tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12398989404392237592024-03-13T00:05:00.879+00:00My Thoughts on ThingsMy musings, thoughts, ideas and opinions on God, life, parenting and the books I read.Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.comBlogger392125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-29685721683184610472020-05-25T12:35:00.000+01:002020-05-25T20:33:44.653+01:00This Body<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgeD8jrUorTB0SNlSS5aVXHgTFvkG5qPJqbA6Nu0SMqjt38iiYyva2hxnpXCBdqy2d7P19TFiyA351O8cyTQ-pC6MHul-KxaxOwJqeo_sM4FgPgM7Kq2XkbD_ZBsdbHkQscutuIcSeiwq/s1600/D1FEEF32-BC25-4E3C-87BD-B3D908ACD9CE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJQ8NX1AxpJzdIdvvqul1u4aPpi6mtDsLP80abslCOSIbJCD8KTgOnnHv-eD_lkTJN5wOBW_RMwqIIS3OYAPUsulcx3laVBuKVRUSUDajU9YxRfDC89QsGViGQ3OBTig1RZEvMkG3wrtC/s1600/72F7C12B-588F-4AF9-BB88-433CE2A08ED8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgeD8jrUorTB0SNlSS5aVXHgTFvkG5qPJqbA6Nu0SMqjt38iiYyva2hxnpXCBdqy2d7P19TFiyA351O8cyTQ-pC6MHul-KxaxOwJqeo_sM4FgPgM7Kq2XkbD_ZBsdbHkQscutuIcSeiwq/s200/D1FEEF32-BC25-4E3C-87BD-B3D908ACD9CE.jpeg" width="150" /><br />
<span class="s1">This body</span><br />
<span class="s1">This fat body</span><br />
<span class="s1">Grew you</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Birthed you</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Fed you</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<br />
These arms</div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">These fat arms</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
All bingo wings and stretch marks</div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Carried you everywhere</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Cuddled you as you napped</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Stayed awake long nights holding you,</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Comforting cries of hunger or pain</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Make cakes for you</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Still hug you close each day</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kFscj3M2XTj4LIJeFkduPNKPv5b2gOR-wjB8OV9on17EnzcD8KGt6QY5DU1XGnXFblwwg_OQ0txFOVALEHy0ArWscLWwgQ6xWF0pptO2pv8pzC6MNofS2IuhQPT_Gg1_hJhMFRNBvifK/s1600/5483938C-DAAF-4016-BC2D-039ED49A2F52.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="720" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kFscj3M2XTj4LIJeFkduPNKPv5b2gOR-wjB8OV9on17EnzcD8KGt6QY5DU1XGnXFblwwg_OQ0txFOVALEHy0ArWscLWwgQ6xWF0pptO2pv8pzC6MNofS2IuhQPT_Gg1_hJhMFRNBvifK/s200/5483938C-DAAF-4016-BC2D-039ED49A2F52.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">The legs</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">These fat legs</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Thunder thighs and chub rub</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3WYgkC6G52iE_x3NogtIeRxTb95DbxUVe80fX6HdnEgTegJC192pnU79mCAfTpvcQwb0PnmR_jD7A-4cDrXacn6OtLq6o3e2b5_mftr_7xoucnYp2JiJJ-mAOLjhsErjxoj8qoKxNWG5/s1600/D219A796-F554-407A-9C10-D4E361D8BCAD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><span class="s1">Walked your buggy til you slept</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Bounced you on their knees</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Paddled with you in the sea</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Ran up and down stairs in answer to your call</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
This bottom </div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">This fat bottom </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Sat beside your car seat on every journey</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Sits in the audience of all your shows</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Will sit with you whenever you need me</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">This stomach</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">This fat stomach</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Stretched and grew to accommodate you</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">What more does it need to offer </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">After that?</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJQ8NX1AxpJzdIdvvqul1u4aPpi6mtDsLP80abslCOSIbJCD8KTgOnnHv-eD_lkTJN5wOBW_RMwqIIS3OYAPUsulcx3laVBuKVRUSUDajU9YxRfDC89QsGViGQ3OBTig1RZEvMkG3wrtC/s1600/72F7C12B-588F-4AF9-BB88-433CE2A08ED8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1239" data-original-width="1600" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJQ8NX1AxpJzdIdvvqul1u4aPpi6mtDsLP80abslCOSIbJCD8KTgOnnHv-eD_lkTJN5wOBW_RMwqIIS3OYAPUsulcx3laVBuKVRUSUDajU9YxRfDC89QsGViGQ3OBTig1RZEvMkG3wrtC/s200/72F7C12B-588F-4AF9-BB88-433CE2A08ED8.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span class="s1"></span><br />
This face</div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">This fat, round face</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Double chin, hint of a wrinkle,</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Smiles</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Laughs</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJQ8NX1AxpJzdIdvvqul1u4aPpi6mtDsLP80abslCOSIbJCD8KTgOnnHv-eD_lkTJN5wOBW_RMwqIIS3OYAPUsulcx3laVBuKVRUSUDajU9YxRfDC89QsGViGQ3OBTig1RZEvMkG3wrtC/s1600/72F7C12B-588F-4AF9-BB88-433CE2A08ED8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><span class="s1"></span>
<span class="s1"><span class="s1"><br /></span></span>
<span class="s1">Sings for you</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Answers questions</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Watches you grow and learn and live</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Will be the face you remember</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">When you miss home</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Or grow old, long after I am gone </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5B1GD93pojmyRXuXWNsfhakCkkL8FlT6-wx30vbKErDT0IIeEHYxL5OcuglDjKQnB3WaWinUx2v7vs-o9hXXYQ8lhWfCaMvD8QLXe_CJjXlV1lJKxVxUcTKP1G-M2tQcUFHy-hbKzRT_3/s1600/95AD20FE-786F-414A-9B25-90464522FFAF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5B1GD93pojmyRXuXWNsfhakCkkL8FlT6-wx30vbKErDT0IIeEHYxL5OcuglDjKQnB3WaWinUx2v7vs-o9hXXYQ8lhWfCaMvD8QLXe_CJjXlV1lJKxVxUcTKP1G-M2tQcUFHy-hbKzRT_3/s200/95AD20FE-786F-414A-9B25-90464522FFAF.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">This fat body </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Has served and loved and taught you</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Sacrificed</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Adapted</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Offered itself up</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">For you</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">Yet,</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Someone,</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Somewhere,</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Somehow, </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Taught you to be ashamed of me</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Told you</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Fat is offensive</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Fat is embarrassing </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Fat is displeasing </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
How did they get to you?</div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">When I have hidden those negative thoughts from you. </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">When I have neutralised fat.</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Used it as descriptor</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Stated it as fact</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Never shied away from the truth of my size</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfTR8CFWBscHfh4I1Q_m3OumXSMjwuGOdYJ9Xhqz6CnCyFFMKBNNnO22z9nSKZZ_v-F58a0z151VEe7tmu9PARJnxC_ZQu124Nm1Rn5HYDDRr3fYrL-eXub2Jqk68slyml4Csk4aHZTOw/s1600/D902C071-AD48-4439-89E7-FCE74F445E13.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1096" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfTR8CFWBscHfh4I1Q_m3OumXSMjwuGOdYJ9Xhqz6CnCyFFMKBNNnO22z9nSKZZ_v-F58a0z151VEe7tmu9PARJnxC_ZQu124Nm1Rn5HYDDRr3fYrL-eXub2Jqk68slyml4Csk4aHZTOw/s200/D902C071-AD48-4439-89E7-FCE74F445E13.jpeg" width="136" /></a><span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Fat </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">And</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Beautiful. </div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Lived each day </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Speaking only good things about my body</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRUaeyAHh6gzin6NK0sZM7gIOF6dA_zJ17Fz4aZ9E91I2vkXyc31swDv11403Hi1na30fAw6F6hHLGbCEz6YPXFVwhd6b_ApiDtKMAJhtviZlivG-EGNy-PxJL-f1VKSKwJw-i6_r9GSF/s1600/7C055F57-24C1-4DD4-9D23-DED4AB06BE97.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><span class="s1">Talking up </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Strong legs</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">And kind arms</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Praising the tummy that was your home</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Even when everything I see and hear</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Seems to say</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">I am disgusting</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Everything people do not want to be</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Lazy, greedy, ugly, bad</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRUaeyAHh6gzin6NK0sZM7gIOF6dA_zJ17Fz4aZ9E91I2vkXyc31swDv11403Hi1na30fAw6F6hHLGbCEz6YPXFVwhd6b_ApiDtKMAJhtviZlivG-EGNy-PxJL-f1VKSKwJw-i6_r9GSF/s1600/7C055F57-24C1-4DD4-9D23-DED4AB06BE97.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRUaeyAHh6gzin6NK0sZM7gIOF6dA_zJ17Fz4aZ9E91I2vkXyc31swDv11403Hi1na30fAw6F6hHLGbCEz6YPXFVwhd6b_ApiDtKMAJhtviZlivG-EGNy-PxJL-f1VKSKwJw-i6_r9GSF/s200/7C055F57-24C1-4DD4-9D23-DED4AB06BE97.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3WYgkC6G52iE_x3NogtIeRxTb95DbxUVe80fX6HdnEgTegJC192pnU79mCAfTpvcQwb0PnmR_jD7A-4cDrXacn6OtLq6o3e2b5_mftr_7xoucnYp2JiJJ-mAOLjhsErjxoj8qoKxNWG5/s1600/D219A796-F554-407A-9C10-D4E361D8BCAD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>Who ruined your precious heart? </div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Made you look at me and see something to avoid?</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdl6ahli9sKbTURf3RMylueE8MLvHQ_UKCrWTbll1_eM4tekuxjwjPiEfVBApZDIhspzJBhqTyt0Ky-PflxiGlRH4W9sl9mAw57vlzcU32AZV1BfPZAca0vB2JQTKZQAz6pAvtVZNb500R/s1600/573FFACA-1585-4570-B9D6-2004E0149264.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><span class="s1">Gave you the fear of speaking the word?</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Started you doubting</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Your own beauty?</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">I am fat!</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Yes. </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Like Ursula</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">That fabulous sea witch. </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">I am fat. </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Let your sister speak it.</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">She is not afraid of it. </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sT7YuhTkNI34dGb6f7w1YejiUn7sjOTu1_we_kV-KvuZ0BKEHKXZ4BFuaN8iWsHwgaTgrCaTDqTzkg2h83fj8L7E3icx661EBERtQtX6xxkJsyCvjzPrCNWUJcahZA1SPVmKM9IGw13i/s1600/C9B412B4-B74C-4A3B-ADE0-9439AA1FC1DD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><span class="s1">Yet. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdl6ahli9sKbTURf3RMylueE8MLvHQ_UKCrWTbll1_eM4tekuxjwjPiEfVBApZDIhspzJBhqTyt0Ky-PflxiGlRH4W9sl9mAw57vlzcU32AZV1BfPZAca0vB2JQTKZQAz6pAvtVZNb500R/s1600/573FFACA-1585-4570-B9D6-2004E0149264.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdl6ahli9sKbTURf3RMylueE8MLvHQ_UKCrWTbll1_eM4tekuxjwjPiEfVBApZDIhspzJBhqTyt0Ky-PflxiGlRH4W9sl9mAw57vlzcU32AZV1BfPZAca0vB2JQTKZQAz6pAvtVZNb500R/s200/573FFACA-1585-4570-B9D6-2004E0149264.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">But</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Deep inside -</div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">And there is a lot of me</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">So it could be very deep -</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">I know that</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Fear that</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Somehow,</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Somewhere,</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Someone </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Will get to her too. </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">And she will turn</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">And look at me</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3WYgkC6G52iE_x3NogtIeRxTb95DbxUVe80fX6HdnEgTegJC192pnU79mCAfTpvcQwb0PnmR_jD7A-4cDrXacn6OtLq6o3e2b5_mftr_7xoucnYp2JiJJ-mAOLjhsErjxoj8qoKxNWG5/s1600/D219A796-F554-407A-9C10-D4E361D8BCAD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><span class="s1">And feel the same shame</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">I have felt all my life. </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">She will secretly hope to never be like me. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sT7YuhTkNI34dGb6f7w1YejiUn7sjOTu1_we_kV-KvuZ0BKEHKXZ4BFuaN8iWsHwgaTgrCaTDqTzkg2h83fj8L7E3icx661EBERtQtX6xxkJsyCvjzPrCNWUJcahZA1SPVmKM9IGw13i/s1600/C9B412B4-B74C-4A3B-ADE0-9439AA1FC1DD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sT7YuhTkNI34dGb6f7w1YejiUn7sjOTu1_we_kV-KvuZ0BKEHKXZ4BFuaN8iWsHwgaTgrCaTDqTzkg2h83fj8L7E3icx661EBERtQtX6xxkJsyCvjzPrCNWUJcahZA1SPVmKM9IGw13i/s200/C9B412B4-B74C-4A3B-ADE0-9439AA1FC1DD.