Ikea but no Techniquest!

Today I'm spending the day with Pauline. There are strikes going on, so Ethan has no school today. The plan was to make a stop at Ikea, Techniquest and then Macro. I got up quite early (well, early for me!) and fitted the food shop in before getting Pauline. I felt quite impressed as i managed to put it all away as well before picking her up.

The journey down was fast and we stopped first to get some lunch. It was so busy as most schools were closed because of the striking. It was nice to spend some time together, as i feel Pauline want's to talk about Philippa and the things surrounding her death. I find it helps me a lot. They have been so kind to me, even when i don't deserve it. The beauty of Pauline is that she doesn't even realise how good she is and how she never thinks of herself. She always puts others first.

We walked around the market place and bought a few bits and pieces before paying and driving to Techniquest. It turned out to be a bit of a nightmare as the tunnel to techniquest has closed - i don't know why, and as it's the only way that i know to get there, i had to plug the sat nav in. It was driving me all over the place, Lily was screaming, Ethan needed a wee...etc. So we decided to just go straight to Macro. It worked out the best as it was nearly 4pm when we got there and Pauline was going out a t 6pm.

I have to say, Costco is miles better than Macro! We bought the plates and bowls for the blessing along with some other nibbles. As Ethan didn't get to play at Techniquest, Pauline bought him this funny voice changer. He walked round the store with it in his hand, calling to everyone. He does this funny thing where he doesn't like other people looking at him, despite him being so loud. He turns away making a noise of disgust. Funny boy! We spent time in the car on the way home talking and crying. It's so hard to see through the sadness sometimes.

I dropped Pauline home and prayed that Lily would just go to sleep, which she eventually did. I made tea, unpacked the goods from the day and chilled a little with Jared as he watched a footy match. I also cleared the camera of photo's ready to sell. I could make a bit of money! Again, going to bed far too late! I don't know why i continually do it to myself!

Staying in allllll day!

Peter and Pauline offered to take Ethan to school and pick him up, so i managed to stay in all day! I didn't really do anything really interesting, but i did take some pictures with the kids when Ethan finished school for the day;

Busy Rainy No Car Day!!

Lily slept in till 9am! Wahooo! Ethan was watching Thomas the tank on the computer. We got up, washed and dressed and put up the Christmas Tree. I know it's early, but Ethan is so excited and seeing his little face light up as we put the decorations on the tree! I love it!

I walked him to school today as i don't have the car, but it's nice and bright. It felt good to get the exercise. I then turned around and walked back. It was knackering! I wanted to get on with some chores, but my legs wouldn't let me. Plus, i was out the door again in an hour and my legs needed rest! I didn't get far with the walk over though as Jenni stopped and offered me a lift. Yey!

After getting Ethan, we caught a bus into town to get a few things. Just before getting on the bus, Ethan typically told me he needed a wee! I was dealing with Lily, so when i turned back to him, his pants were down and he was weeing! Hahaha! I can't remember exactly what i needed in town, but it must have been needed. We caught the bus home and i started tea. Jared wasn't long behind me coming home. He skipped ECDL as his uni assignment was really pressuring him. I spent the evening cleaning up. Nothing exciting!

Fun with Nanny!

Jared is going to watch Spurs vs. West Bromitch live with his Dad and Sam, leaving Pauline and i here, so we decided to have a day of fun! Kids didn't seem to sleep great again last night - i am trying to get Jared round to the idea of moving his desk into our room and putting her cot in the study. He really doesn't like it even though he suggested it to begin with. The tiredness is getting really bad and i am struggling to stay awake when driving! So...watch this space.

We got all washed and dressed before going to Paulines to pick her up to go swimming. Ethan was so excited he was dancing about the changing room. He loved it so much, and Lilsie too. The pool is so cold - i don't know why??

After swimming we went to the Harvester for food. For the whole time, Pauline and I sat there crying, talking about Philly. It's just such an awful cross to bear. Ethan ate loads of food though, i was really impressed!

We stopped off in Asda on the way home to look for a donkey costume for Ethan, but they don't have one. Annoying! We got a few other bits - it just so busy! I hate doing shopping on a Saturday!

We stopped off at my house to put Ethan's bedding in the tumbler dryer then went back to Paulines to wait for Jared to come home. We watched Rio with Ethan and had some dinner together.

Jared had a great time at the match, they won! And we even spotted them in the crowd! Haha!

Go to sleeeeeeeep!

She may look so good sleeping here, but the little tinker was up at least 6 times in the night! Not even looking for a feed! I think we need to start moving her into her own room. I am absolutely shattered.

She looks like a little michelin man in her baby gro. Oooo i could munch her little face. I drove Jared down to uni again and stayed at the dinosaur museum with Ethan. He loves it so much. We stayed till it was time to go to school. Everytime i visit, i seem to find a new exhibition. We ate some lunch there too to save some time. Ethan loves the whole 'dinosaur' experience. I still remember his first visit, quivering behind me as i walked through the exhibit. Now we can't get there quick enough! Lilsie just wants to be held when awake, but as she is nearly 13lbs, my arms can't take it! She did fall asleep after a cuddle, so she settled down into the pram for a nap. I was looking at an exhibit that was behind a slanted piece of glass. I misjudged and headbutted it, and feeling rather embarrassed, i looked around to see if anyone noticed. I thought they hadn't. As i walked away, i saw a woman sat in a chair about 2 meters away, looking at me. She definitely saw it! I couldn't get out of there quick enough!

