The A to Z of Me!

A big Thank you to Mrs Christmas, I mean the lovely Laura over at Tired mummy to Two (hope you have visited her TMOTXmasTombola 190 fab prizes) who has tagged me in this great MEME which originates from real housewife of suffolk so here goes!

ANORAK…Do you have a sad side? I used to collect Beanie Bears, finally stopped when they retired them and yes I was one of those sad people queueing up at 4am to get a Brittania bear, oh the shame!

BODY…What physical attribute would you most like to change? My Tummy, I don't want to always go on about my body, I am 40 and have accepted this is me, plumptious and yet my tummy I would change!

CELEBRITY…Which one would you most like to date and why? ooh choosing just one, I am single by the way, so if Pierce Brosnan or Colin Firth read this ;) hmmm do I have to choose one, couldn't it be one on each arm for I have two of those! But Colin would be first choice!

DEBUT …Tell us about your first ever blog post. What made you start blogging? Don't laugh but I was going to blog about losing weight, it didn't even get started and then just fell into blogging about life, I started my first post 21st October 2010, but it was a lone post until August 2011

ERROR …What’s been your biggest regret? I don't really do regrets, live, learn and move on is my thing, don't look back, for our futures are yet to be!

FUNNY – who’s making you laugh? MIRANDA love her!

GRAND…If we gave you one right now what would you spend it on? Hey silly question, I am a Mummy so my children, but it would be bunkbeds for my girls, new bed for my 8yr old as we hate his metal mid sleeper, then a little luxury a new lightweight buggy for the baby of the family & any change to get my car checked out!

HOLIDAY… What’s your favourite destination? Africa, such a diverse and beautiful continent, my favourite place being the Kruger National park in South Africa

IRRITATE… What’s your most annoying habit? sticking my tongue out when I am concentrating, thanks to my 3 year old dear daughter pointing it out as she hates me doing it!

JOKER…Whats your favourite joke {the one that makes you laugh everytime you hear it}? any that my 8yr old son tries to tell me

KENNEL… Do you have any pets? 3 cats, Jessie, Annie & Tiggs

LOVE…Are you single, married, engaged, living with a long term partner? Single

MEAL… Whats your ultimate starter, main and dessert? not fussed on starters as I feel they fill you up before the main course so tend to miss them, main meal would have to be a full Sunday roast dinner, followed by apple pie & custard or ice-cream 

NOW…If you could be anywhere right now where would you be and who with? with my children enjoying a holiday in the Sunshine like Spain

OFF DUTY…What do you do in your spare time? Being a single parent I don't get any free time, would love some, but alas my children will grow up and I will get plenty more chances to do things!

PROUD MOMENTS …What are you most proud of? Giving birth to my 4 children, they were the proudest moments of my life!

QUEASY …What turns your stomach? other people being sick, people with runny noses, other peoples children having a dirty nappy!

RELAX…How do you relax? by coming on my laptop and sometimes I even get to have a bath in peace, just not so lately!

SONG…Whats your favourite song of all time? 'Always look on the bright side of life' from Mont Python

TIME …If you could go back in time and relive it again, when would you choose? I wouldn't as wouldn't be without any of my children!

UNKNOWN…Tell us something about yourself that no one else knows? I am pertrified of Frogs!

VOCAL…. Who is your favourite artist? at the moment Adele

WORK….. What is your dream job, and are you doing it now? One where I am my own boss, and no right now my children seem to be my boss!

XRAY…Any broken bones? None so far, thank fully

YIKES…What’s been your most embarrassing moment? After giving birth to my last son, I hadn't left enough time for the epidural to leave my system and I got up wanting to visit the bathroom and my legs completly collapsed, I was mortified but the midwives were wonderful

ZOO…. If you were an animal, which one would you be? Easy I love cats so would be a Tiger, protecting my cubs is what I do best!

Mums guide to insanity!: Dear Blog, my apologies for being absent

Mums guide to insanity!: Dear Blog, my apologies for being absent: Dearest Blog, my friend I do not know what to say, but I have missed you so, I have tried many times to sneak on, try to catch up, but the p...

Review: Our 3 Cats say a big Paws up Meowww!