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Dear one</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Don’t be that someone. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Look at me</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Look at this</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">This body</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">This beautiful </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Strong</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Generous</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Good</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZwjwxF7IeJKVv6ldDYNxmu0J1x6ijh2BudJnOqydRqdDOJYkuaTQc565_fAktdoDSjr-hrF7HyDDxYo4pwSCIjyq7rdPjIJCT0QcZL2NlWyq976rP5fyvs-17g6AOt1G61XE1R89MPJG/s1600/910F813A-8E86-4E7B-8114-78BA0F6D91C2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><span class="s1">Hardworking</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Protective</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Nurturing</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Soft</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Loving</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Damned beautiful </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Body</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3WYgkC6G52iE_x3NogtIeRxTb95DbxUVe80fX6HdnEgTegJC192pnU79mCAfTpvcQwb0PnmR_jD7A-4cDrXacn6OtLq6o3e2b5_mftr_7xoucnYp2JiJJ-mAOLjhsErjxoj8qoKxNWG5/s1600/D219A796-F554-407A-9C10-D4E361D8BCAD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1261" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3WYgkC6G52iE_x3NogtIeRxTb95DbxUVe80fX6HdnEgTegJC192pnU79mCAfTpvcQwb0PnmR_jD7A-4cDrXacn6OtLq6o3e2b5_mftr_7xoucnYp2JiJJ-mAOLjhsErjxoj8qoKxNWG5/s200/D219A796-F554-407A-9C10-D4E361D8BCAD.jpeg" width="157" /></a><span class="s1"></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">And love me for who I am</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">For all that I am</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">And all that I do</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">All that I have done and will do </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">For you</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">To love yourself </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Will be</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">My enduring gift to you. </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZwjwxF7IeJKVv6ldDYNxmu0J1x6ijh2BudJnOqydRqdDOJYkuaTQc565_fAktdoDSjr-hrF7HyDDxYo4pwSCIjyq7rdPjIJCT0QcZL2NlWyq976rP5fyvs-17g6AOt1G61XE1R89MPJG/s1600/910F813A-8E86-4E7B-8114-78BA0F6D91C2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZwjwxF7IeJKVv6ldDYNxmu0J1x6ijh2BudJnOqydRqdDOJYkuaTQc565_fAktdoDSjr-hrF7HyDDxYo4pwSCIjyq7rdPjIJCT0QcZL2NlWyq976rP5fyvs-17g6AOt1G61XE1R89MPJG/s400/910F813A-8E86-4E7B-8114-78BA0F6D91C2.jpeg" width="300" /></a><span class="s1">
</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">©️Laura Moore 2020</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1"><br />
</span></div>
<br />
Check out My Thoughts on Things on Facebook.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRUaeyAHh6gzin6NK0sZM7gIOF6dA_zJ17Fz4aZ9E91I2vkXyc31swDv11403Hi1na30fAw6F6hHLGbCEz6YPXFVwhd6b_ApiDtKMAJhtviZlivG-EGNy-PxJL-f1VKSKwJw-i6_r9GSF/s1600/7C055F57-24C1-4DD4-9D23-DED4AB06BE97.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-74586655656559711032020-05-06T22:15:00.001+01:002020-05-06T22:15:39.276+01:00Review of A Little Something For YouReview of <a href="https://alittlesomethingforyou.co.uk/shop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Little Something For You</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wik1P3Mv1dNyMJ7e9E7bisMyljNy4OHG5dHTIfAzAZK3iZzbSyWQ3TCU67WfX3H03BMO8Xql3mdlFK2T_1YjjWc-op9LiJNRi5TZsm8kD3BCG0lATsQjqDP8Irds5y0A0BsKiPg1LXVW/s1600/A2C11FC5-C21B-453B-838A-2463E6C2ACA9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wik1P3Mv1dNyMJ7e9E7bisMyljNy4OHG5dHTIfAzAZK3iZzbSyWQ3TCU67WfX3H03BMO8Xql3mdlFK2T_1YjjWc-op9LiJNRi5TZsm8kD3BCG0lATsQjqDP8Irds5y0A0BsKiPg1LXVW/s320/A2C11FC5-C21B-453B-838A-2463E6C2ACA9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
We were super excited to have a big parcel delivered yesterday. What was inside was even more exciting! A gift from their Aunty and Uncle to fill lockdown with some fun, purchased from a great business that started out selling brilliant party bags. With parties being a big no-no these days, A Little Something for You has come up with the brilliant idea to sell Keep Em Busy Boxes. (<a href="https://alittlesomethingforyou.co.uk/shop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://alittlesomethingforyou.co.uk/shop</a>)<br />
<br />
The Surprise Boxes come in four sizes and are made up individually, based on the age and interests of the child you’re buying for.<br />
<br />
We were so impressed with the obvious care and thought put into each of the kids’ back packs. There were games, toys, activities, crafts, and even the dreaded slime!<br />
<br />
The kids were utterly delighted by everything they discovered in their bags. (You can see their “unboxing” video over on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/1425833234363622/posts/2674517822828484/?vh=e&d=n" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page.) And I was particularly pleased and surprised when I went into the lounge later to see why everyone was so quiet, only to discover that the TV was playing to an empty room and they’d all gone outside to have an adventure with theirr new backpacks!<br />
<br />
If you’re looking for a gift for a child you love, then I would definitely recommend sending one of these Keep Em Busy Boxes. Great value for money, thoughtful, and entertaining.<br />
<br />
Check out My Thoughts on Things on Facebook.Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-89790549201978687202020-04-11T20:38:00.000+01:002020-04-11T20:38:10.882+01:00Holy Saturday<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJk2MySayGIJnM1UbUcZZjy9ZyHkeY8m7vGqXhBvmTBpUfXpaRXzbYM_hSy1CJlJK61V5DZ7tQB2b_MWblao79IgZ3SxKSfF7SP3dvzSA7FlLf6N2QZJ0TpnvjoS2pXHy-kfjvPJOGUhsx/s1600/3619BEFB-2858-4FE6-9AE4-38C009EA75A8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJk2MySayGIJnM1UbUcZZjy9ZyHkeY8m7vGqXhBvmTBpUfXpaRXzbYM_hSy1CJlJK61V5DZ7tQB2b_MWblao79IgZ3SxKSfF7SP3dvzSA7FlLf6N2QZJ0TpnvjoS2pXHy-kfjvPJOGUhsx/s320/3619BEFB-2858-4FE6-9AE4-38C009EA75A8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">At home</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Anxious</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Worrying</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Frightened</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">On a sunny day - </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Holy Saturday,</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">When I wouldn’t normally go anywhere</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">But today can’t anyway -</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">My thoughts travel back</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">To that first Holy Saturday</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Sabbath day</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Limbo day</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">‘Twixt death and resurrection. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Women</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Broken hearted</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Grieving</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Lost and afraid</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Longing to leave their homes,</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Sunny or not,</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">When they wouldn’t normally go anywhere.</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Sabbath rest enforced.</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Longing to put their friend to rest</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Eternal rest</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Accompanied by perfumes</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Scents</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Spices to disguise the smell of death</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">And hark back to his birth</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">And hint at his royalty. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">I see their grief </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">And know</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">That with the morning will come joy. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Mourning turned to dancing</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">In the light of love brought back</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">To life. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">But how dark their future seemed. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">How empty. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">How lonely. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">I sit at home</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Busy at home</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Safe at home. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">They hid. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Rested with their grief</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Followed the rules </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">And planned their dawn visit. </span></div>
<div class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s2"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">I long for a seemingly distant tomorrow </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">When we can return to the ordinary</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Step, blinking, into the streets</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">And laugh </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">And hug</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">And dance</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Together again. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">They longed for a vanished yesterday</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">When they basked in his extraordinary </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Walked beside the man</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Who laughed</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Embraced</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Rejoiced</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">And wept with them. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">This isolation will end</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">As theirs would. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">We hope in reasonable confidence </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">That this cannot </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Go </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">On </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Forever</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">And so we cope and carry on. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">But they somehow found strength</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">Carried on</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">When all hope had been destroyed. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s2">And I am in awe of them for that. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s3">©️</span><span class="s2">Laura Moore, April 2020</span></div>
Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-91611311086700247272020-03-23T13:45:00.002+00:002020-03-23T13:45:19.408+00:00Home Education During A Pandemic<div id="fb-root">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-4VXOezdGeJj7N7wN3UxoxkTI1IoClYJVgt1Qstk5G-jxuBRJnCv3OcFhzlJby1JqglFBXQ8dp2OKZ6dqZpVt3_CX2UAfqljHEn4ejx5HJL1VFyAhD0FWQx-ruFjRYOVD8yr70QJCWFM/s320/IMG_4185.PNG" width="320" /></div>
<script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" defer="" src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v6.0"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="fb-like" data-action="like" data-href="https://laura-honeybee.blogspot.com/2020/03/home-education-during-pandemic.html" data-layout="standard" data-share="true" data-size="small" data-width="">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
What strange times we find ourselves living in now. Two weeks ago I was very much in the minority, and now I find myself just one of many parents educating their children at home.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Schools are closed to all but the children of key workers and those whose home lives are unsafe. And so thousands of parents are tasked with ensuring their children are occupied and learning at home.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
We seasoned home educators are isolated now too. We’re not used to being forced to stay home. Many spend their days out and about, taking classes, visiting museums, meeting with friends and family. We’ve lost those experiences too, so please know that home education isn’t really what you’re experiencing now.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
We’ve also never had so many awesome resources to draw from. The upside for us of so many being forced into home education is the number of companies offering free or reduced subscriptions; clubs and groups running classes online; and museums and zoos opening their virtual doors to us all. It has reignited my love for home education! But, again, know that this isn’t normal for home education. We usually have to buy our own resources, source classes that suit our children and their varied ages, and pay for educational trips out. There is no government support for the elective home educator.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