I got Ethan to school on time and went back home to start taking photo's of Philly's clothing. I managed to do a big bag. I only have about 2 boxes left after this. Pretty good going really, especially as i had so much piled up. Things are slowly selling on ebay. As long as it's all there online, it will just keep going down.

Ethan was so good in school with no biting, so he got James back no problem. Lots of praise too! He said, 'Miss house is so proud of Ethan.' Cheeky Chimp!

We picked Jared up from his mum's had din dins and Jared put Ethan to bed while i cleaned up. I should have ebayed some stuff, but ended up sitting on the sofa, cuddling Lily to sleep watching a movie. I did work out though, even if it was 10pm at night. Jared doesn't like it, as he thinks the neighbours can hear it loud. He watched Downton Abbey while i did it, and then bed! Best time of the day!

Before i forget, Ethan went to bed with no night time nappy and was dry! I am so proud of him!

Cuddles in the bath!

I'm driving Jared to uni today to save the hassle of getting up super early to get him to the bus stop. I don't know why, but Lily has been up quite a bit in the night. It is just so tiring! I look forward to sleeping the whole night through again. Jared handed Lills to Ethan in the bath - it just looked so cute!;

I still can't believe i have 2 kids now! I love it! We dropped Jared into Cardiff and as i was there at 10am, i thought i would pop into Parc for a few hours - an outdoor/indoor play area. It was due to open at 10am and at 10.30am, i was still outside waiting. Ethan wanted to play and Lills was screaming, so i just had to go home. I was so disappointed. I did write a note on the facebook page and i was told that there had been a shift problem, and could have some free entries! Yay! So i just drove the kids back to Adventure land, where Ethan played for a bit. He's getting to the age where he is showing excitment for things. It's so cute.
He loves being around other children so much.

After taking him to school, i did a few odd jobs around the house. I find it difficult to find the time to settle Lily down for a nap, especially as we are in and out of the house all day. Poor bubs only gets cat naps. On picking Ethn up, he bit another child. I hate this! It's so embarrassing! So as a deterent, i took a train from his Thomas bag and put it in his naughty box. It has seemed to have some effect as he keeps asking about it. I hope this will help this all to settle in!

I picked Jared up from his mums before coming home to make dinner, clean up and work out before bed. Not an uber exciting day. And i have done rubbish on my eating!

Downton Abbey convert over here!

Pretty busy day today with lots of running about! I dropped Jared off at his mum's to study - i did have a lay in till about 9am as i am just so tired. Roll on the night's when Lills sleeps through...

So i made a stop at the post office to post the ebay things, then a drop off at the garage to check the tracking. They charged me £15?! I didn't expect that! They left a bottle of WD40 in the car too, so i returned that. Fair play, they sorted the car quickly. They forgot to put my wheel trims back on yesterday, so they said they would put them back on today. Well, when i went to drive off, they had only put the front two on?! Eh?! They are a good garage though!

I did a quick run to Tesco to pick up some food and bits, then a run home for lunch then the school run. Ethan ran in at full pelt! He loves school. Although we are having a real problem with him biting. It's getting bad again. I dread picking him up. I don't really know what to do to stop it? Other than resist the temptation to smack his bum?! Haha. I wouldn't do that, it doesn't work anyway!

I took his little trike back to Argos as it fell apart AGAIN. Instead of a replacement, i just got a gift card. I would have put it back on Jared's card, but they check the name and it has to be the card holder present. Stupid rule. So i have a £19.99 gift card to spend. I have no idea on what. I also did a run into Matalan to get some jeans for Lills to go with some T Shirts, and a little outfit for Rebecca, who had a baby boy on Sunday. I took the time then to go home and actually eat lunch for once! I am constantly skipping it. It's not good! I also did a bit of washing - my basket is never empty. It's getting ridiculous.

I picked Ethan up, stopped in on Rebecca to see how she's doing then drove to Peter and Paulines, who ofered to make tea for us. I never refuse that! Jared's studying went well, although he always gets a headache at the end of the day looking at a computer screen. It was nice to spend some time together again. After a heck of a lot of reverse pychology, Ethan ate all his dinner. I forgot to mention that yesterday while in the bath, Ethan said to me, 'Jesus is taking Philly to the doctors as she's hurt herself.' I couldn't help but feel a little sad at that. If only.. :(

We got the kids home, put them to bed and Jared and i settled down to watching Downton Abbey. Well, he said he would watch one - it ended up as three! He turned it off the then watch the highlights of the match, but i think he's enjoying it! In your face talk sport fuddy duddy! 'Nothing happens in Downton.' Whatever.

I spent the time wrapping all the presents and i can safely say the majority of it is done! Wahooo! I am so relieved. It's a month to go now, only two weeks till his birthday. I stayed up way too late and didn't work out. I am hoping to start Philly's book soon, but it all seems a bit too overwhelming a task. Perhaps tomorrow..

No car again!

The antics from the kids last night have taken their toll - Ethan and Lily are both still asleep and it's 9.30am. Emma Jane rung last night suggesting a trip to Adventure land and offered to pick me up if i needed it. Well, I did! Good old garage said that the car would be ready at 11am...well, now it's late afternoon/evening time. Wahoo!