We or rather our 3 cats Jessie, Tiggs and Annie were asked to review the new natural Vitality range from Bob Martin

I have to say, the cats seemed to enjoy them, we even got the neighbours cat joining in with trying them!
We were sent three different pouches, Beef for Peak Performance, Fish for Top coat and Salmon for Flexi-joints!
Each pouch is made up of 70% of Meat or Meat/Fish

The treats are to be fed as a treat in between normal meals.
Please remember to always have water available for your cats, Jessie seems to prefer drinking water from the tap running in the bathroom.

This is Annie who seemed to enjoy the salmon treats the best, which are good for Flexi-Joints

This is our neighbours cat Milo, who was just happy to enjoy any of the treats after sitting watching Annie have some.

This is Tiggs, looking not amused with our neighbours cats as he thought the treats were just for him!
Tiggs doesn't like sharing at all!

Tiggs enjoyed all 3 varities we were sent!

This is Jessie, the Boss and he is the fussiest cat in the world.
I thought all cats loved fresh fish and Jess is proving me wrong, he won't eat different cat food, be it dried or in pouches, he has his favourites and that is all he will eat!
So I was amazed that he seemed to gobble these treats up!
Jessie's favourite was the Beef for help with Peak Performance!




the following is from the http://www.bobmartin.co.uk/

Bob Martin Natural Vitality Cat Flexi-Joint Salmon Treats

Bob Martin Natural Vitality Flexi Joint Treats are full of goodness, derived naturally from the careful choice of the ingredients we use to make them.
Bob Martin Natural Vitality Top Coat Treats contain 70% fish/meat (source of omega-3) and added zinc and omega-6. These ingredients are all beneficial for your cat's skin and coat. Top Coat Treats offer a tasty way to help maintain a healthy skin and coat.


Bob Martin Natural Vitality Peak Performance Treats contain 70% meat, a high level of beef (a natural source of iron) and added whey protein and calcium. These ingredients are all beneficial for your cats's muscles and bones.

Peak Performance Treats offer a tasty way to help maintain strong muscles and bones.

Dear Blog, my apologies for being absent

Dearest Blog, my friend I do not know what to say, but I have missed you so, I have tried many times to sneak on, try to catch up, but the past few weeks have been very trying or should that be tiring indeed, you see I have 4 little children and the youngest Edward who has just turned 9 months old has been so unsettled, not wanting to be asleep, put down, just wanting mummy cuddles bless him and 2 days ago, the reason why became obvious, my baby boy has his 1st tooth!




My tired little man the day we discovered his 1st tooth!


(I started this very late last night, but before I had time to finish Edward needed me and then as always I ended up falling asleep with him yet again!)

I have had no time to myself, the evenings are normally me time, when I can spend time with you my access to the outside world, my home with my munchkins is never dull, but its good to know whats going on outside from our home!

Being a single parent at times isn't easy you see, I don't have anyone to let me have a break, not even for 5 minutes, if the children need me I have to be there even if that is 24/7 and I have been so very tired, getting just the odd few hours sleep.
I don't know about you, but being tired, doesn't help my frame of mind, I have been down, but yesterday I took the children out and we had a lovely afternoon!

Its half term and I love not having to do the school run, I love lazy mornings always have and no doubt always will!

I have read others blogs, but I go to reply then have no time to do it or hands thanks to my little man, its been frustrating to say the least.

This weekend is my goddaughter to be 1st Birthday and I am so looking forward to it and seeing the gorgeous Jessica with my four munchkins.




Max with Jessica


This Sunday is The Baby show and I was lucky enough to win tickets to go with Farm and Cottage Holidays so am looking forward to taking all four children, should be entertaining, will let you know how it goes!

If anyone has the magic answer to get my little man to sleep in the day and at night in his own cot I would love you forever :)

Mums guide to insanity!: Lisa Scott-Lee from Steps answered questions for M...

Mums guide to insanity!: Lisa Scott-Lee from Steps answered questions for M...: It seems so odd, little old me getting to ask the gorgeous and oh so glamorous pop-star Lisa Scott-Lee some questions! I wouldn't have a cl...

Lisa Scott-Lee from Steps answered questions for Me!