But none of this means that you can’t get a taste of the freedom and joy of home education.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
I know, from all the posts I’m seeing from friends, and strangers in various Facebook groups, that people are scared. They don’t know how to be teachers. They don’t know how to juggle the needs of different aged children. They don’t know how to do their own work at the same time as making sure their children learn something. They’re not going to be able to take their kids on trips out. I think they’re worried about messing up in a world that constantly tells them that they’re not good enough parents.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
So I want to offer support and encouragement to you who are worried and scared.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
You CAN do this.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Because you have to!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Perhaps, as some of the memes I’ve seen shared say, you might find that your child’s teacher was never a problem. But, equally, perhaps you will discover that your child was not the problem either. Perhaps you will discover that the regiment and routine of school was dampening your child’s desire or ability to learn. Perhaps you will find that your child has struggled to be seen or heard in a room full of other children and once they have your attention they can flourish. Perhaps you will light a fire in your child’s heart and they will find that they absolutely love learning when they are free to learn what and how they like. Perhaps you will remember all the exciting things you wanted to show your babies when they grew up, and now you will have the time and freedom to share with them. (Not the world travel, obviously!)</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
I know how hard it is! You have had this responsibility thrust upon you. We have chosen to home educate, but that doesn’t make it easy. It’s 24/7 exhaustion. We are parent and teacher. The buck stops with us.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Before I had children I was a teacher. I cared deeply for my students. Their well-being and their happiness, as well as their education. It was all massively important to me. But ultimately I was able to step away, switch off, and live my own life. When you’re the parent and the teacher you can’t do that. The emotional investment is so much greater. Everything is your responsibility, and there is nothing heavier - or more rewarding - than that.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
As they say on aeroplanes, you need to put on your own oxygen mask before you help anyone else with theirs. Make sure you have taken some time for yourself before you launch into full on school at home. Listen to yourself. Take notice of how you’re feeling about this whole situation.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
It’s ok to be scared, anxious, overwhelmed. This situation is frightening and overwhelming for all of us.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Give yourself a mental hug.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
And then remember that your children will be having big feelings about all of this too. Allow them the time to come down from the adrenaline highs of fear and excitement. Ask them what they want to do in this uncertain time.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
I’ve seen any number of brightly coloured, strict and rigid schedules shared by parents who are sure they’ve got this all sorted before it begins. They’re beautiful. I’m sorely tempted to use them too.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
But I’d advise against doing that.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Don’t get me wrong - I’ve spent time creating various home ed schedules. I understand the need for order and routine. They give us the sense of control that makes us feel safe. But, for us, they have ended up being exhausting, difficult to maintain, and a source of conflict.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Home isn’t school. And home education isn’t about recreating school at home.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Most home educators take weeks, months, sometimes years, to find their rhythm, the way their children learn best. We’ve been doing this officially for 5 and a half years and I swear we change how we home ed every few weeks!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
This is day one or week one. Or month one. We don’t know how long the schools will remain closed. Take it slowly and find what works for your family. You will make mistakes. You’ll throw your hands up in the air in despair and wonder how anyone has ever got your children to learn anything. You will want to hide in the toilet.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
That’s normal!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
You’re trying to parent and teach and keep your home clean and tidy and keep your family fed and do your usual job all at the same time as keeping an eye on the news, worrying about vulnerable relatives and friends, and wondering how to make your toilet roll last longer.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Cut yourself some slack!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
All the children are out of school. No one is missing out on an education that others are getting. You’re all in the same boat. And when this ends and the schools open again those amazing teachers who you are in awe of will jump back in and do the fantastic job they were doing before. They will get everyone back up to speed. There’s no need to panic.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Or maybe you’ll discover that you and your children love learning at home together, and you won’t send them back to school!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
I’ll leave you with the advice I gave a friend who was worrying about all of this.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Don’t do teaching.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Let them play.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Any work sent home from school won’t take anywhere near as long to complete at home as it would in a class of thirty.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Don’t worry about screen time limits. CBeebies and CBBC and Netflix and Prime all have loads of educational stuff and the kids don’t even realise they’re learning!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Put them out in the garden to play.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Do quiet activity/reading/looking at books time while Mummy/Daddy does what they have to do.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Use FaceTime/Skype/etc to have grandparents supervise for half an hour - they can read stories, play games, practise spellings, etc.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
But most of all, try to enjoy this time with your children. It won’t be fun all the time, but it doesn’t have to be super stressful either. Bring calm to their chaos. And feel free to hide in the toilet as much as you need to. Just wash your hands afterwards!</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<a class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" href="https://twitter.com/mythoughtsblog1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">Follow @mythoughtsblog1</a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <a class="twitter-share-button" data-show-count="false" href="https://twitter.com/share?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">Tweet</a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br />
<br />
<div class="fb-like" data-action="like" data-href="http://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsonthings" data-layout="standard" data-share="true" data-size="small" data-width="">
</div>
<br />Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-68253444007465184022018-05-02T20:35:00.003+01:002018-05-02T20:51:04.951+01:00World Maternal Mental Health Day<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceXVzQgCXpFikr6z0PsC_v7nidR-4Hm7wvStgMTfbr_oRJK9cf7vXCb0GQ5RCmv6VGjQnwL0WcfnBarIjLdvb0ISTgZhZWiDPWJfz3m0jZsrKt3m6C2GOdbqjNg637zjJTeLJvxJhfBJ5/s1600/2018-05-02+20.24.11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="World Maternal Mental Health Day https://laura-honeybee.blogspot.com/2018/05/world-maternal-mental-health-day.html" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceXVzQgCXpFikr6z0PsC_v7nidR-4Hm7wvStgMTfbr_oRJK9cf7vXCb0GQ5RCmv6VGjQnwL0WcfnBarIjLdvb0ISTgZhZWiDPWJfz3m0jZsrKt3m6C2GOdbqjNg637zjJTeLJvxJhfBJ5/s400/2018-05-02+20.24.11.png" title="World Maternal Mental Health Day https://laura-honeybee.blogspot.com/2018/05/world-maternal-mental-health-day.html" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I have started and stopped writing this countless times, because the whole idea of sharing has made me anxious and panicky.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I began to worry about how this post would be received.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I don’t want to be in receipt of a sudden surge of guilt induced sympathy and offers of help. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I don’t want people to think I’m incapable of looking after my children. Or a danger to them. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I don’t want people to blame my feelings upon our parenting choices, and brush off my worries as unimportant.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">There is still stigma around mental health issues.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">People do judge.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Loneliness is belittled as laziness. There are plenty of people out there to be friends with - what’s the problem?</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Anxieties are knocked back with a brief, “Oh, you don’t need to worry about that.”</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Depression is ignored because it’s too difficult to deal with, and sufferers are told to get out in the fresh air or to try this new supplement, or simply to “cheer up!”</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In America, those against gun control use the argument that its people with mental health issues who are the problem.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">People keep quiet for fear of being labelled dangerous.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">A Bible study on anxiety that the Hubby started reading the other day informed him that worry is a sin. That it’s denying God’s sovereignty. I told him to stop reading. That it was unhelpful and untrue.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">What about David, Jeremiah, Job? Were they not worried and depressed and anxious?</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">We judge ourselves.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">How can we be so unhappy when we’re surrounded by wonderful, beautiful things?</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Why are we worried about things that haven’t even happened? And probably won’t.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Postnatal depression is so utterly confusing. There’s a beautiful little baby there, but Mum feels beyond sad.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Antenatal Mental Health issues are even more hidden. We hear very little about them. </span></div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_BrvixkvtnNshWmDWi4ZIlP8CoOS6HMM_15bGxYrqXfsSbWTiIC_35_M79shkkLnBDAHuZTfCZe6HIB0YMgZYUJiFeHI5gTWHgzUpxgjaGtuOCOcOMG3H_IkMDUSoxtAdMaviNhCtzWa/s1600/2018-04-29+21.25.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="https://bit.ly/2HNkc2W" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="694" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_BrvixkvtnNshWmDWi4ZIlP8CoOS6HMM_15bGxYrqXfsSbWTiIC_35_M79shkkLnBDAHuZTfCZe6HIB0YMgZYUJiFeHI5gTWHgzUpxgjaGtuOCOcOMG3H_IkMDUSoxtAdMaviNhCtzWa/s200/2018-04-29+21.25.54.jpg" style="text-align: center;" title="Spotting Anxiety in Yourself and Others https://bit.ly/2HNkc2W" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bit.ly/2HNkc2W" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">From Anxiety & I on Facebook</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_363147659"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_363147660"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am suffering with anxiety. About everything. It might be Antenatal Anxiety, or it might be the result of situations I’m finding myself in.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">My anxiety is worse during this pregnancy than it’s ever been, but it has certainly been there since after B’s birth and has become worse over the years.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">From the get go, becoming a mother was difficult. I never had the rosy, joyful, laying in bed with my newborn time that others seem to have.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I had 56 hours of being awake, trying to feed a screaming baby with bleeding, shredded nipples.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I had a 4 day long hospital stay where our voices were ignored, where my choice to breastfeed was belittled and sabotaged. I had a battle to get tongue tie resolved. I had 4 weeks of nearly constant breastfeeding, which resulted only in my baby starving and losing weight to the point that she looked unwell.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I had the discovery that my breasts are faulty and I was one of those rare women who can't exclusively breastfeed.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I had to learn how to use formula, how to bottle feed, how to pump.