Jared had left early to go to his mums to study. After getting washed and dressed, we waited for Emma Jane to go to Adventure land. Ethan is so excited to see Maya and Jesse, but when they played together, it was clear how tired Ethan is. He cried and whinged over a star shape that Jesse kept taking. They couldn't seem to get on today?! Cheryl came and so did Jodie, which was class. It was really good to sit together and catch up. It's vital in the mothering world, otherwise you would go mad! After the fun of that, Emma Jane took me to school. She was so helpful! She even dropped me home! I spent the rest of the day finishing off the cleaning tasks i had, putting washing away...etc. I felt so good to get it done. I even managed to clear out Lilies size 0-3 and replace with 3-6 month and sort out Ethan's toy boxes under the bed. The house is finally in order again, even if i've got another two new loads of washing to do. Pauline oftered to pick Ethan up from school for me so i was able to just crack on with cleaning.

After dinner, i had a call from Nicola to ask if i was alright about the family history. I had gone back a distance on one line and i found out that there was an adoption, making the line not blood. Well i had requested to do the work for these people when Absie informed me that a woman in America had wanted to do it. I had been so busy with the kids that i didn't get chance to reply - i actually planned to call tonight -well they thought that i was upset. No way! Something like that would never upset me! I LOVES MY ABSIE DABSIE!! Although, if the work doesn't get requested in a few months, i'm taking it back! Hahahaha.

Jared did FHE while i played on Mario Kart with Ethan. Jared does them on the Powerpoint and they are so good! Ethan can't sit still for a minute, bless him. I spent the evening catching up with my blogging (it takes ages!) and worked out. Miss Lilsie is a bit better tonight with sleeping, although i can hear her cooing away in her cot, the little tinker!

I hate not having a car!

Jared was up first thing to get the car to the garage with the hope of getting back by the end of the day. No chance! He then went on to Cwmbran to have a meeting and get his haircut. I, on the other hand, got the kids ready for the day and cleaned! The washing pile is just so stupid - i did four loads today. Ethan watched some T.V. while i started to sort the house out. I didn't hear from Jared about when he was back, so i did have a little panic on how i was going to get Ethan to school. I had no buggy, no waterproof clothing for Lily or an umbrella. Jared's grandparents were going home and had left Nan's glasses at ours, so they kindly offered to take Ethan and I. Just as they came in the house, Jared pulled up! Phew! As the car seat was in the car, Jared offered to take him so i could stay in the house.


Lily slept for ages, so i go a load of stuff on eBay. The housework will have to wait. Jared then picked Ethan up while i started dinner. Jared is going to ECDL tonight and then to his mum's to watch a footy match. Just my luck on the night that he is out, Lily and Ethan both refuse to go to sleep. I don't know what is up with the pair of them! Ethan eventually went down at 10.40pm and Lily just woke continually through the evening. I didn't get to work out, finish tidying or ebay more stuff. I even had to ring Jared for him to come home so i could do something! Not such a good day on the productivity, I hate living in a messy house! :(

Sunday.

Jared woke up this morning to the realisation that he hadn't brought his church clothes. We had both slept in, so it was a mad rush to get ready on time - i skipped doing my hair and shoved some make up on and i still managed to get there late! Jared decided to stay home as he would feel embarrassed to go in normal clothes. I have to admit, that wouldn't stop me from going but it is my home ward. It was a good Sunday - i enjoyed the talks and the teachers were good too. We talked about the Millenium and what it would bring. I hope i will be here for it, but i guess it's not up to me.

Mum cooked a cracking roast dinner and had the missionaries over for food too. I made the best chocolate brownie i have ever made and mum kept saying so! The missionaries serving right now are so normal. They have come from America. They left us with a funny spiritual thought - we all wrote on a piece of paper what we would like the person on our right to do. When we had completed that and announced what it was (Push ups, go to bed early...etc) we were to actually do it ourselves. He then mentioned that we should treat others like we would want to be treated ourselves.

Not long after, we packed up and started the tedious journey home. Lily seriously doesn't like the car seat! She cried most of the way home. I would take the DVD player from Ethan to show her to divert her attention and it would work, only for Ethan to start crying. I couldn't wait to get out the car!

Jared unpacked the car and put Ethan to bed while i unpacked all the bags. Pauline, Peter, Sam, Mangi and Tadgi came up for a bit too to chat. We discussed a little of Christmas and what the plan was. Once they left, we went to bed, very late yet again!

Shopping with the Mumsie.

I love lay ins! Lily is so good at sleeping in, it's Ethan who likes to get us up. That's what i love about visiting mum's, she gets up with him so he doesn't disturb us. Jared had to get up early to take the car to the garage - on the way up, the car's warning system for the brakes came on, that they had failed. Eeeek! I got up with Lily about 8.30am and started getting them both ready for the day before i got dressed. Mum cooked us a cooked breakfast. Yummy! She always pulls it out of the bag when we have people to stay. They didn't stir though until 10am..haha. I remember those days!

Jared got back from the garage and they said we need new brake pads and shoes. Our car always fails on us when it's Christmas. It must get jealous...

Ben and Georgie came up to have Ethan so mum and i could go shopping together. Yay! It was so nice to get out and have a proper shopping experience. I even thought of when i do it at home, i could see if Philly would come with us. It's weird that my thought patterns still bring me there. We did a good stint at Primark, getting Ethan some outfits for church. Mum also bought Lily a beautiful red dress from Marks and Spencer for her blessing soon. The usual bag of chosen Thorntons were purchased too. I even tried on a pair of UGGS to see the right size before ordering them online. I realise now that anything under £200 are definitely fakes. After all that, we were both pooped and headed home.