It seems so odd, little old me getting to ask the gorgeous and oh so glamorous pop-star Lisa Scott-Lee some questions!
I wouldn't have a clue about asking anything pop related, I listen, I enjoy and that's me, but one thing I do have in common with this gorgeous star is we both have children and take them swimming!

Back in September, I did a review on the Huggies Little Swimmers, I was happy to do one as its something I use for my youngest Edward when we go swimming and can personally recommend them for peace of mind.

Lisa Scott-Lee with her daughter Star-Lilly

Well Huggies asked if I would like to ask any questions to Lisa Scott-Lee from the very newly re-formed pop band Steps as she is Huggies Little Swimmers celebrity Mum having two children herself, Star-Lilly and Jaden.

So I enjoyed having the opportunity to ask Lisa some questions, having discovered that Lisa's own mother was a professional swimmer and in fact swam for England, so Lisa is very comfortable in the water.

These are my questions to Lisa and her replies -

·         Does the temperature effect how the children are in the pool?

As long as the pool is baby friendly approved then you should be fine. Visit swimbuddy.co.uk to find your nearest one. Approved pools are all set at a temperature that is suitable for children to swim and be comfortable.

·         What does Lisa use for her children, arm bands, float suits, swim rings etc?

I have used everything; the more fun you can have with the kids in the pool the better. We like the long floats and they don’t take up too much room!

·         What age will you send your children for lessons?

I took my two children swimming from birth. They don’t need to wait until they have had any or all of their injections as stated in the NHS and STA’s guidelines. But it’s when you feel ready, for me the sooner the better and my two are literally water babies

·         Do you play games in the pool with the children? like ring a ring a roses etc

There are so many fun things you can do in the water. Like singing, playing with floats or even just spending time bouncing up and down, my two love the water we do often have a few sing-along sessions.

·         Do you take them yourself or go with friends and there children?

I have done both, sometimes I take Star-Lilly on my own and other times I meet up with a girlfriend and she brings her babies along too. 

·         What time in the day is the best to take children swimming?

I enjoy going in the morning before Star-Lilly’s midmorning nap. It relaxes her and uses up lots of her energy.

·         Do you give snacks after swimming?

I tend to give her a cracker or banana and have some raisins as well.

·         How long do you tend to stay in the pool?

It really depends on her mood, some days she would stay in there all day if she could!

·         Do you let the children take toys with them into the pool?

You can take so many things in the water with you to help keep your children occupied in the water. I tend to sometimes take a couple of bath toys such as a rubber duck.

·         Have your children ever cried and not wanted to be in the pool, if so what have you done?

We have had a few strops, but generally they have been more upset about not going swimming!

I would like to thank Huggies for giving me the chance to ask Lisa these questions and to thank Lisa herself for taking the time to answer them.

I can only imagine how busy she must be, with her band Steps reforming and I wish her and all the members of Steps all the very best for the future and massive Congratulations on reaching number 1 in the album charts with 'The Ultimate Collection'

Stokke Lovers: Win Tickets for the Earls Court Baby Show

Stokke Lovers: Win Tickets for the Earls Court Baby Show: Next weekend sees the return of The Baby Show to Earls Court and of course we'll be there. We have x 5 pairs of tickets to giveawa...

Reasons to be Cheerful 1 2 3 (wk 3 for me)

joining in with Mummy from the Hearts Linky of Reason's to be cheerful 123

So here are my Reason's!

1- I finally took a load of rubbish to the tip its a slow progress for me clearing out some of our rubbish, but its finally getting rid of things, like empty boxes I had kept in my shed for 7+ yrs, also all broken toys and anything that is just rubbish, its going.
I am a hoarder by nature, but in my heart I would love to be a minimalist, did I mention I am also very indecisive and so full of contradictions!

2- I managed to get everyone haircut, OK it wasn't before the school photos, but Anna couldn't see half the time unless I pinned it back as she refused to let the lady cut it, but this time she was brilliant.
It is so wonderful to find a lady that will come to our home and cut all of our hairs, the stress I used to have trying to get my tribe to a hairdressers only for them to hide under chairs etc so yes it might seem an odd and very simple reason, but getting 4 haircuts and all for the bargain price of £20 too is very much a reason to be cheerful.

