talking like nobodies business and it doesn't matter if I'm the only one who can sometimes understand him, I have waited for this time for so, so long!

2) Today, like many parents and carers we awaited the school admissions here in the UK. I'm pleased to say my Little A is indeed going to the same primary as his big sister. I'm over the flipping moon!

3) Although I dropped my phone today and smashed the screen, I'm pleased that hopefully it'll get fixed quickly and it's not going to cost the arm and leg I was expecting! Small things hey?

4) A part from my weight I am in general in a good place. The children are happy, I'm not too uptight about the house being totally the opposite of how I want it, I've had fun this week playing with make up too and I'm really pleased that my lowered dose of anxiety medication seems to be going well for me.

What are your Reasons to be Cheerful this week?

Cupcake Mumma

10 Things To Smile About January

A couple of years ago I used to write up ten things that made me happy each month and I really want to go back to that. I'll be sharing this list with this weeks Reasons to be Cheerful. January wasn't a bad month but it's been a long month. We're on a road to see if Little A has any underlying behavioural issues. I think I've come across something that screams my son and finally this month I'll be able to get some real professional insights. I've banged on about my dental pain every week of January and goodness knows it was hard and I'm still 'suffering' but hey ho, onto January's better points!

Midges birthday. She turned 7 on the 17th and had a lovely day with treats to soft play with cheese on toast (my beautiful, random girl) with her cousin G. We had a family meal in the late afternoon and she was treated to her new bike which she took to just brilliantly (see here) and there was lots of craft and Frozen gifts to be enjoyed!

We had a Family breakfast on Jason's birthday in the morning before football. I've never been to table table before. I really loved having their all you can eat breakfast and the children ate free which is good because they're picky!

There were Several meals out with Jay when the kids were at school. Sometimes we meet up and go 'heck, let's have lunch!' We did it twice this month. We never spend a lot thanks to Weatherspoons so it's not a huge thing to budget for. If we can we do it and if we can't, we don't it's really that simple but because we find it hard to leave Little A with other people at night (even my fantastic Mother) day time lunches are a great way to be us for a while.

Little A's Paediatric appointment coming through. As I mentioned above I was over the moon to finally get Little A's appointment to see the paediatrician through. I'm really hoping I'm going to be taken seriously with my concerns and not passed around. I know it happens to so many parents but just getting this far with hardly any problems at all is hugely pleasing for me!

Seeing Kat and Tilly and going to Pizza Hut. It was like an early birthday treat with Midge too having a meal out the day before complete with her cousin and a new friend and balloons! I enjoyed my pizza, I love that there's a free from option now. It was nice to see my other friend Pippa too.

Eating chicken again! Yes that is an odd one I admit but I've been a veggie since I was 14 maybe before, and recently I've loved making my pie and rice dishes with creamy chicken and it's all free from too-yum.

Lots of happy mail.

Two cool cakes I made:

Reading some books for 26 books with Bringing Up Burns challenge (see badge over to the right.) I've really enjoyed following a list of random themes for book picking. I've read old books, new books and one I thought I wouldn't like but really enjoyed!

Midge has been coming along with her reading and she received dazzling work at school this month. She's picked up her bike riding and has a slightly improved attendance. Not that it was bad at 93%! I'm just very proud of my girl.

Cupcake Mumma

This Weeks Reasons to be Cheerful

Today I'm feeling a little blue so writing one of these posts is the perfect antidote I believe. I've had an earache on and off all day, it's something that always happens now it's cold but I still can't get used to them! It's also piddling it down which hasn't bothered me until now! Anyway, let's get on with some cheerier things shall we?

1) Fireworks night and Halloween are now all over for another year. This year both celebrations were so good and I have some lovely memories to keep. On Halloween I did my usual tea party for my two and their cousins. My niece stayed over night so we took her Trick or Treating which was good fun. Everyone was so polite and friendly. We had a lot more this year than last, perhaps thanks to Jack?

