Telford Time.

Today's the day i go to Telford! Whippeeeee! Ethan is really excited, he keeps asking me, 'go grandma's house?' Cutie pie.

I had to drive Jared down to uni again today as we weren't ready in time again. I wonder if he does it on purpose so he doesn't have to get the bus...hmmmm. He accidently kept his wallet too, and i as i hadn't brought my phone, i couldn't ring him, so the petrol tank was practically on empty when i got back to Merthyr! Back in the house it was just catching up on the cleaning and getting all the washing through before i had to go. It takes so long to do house work with a little baby! I rung my dad just before doing the school run to check if the money is in, and it is! Jared is going to be so chuffed that we will be picking up his bass today. I managed to get the top half of the house done before having to do the school run- the bathroom was disgusting, Ethan likes to miss the bowl alot! Gross!

A quick nip to the petrol station and drop off at school, i rung Jared to tell him the good news that we can get the bass today! So it means another trip down to Cardiff for me. I pick Jared  up from his campus and head to Cranes, the music store. It's called a Music Man Bongo. Apparantly quite rare too. The shop assistants all recognised it going, i can imagine they are gutted that they can't play it out of hours anymore! Haha. I did have a quick glance at the pianos but their all a bit too expensive for what i want. I only want a simple electric one.

A quick stop off to feed Lills, she was screaming for her milkies! It was a bit of a stress trying to find somewhere to stop to feed her. This is when Jared and i have cross words with each other as the stress of driving, trying to find some where to park and a screaming baby all get to me!
I had to ring the school to let them know we were running late, but it was all in vain as i got there just as the last few parents were getting their kids. Not bad for still being in Cardiff at 2.50pm!

We got back to the house and the bass was out of it's case immediately! Look how chuffed he is!;

He wanted to see himself with it in the mirror too;

 Smiles from me;

I frantically ran round trying to pack for Telford while Ethan watched Thomas the Tank, Lills screamed and Jared played his bass. He gets so distracted when he's into something he loves. There is no way i can get through to him without a snappy reception. Haha. I did manage to pack in time and put the washing out before heading up to Peter and Paulines to say hello to Mangi and Tadgi. They have come down for the weeked to go to the Malvern show around the Monmouth area, i think. They have a neighbour who has an apple and pear tree in his garden, so they brought aload of homegrown fruit with them for Pauline and I to make apple and pear chutney next week! Perfect for Christmas presents might i add :)

The journey to Telford wasn't too bad. I left at about 5pm and got there for 7.30ish. I went the back roads for a change. The traffic was pretty fast moving apart from the end. It was so nice to see the family again!Pete and Bee had stopped in to say hello before heading to Bee's sister's house for a nephew's birthday party. Her mum and stepdad popped in too. I love seeing all the family love Lily. She was giving lots of smiles to them too! Jake is moving away tomorrow too, so it was good to catch him too.

Thomas then came in from work and the gym;

 PARKER FACE!;

 Grandad loves having cuddles from babies. Ethan is stil up too, despite that fact it's after 10pm;

Completely forgot to having anything for dinner - i suppose it all helps with weight loss ;) I am trying to sort out all of the Facebook pictures of Philly. It is going to be a mamouth task, especially as i don't get much time to sit down at the computer. I was hoping to do a load tomorrow but it has just dawned on me that none of the family will be about to help. Doh! I just tagged her in some albums to keep gathering pictures. Hopefully it won't take long to sort out.

Shattered now!

Busy Monday.

Jared has his speed awareness course today so i had to have him at the Orbit Centre for 8.45am. Lills wouldn't go to sleep for ages after her feed in the night so i am so tired! I had to force myself out of bed! But i did it, and i got Ethan ready and myself..whoop! I have quite alot of house work to catch up on so that is the theme of this morning - look at only two days of washing;

Lills just chilling in her basket as i get on with it!;

I bought a kit a few months ago where you can make a mould of a fist to keep. I put off doing it with Ethan as i didn't think he was old enough to do it, then completely forgot about it. I found it last week and thought i would give it a shot, seeing as it only cost 60p. I must say, Ethan didn't do too bad at keeping still;

I think i'll go back and get some more if there are any - When Lills is asleep i can do her too! Possible Christmas pressies?? Hmmm... I also managed to study with Ethan his verbs book. His speech is a little slow and he struggles with verbs, so describing what is happening in pictures helps alot. Lills woke up then and wanted some cuddling, so i didn't manage to get much done before school. I hate having a messy house but i'm learning to chill on it a bit more. I have to keep telling myself that it doesn't matter!

After picking Jared up and dropping Ethan at school (he didn't cry too much today!) we nipped in the house for lunch and then drove to Peter and Paulines for a quick visit. We can't lay a headstone at Philly's grave until 6 months have past to let the ground settle, so Pauline bought a little stone that can have flowers placed in them. I totally forgot my camera as it was on charge, but will add some photo's in time. We arranged some fake flowers in the pot - Red and White, as Philly always described her wedding with those colours. It looked lovely. Jared was on his usual kayaking speak. He is so unbelievably desperate to get these kayaks! We hope it will be before Christmas, anything to stop the tyrades of kayak talk! Hahaha.