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I had to forget my Earth Mother dreams and hide my shame at giving bottles in public.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I had to time every outing to fit around bottle feeds.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I had to breastfeed, then top up with formula, then express for forever to get what looked like nothing. Then sterilise. Then change nappy, feed to sleep, hold B while she napped, and repeat.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I didn't bond easily.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">There was too much to do. Too much at stake. We had a rocky start.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Along came M - all those fears and emotions from first time around were there. She had tongue tie. Another hospital stay; another round of people trying to sabotage our breastfeeding relationship. Jaundice and weight loss. I missed B.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I hoped that feeding would be different this time. My hopes were shattered.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Breastfeed with the SNS, express, refill, change nappy, feed to sleep, nap, repeat.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">B didn't cope well. Our already weak bond was weakened further by this new arrival and her needs. Bonding with M was also problematic. There was too much to do.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">And then I had A. And a haemorrhage. Tongue tie too. Here we go again.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I was prepared this time. But still had another hospital stay. I wasn’t prepared enough. I missed the girls. He had jaundice. And then the arrival of paediatricians and my fight or flight kicked in, forcing my blood pressure up. Still in hospital and they didn’t want me to go.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I fought. I won.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">But then we got home.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">SNS. Refill. Nappy.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Feed to sleep? Not this one. He wanted rocking. Singing. Patting. Napped on me.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">M struggled. She was angry. Demanding. Rough. B moved a bit further from me.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">There were too many people to please.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Too much to do.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Too hard to get everyone up and out of the door. Timing outings around feeds. Anxious about feeding whilst trying to stop M from running off.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilekLzd55HKVlEgiBafq5-lzacjlt71ollE7fUytPCEUNE_vhdP4Vz6CpvP9CvkVrqkuKX8-Jw2JwG3uo4NEXBtQXFcauzFXwBf_Don0Qpi7e9M3ffgVCKASsT2jvYqMHLOzBcCczUV8gG/s1600/2018-05-02+20.27.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="93% of mums are lonely at some point each week #ShoutieSelfie" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilekLzd55HKVlEgiBafq5-lzacjlt71ollE7fUytPCEUNE_vhdP4Vz6CpvP9CvkVrqkuKX8-Jw2JwG3uo4NEXBtQXFcauzFXwBf_Don0Qpi7e9M3ffgVCKASsT2jvYqMHLOzBcCczUV8gG/s200/2018-05-02+20.27.39.jpg" title="93% of mums are lonely at some point each week #ShoutieSelfie" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I was lonely. Struggling to bond with A and to connect with any of my children.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I was overwhelmed by the sense that there must be something wrong with me. Friends with the same or more weren’t drowning like me.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">It was supposed to be easy.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Find a tribe.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Carry baby.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Feed baby.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Pass baby around.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Never feel alone.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Support, encouragement, love.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Instead my friends were a long way away, or back at work, or struggling with troubles of their own.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">People were moving on and I was drowning in children.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Too anxious to call them. Too anxious to meet new people.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">No time to make the food I need. No time to pee alone. No time to drink a hot cup of tea. No time for me. No self care.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I knew I wasn’t even a good enough parent.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">So lost. So lonely. So frightened.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">But I survived. We all did. My mum and dad would help out at the drop of a hat. I managed to get A and myself to Mum and Baby Yoga for a few months, while Dad watched the girls. My inlaws took the girls to their clubs when they were around.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">But this fourth pregnancy came at the same time as a number of difficult situations.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZHHwU2Wx9a8uG4RhfhtWXFsaWw9b2XGVQC9eg7aP46FzRCSjijtpoIlxJ8Uj9qMIzpYaoY6C2M3yEONEtV2wyOMXpZSKptScz1gJJeDl6GKbnIxfHVrLIY9EM3yTvy1ai50fpPzKdzk_/s1600/2017-01-29+18.20.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZHHwU2Wx9a8uG4RhfhtWXFsaWw9b2XGVQC9eg7aP46FzRCSjijtpoIlxJ8Uj9qMIzpYaoY6C2M3yEONEtV2wyOMXpZSKptScz1gJJeDl6GKbnIxfHVrLIY9EM3yTvy1ai50fpPzKdzk_/s200/2017-01-29+18.20.23.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">My parents needed to move miles away due to redundancy. My inlaws were needed to help with our nephews, born prematurely. We needed to put our house on the market so we could buy a house big enough for 6 people.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I haven’t clicked with my midwife, which has made my appointments difficult in a number of ways.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">There hasn’t been a day of this pregnancy when I haven’t felt completely exhausted.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I feel angry all the time, and constantly on the verge of tears.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I suffered with nursing aversion, so feeding A became increasingly more difficult, and then my milk dried up and he stopped feeding altogether. So I had that guilt to deal with.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I don’t need to go into full details of everything, but suffice it to say that I feel like everything is weighing down upon me.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SFIWwTxZy1-Z2_mn2m5pn-gDYt66B04PoKTr5MjW_JdJRLt1wrn2WSQIHZTs10N1BVixsU7gX6c0fIGq2Im0CfF6BbWeXnEyOpM3LB4Y34q7yCMifO7mor7971DGQVpm3ol2PlCAY-NA/s1600/2018-04-24+13.40.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SFIWwTxZy1-Z2_mn2m5pn-gDYt66B04PoKTr5MjW_JdJRLt1wrn2WSQIHZTs10N1BVixsU7gX6c0fIGq2Im0CfF6BbWeXnEyOpM3LB4Y34q7yCMifO7mor7971DGQVpm3ol2PlCAY-NA/s320/2018-04-24+13.40.41.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying, and failing, to look happy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">So much to do, and no energy to do it with.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">And knowing that I’m not dealing with anything that others haven’t been through before hasn’t helped. This is my situation and I am not dealing with it well.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I feel lonely and scared and constantly worried.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The more we don’t leave the house, the harder it becomes to leave.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I organise events or trips out or play dates, then spend the days before hoping that the other people will cancel. But if they do I’m left feeling that no one likes me, and that makes it harder to socialise next time.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am already anxious about bonding with this baby. There have been days when, despite my tiredness, I’ve forgotten I’m pregnant. Poor fourth child, already neglected!</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Anxiety is awful. It’s exhausting. Nodding off during the day and lying awake at night. Headaches and stomach aches. Forgetting what I was going to say right in the middle of a sentence. Angry and impatient.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Anxiety is making me unpleasant to be around, so I need constant reassurance about everything. And the smallest thing can make me melt down.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">There is so much that is out of my control, that when something I ought to be in control of goes wrong I can barely cope.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0hF2CHHxUsIdr_TwQpWzkJf1PkKSUccCYiXzww_bfuY73PRs39qCEnccchRJLHaMowJ6mN0TN5mFLAdXNULcglEFniMhYMia-akVhUQHgDbC-o8xLIOmoL35Ac6jTMrlvvLQYt_qpoo-/s1600/2018-04-30+13.20.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="#ShoutieSelfie Maternal Mental Health Week" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0hF2CHHxUsIdr_TwQpWzkJf1PkKSUccCYiXzww_bfuY73PRs39qCEnccchRJLHaMowJ6mN0TN5mFLAdXNULcglEFniMhYMia-akVhUQHgDbC-o8xLIOmoL35Ac6jTMrlvvLQYt_qpoo-/s200/2018-04-30+13.20.35.jpg" title="#ShoutieSelfie Maternal Mental Health Week" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Our <a href="http://www.bit.ly/SSM18" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#ShoutieSelfie</a> for Maternal Mental Health Week</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Being able to be involved in just a little way in Maternal Mental Health Week is such a boost to me. I see others posting their #ShoutieSelfies and I read blog posts about PND and other mental health issues, and I’m reminded that I’m not alone. No matter how isolated I feel, there are others going through the same things, and others who have come out the other side.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">There is hope.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">But this week is so important because it’s drawing attention to the 1 in 3 mums who suffer PND or other mental health issues. It’s drawing attention to the symptoms to look out for. It’s encouraging people to find ways to help their loved ones, and it’s encouraging people to speak out about their own struggles in the area of mental health. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The likelihood is, if you know 3 mums, then itat least one of them is suffering in some way. Ask your mum friends how they’re doing, and try to look beyond the “I’m fine,” that is our hiding place.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLcjQruX06kDIvuZhIk06txQ09IOtJSNJ4Zaf4yYq46kvRy1PGCTk7n6UzOr1WCOZGpTtLE2Q9hQLyWqpRk_x6P56fstNLZkErv3NkyEO4h_QqZX-FOrd5ceekPT7tAPuTcPqBpjzfEdf/s1600/pnd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLcjQruX06kDIvuZhIk06txQ09IOtJSNJ4Zaf4yYq46kvRy1PGCTk7n6UzOr1WCOZGpTtLE2Q9hQLyWqpRk_x6P56fstNLZkErv3NkyEO4h_QqZX-FOrd5ceekPT7tAPuTcPqBpjzfEdf/s320/pnd.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">If you suspect they’re not fine, offer some assistance. They might not take it, but believe me, every offer is a little reminder that someone out there cares.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">And we might just end up taking you up on your generosity.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Just last week a friend offered to take B and M for a day. I was on the verge of saying no - I didn’t want her to feel like I was burdening her with my children - but I accepted. I would do the same for her, and I’m so grateful. She cares about me and that is so healing.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In the words of Bill and Ted, “Be excellent to each other!” It could be exactly what the next Mum you come across really needs.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsonthings/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Thoughts on Things</a> on Facebook.</span>Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-37166469550561530282018-04-23T19:38:00.002+01:002018-05-02T20:37:35.082+01:00Life with Three Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-StN1UHiVs_A1v9-mIuXzbd2etVmBOzVbKdPYLdQRMxg6rxbGfIV6eYGQfO3Qn1UZGit4dDEPCrerNR-QSnQHlJdSTOIVfKMpVjBQxw_7iM_xmAZYm8XwDa8fDadIdIded1BhNuo4jhP/s1600/2018-04-23+18.03.11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Life with Three Children https://laura-honeybee.blogspot.com/2018/04/life-with-three-children.html" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-StN1UHiVs_A1v9-mIuXzbd2etVmBOzVbKdPYLdQRMxg6rxbGfIV6eYGQfO3Qn1UZGit4dDEPCrerNR-QSnQHlJdSTOIVfKMpVjBQxw_7iM_xmAZYm8XwDa8fDadIdIded1BhNuo4jhP/s320/2018-04-23+18.03.11.png" title="Life with Three Children https://laura-honeybee.blogspot.com/2018/04/life-with-three-children.html" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to her third child. She and Prince William have been initiated into the exclusive club of parents with more than two children! It’s a fun club, if loud and exhausting. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I read the news that Catherine had gone into labour as A was taking his morning nap, lying in my arms, curled around my bump, and I was drawn to thinking about what life has been like over the last 18 months of being parents of three children.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Obviously, we don’t have the hordes of support around us that Catherine and William do, but I suspect there will be some similarities ahead.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87vt-oxVOd4ShoPWeHBi5mthFEzF2fnLSkeYGwU4-CQR3NDDF7Ee2HBn2oE_vyxXQ2lbGEmS8aVHxj1IJuECNF3WEC3ySWB9lfPOPe0fC7ex0b91dmHmCUJh-l8SpLJbq3vIVnuQNtK-D/s1600/2016-10-26+18.34.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87vt-oxVOd4ShoPWeHBi5mthFEzF2fnLSkeYGwU4-CQR3NDDF7Ee2HBn2oE_vyxXQ2lbGEmS8aVHxj1IJuECNF3WEC3ySWB9lfPOPe0fC7ex0b91dmHmCUJh-l8SpLJbq3vIVnuQNtK-D/s200/2016-10-26+18.34.27.