3- My son enjoyed his 8th Birthday, he chose PizzaHut to visit and I have to say they were marvelous with him, I am sure he chose it because of the ice-cream factory bit after the meal, but he ate well, we all did and my mother came along too.
Max also has his party next Friday to look forward to, a Halloween Birthday celebration, all his class have been invited, so that will be 30+ children to entertain for me!

Win a £50 Toy Tidy Voucher.

Win a £50 Toy Tidy Voucher.

Macmillan coffee morning x 2 and Barbeque's in October!





What a week, yes I really did manage to make it to two Macmillan coffee Mornings on the same day and in between them, I had my boiler serviced too!



Now that makes me super organised, actually if truth be known just very lucky!



Just a few of the balloons around my friends home






Edward enjoying cuddles with one of the ladies!








Anna not in the mood for photographs today!

 


I am not sure how I managed it, I even baked some oat cookies, which wasn't on the plan, it was suppose to be cakes, but I changed my mind at the last minute!

A lesson learnt - when in a hurry, having to get 4 children dressed and 2 to school, don't have a shower just as the cookies are finishing in the over, as I hate to admit they ended up over cooked, nice and crunchy though!

I am so pleased to say my sons school raised £200 and Karen my friend who ran a coffee morning at her home, managed to raise over £300, so an excellent morning all for a very worthy cause too!

Karen ran a raffle, also a silent aution on top of people coming and donating for coffee and cakes, you could bid for a MOT on your car, a babysitter in fact all manner of things, even a day on a computer course!
The raffle prizes were pretty amazing too, bottles of champagne and different wines, chocolates, beauty products, even a most delicious looking chocolate cake!
Well done to Karen and her friends that helped organise her coffee morning, I look forward to the next fund raiser x




Just walking round to my mothers house for dinner!



On October 1st 2011, we actually enjoyed a barbeque round at my mothers home, we are experiencing some very unusual weather right now and I for one am not complaining, even though sat typing this, it is still so warm, you could get confused with the seasons at the moment!



We have a runaway!












This is the only way my girls can ride their bikes,

as I don't have hands spare to push a buggy as well!

Max took the photographs, he also rode his bike around to my mothers, am seriously wondering if I could manage with a trailer on my bike to carry two of them in, as would love to go cycling with Max.




Izzy, Max and Anna waiting for the food to cook!





My Mum busy as always cooking, Max and I
Loved the prawns in garlic.





Edward sitting very well and enjoying joining in,
in the travel like booster highchair we won on Facebook
with Maxi Cosi



This is Lucy one of my mums dogs, just waiting to volunteer cleaning the floor up after my mess monsters have eaten!

It was such an enjoyable evening to be sat outside with the warm air about us, the food was superb and the wine that accompanied it, went down smootly too!
You see there was a reason we walked instead of jumping in the car, it was a Saturday night and I decided to have a glass or two, think we mothers deserve a little treat now and again!



Share the Blog Love Saturdays (NOW) Sunday

I was asked by the lovely Tired Mummy to Two, if I would like to have a go at this Share the Blog Love on a Sunday!

Tired Mummy to Two  <----pop over and join in too :)

So here is just a few of the Blogs I have read, that have made an impression on me this week :)

 mammasaurus Because I loved her
 if-i-wouldnt-be-judged-harshly-i-would-say

Emmys Mummy - because she sadly reminded me of what is to come with my youngest!
The Day my Little Girl Grew Up

actuallymummy - I was laughing imagining how the Bug will win the Puppy contest
I want a puppy dear so and so

multiplemummy - got me thinking about my roll as a Godparent
what does being a godmother mean

Bod for Tea - for starting something interesting, with guest posts from parents around the world, I look forward to reading more x
parenting around planet

mochabeaniemummy - Just for such stunning photographs on a Autumn walk
when the small gets sick

Here comes the girls - Because I laughed at how true this is
how to clutter your home

Saturday is Caption Day!

See if you can leave a caption to suit this photograph of Annabel!

#SatCap is the brainwave of mammasaurus 

go on join in too :)