After getting Ethan from school (it always rains when i do the school run!) we headed up to the cemetry to place the flowers and stone. She is in such a lovely spot, just off the path. The keepers had sprinked some soil and grass seed down over her grave so it looks alot better. I never thought i would say it, but i find comfort going there. We all said we wouldn't go there that much, maybe only on special occasions, if that. I still find it so hard to believe that we are at this point, leaving flowers on her grave when only eight weeks ago she had just come to visit Lily and us. It's just so strange.

When we got back to Pauline's house, Lily was hysterical. I couldn't figure out why when i realised she hadn't been fed in over 4 hours! The poor bubsie! I need to keep better time of feeds - time goes so fast between each feed. I had to stop and feed her there while Ethan tried to get Nanny and Grandad to give him food. Crisps or 'crips', cheese triangles...anything!

I did fajitas for tea. It was yum! Jared helped tidy up the house a bit before heading to his EDCL course for the evening. It's a computer training course that is part of his University course. I always found the thought of dealing with two little ones by myself quite daunting, but i have to say it's really not been that hard, especially with how Ethan has been with Lills - rolling on her, sitting on her, squeezing her arm and the worst, lifting up her head and letting it drop. The poor girl! But i know she will get her own back on him one day. He just loves her to death/serious harm. After the bedtime routine was complete, teeth cleaned and stories read, Ethan was out for the count within 15 minutes. It usually takes a little longer than that with all the getting in and out of bed, shouting 'BACK TO BED' and pretending to climb the stairs to scare him back to bed. It's quite an event putting a toddler to bed!

I managed to get on top of all the washing and washing up, even if it meant putting the hoover on as white noise to stop Lills from crying. Believe me, it works! I use the hairdryer upstairs and it knocks her out too! I need to start sorting through Philly's clothes - i am going to get rid of my clothing and have hers as i just can't part with it.  Jared came home from his course and immediately worked out. I have to say, i have never sweated like that;

Yeah it's gross, but i kinda marvel at it at the same time..haha! 

P&P popped in just before bedtime to see us. They had had Cathy Powles over for dinner and just dropped her back. Despite the circumstances, it's been a real help seeing them everyday since 1st August. I feel so much closer as a family unit to them and i look forward to the day when we will all be together again. What a great day that will be. If only we could know the time and date! Hahaha. Lills the little monkey kept waking up after a few cat naps, so i had to try and type while feeding. Quite the challenge!;

 

Jared and i eventually got to bed for about 11.30ish with a wide awake Lills. Hopefully this will mean she will sleep in a bit tomorrow. Do you think Ethan will do the same? :S

Haircut Time!

Today is the day I have my hair cut off. Eeeeeek! I am feeling nervous now as I'm no longer counting down days! I'm meeting the buyer in a hotel in Cardiff - i know it sounds a bit dodgy, my brother Thomas is driving down to come with me. I had the nice surprise of seeing Jakey too!

So i had a load of jobs to do this morning - i always find that when i come back from my parents and Jared has stayed home, it's catch up time! So i spent a good few hours getting up on the washing..etc. After that i had to bag up my eBay items for posting. I don't know why i don't do it first - i feel so much pressure to get it all sent out, especially if it's been a few days since they paid for it. I also had an ebayer asking where her item was 3 days from payment. Stupid girl, clearly doesn't read the listing. I'm not too fond of those who reside in the Heolgerrig post office, so i always do my best to get to the Pant post office. They are so nice to deal with. So i drove out to them, not realising the time. They shut in 5 minutes...i totally would have made it if it wasn't for the LEARNER DRIVER! GRRR! I have 2 hours before i have to be in Cardiff and i need to do the food shop!

I just leave the posting till after (still feeling the pressure) and went to do the food shop. I did it in 30 minutes..Yeah! I love Aldi purely for that. There is hardly a queue! I got home, unpacked and made some lunch. By then it was 2.15pm and no sign of Thomas. He was 25 MILES AWAY! Arrrrrrrrgg! I'm going to be late! I hate being late, especially when meeting someone who is giving you money, it looks like your not taking it seriously. I was desperate, like REALLY desperate, so i took my packages to Heolgerrig. Boohoo. I leave my packages with them with some money, so i could get off home. I suppose that is one good thing. Also glad that the one worker who finds printing proof of posting for each item 'a hassle' wasn't there too. Pffft.