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The day we brought A home.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When that third little person popped out, their parents were officially outnumbered. When it’s grown ups vs. kids, the kids get the deciding vote. You chase that one; I’ll chase this one; but the other one gets away. Another adult will always come in handy. I struggle to get out and about with three, because I only have 2 hands. I have to trust that B will stay close. I doubt the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will ever be short of extra adults to assist them, but I’m sure they’ll feel the strain of never having enough hands.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Following on from being outnumbered, there is the struggle of how to deal with there always being one child who feels left out. Mummy/Daddy only has two knees to sit on, two hands to hold, two sides to sit next to, and inevitably every child wants to be on one of them. You become the masters of convincing little people that sitting opposite you is a much better option. You learn to make deals with them, promising a longer cuddle later or the chance to choose the next activity or tv programme in exchange for swapping with a sibling. It’s difficult.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_hjcBjNwXd5uMkNujEBhNF2LXHBIiDW5X259-Vcp7zrH967h8Ez_9jOQLrO1B23JCKfybLg90p-pJfCwLf38T-l86bYI4TBLQr86sMCiOuu4QK5u-ETlqdeyJ6MybdoGMHB1Rz-qjcIH/s1600/Moore+%252849%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_hjcBjNwXd5uMkNujEBhNF2LXHBIiDW5X259-Vcp7zrH967h8Ez_9jOQLrO1B23JCKfybLg90p-pJfCwLf38T-l86bYI4TBLQr86sMCiOuu4QK5u-ETlqdeyJ6MybdoGMHB1Rz-qjcIH/s200/Moore+%252849%2529.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's rare to get all three smiling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The middle child can suffer the most in these instances. Princess Charlotte will find herself no longer the baby, but not able to do everything she could do if she was the eldest. The new baby will get all the attention, while Prince George - who has already been through this once before - will be feeling grown up and important. The middle child will suddenly seem so much older than they did the day before, and be expected to behave as such. M has certainly struggled with this since A appeared on the scene. I don’t really know how to combat the Middle Child Syndrome, but can only hope that Catherine and William are able to give Charlotte everything she needs deal with the usurping of her place as baby. As many cuddles as possible and myriad reminders that she is as loved as ever have been our tools. And the fact that A laughs at M more than at anyone else has helped immensely.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But it’s not all difficulties and struggles. I wouldn’t get rid of any of our three, not even to make life a bit easier! Or quieter. Or tidier!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCkdWCTyw9O30Ea13Uteh_7W9PmauVA2rig6yS4CQKFMIbn33_C9H7T33RJJPce-VKgsMWrHdrpQS2uDfa8lTzRDgfZOLvDNSS3P_sTUwVTEtZUFYOqqm-Hom1xWcyOM5R3dwqp2UYzb4/s1600/2018-03-01+16.11.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCkdWCTyw9O30Ea13Uteh_7W9PmauVA2rig6yS4CQKFMIbn33_C9H7T33RJJPce-VKgsMWrHdrpQS2uDfa8lTzRDgfZOLvDNSS3P_sTUwVTEtZUFYOqqm-Hom1xWcyOM5R3dwqp2UYzb4/s200/2018-03-01+16.11.33.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All that character!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the past 18 months I have been amazed at what appears to be the truth of nature vs. nurture. I have often wondered how children parented in the same ways can be so different. I thought that by following Attachment and Gentle Parenting techniques, we would be assured of well behaved, happy, easygoing children. Well, the past almost 7 years have made it clear that AP and GP are not magical, but as I’ve seen A’s character develop, and seen M grow and learn, and watched as B has matured, I’ve been struck by how different their characters are. They really are three unique individuals. All given the same attachment parenting experiences from birth, parented gently when testing boundaries, etc. but all three so varied in their behaviours and activities.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Having a third child has also affirmed to me that I do have a bit of a clue about parenting. I know more than I think I do. 18 months on, they’re all alive, happy, and I’ve not yet lost one of them! We still make plenty of mistakes, but I’ve learned not to doubt myself so much. A is benefiting from our experience with B and M. I don’t receive as much unsolicited parenting advice, because there aren’t so many people with as many children as us. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaSE-E3Am5Hp4XMn06GdQi0r832j7nctJQSxyWx7ckkbNfSWvR0ksZh1UL4YBafXBraf7Th9RaDWcGKyEa5NZ5y5kpdwAcioq6wHNJ979ESk8NF3CXlZY1te2TXf8D98QBqjpuB3CV2nE/s1600/Moore+%252824%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Picture of all five of us" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaSE-E3Am5Hp4XMn06GdQi0r832j7nctJQSxyWx7ckkbNfSWvR0ksZh1UL4YBafXBraf7Th9RaDWcGKyEa5NZ5y5kpdwAcioq6wHNJ979ESk8NF3CXlZY1te2TXf8D98QBqjpuB3CV2nE/s200/Moore+%252824%2529.jpg" title="Picture of all five of us" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Five of Us</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Beyond everything I have learned from having three children though, I have found that your love grows immensely. When I only had B and was pregnant with M, I worried about how I would love two children. And when I was pregnant with A, I still worried about how I could really love any more children. Perhaps it had been a fluke before. But the amount of love I had to give hasn’t had to be shared out with everyone getting a little less; the love grew. I sometimes can’t believe how much love I have for each of them. They each make my heart swell. An increase of love in this world is majorly welcomed and needed, so that’s definitely the most enormous benefit of having more children!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On Mother’s Day this year, I wrote the following, which I think completely sums up how it feels to me to have three children (and one on the way):</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">To my thinker, the one who made me a mother...</span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">To my adventurer, the one who taught me that love grows the more we have to love...</span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">To my daredevil, the one who has shown me that I do know what I am doing...</span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>To my mystery, the one who has reminded me that there is always room for one more...</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9KzAcav7dQG3Fbejm7nhnjryNTvr_BU2GBeSReS2RoSVo8QdfWtNRjLLNi_Zf6GTq3MuOCgoucvRETDgtKPp-OvxNohiMNeWovHa5Fh5_aTHpo7hKUt4T7JV-ad44o2uBuyMxBvdlXGU/s1600/2018-03-11+16.03.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9KzAcav7dQG3Fbejm7nhnjryNTvr_BU2GBeSReS2RoSVo8QdfWtNRjLLNi_Zf6GTq3MuOCgoucvRETDgtKPp-OvxNohiMNeWovHa5Fh5_aTHpo7hKUt4T7JV-ad44o2uBuyMxBvdlXGU/s320/2018-03-11+16.03.26.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wouldn't be without one of them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I asked B and M what they liked about being in a family with 3 children. B said that even though there’s never any peace and quiet (Ha!), she always has someone to play with. M said that she likes that there are lots of us, and just like B, she loves that she always has a playmate. A didn’t give his opinion on it, but judging by how much he appears to love his big sisters, I’m pretty sure he thinks it’s great too.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope Prince George, Princess Charlotte and the new baby royal will all be able to say the same in the future.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Check out <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsonthings" target="_blank">My Thoughts on Things</a> on Facebook.</span>Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-83139257855914151742018-01-30T11:39:00.000+00:002018-01-30T11:39:39.823+00:00Review: ToddlerCalm by Sarah Ockwell-Smith<i>Disclaimer: This book was gifted to me, free of charge, by Sarah Ockwell-Smith, to be reviewed. However, this review is my
unbiased and honest opinion of the book.</i><br />
<br />
<i><i>Book: </i></i>ToddlerCalm: A Guide for Calmer Toddlers and Happier Parents<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/pregnancy-planner/id444935867?mt=8" target="_blank"></a><br />
<i>Price:</i> R.R.P. £13.99, but currently available for £9.72 at <a href="http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book/9780349401058?redirected=true&gclid=CLKQqfrq5roCFQXHtAod7mUAUQ" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a>.<br />
<i>Blurb:</i> Sarah Ockwell-Smith, founder of BabyCalm and ToddlerCalm, is
passionate about ‘gentle’ parenting. Her mission is to let parents know
that there are other ways to cope with a toddler apart from putting him
or her on the naughty step or resorting to controlled crying. This book
will fill a gap in the market, helping parents enjoy their toddlers,
understand the limitations of current popular toddler parenting methods
such as sticker charts and time out, and to have the confidence to
ignore the current mainstream ‘experts’ and parent their own child with
trust and empathy. Chapters include: Why toddlers are not mini-adults;
the importance of night-time parenting; coping with a picky eater;
communication – toddler style; avoiding difficult situations; the
importance of unconditional love and why you don’t need to be permissive
to parent respectfully.<br />
<i>Rating:</i> <img alt="" src="http://mamageek.co.uk/wp-content/themes/mamageek/images/star.png" height="16" title="*" width="16" /> <img alt="" src="http://mamageek.co.uk/wp-content/themes/mamageek/images/star.png" height="16" title="*" width="16" /> <img alt="" src="http://mamageek.co.uk/wp-content/themes/mamageek/images/star.png" height="16" title="*" width="16" /> <img alt="" src="http://mamageek.co.uk/wp-content/themes/mamageek/images/star.png" height="16" title="*" width="16" /> <img alt="" src="http://mamageek.co.uk/wp-content/themes/mamageek/images/star.png" height="16" title="*" width="16" />(5/5 stars)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://pixabay.com/get/ef37b20b29f31c22d9584518a33219c8b66ae3d018b6124097f2c27a/baby-623417_1920.jpg?attachment" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="800" height="238" src="https://pixabay.com/get/ef37b20b29f31c22d9584518a33219c8b66ae3d018b6124097f2c27a/baby-623417_1920.jpg?attachment" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When I pick up a parenting book (and actually have time to read!), I have to be careful to open my mind. I tend to go into them thinking that I'm either going to disagree with everything, or that I'll just be told what I already know. I read a few books before B was born, but they were mainly theoretical ones or about breastfeeding. I like to think that I have instinctively parented B as a baby, but the toddler years have sort of crept up on me and I have struggled at times. B is strong-willed - which I am pleased about, but this can be hard work too. I have a copy of Sarah Ockwell-Smith's BabyCalm, which I never got around to reading, but I have read a lot of what she puts on her blog and found that I agreed with much of it. So, when I got the opportunity to get a copy of ToddlerCalm to review, I jumped at the chance, figuring that it would either give me lots of tips to try or that it would just confirm that what I'm doing already is fine.<br />
<br />
Well, I can tell you that I was pleasantly surprised by ToddlerCalm. I didn't find it patronising or prescriptive. It was an easy read and very supportive of our parenting style. What I liked the most was the scientific slant. There are three chapters that deal specifically with science: <i>Why toddlers are not mini adults</i>; <i>The science of toddler sleep</i>; and <i>The science of picky eating</i>. I tend to parent in a way that feels right to me, trusting my mother's instincts and my gut. If I wouldn't want to be treated in a particular way, then I try not to treat B in that way. So to read a great deal of scientific fact that backs up my instinct and existing knowledge is very encouraging and helpful. It also comes in handy when responding to the questions and criticisms of those who don't understand or approve of our parenting style. To have the words of a psychologist reinforcing my instincts adds weight to my choices. To have the information about brain development to explain why my toddler behaves in a certain way is a brilliant reminder to me to be more patient and understanding, and is useful in explaining to others why we are dealing with her behaviours in a way that they may disagree with. Instincts and nature can be easy to dismiss; science is much harder to argue with. <br />
<br />
I found ToddlerCalm to be very supportive of the attachment parenting style, though I am aware that Sarah Ockwell-Smith doesn't approve of the AP label. (Check out this <a href="http://sarahockwell-smith.com/2013/11/13/the-problem-with-attachment-parenting-and-how-to-really-change-the-world/" target="_blank">excellent blog post</a> on the topic.) In fact, the reason for this is because Attachment Parenting as a movement grew out of the attachment theory, which Ockwell-Smith advocates, having studied it as part of psychology. The book is also supportive of parental choice. She doesn't like to be referred to as a parenting expert, as she maintains that parents are the experts on their own children, and should be able to trust their own instincts and parent children as individuals. The book encourages parents to think for themselves, and to choose a gentle, positive parenting style. It is very helpful in that it gives the words and explanations that
help in clarifying our own ideas and in explaining to others why we've
chosen to parent that way.<br />
<br />