Mum got some Chilli on while i sat and chatted with Ben and Georgie. I don't know why, but we started looking at costs for going to Center Parcs. I love Center Parcs! If we booked to go next year, it would be £68 a couple. If Jared wasn't on placement, i would definitely do it! When the dates come out for Christmas 2013, i am booking for a week away. They get booked up quickly, especially the villa's close to the pool.

Jared, Sam and Carwyn had gone to the Red Hot Chilli Pepper's concert, so it was a husband free night for me. After getting the kids to bed and doing some family history, i went to bed. I did stay up to catch Jared, which i did about midnight. Sam and Carwyn drove back that night - it must have taken hours to get back!

Telfordinian Visitation!

I have been looking forward to this day all week, as Jared and i are going to Cardiff for the day without Ethan. Wahooooooo! We were a little delayed in getting ready to go and stuff, making Jared late for his lecture. We dropped Ethan off with Mamgi and Tadgi at P and P's house before driving down. Jared has a lecture first so i entertained myself while he was in that. I don't know what is going on in Cardiff today, but i couldn't find a parking space anywhere. After driving round a few times, there definitely wasn't going to be any room anytime soon, so i went and got petrol and drove back up the A470 to Home Bargains to spy out some presents. I spent a good hour in there, i love it! I bought some more stocking fillers for Ethan and Jared. It's so cheap for what you would normally pay. I drove back to the University, still couldn't find a single space so i double parked to feel Lilsie and change her nappy.

I still had another hour to wait for Jared, so i did just sit and wait. He came out just before 1pm and we drove to the museum car park in hope of a space. There was! So we pulled up, got some yummy lunch at the museum before walking into Cardiff. The main aim of today is to get some walking boots for Jared. So we tried Millets first and had no luck, so we visited Black's, another outdoor store. He got a lovely pair of leather walking boots. Not cheap, but they should last years. I finally found the cute tights in Primark that have built in slippers on the feet in Lilsie's size. They are just so cute! We headed home after that - Cardiff can be pretty busy!

In the car on the way home, Jared started having second thought's about his boots. I couldn't stop laughing! He was critically analyzing everything about them, and eventually told me that i might have to have them! Hahahaha! When we got back in the house, he was trying them on with different socks, matching different shoes of his to the sole of his boot, running, walking jogging in them... everything you could think of to test them out. He is so funny! We finished packing up the car before going for dinners at Pauline's. It was nice to be all together, i really enjoy the company of my in laws, just as much as i love being in the company of my own family.

The drive up to Telford wasn't too bad, although i was glad to be there when we got there! I get so sleepy behind the wheel, especially since doing night time feeding. We had to stop for a bit for Lily - she really hates sitting in her car seat! Like, loads! She screamed for about 40 minutes of the journey! We caught up with mum and Josh. Thomas was heading to Hereford to see Ellice and Dad was doing the lighting for a production. We did get to bed quite late. Sam and Carwyn were coming later on in the night - when i stirred to feed Lilsie, i could hear them talking downstairs, so they definitely came in late!

Watching the Cinderella Pantomime!

Tonight we are going to the Panto! I am so excited.. I took Ethan to adventure land this morning to give him a good run around. He loves it so much and i have to admit, he is really funny to watch. 'Chase me, chase Ethan!' He shouts at the other children. I managed to just sit and read while Lilsie slept. It was so nice. I have to take advantage of this more often!

I had made a packed lunch for Ethan to eat while we were there so we could go straight to school. He did his usual charade of not wanting to go in, but running to the entrance as soon as we got there. I am so glad that he likes it there so much, and i get 2 hours to myself. Win win! Haha. I picked Jared up from the bus station not long after dropping Ethan off and we nipped to Mo Pulman's to ask if we can store the kayak in her garage. Well thankfully she said a giant yes! That means we can keep it in good nick. Jared wanted to go and tidy it immediately and wouldn't let him, so he had a little bit of a tantrum..haha.

When i got in, Jared took Ethan with him to clean up the garage while i made some tea and packed ready for Telford tomorrow. I could feel the beginnings of mastitis coming on, so i had a bath before we all headed off the the Pantomime of Cinderella. Pauline went ahead and reserved our seats so we didn't have to wait around early. They got about 5 rows back for us. We even arrived at 6.40pm, about 20 minutes before it was due to start and it was packed!! They had even started to lay out more chairs!

The panto was awesome, i couldn't help but think of Philippa as we watched it. She would have come down to see it with us, i know it. I would even say it was as good as last year. I didn't take my camera as i did just want to sit and enjoy it. I didn't think it was the place to be having a flash going off every 5 minutes, so here are some shots that Andrew Jones took;

Ethan loved the scary witch. Every time she went off stage, he would ask constantly, 'Where's the scary witch?' It was so funny! He sat there with a glow stick necklace and bracelet. Pauline had the biggest box of chocolates i have ever seen, so we chomped our way through that too.

When we got in, it was nearly 10pm so Ethan went straight to bed. I could feel the mastitis coming on me really bad to the point where i had to go and lie down! And the for rest of the night i was in bed, trying to get to sleep to get rid of this awful flu like feeling!

Poopsie Pants!