Tom and Jake got to mine at 2.50pm, parked their car and jumped into mine before rushing to Cardiff. We weren't too late thankfully! Jake went for a walk with Ethan while Tom came with me. It didn't take long for it to be done. He grouped my hair into small sections, tied it then cut. Tom took some pictures as he did it so he could make a collage of my hair. He was done within 15 minutes and my hair was short. Really short. I actually can't believe how short it is. I had a slight freak out in my head as we drove home. And here is the finished piece;



I need to get it shaped and will be visiting Julie Jones tomorrow night to have it tidied up! Short? SHORT! ITS REALLY SHORT! I won't be wearing it down until at least 2 inches have grown, which won't take long. I have found it to be a really positive experience and would do it again, just next time not have any layers, not heat treat it too much and not loose as much. I definitely recommend it if you are thinking of doing it.

Tom and Jake didn't stay long, they had a bagel and went. The traffic was really bad for them on the way, taking an extra 45 minutes than it should to get here. They just chilled for a bit;

I loves my browsers! I picked Jared up from Uni before going to Peter and Pauline's for Philly's Birthday tea. Chilli cheese chicken with creamy mash. Yum! Definitely a favourite in our family. It was nice to get together again and spent time chatting. Jared needed to get back to do some study so we headed home, put Ethan to bed and i spent the evening not doing much. The hair shock is just too overwhelming!

TELFORDDD!

Today the Evans family go to Telford. Yeeeeeeeyyy! I love going to visit the family, especially when my sibling's don't know were coming. I do like to give my mum a heads up though because i know she likes to be prepared. Good old mum bum.

After getting washed and dressed, Ethan and i made some banana bread. He loves helping me bake, even if it's just spooning the flour into the mixing bowl. We made two loaves together and some muffins from the mix. He did manage to drop some egg shell in there too which i discovered while tasting. Lovely!

It always takes me ages to pack when i go away so i spent most of the morning doing that with Ethan. I also cooked a big pan of chilli ready so we could just leave when Jared came through the door. I was meant to feed the missionaries tonight but couldn't spare the time. I hope they don't think I'm trying to get back them for skipping my lunch appointment..mwahahaha. No seriously, i'm not. We dropped off some food for them at their flat so i don't feel so bad. Then we saw them walking up Swansea road in then pouring rain as Jared teased me about the portion size i left as well as my reused stork tub. Mean!

Just as we were about to leave, Ethan falls asleep on the sofa;

He was pretty cross when we woke him up.

For the first time ever we got stopped at a level crossing and watched a train pass. Ethan loved it;




We finally got to Telford - it took at good 2 1/2 hours, maybe more to get there. Jared suggested we go the back roads. The only problem is when you get stuck behind a truck, which we did. BAHHHH! Whenever i visit mum and dad, i always send Ethan in first to see their suprise;





I was a little suprised at how unsurprised people were. Mum and dad told everyone! I think i will just show up next time :)

We spent the evening catching up before going for sleepies.

We like Cakies.

I haven't had a lie in in agggessss! So i had one this morning :) My family sorted Ethan out with breakfast so i could have another half hour in bed. It was lush!

After getting washed and dressed, Ethan, Jake and I went down to Wellington town. It's such a nice day! Wilkinson's do the cheapest Pick n Mix i have ever seen so Jake and i filled a bag each. I only spent £3.50, Jake spent £5.50! He is sweetie mad! I wanted to bake some cakes for the family home evening treat so i also bought some smarties and buttons. I forget how cheap Wilko's is - I am planning to make everyone Christmas presents this year and i couldn't believe the price of their photo frames! I bought 2 massive dark wood frames for only £6.00 each. The only way we can do it this year is through selling things on Ebay to raise the cash, so i only had enough for two. When i sell some more stuff ( i have a load due to end on Wednesday) ill buy the rest.

When we got in, i started baking straight away, and this is what i came up with;

I left the ones on the left in a little too long. Still flipping yummy!






I made 30 in all. And yes, within 5 hours, they were all gone. Half way through cooking Ethanog came to me saying, 'bob, bob, Susan!' Meaning, please put Monster's verses Alien's on;

Mum didn't get home until 7.00pm from her job - i hate it when she comes in late. Lucky for her i started dinner so she didn't have to worry about making it. We had family home evening and listened to a talk from conference. I made everyone sit for this;

It's kind of weird not having the older two boys home. I do love my family so much. Hopefully at Christmas we can have a photo together. We shall see. After FHE, Tom was playing with Ethan. I had to get it on camera because it was so cute to watch;

I thought i would include this last picture for a laugh;

This is Jacob, sitting playing COD at midnight. I had stayed up late because i had really got into the book i was reading. Jake is talking to someone through the head piece while running around shooting people. I think this was about hour 4 into his stint. What is it with boys and playing computer games for ages? I made a swift departure to bed!

Here goes...again!

I am going to start afresh with my blog! It has been a year since i last updated it - about time i sorted myself out!

I want to start keeping a proper online journal and this is the start. I am setting myself a goal of writing every day for a month (doesn't sound too great, but it would be a big accomplishment for me!). If i keep up for a month, ill set another goal! So here goes...