The book isn't prescriptive. There is none of the strict routine and expectations that most mainstream parenting guides advocate. ToddlerCalm provides lots of real life stories and examples of parenting style, whilst Ockwell-Smith's CRUCIAL™ method allows space for our own parenting to come in. The success of this lies in having individual plans for individual families and individual children. There is no specific way of parenting your toddler, short of being gentle and understanding; rather, the book will empower parents to know that they can parent in the way that is right for their family, instead of feeling that they must do what friends/relatives have done, or failing to keep to a specific schedule or routine.<br />
<br />
I love how honest Sarah is throughout the book. She writes frankly of mistakes she made with her own children and of how she could have done better. And that's where this books goes another step above and beyond other parenting books. She's a mum!! She's not some childless, self-proclaimed expert who believes they know the best way for children to be brought up. She's not writing from a hypothetical standpoint. We can learn from her mistakes - real things, not what she thinks children ought to do.<br />
<br />
I found ToddlerCalm to be very much about changing and taking charge of our own behaviour as
adults, in order to model and guide to our children. We are the grown
up, mature ones - they have lots to learn. We can't expect them to be
perfect members of society yet.<br />
<br />
<div>
ToddlerCalm is a parenting book that I would definitely recommend. I need to go and read BabyCalm now!!<br />
</div>
Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-20148118147557942952017-12-24T06:00:00.000+00:002017-12-24T11:07:03.401+00:00On the Twelfth Day of Parenting - Parenting Highlights of the Year<i>Hello and thank you for hopping over from <a href="https://thenewbytribe.com/parents/highlights-2018-new-years-wishes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Newby Tribe</a> and welcome to the 12th day of #12DaysOfParenting. Today's sponsor is <a href="https://roomforreflection.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gitte Winter Graugaard</a> who is offering a copy of The Children’s Meditations In my Heart and the theme is Parenting Highlights of the Year and 2018 Wishes. My keyword to enter today’s giveaway is in this post below, good luck! Full details of the #12DaysOfParenting terms and conditions can be found on the <a href="https://mummieswaiting.com/12daysofparenting-2017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#12DaysOfParenting</a> page and all entries are to be completed via the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.</i><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<div style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">2017 has been a creative year. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">B has blossomed in her drama group, showing herself to be a funny and talented little actress. Her grasp of accents is impressive, and her comic timing is wonderful. She has also progressed in Jiu jitsu and will be moving up from the Tots to the Juniors class in the new year. If you haven’t seen her for a while, she’ll be somewhere curled up, reading. She reminds me of myself. A total bookworm. She’s worked her way through the Roald Dahl collection several times, and often finishes a book and goes straight back to the start to read it again. I think she’s read Matilda eleven or twelve times now. Enid Blyton is a new arrival to her reading pile, as she recently discovered the Magic Faraway Tree and Wishing Chair books. She’s also a Shakespeare fan, thank goodness, and has made her way through the Andrew Matthews and Tony Ross Shakespeare stories. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">M is my wild child. She’s stubborn and hilarious and sharp and clever. She knows her own mind and there’s no chance of changing it for her. She’s become quite the little Street Dancer. Street Dance suits her because she’s sassy and confident. She and A are thick as thieves - he laughs at everything she does. Her drawing is coming along beautifully. I love to see her creations; they are sure to make me smile. She is learning to read, though her ability to memorise a book very quickly makes it tricky to know whether she’s reading the words or just reciting them. I know it will eventually come together though, and she’ll do it all in her own time. We Jiu jitsu is coming along nicely too. I like to watch her and B sparring and practicing their breakfalls together. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">We’ve watched A grow into a funny little boy, who is on the verge of walking full time, though he much prefers to crawl and climb. He still has very little hair and is working on his 9th and 10th teeth. He adores his sisters and they make him laugh. He signs ‘dog,’ ‘duck,’ ‘chicken,’ ‘milk,’ ‘finished,’ ‘hurt,’ ‘baby,’ and ‘friend.’ He loves to blow kisses and say, “Hiya!” when he sees someone he loves, or “Hello!” if he hears a phone ring. Still no “Mama” though “Dad-Dad,” “Gamma,” and “Ganda” are frequently heard. Especially “Ganda,” as no one else gets a look in when Granddad is around. A loves Granddad to the point that he will throw himself to the floor dramatically when he gets up to leave. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Highlights of this year have been:</span></div>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Menlo-Regular; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">A’s first swim, when we went to Center Parcs in January</span></li>
<li style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Menlo-Regular; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">A project on the Stone Age in February</span></li>
<li style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Menlo-Regular; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">A’s baptism in March</span></li>
<li style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Menlo-Regular; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">B’s first drama performance, a small play of Aladdin, in April. </span></li>
<li style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Menlo-Regular; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">B’s history quiz and M’s Spanish quiz, written for Nannie’s birthday party in May. </span></li>
<li style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Menlo-Regular; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">M’s first Dance performance in June. </span></li>
<li style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Menlo-Regular; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">A learning to climb the stairs in July. </span></li>
<li style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Menlo-Regular; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">A trip to the story museum, and B’s Lego Birthday party in August. </span></li>
<li style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Menlo-Regular; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Our first Camping holiday in September. </span></li>
<li style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Menlo-Regular; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">A’s 1st Birthday, and finding out we’re expecting number 4 in October. </span></li>
<li style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Menlo-Regular; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">M’s Monster Party, and the arrival of our nephews in November. </span></li>
<li style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Menlo-Regular; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">B’s Christmas Drama Performance, M’s Christmas Dance Show, snow, and number 4’s first scan in December. </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Looking ahead to 2018, I’m wishing for an easy and relatively unstressful pregnancy, especially after the negatives of the last one. We’re looking to relocate, so I’m hoping that will be as easy as it can be, and that we’ll find a great Home Ed community to be a part of. I’m looking forward to seeing the children bloom and flourish, to see more of their creativity, and to hearing A begin to talk. I’m wishing for more patience and energy and socialisation for myself too. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">And we wish you all a very merry and peaceful Christmas and a New Year full of every joy. </span></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Today’s Codeword is: SNOWMAN</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>If you would like to read another post and gain another entry, then head over to <a href="https://www.blogger.com/Laura,%20are%20you%20laura%20honeybee?%20if%20so%20then%20yes,%20you%27re%20missing%20the%20link%20to%20me%20:%20)%20%20here%20it%20is%20if%20you%20havent%20got%20it%20https://meandbmaketea.com/2017/12/24/highlights-new-year-wishes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Me and B Make Tea</a> for their take on Parenting highlights of the year and 2018 wishes.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>To enter the grand prize draw, head over to <a href="https://mummieswaiting.com/12daysofparenting-2017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">12 Days Of Parenting</a> where you can also find all the #12DaysOfParentingPosts so you wont miss any!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="96d7ed7f17" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/96d7ed7f17/" id="rcwidget_xejtzwws" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsonthings/" target="_blank">My Thoughts on Things</a> on Facebook.Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-34670457625981101212017-12-23T06:00:00.000+00:002017-12-23T11:25:09.206+00:00On the Eleventh Day of Parenting - 12 Ways Parents Can Relax This Season<i>Hello and thank you for hopping over from <a href="https://thenewbytribe.com/parents/12-ways-parents-can-relax-this-season/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Newby Tribe</a> and welcome to the 11th day of #12DaysOfParenting. Today's sponsor is <a href="https://www.plyt.co.uk/?v=79cba1185463" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plyt</a> who are offering a Plyt Board Game and the theme is 12 Ways Parents Can Relax This Season. My keyword to enter today’s giveaway is in this post below, good luck! Full details of the #12DaysOfParenting terms and conditions can be found on the <a href="https://mummieswaiting.com/12daysofparenting-2017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#12DaysOfParenting</a> page and all entries are to be completed via the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.</i><br />
<br />
Parenting <strike>is</strike> can be stressful. Christmas is stressful. Put the two together and it's a recipe for a full on grown up meltdown.<br />
<br />
I'm not very good at relaxing. There is always something to do, and if I stop, it's probably because I've fallen asleep. So it's not really hypocritical of me to try to tell you how to relax - I'm talking to myself as well!<br />
<br />
I asked my best friends and the Hubby to help me with this post. I'm in too deep to see the way out of this stress hole my children have dug me into. The perspective my friends gave me was sorely needed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4e_pvnKTkJpNvan9cv87xA5GCZetR8J0zW1qs6B75XYbhX3AU_MMFe9PaYfY5XBYkYrmFl0Dr4id7LYtixEfq-9pOPrMs9i626Njz-iXIJDc0f8d4wPElrN2Od8zpBj7qCNJgYINdy1G/s1600/2017-12-23+07.33.36.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://laura-honeybee.blogspot.com/2017/12/on-eleventh-day-of-parenting-relax.html" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4e_pvnKTkJpNvan9cv87xA5GCZetR8J0zW1qs6B75XYbhX3AU_MMFe9PaYfY5XBYkYrmFl0Dr4id7LYtixEfq-9pOPrMs9i626Njz-iXIJDc0f8d4wPElrN2Od8zpBj7qCNJgYINdy1G/s320/2017-12-23+07.33.36.png" title="Parents relax Christmas https://laura-honeybee.blogspot.com/2017/12/on-eleventh-day-of-parenting-relax.html" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
So, without further ado, here are our 12 relaxing ideas for parents at Christmas:<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
1. Play "What would you do if Mummy passed out?" This is both relaxing for you and educational for the children. Provide them with a piece of paper on which you have written your address and the number for the emergency services. Lie down and snooze while the kids pretend to call ambulances, etc. I almost suggested handing over the phone so one of them can record it for feedback later, but then I remembered that the sneaky little critters would probably end up practising their newfound skills for real!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5qEBwlbeoSUHwLcryKcrUh2Y5BWL1ZWDNZkEpWDFMbK30GtmRMjblpgAq1JMJXeTSFX_LxPmTy2kJwyGWOaPqyiHNwPrYZYy4nwtiPcl1gB5F6HplQtoSCvPBThxBLAVGhNG6SVeZ2JA/s1600/sleep-1209288_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5qEBwlbeoSUHwLcryKcrUh2Y5BWL1ZWDNZkEpWDFMbK30GtmRMjblpgAq1JMJXeTSFX_LxPmTy2kJwyGWOaPqyiHNwPrYZYy4nwtiPcl1gB5F6HplQtoSCvPBThxBLAVGhNG6SVeZ2JA/s200/sleep-1209288_1280.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
2. Look aghast at your children’s bedrooms and wonder aloud that you don’t know how Father Christmas will be able to get in there to leave presents when it’s so untidy. “How would you feel if Santa tripped and broke his leg?!” Then suggest that no one returns to the lounge until their bedroom is perfectly tidy. That will buy you at least an hour, if not a whole morning, of quiet time alone. If you’re particularly lucky, they will get bored of tidying and play instead, and you can use this one again after lunch, or even the next day!<br />
<br />