Firework night isn't something I go all out on. I guess I just don't believe in it and what it stands for. Having said that, I feel it's such a possibility for cosiness and memory making so I'm no scrooge! We had homemade fish and chips with butter drizzled corn on the cob for dinner, watched the neighbourhood fireworks, took some lovely photos, did our own sparklers and made our own version of s'mores (which I am now going to label free from Wagon Wheels! So watch out for that!)

2) I'm seeing my best buddy and 2 of her gorgeous clan next Saturday and I'm super excited..Bet you can't guess who it is? I've dug out Little A's Moses basket which has brought back memories! It's only one night but I'm still so excited.

3) Now half term is over I am pleased to be back into a routine. I get some quality time with Little A, Midge loves being back at school, the hours don't drag so much and I get some me time too- which is ever so important! I get a long hot shower, or to read in peace and do some snail mail. I also love that Little A and I are back to watching our morning trains after dropping Midge off. We love waving to the drivers, watching the birds waddle about looking for dropped bacon sandwiches but mostly I just adore watching how much A likes to see his train and watch it disappear around the bend when everyone is aboard. Isn't it great when your children just really love something!?

Lastly, we have heard back from the SEN department and they're going to observe A in nursery before having a little meeting with us which is such good news. Whilst I don't believe he has any specific behaviour problems or anything, he does need more help with his speech and communicating with him still isn't easy, even though I can see how different he is even from a few months ago. I just want to hear him talk to me like all the other children in nursery talk to their parents about what they want or what happened in their day. I'm happy to wait for it though.

Cupcake Mumma

My Reasons to be Cheerful

I haven't been able to blog properly for some time and if you could see my current set up you'd understand why (laptop, keyboard, temperamental mouse, phone also attached for photos) as you can imagine it hasn't been easy to muster the enthusiasm to write! Nor has it been making me cheerful!

What has been making me cheerful though is my very recent trip to the Harry Potter Studios with my Mum and Midge. We all loved it, me more than anyone else. For someone with social anxiety I seemed to let go of all that. I was one of 3 shouting out proudly to being a Hufflepuff and I may (I did) get a little teary when the Great Hall doors were revealed (what can I say? I'm a true Harry Potter fan!)

Yesterday I had another reason to smile. My 25th birthday! I was spoilt by the family with a new phone, slippers, Care Bear PJ bottoms, books, stationery oh so much to be honest! My very wonderful friend Kat sent me a surprise vase of flowers ( with several of my favourites) plus a card and cupcake balloon. How thoughtful, I definitely had tears in my eyes !

I'm also enjoying half term with the children. We've bought our pumpkins, we're excited for Halloween tomorrow and we've made some rather cool orange glitter playdoh which we had fun with today. I'd love to hear what's been making you all cheerful too so please join in too!

Reasons to be Cheerful

I've had some real lows lately, so low that really only other peoples' happiness was keeping me feeling okay. Like a friend who just got married last weekend, family having a lovely birthday, online friends moving home and moving forward in their lives for some good things to come their way at last. Still, there is always good to be found and this week I have found my good!

1) Yesterday I was dreading toddler group. I've been way, way too hard on myself in regard to Little A's tantrums, I realise that now. The sinking feeling of an oncoming meltdown doesn't ever make you feel good but toddlers tantrum, they don't really 'do' sharing and that's that. Toddler group was great though! A was fantastic, not one scream or meltdown. He loved the puzzles and the ride on cars at the end. I even spoke to two fellow mums who were just so nice. Mostly I was just so proud of my boy and then myself for not giving in to my anxiety. It helped it was at the Salvation Army, the church setting was a comfort to me in a time I needed the push to go through those doors!

2) Surprises! I got a huge box in the mail last week from my ever beautiful friend Kat. I was only expecting curtains and a left behind hoody but I had a whole box of treats for the family. I was a ruddy mess when I found the card:

Kat, you have no idea what this means to me xx

Another surprise was dinner out on Tuesday evening- Jason's treat! He also booked two days off, today and tomorrow which is lovely!

3) Books. I'm a bookworm right now, devouring them! Nothing beats being lost in a good novel and it's making me very cheerful to get the peace I need.

Please link up with Jo at Ojos World for this weeks R2BC!

Cupcake Mumma