We had a great night with lots of disturbances from both Lily and Ethan. Jared is so tired that he is having a lie in while i get up with the kids. Somehow i don't think that is fair? Haha. I got both kids washed and dressed, did some housework and planned to take Ethan to adventure land for the morning after dropping Jared off at his parent's house. It wasn't until i checked my immunisation letter for Lily that i realised it was at 11am, not the usual 2.30pm. It was already 11.15am! Arrgg! So a quick dash to Peter and Paulines house to drop Jared off before going to the surgery. Poor Ethan was so looking forward to having a run around.

They weren't bothered i was late, infact i think i got seen to in the quickest time ever. Lilsie is now 12lbs 10oz, so she's gained just over a lb in a month. I think thats good! Right on target really. She also got her horrible jabs in the legs, she screamed and screamed. Ethan told the health visitor off, saying, 'That's not nice!' Hahaha. I made a quick stop at the cake shop to pick up some cakes for a neighbour before going to Halfords to change the wiper blades. I managed to do all of that and get Ethan into school on time.

When i got home i knocked the neighbours door but no one was in, so i did some washing and cleaning around the house. I thought of calling in on Kate to see how she is doing when i got a call from Jared to say the school had called. Ethan had pooed himself. Poor boy! It turned out he had been complaining of a tummy ache before it happened, poor bubsie. I picked him up from school at about 2.40pm, and i was really surprised to see how many cars were already parked up to get the kids. Really? Sitting in your car for 40 minutes so you have a better spot? You will never catch me doing that!

I took him back to Peter and Paulines, shoved him in the shower and cleaned him up. The clothes he had were stinking! I always dreaded this side to parenting, but some how it's really not that bad. After spending some time there, setting up their router and having a look on new.familysearch.org, we went home to have a quick dinner. Jared offered to go down and help at the panto with Sam. We are all going to see it tomorrow night, which should be good!

I cleaned the house completely, put Ethan to bed, spent some time looking at youtube clips before photographing some more stuff for ebay. I am finding it really difficult to do Philly's, i don't know why. I know they are only clothes, but i keep thinking of her in them. The sudden realisation of her not being here has hit me again and again today. I miss her so much. It's been such a privilidge to have her as my sister.

I did a quick work out before going to bed. I've been thinking, i haven't seen the ipod since Sunday, which is a bit of a panic. That is the only thing that has Philly's voice on! I hope we find it soon! :(

Busybusybusy!

I should be working out now, there is always tomorrow....

So i started the day by taking Jared to his mums to study before driving to the church for the fitness class. Well i guess it wasn't on as no one was there! So i drove home to get dressed, not an easy feat with two active children. Lily wanted to go to sleep and still needs a little bit of help, so i had to sit for a bit to get her to sleep.

I took Ethan into town to have his hair cut, get new shoes, replace the rubbish rocking frame for Lilsie's moses basket and do a small food shop. I managed to do all of that before 1.00pm! Ethan usually cries when he has his haircut, but with a quick flash of sweets he sits like an angel! Hahaha.

After a quick lunch he went to school, i came home to do the loads of washing from the weekend and build lilsie's new frame. It's been redesigned and it so much more sturdy. By the time i had done all that, Ethan needed picked up. I was running a little late, so as i was going into school, people were coming out and poor Lily got knocked into 3 times by kids running and not looking where they are going!

Back in the house i don't know what got into Ethan. He went for a wee and wouldn't wash his hands. I wouldn't let him have his afterschool food until he did it. Well, he kicked and screamed for 20 minutes before doing it, then he stripped off his clothing before crying again because he had to put it back on again. He is definitely tired! We picked Jared up from his parents before coming home for some food. Jared was out to his ECDL course soon after and i put Ethan to bed. I got a couple of stories for him, and as we read them, he couldn't keep still! He is such a wiggler! He managed to repeat all of the story of the 'three little pigs', which was really cute!

I spent the evening bagging up the ebay stuff i sold before doing some family history. I love it!

All Together Again!

We managed to have a good lie in this morning! The rusk seemed to do the trick for Lily, only waking once in the night and then at 9ish for a feed. I actually feel refreshed. We have to be in the car for 11am to get to Bracknall ward on time, so from when we got up to getting in the car we got ready for the day, packed up all our bags (there was stuff everywhere!), clean the room, strip the beds and empty the rubbish. We did it though! Oh, and my hair is starting to fall out from pregnancy. Boo :(

It didn't take long to get to Bracknall and i have to say i was so shocked at how many people came on to us to say hello. I've realised how important it is to talk to new faces, as scarey as it might seem. You never get a second chance at a first impression, and i was an investigator, i would want to feel welcome. Sacrament was really good, with the last speaker being particulary good. Lilsie sat on my lap cooing the whole time, the lovely little bundle. She's really reaching out for stuff now.

We sat in the car after and ate a lunch Pauline had made before starting the journey back. The trip went really quick - we were meeting my mum before we knew it. Ethan had an awesome time and it's so good to see him again! The sun set on the way home was pretty impressive;

When we got back to Merthyr, we stopped in at the Evans' home to catch some supper. Pauline had bought a cake for Philly, and we put some candles in to sing for Ethan. Well, as i walked in with the cake, i felt it hit me really hard. Peter and Pauline were overcome and as Ethan blew the candles out, he asked, 'where's Philippa gone?'. It's just so painful. I don't think we will celebrate her birthday like this again as it really is just too hard. To think that this life is just a blip on the grand scheme of things, yet right now it feels like an eternity till we will all be together again.