3. Rope in a babysitter. Grandparents can be particularly helpful for this, especially if you sell it as an opportunity to do fun Christmas activities with the kids. This works really well if you send them the article that’s been floating around recently, about how looking after your grandchildren can prevent dementia. Don’t forget to express your disappointment at not being able to join in because you have important, yet boring, grown up business to attend to outside of the house.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5o-j2O4KgcsHgVwF9Z2G-5NN6zIOqSzGJp3ACqVpeLl8yTboYh4NRAJW7OqrUSNGAj9j8eAm_TdP9DRgCpxMwIhyphenhyphentqdqKV6S9x6KxvuPUASPJ_cZDKa9pT3mm-M1TN4IlmIfSL7hQwJW2/s1600/fairy-tale-2321777_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5o-j2O4KgcsHgVwF9Z2G-5NN6zIOqSzGJp3ACqVpeLl8yTboYh4NRAJW7OqrUSNGAj9j8eAm_TdP9DRgCpxMwIhyphenhyphentqdqKV6S9x6KxvuPUASPJ_cZDKa9pT3mm-M1TN4IlmIfSL7hQwJW2/s200/fairy-tale-2321777_1280.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not me - I'm the prequel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
4. Loudly suggest that everyone helps out with some jobs around the house to get ready for Christmas. You will suddenly find yourself surrounded by silence, in a room devoid of children. Enjoy.<br />
<br />
5. Play any game that allows you to be the boss and be obeyed. Cinderella is a great one, and of course, you will be the wicked stepmother. My girls will do anything I tell them when they’re Cinderella. Queens and servants is another good one. Or Genie of the Lamp, where they are the Genies. Or, to make it seasonal, Father Christmas and the Elves.<br />
<br />
6. Con your other half into taking the children to an exciting Christmas event happening nearby. You can do a swift tidy up of the lounge and enjoy a coffee in peace and quiet. Remember to spray a cleaning product around a couple of rooms so it smells like you’ve been ever so busy. A bin bag beside you, with a few bits and pieces of rubbish in, will add to the desired effect.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nkD_-w6v-gVvG8PrtylRdwpBJsqYPmcRQc3WzGfz_uXHuZ2VwJdchjjQxMWfIHw14qsqVrqXAInnkFMWyRF-zbkSWXU7HQg6gJ5xtsehugEStSTNlryxkFrX-tQnFJxewbun5QMuaddV/s1600/washing-machine-2668472_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nkD_-w6v-gVvG8PrtylRdwpBJsqYPmcRQc3WzGfz_uXHuZ2VwJdchjjQxMWfIHw14qsqVrqXAInnkFMWyRF-zbkSWXU7HQg6gJ5xtsehugEStSTNlryxkFrX-tQnFJxewbun5QMuaddV/s200/washing-machine-2668472_1280.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This could be a good place to nap...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
7. Make use of that enormous laundry pile and get the children to pile it on top of you, while you lie down. To add to the excitement, pretend you’re a sleeping elf that they’re burying, so they have to be extra quiet to make sure they don’t wake you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6NziikhtwGRbiaUGWGOBV8iwlth-eMOCMYOg3O_AN11SDLv9mPWo-5c_iclm53U5WoOuFYdwb1lB1PY2x9zr_2APuRpPGgTnhwI-R_51cJ371F8zfZV_mVrxLAtyUImBi4b9k-klLCeX/s1600/finger-nail-2287257_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6NziikhtwGRbiaUGWGOBV8iwlth-eMOCMYOg3O_AN11SDLv9mPWo-5c_iclm53U5WoOuFYdwb1lB1PY2x9zr_2APuRpPGgTnhwI-R_51cJ371F8zfZV_mVrxLAtyUImBi4b9k-klLCeX/s200/finger-nail-2287257_1280.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's more relaxing if<br />
Mummy does the painting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
8. Play beauty parlours. Paint your children’s nails, then insist that they must sit very still and quiet for a long time so that the varnish can dry properly. Et, voilá! Ten to fifteen minutes of no one hitting anyone else.<br />
<br />
9. In a continuation of the above, you be the client and get the children to give you back and foot rubs and head massages. They’re not professionals, but it’s better than nothing.<br />
<br />
10. Netflix and chill. No, it doesn’t mean that anymore. Not now you have children. It’s more like Netflix and spend the evening running up and down the stairs to deal with whichever child is crying or wandering around. Or Netflix and fall asleep five minutes into the show. No - Netflix and chill now means putting on one of their Christmas offerings - may I recommend Arthur Christmas - and taking a little snooze on the sofa, whilst snuggled up with the kids under a blanket.<br />
<br />
11. Diazepam, marzipan? Which one are you supposed to put on the Christmas cake again?<br />
<br />
12. Who are we kidding? It’s virtually impossible to really relax at this time of year. Just remind yourself that there will be another Christmas next year. Make an empty promise to be much more organised, then sit back and enjoy the chaotic fun that is parenting at Christmas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qkmZI4CMrfJG5EnG1bD7pKav1miVsRzviCzB-yZk1_0YpbM9xXgSxsxRUuJLmRRKC6TikV-X7hyphenhyphenDHR6bpNokAj-RgOYLx4By89G5SVdc60v-8WAjFUDNnGYnafRoqjcUkkGqI3FwCRAw/s1600/christmas-2971961_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qkmZI4CMrfJG5EnG1bD7pKav1miVsRzviCzB-yZk1_0YpbM9xXgSxsxRUuJLmRRKC6TikV-X7hyphenhyphenDHR6bpNokAj-RgOYLx4By89G5SVdc60v-8WAjFUDNnGYnafRoqjcUkkGqI3FwCRAw/s200/christmas-2971961_1280.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Today’s Codeword is: SHERRY</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> <i>If you would like to read another post and gain another entry, then head over to <a href="http://thebutterflymother.com/2017/12/23/eleventh-day-parenting-12-ways-parents-can-relax-festive-season/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Butterfly Mother</a> for their take on 12 Ways Parents Can Relax This Season.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> <i>To enter the grand prize draw, head over to <a href="https://mummieswaiting.com/12daysofparenting-2017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">12 Days Of Parenting</a> where you can also find all the #12DaysOfParentingPosts so you wont miss any!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="96d7ed7f16" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/96d7ed7f16/" id="rcwidget_bslwphln" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsonthings/" target="_blank">My Thoughts on Things</a> on Facebook.Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-7136488256562799262017-12-20T06:00:00.000+00:002017-12-20T06:49:37.431+00:00On the Eighth Day of Parenting - Our Favourite Christmas Books<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Hello and thank you for hopping over from <a href="https://meandbmaketea.com/2017/12/20/no-bake-christmas-oreo-recipes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span id="docs-internal-guid-2ef8df43-54de-7828-9446-c051119c1712" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Me and B Make Tea</span></a> and welcome to the 8th day of #12DaysOfParenting. Today's sponsor is <a href="https://www.learningresources.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Learning Resources</a> who are offering an 8 pack set of playfoam and the theme is Blogger's Choice. My keyword to enter today’s giveaway is in this post below, good luck! Full details of the #12DaysOfParenting terms and conditions can be found on the <a href="https://mummieswaiting.com/12daysofparenting-2017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#12DaysOfParenting</a> page and all entries are to be completed via the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
I mentioned the other day that we have a Christmas bookshelf, and we add books every year. I'm often on the lookout for new and interesting Christmas books, so I thought a few suggestions from us might help others.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMS6-XwsJ8jJwKbw9z4rwkngMxMFhpYwQ0DfcySxzfWOI-5ITduWi29A_IrTPHOfoVnfSzaWq14jnMPWYLm-1bCZ_2EyA0K8su91UJbCYOQEwdK5KBJdLaR-0BkNFpBYBENAEeRBk1FD6/s1600/2017-12-19+13.54.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMS6-XwsJ8jJwKbw9z4rwkngMxMFhpYwQ0DfcySxzfWOI-5ITduWi29A_IrTPHOfoVnfSzaWq14jnMPWYLm-1bCZ_2EyA0K8su91UJbCYOQEwdK5KBJdLaR-0BkNFpBYBENAEeRBk1FD6/s200/2017-12-19+13.54.40.jpg" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A enjoying his favourite Christmas book</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I fully intended to separate our favourite Christmas books into age groups, but when I asked the girls which of our Christmas books they like the most, they picked the same three each!<br />
<br />
<b><i>Santa's Christmas Handbook</i> by Chris Edge (aka Santa's Elves...)</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaM1kDf4XCD8MOM9TX0gQ8kVIM8MBBgFRzu9ssB6w7pyCuw3S-gY3WtLeoe5Doz70r9JBAxBcz5B3D0INSCWC2ceXIzX4Z8LhJdAsJevq7UnTOkglpLk0-K54WM7SF6zoZ0TTRymkx4dIh/s1600/2017-12-19+23.25.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1329" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaM1kDf4XCD8MOM9TX0gQ8kVIM8MBBgFRzu9ssB6w7pyCuw3S-gY3WtLeoe5Doz70r9JBAxBcz5B3D0INSCWC2ceXIzX4Z8LhJdAsJevq7UnTOkglpLk0-K54WM7SF6zoZ0TTRymkx4dIh/s200/2017-12-19+23.25.06.jpg" width="165" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full of interesting tidbits <br />
and fabulous illustrations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is a brilliant book. Santa's Elves have written this guide to ensure Santa knows what to do in any situation. With plenty of flaps to peek under on every page; facts and tips for children to remember; and even Santa's Insta-Chimney, it's a book that keeps everyone entertained for ages. B is 6 and M is 4, and they both find plenty to look at in here. B is happy to read it aloud to her sister, and there are so many great illustrations, that M can spend plenty of time perusing it by herself. <i>Santa's Christmas Handbook</i> is the sort of book that doesn't need to be read from cover to cover, and I'm pretty sure that I've still not seen every page. Definitely worth getting for the laughs and the magic. There's even a board game to play at the end!<br />
<span id="goog_448741759"><span id="goog_448741768"></span><span id="goog_448741769"></span></span><span id="goog_448741760"></span><br />
<br />
<b><i>Angela and the Baby Jesus</i> by Frank McCourt</b><br />
We've read this book for the first time this year and already it has become much loved. Angela - of <i>Angela's Ashes</i>, but when she was a child - is concerned that the Baby Jesus in the church's crib scene will get cold at night, and so she comes up with a plan to take him home and keep him warm. It's a beautiful story about a little girl's reverence for the Holy Child, and I love her determination to do what she believes is right, regardless of what might happen to her. There is humour here too, especially both B and M's favourite part - when the Baby Jesus flies through the air! Loren Long's illustrations are soft and add to the innocence of the tale. I was so glad that the girls picked Angela and the Baby Jesus as one of their favourites, because it's one of mine too. I would suggest this is for a confident reader, but easily enjoyed by younger children when read aloud.<br />
<br />
<b><i>The Nativity</i> by Fiona Watt & Rachel Wells </b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuG8c4Akb5PX_-h63XoTT1PyrFHFHCLLehmql0BpBVSGhXKXOZNrCWMtsvVixjATUXWQSCH8DX4Cp-3I-n1EZCCFVkhTmBRmYn17L73NQfWrcjTR6I7I9sctW23E296FHXee5HoZzsquc/s1600/2017-12-19+23.59.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1393" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuG8c4Akb5PX_-h63XoTT1PyrFHFHCLLehmql0BpBVSGhXKXOZNrCWMtsvVixjATUXWQSCH8DX4Cp-3I-n1EZCCFVkhTmBRmYn17L73NQfWrcjTR6I7I9sctW23E296FHXee5HoZzsquc/s200/2017-12-19+23.59.34.jpg" width="173" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great for under 2s</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This Usborne Touchy-Feely board book was the first Christmas book we bought for B. It has stood the test of time, and is still enjoyed six years later. A really enjoys this book. As with all Usborne Touchy-Feely books, there are plenty of different textures to explore on each page - even on the front cover. A particularly likes all the fluffy sheep, and M likes to point out the hiding mouse in every picture. The story of the Nativity is told very simply, from Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem through to the arrival of the Wise Men. Simple language means it's good for younger readers - and the sentences are short enough that you can read them out before impatient toddlers turn the pages. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i> Jesus' Christmas Party</i> by Nicholas Allan</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43bpHZ527uUD443ZLolSqKHEmItdJ3-lZ6n0USU55aZPUpwPEnAw7gPS7hVosF6J2dfK5UOsnD5j8m7D5g0SFRODmeLEOVLLrlSePsqwBxCRnVXxg2_pPjzTd8fTa42wtxSglMcoXmTGD/s1600/2017-12-19+23.30.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1308" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43bpHZ527uUD443ZLolSqKHEmItdJ3-lZ6n0USU55aZPUpwPEnAw7gPS7hVosF6J2dfK5UOsnD5j8m7D5g0SFRODmeLEOVLLrlSePsqwBxCRnVXxg2_pPjzTd8fTa42wtxSglMcoXmTGD/s200/2017-12-19+23.30.58.jpg" width="163" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our absolute favourite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A firm favourite with the whole family. Even A, who's almost 14 months, enjoys Jesus' Christmas Party. It's funny and sweet, and has a refrain that is easily remembered and shouted out by those being read to. The use of simple language means it's great for younger readers, and the illustrations are fun, adding to the humour in the story. I don't want to ruin the story - though you can probably guess it! - so all you need to know is that it's about an Innkeeper who really enjoys sleeping, and doesn't deal so well with his disturbed night. If you only ever buy one Christmas book, this should be it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Does your family have a favourite Christmas book?</b><i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>Today’s Codeword is: RUDOLPH</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> <i>If you would like to read another post and gain another entry, then head over to <a href="http://www.welshmum.co.uk/christmas-cheer/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Welsh Mum of One</a> for their own choice of topic.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> <i>To enter the grand prize draw, head over to <a href="https://mummieswaiting.com/12daysofparenting-2017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">12 Days Of Parenting</a> where you can also find all the #12DaysOfParentingPosts so you wont miss any!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="96d7ed7f13" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/96d7ed7f13/" id="rcwidget_rp9nja7k" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsonthings/" target="_blank">My Thoughts on Things</a> on Facebook.Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-78312206013267044562017-12-19T06:00:00.000+00:002017-12-19T06:20:27.371+00:00 On the Seventh Day of Parenting - Mini Gifts Made Simple<i>Hello and thank you for hopping over from <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttp://bumpsbabiestotsandteensmummydiaries.com/?p%253D1265%2526preview%253Dtrue%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;ust%3D1513667920217000%26amp;usg%3DAFQjCNFqMsNYaQu9uxd7silCtXVGfq46Mg&sa=D&ust=1513667920226000&usg=AFQjCNEziGDvz7Pkt0KGnrgVNc5mehivaw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span id="docs-internal-guid-439d8415-54da-9a29-5536-b67080727865" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Bumps Babies Tots and Teens Mummy Diaries</span></a> and welcome to the 7th day of #12DaysOfParenting. Today's sponsor is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Bertiebluecrafts/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bertie Blue Crafts</a> who are offering a magnetic photo frame for a door and the theme is Mini Gifts Made Simple. My keyword to enter today’s giveaway is in this post below, good luck! Full details of the #12DaysOfParenting terms and conditions can be found on the <a href="https://mummieswaiting.com/12daysofparenting-2017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#12DaysOfParenting</a> page and all entries are to be completed via the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