When we got home, Jared put Ethan to bed while i fed Lily a rusk. I unpacked and settled her down to sleep before blogging. It's been nice to just chill out tonight. I have eaten like a pig this weekend, i don't regret it as it was all for Philly. I know she would have done the same! I'll just pound it a bit harder tomorrow on the treadmill!

Let's hope i will actually get a good night's sleep again tonight :)

Temple Time.

Today is Philly's birthday. She would have been 27 years old. I woke up quite early as Lilsie wanted a feed. She went back to sleep for a bit while i was wide awake. I thought of Philly and what she would be doing today, if she would be celebrating her birthday. Then it overcame me like it was just yesterday. I miss her so much.

It wasn't long before lily was up for the day, so i took her in the shower with me. It was the first time i've done it, and she loved it! It's so funny to see her little face as the water runs over it. Jared kept saying he is shattered despite the fact he had a full night's sleep and i had 3 feeding times! Hahaa! Oh how i long to sleep through the night again. Come on Lilsie, give mummy some sleep! After i finished getting Lilsie ready, she fell asleep. We took some pictures of her sitting in a chair before she went to sleep;

 And i'm happy to be up and ready to face the day!;

Jared eventually got up and showered but i wasn't to leave the room till he was ready. I felt like a child on Christmas day being made to wait to go down as everyone gets washed and dressed;

When he was finally ready, we walked to Peter and Pauline's room for breakfast. Sam had only got out of the shower and had his hairy chest out, then came the new nickname of 'rugsie'. Hahahaha! Rugsie the ghost! Jared only has a bit, like a small mat, so he is matsie. Matsie and Rugsie! Hahahahahahahaha! Peter is the worst, so we called him 'shag pile'. That was quickly dropped though, for obvious reasons. Haha.

I managed to catch Martin and Jan both seperately as they walked over to the Temple. She asked me to bring Lily over when we went in, so after getting ready, Jared walked over with us so he could take Lily when we were done. Pauline and i were going in first to do some Initiatories. Jan loved her! She thinks she looks just like an Evans. She bought two lovely little outfits and hand croqueted a blanket. Beautiful blanket too with little ballerina shoes on them. I love spending time in the Temple. Lilsie was lucky to get past the desk! I also handed in the names i had found in the week to be printed. It is so satisfying to get your own family done. After we had finished, we met up with Jared to get some lunch.

Jared went in with Pauline to do an endownment after buying some bits from the distribution centre, and Sam went in to do one initiatory. While they were out, Peter and I went to the family history centre to continue to look for names. I found another three names and i took them over to the Temple to be printed again.

When everyone got back, we headed out to Sainsburys to get some bits and pieces for lunch tomorrow and to fill the car with fuel for the long journey home. I think when Lily is not so dependent on us, Jared and I will go to the Temple for a night and just do as much work as possible. It's hard to focus on doing the work with children around you needing your attention.

We all went for a meal at the Peacock for tea after we'd finished our erands, and it was lovely. We had a good laugh around the table. I have married a very funny man. I can't breathe from laughter sometimes! We all travelled back to our rooms to chill before bed. Lily got her first taste of a rusk and milk and loved it, despite dribbling most of it out onto her bib. I called her bibsie. So we have rugsie, matsie and bibsie. Hahaha. She is so vocal now, cooing and shouting. It is so cute. I love my little family!

Peter and i sat doing some more family history, ironing out the kinks in some of the connections. I managed to find a line called the horn which has the potential to unlock and find hundreds of people! I am so excited! I have my work cut out completely. I hope i will be prompted to follow whatever line is needed. The thought of so many people waiting to progress and can't, it makes me feel sad. At least i've caught the bug for it, so i have many years of discovering it!

Happy Birthday beautiful Aunty Philly. Xxxxx

Long Journey!

Today we are going to the Temple, so i have a load of running around to http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=4877598405426838368do! First off i took Jared to Cardiff for his lecture. It seems to be so much easier doing that then getting up the extra half hour to get him to the bus stop on time. On the way back i stopped into Home Bargains, and boy did they have some bargains! I bought a few more stocking fillers along with some nice chocolate/sweets to use in times of need. Ethan wanted to look down the toy isle and kept saying, 'I need that one, I need that one.' It would be so easy to give into him, it really would! But i don't want to set a high standard of getting loads of toys every year. Christmas is so magical, and i can't wait to see his little face when he sees his stocking and presents under the tree!

When i did get home, i had enough time to unpack, feed Ethan lunch and get some washing on before going to school. After dropping him off, Lily decided to take a massive sleep which gave me the time to get on with packing! I packed the car, cleaned the house and picked up Jared before driving to school to get Ethan. For the first time ever, we are leaving straight from school! We generally plan it, but it never works out. As i went to move off, i had the fright of my life as a driver decided to pull out on me and not wait for me to finish turning. I have had so many scares like this, it's just not funny. Thankfully i didn't collide with the person!

The journey was soo long. I met my mum at Jct 1 of the M50, she was about 25 minutes late, dropped off Ethan and started the journey to London. The visibility is so poor at night when it's tipping it down, and the sat nav was trying to take us along the windey roads. Jared was ticked off as well because he was hungry, so i got the brunt of that. Lilsie had had enough in her chair, so i stopped at a services to let her have some time looking around. She is such a little cherub. She looks around, taking it all in. I could just munch her little dimpled face!

We finally got to the Temple for about 8.30pm, unpacked and spent the evening with the family in their room having a good laugh! Oh we have so much fun together. I managed to get Sam's phone to work as a router to do some internet surfing. Class!

And now we have a nice full day of work to look forward to tomorrow! I'm so excited to submit the names i've got.

Yukky Weather.

It has done nothing but rain all day! Gross! A slight lie in today. I am so tired that i'm finding i don't turn in the night so half my body is half asleep when i wake up. All the pins and needles kick in then!
I got the kids up and dressed before going to Kates workout class. I've missed 3 sessions since my last time, so it might be a bit of a push today. It was good though. I got a compliment for some of the weight i've lost. I'm so close to getting to what i was before getting pregnant with Lills, yet i have another stone to go to get to what i was before i started having babies. I'm hoping to be there for Christmas... Come on!

I stayed on to help clean the floors from the Panto as they are really sticky from last night's showing. Fair play to Cheryl, she is dedicated!

I got back home, fed Ethan some lunch, fed Lily, washed and dressed just in time to get Ethan to school. Jared came with me to get some bits for his presentation tomorrow. I also got some bits for food and some treats ready for Ethan's birthday. It's so close, i can't believe my baby boy is going to be four! When we got home, i unpacked and did a test run for Jared on his presentation. I then sent off some blog posts for Ben for his dissertation. I have been putting it off - now it's done!

I quickly did the school run, leaving Lily asleep at home so i can run in and out. It's tipping it down with rain! I did it in record time too!

Burnt tea and it tasted gross! Jared had an hour on the wii with Ethan before putting him to bed. I continued to eBay and worked out. I got a whole box on there now, i feel like i'm getting closer to getting rid of all the stuff i don't need in the house! 

I have had a complete mental block on what we have done today, and can only seem to remember snipets?

So i did the usual school run and stuff. i'm just so glad that Ethan's birthday present came while i was in. He is going to love it;
 

Well worth it when you see their little faces! I also did a little on family history and listing things on ebay. I really need to make sure i have all the stuff cluttering the hallway out before Christmas.

And that's all i remember. That will teach me to leave it too late to blog!

Adventure land and the lost socks.

Nothing  out of the unusual happened today. For some reason I didn’t wake up till 9am, and that included sleeping through Ethan’s usual morning ritual of trying to get to Lily. Lily even slept through! 

I decided not to go to Katie’s class again today as first, I slept in, and second, I feel bad for just leaving Ethan roam. He gets seriously bored during it, especially when he’s by himself. And with all the panto everywhere I don’t feel it’s completely safe.

After getting washed and dressed and munched down some bacon and eggs I took Ethan to adventure land. As I called him to leave, he replies, ‘for goodness sake, mun!’ Hahahahaha! He loved it! He just loves social interaction with other children! I text Emma Jane and Cheryl to see if they wanted to come too. I got there for 11am and as Lily slept and Ethan played, I read my book. I find it too hard to do any reading before bed, as I’m usually falling asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. Cheryl was able to come and brought her two lovely boys, Jesse and Raffe. They played for ages as we chatted, it was really nice! I keep forgetting how nice it is to just see Ethan entertained as i sit still. I fed him some lunch there before taking him to school. I couldn't find his socks anywhere - i thought he would have a freak out, but didn't. Horah! He is so funny, he cries about going to school all the way in the car, into the car park and up to the school gate, then he runs into the class all excited?!

I rushed home as Lilsie took another nap and did the laundry and clean up. I always have so much laundry. I do about 2 loads a day? What the flip!? The time soon went and I picked Ethan up and finished off the clean. Jared has been home today working on his presentation for uni. It’s been going on for ages now – he delivers it on Thursday. No doubt I’ll be running him in... Hehehe.

We got a call from Pauline to say that Peter had taken a nasty fall, hurting his side and back. Pauline described that they had gone for a run and he was slightly ahead of her. He tried to take a shortcut and ended up falling. Pauline rushed to his aid to find him in pain, watched his eyes roll to the back of his head and pass out. She thought he had died. I can’t imagine how scared she must have felt! Thank goodness he is ok – just at home in bed rest after a trip to A&E. That is the last thing they need right now.

Jared put Ethan to bed and I sorted out Lily. I spent the evening finishing off Philly’s book for the kids for Christmas, ebaying some more items ( I did lots!) and trying to find something to watch on TV. There was nothing! Jared had nipped to his parents to practice his presentation and got back late.

Now it’s time for bed! The little tinker Lills woke a few times tonight looking for cuddles, the cutie! 

Philly's photobook.

Well, its back to the weekly ritual! I am going to skip Kate's class as i can't justify leaving Ethan all by himself. He gets so bored bless him. We had a bit of a leisurely morning gettin ready, so by mid day we were all ready for the day.

Dad very kindly posted my lead i had left in Telford so i can upload photos again! Whippee! I took Ethan briefly to the park before school. By the time i had gotten there, we only have 15 minutes before i had to leave! He did his usual sad face going in, screaming, 'no school!' but as soon as we are there, he is running far ahead of me.

I know i have some cleaning jobs to do, but i just can't be bothered to do it, so i sat and watched scrubs! Haha! On picking Ethan up, the little tinker had been biting again. Fighting with another boy in his class. The problem is they are so similar to each other - hyper, loves trains and not too good at sharing! Little monkey!

When i got in, i started to clean up a bit and sort the house out. The ebay person collecting the chair came, so i have some more clutter removed from my house. We watched a bit of Toy Story together before daddy left for his ECDL course. I put Ethan to bed and settled Lilsie and thought i would start 'Philly, Lily and Ethan book.' As part of their Christmas present, i want the kids to have their own book with the photo's of Philly. I spent ages doing it, and just as i came to finishing it, Java crashed making me lose half of it! I am so gutted. Anyway, it's past 11pm, i'll just have to finish it tomorrow.

Bedtime!

Screaming Children!

Today is Sunday! I have been desperate for a lie in for ages, so I made Jared get up with the kids so i could catch up on som sleep. Well, he only took Ethan, leaving Lilsie with me! She did sleep for a little, woke for a feed then started crying. So i got up and put her in the bouncer next to a sleeping Jared. I then went back to sleep for a little, waking at 11am. I don't know if it was really worth it, as i am still so tired. This then meant we were running late for Church - I don't know what had gotten in to the kids but they were all screaming. Ethan wouldn't get his trousers on, crying and screaming, slowly working his daddy up while Lily wanted to be held, screaming till she was picked up. It was 1.20pm, i was still not dressed, hair soaking wet and trying to soothe a screaming baby. Believe it or not, we were sat in Church at 1.40pm! Even in time for sacrament! Horray!

I was half dead through church, still feeling really tired! Rebecca Pulman even pulled me up on it. The building was boiling too, all the heaters were on and the fluster of getting ready quickly meant i was just boiling through the whole of church. It was a brilliant Sunday though, testimony meeting was really spiritual.

We went for a pork dinner at Peter and Paulines and spent some time together. Jared was having a quick guide to family history from his dad and Sam was out on a date..Hahaha.

A quick clean up when we got home and Ethan to bed. I then sat down to watch the season finale to Downton Abbey. Ohhh it's so good!

Bonfire Night!

I was up early this morning to finish off cleaning the chapel toliets. Pauline was really kind to come and help me do it. I then did a run to the post office to post the items i sold on ebay, came home and found that Jared wasn't even dressed! The naughty boy! While he did get sorted, I cleaned out the car. I love driving round in a clean car! It makes me so happy! Sad i know. While cleaning it, i stood in dog poop! Two neighbours near by let their dogs roam and they poo everywhere, especially on my drive. It stinks :( I used next doors hose to clean it all away...i hate it!!!

We planned to go over to Peter and Paulines for a walk but Jared had to go down the church to have a quick look at the songs he is playing in tonights playlist. So it was just me and the kids that went for a walk. We started on the Taff trail by the cinema and walked for a bit. It was a nice, refreshing walk - i'm just amazed at how much dog crap is EVERYWHERE. I stepped in it, Ethan did, Pauline did and the pram got pushed right through it a few times too! Haha! Dogwalkers, you are GROSS!!

Jared wanted picked up not long after, so after getting him, we went back to his parent's house for some foodies. Maree's wedding was just starting and as some of her family live in New Zealand, they had it streaming live on the internet, so we sat and watched some of that. While eating a box of Thorntons. I really do love chocolate! Jared was due down the church at 6pm to play in the band for her, so i stayed with Peter and Pauline for tea before they took me home. I really do love spending time together with them. We had a look on the family history website and did some work. It's so addictive! Again, i stayed up way too late!

Epic Fail. There is no School Today!

I drove Jared down to Cardiff today which worked out perfect seeing as i needed to do a run to Ikea. Ikea is just such an awesome place. They even do a 45 minute kid watch for you to do your shopping! Well as it was so dead, the woman behind the desk told me they will keep Ethan for an 1 1/2 hours if i wanted. Class! Ethan was straight in their to play, lushy boy!

I had a nice walk round all the sets with Lily. I picked up a few packs of train track ready for Christmas and some other bits for the house, including a new toy for Lily to play with. I then picked up Ethan, drove home and fed him lunch before going to school.

I get there and it is dead. They are doing some building work too, and i thought, 'that's a bit dangerous for term time?'. Well, there is no school today! The Head Teacher saw me and said, 'three newsletters and a text..' I couldn't believe it! The day he missed wasn't a day off, so his attendance is lower now! Stupid Becky! Well i take him home and we cuddle up on the sofa for a bit watching some T.V. I couldn't help but think of all the things we could have done today knowing that i didn't have to rush him back for school.

After picking Jared up, i made some dinner before Jared went to his activity in Swansea. He said it went well. Kate did her line dancing and Zumba and it went down a treat. I didn't do much - just waiting on the cord from the camera to continue Ebaying!

Visit from Friends.

John and Eleanor are coming over tonight, it's so exciting! I went to Kate's class again today, although i think i can't keep coming as regular as this, not while Ethan isn't in full time school. After getting washed and dressed and dropping Ethan to school, i nipped to Tesco to get the requested bits for the activity tomorrow night for Youth. I didn't get time to hide it all as i've been trying to get the house up to scratch ready for out visitors.

I picked Jared up and continued to clean after cooking dinner. Ethan went down to bed pronto too before they came. They brought some pizza's for tea. It was such a good night - we talked and laughed and didn't even realise that it was 11.30pm! It was such a good night and plan to do it again next month, for sure!

Hmmm..

I can't really remember what i have done today, other than the usual stuff. Kate's class, school run..etc.

Although i have been dwelling on a thought that President Allen said to me, and that is 'There is no righteous untimely death.' It's an interesting thought, as hard as it is to accept.

Ethan had some funny with his daddy playing with playdough, he made a scarey mask!