This year the children and I have been making fudge to give as mini gifts to friends and family, and also to have on hand in case of visitors with unexpected presents!<br />
<br />
It's hugely simple - I can't even remember where I found the basic recipe, but it's used a lot on this <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/370274169799332/?ref=br_rs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fudge group</a> on Facebook. We use the basic recipe and then mix it up a bit with different additions and flavours.<br />
<br />
<b>Basic Fudge Recipe</b><br />
<u>Ingredients:</u><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVFIOTPI91_l-fsNvbby0S9E5BVu3ggszSJZtEc7RSoUjgGgEMpOWIjEviGhx1zgk1T9ddoRLQ7sSM4Uj4x5OFSbOUj29YHrf5_ngLJok2_slYSj8FrLOhyEd3ISKppjlLfzL-7pHVIU8/s1600/2017-12-18+10.19.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVFIOTPI91_l-fsNvbby0S9E5BVu3ggszSJZtEc7RSoUjgGgEMpOWIjEviGhx1zgk1T9ddoRLQ7sSM4Uj4x5OFSbOUj29YHrf5_ngLJok2_slYSj8FrLOhyEd3ISKppjlLfzL-7pHVIU8/s200/2017-12-18+10.19.47.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pop your ingredients in the slow cooker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
2 x cans Condensed Milk - <i>I buy mine from Lidl, because it's cheaper and not made by Nestlé!</i><br />
800g Chocolate - <i>the cheaper the better</i><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<u>Method:</u><br />
Place ingredients in slow cooker on high.<br />
Stir every 10 minutes, for approximately 1 hour.<br />
Line a tin with clingfilm, and pour in the fudge.<br />
Cool and refrigerate overnight.<br />
Cut into squares.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Variations</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Chocolate Orange</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Use 300g Orange Chocolate (or 2 x Terry's Chocolate Oranges)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
500g of Plain or Milk Chocolate </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Top with Terry's Sensations</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Gingerbread</u> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
800g of White Chocolate</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 tsp dried Ginger</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 tsp Cinnamon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 tsp Nutmeg. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Top with Mini Gingerbread Man sprinkles.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bOqD46NC4kyujXwGbXeqR2sa1AClKf1CirN9rVZhd3LsRcR0ol7Yrg8fjahOaCLvLVxikf75eJjr13nCugqiSziVFMvAmUJ3Kped_J0Z0vW5Tb5TBDrsPsnQ5X6ve4lsM2DR0mbL0LHT/s1600/2017-12-13+16.59.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bOqD46NC4kyujXwGbXeqR2sa1AClKf1CirN9rVZhd3LsRcR0ol7Yrg8fjahOaCLvLVxikf75eJjr13nCugqiSziVFMvAmUJ3Kped_J0Z0vW5Tb5TBDrsPsnQ5X6ve4lsM2DR0mbL0LHT/s200/2017-12-13+16.59.42.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gingerbread Fudge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Christmas Pudding</u> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
400g Plain Chocolate</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
400g Milk Chocolate</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2tsp Nutmeg</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 tsp Mixed Spice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 tbsp Brandy Butter</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stir in 1 mini Christmas Pudding at the end, then top with a second.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Orange & Cranberry</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
800g White Chocolate</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
100g Dried Cranberries</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2-1 tsp Orange Extract or Cointreau</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Top with some sparkly sugar or sprinkles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrVyka4SFqKWwAXCYcvACEErA_8poGc7lKJpf_P3frTXD_QNRD-LNaIg-VihMX6Bd1mf8xj_dyAChIPWHmQLhyphenhyphen9A72owLJo4U7KCnS8hApFKyiE4W9C3y-Wl1YnfiUNkWdf_yCZD6MRjI/s1600/2017-12-18+11.41.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1556" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrVyka4SFqKWwAXCYcvACEErA_8poGc7lKJpf_P3frTXD_QNRD-LNaIg-VihMX6Bd1mf8xj_dyAChIPWHmQLhyphenhyphen9A72owLJo4U7KCnS8hApFKyiE4W9C3y-Wl1YnfiUNkWdf_yCZD6MRjI/s200/2017-12-18+11.41.28.jpg" width="194" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Chocolate & Cranberry Fudge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We pop the fudge into cellophane bags and tie up with a nice ribbon.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXcW65Ji0iuTbP9TfI1pWY2IeHg8EmdK8RXRBl6mqVmTLTNBfLbOa9m5-0C0WPlYkmHt7CvS9eO0JSm7kNI-qVtdo836zhjMh0O9uZ3gOg3oEHRLM83HGaslY5auOrVO-XHJNJs9XbbwU/s1600/2017-04-14+19.25.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1600" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXcW65Ji0iuTbP9TfI1pWY2IeHg8EmdK8RXRBl6mqVmTLTNBfLbOa9m5-0C0WPlYkmHt7CvS9eO0JSm7kNI-qVtdo836zhjMh0O9uZ3gOg3oEHRLM83HGaslY5auOrVO-XHJNJs9XbbwU/s200/2017-04-14+19.25.56.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fudge we made at Easter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If made in advance, the fudge lasts a while in the fridge, or can even be frozen. Wrap it, unchopped, in baking paper, in a freezer bag to store. If frozen, pop in the fridge to defrost slowly.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Today’s Codeword is: CHESTNUTS</i><br />
<br />
<i>If you would like to read another post and gain another entry, then head over to <a href="https://wemadethislife.com/whats-christmas-eve-bags/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">We Made This Life</a> for their take on Mini gifts made simple.</i><br />
<i><br /></i> <i>To enter the grand prize draw, head over to 12 Days Of Parenting (Link: https://mummieswaiting.com/12daysofparenting-2017) where you can also find all the #12DaysOfParentingPosts so you won't miss any!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="96d7ed7f11" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/96d7ed7f11/" id="rcwidget_zhs1zoe7" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
Check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsonthings/" target="_blank">My Thoughts on Things</a> on Facebook.Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-64494810016148049802017-12-18T06:00:00.000+00:002017-12-18T22:29:09.548+00:00On the Sixth Day of Parenting - Family Traditions Sorted<br />
<i>Hello and thank you for hopping over from <a href="http://bumpsbabiestotsandteensmummydiaries.com/mum-life/christmas-family-traditions/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4bdfa399-4ecc-07a8-147e-844ab8d681d6" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">BumpsBabies Tots and Teens Mummy Diaries</span></a> and welcome to the 6th day of #12DaysOfParenting. Today's sponsor is <a href="https://www.science4youtoys.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Science4You</a> who are offering a Sweet Factory and the theme is Family Traditions Sorted. My keyword to enter today’s giveaway is in this post below, good luck! Full details of the #12DaysOfParenting terms and conditions can be found on the <a href="https://mummieswaiting.com/12daysofparenting-2017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#12DaysOfParenting</a> page and all entries are to be completed via the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.</i><br />
<br />
<div>
Oh, I love Christmas!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love how steeped it is in history and tradition. How we do the same things each year; the same things that have been done for decades, centuries.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sometimes even longer.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We sing songs that our grandparents sang, and their grandparents before them. Foods are flavoured with the same spices our ancestors used at Christmas. At church we speak the same words and say the same prayers that have been said for generations.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And I love how you can look through the windows of all the houses on your street and see a Christmas tree, lit with fairy lights and topped with an angel or a star.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Christmas is a time when we have so much in common.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So what a shock it is to discover that other people also have different traditions to us. We marry into families who have vastly different Christmas days to us and it can be overwhelmingly surprising. For some it becomes a real sticking point.</div>
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
When I was growing up, Christmas meant stockings first thing, then Church in the morning - or midnight Mass when were old enough - followed by a few presents, lunch, a walk, the Queen’s speech and then more presents. We opened presents one at a time, taking it in turns so we could see what each person had got.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I didn’t realise that our Christmas Day wasn’t the same as everyone else’s until I spent my first Christmas with the Hubby’s family.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There, presents are opened in a frenzy, everyone at once. Gift opening is finished quickly. No church. No Queen’s speech. No Bread Sauce!<br />
<br />
I don’t think it’s Christmas Dinner without Bread Sauce, so that had to be changed, and quickly.</div>
<div>
Combining and changing the family traditions we have grown up with to make our own traditions for the new family we've made together is a challenge, but a delightful one.</div>
<br />
As we approach our first family Christmas, in our own home, just us, it is exciting to think that our Christmas will become tradition, and this is what our children will remember and insist upon when they have their own families.<br />
<br />
We have some traditions already, and it's been really encouraging this year to hear the girls talking about what they remember from other years and what they're looking forward to happening again.<br />
<br />
<u>The Jesse Tree</u><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjkDTgfOa0s4LdeMmA4Ff9nBKhqPq7Do5NXVv46qIRVbztczxq6Uqa9ACdktZxtwSKxg6sI8KNVwcmyMpVADKNm5MzfKcBtfOY3jtOm3sruwcZIp2XDlrXi7EgW9cNdGahmLH-Y5Ymhlz/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1188" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjkDTgfOa0s4LdeMmA4Ff9nBKhqPq7Do5NXVv46qIRVbztczxq6Uqa9ACdktZxtwSKxg6sI8KNVwcmyMpVADKNm5MzfKcBtfOY3jtOm3sruwcZIp2XDlrXi7EgW9cNdGahmLH-Y5Ymhlz/s200/photo.JPG" width="148" /></a>In a bid to keep Jesus in the forefront of our Christmas Celebrations, we began to use an age old tradition called the Jesse Tree.<br />
<br />
I've written about our <a href="https://laura-honeybee.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/jesse-tree.html" target="_blank">Jesse Tree</a> before, and you can find those posts <a href="https://laura-honeybee.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Jesse%20Tree" target="_blank">here</a>. Basically, the Jesse Tree is a vehicle to tell the story of Jesus as pointed to throughout the Old Testament. It is inspired by a prophecy in Isaiah 11:1-5, that talks about the Messiah being the shoot that comes from the stump of Jesse, King David's father.<br />
<br />
The principle is that each day we read a passage from the Old Testament, and discuss how Jesus is shown in that passage. It begins with Creation and culminates on Christmas Eve with Jesus, the Light of the World, going through Jesus's ancestors on the way.<br />
<br />
This year we have been using <a href="https://www.sallylloyd-jones.com/books/jesus-storybook-bible/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Jesus Storybook Bible</a>, which is a brilliant kids' Bible that specifically points to Jesus' coming at the end of each story. I'm really encouraged this year to see both girls remembering what the ornaments mean, and knowing which ones will come next.<br />
<br />
<u>Christmas Card</u><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpLhPB7cX7aAVcgmW-oykH1Cylt7M8nMdwWBrvPDtWt-6Bh-ByEssAQsqzjd-k4AG3h5IDbB_2QSuqwmVDrIavCW6cZKMYaDsMf_R1JANA4CdbCH2lSyEXoyB5Qum7UHLyrLCX2fpYsMo/s1600/2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpLhPB7cX7aAVcgmW-oykH1Cylt7M8nMdwWBrvPDtWt-6Bh-ByEssAQsqzjd-k4AG3h5IDbB_2QSuqwmVDrIavCW6cZKMYaDsMf_R1JANA4CdbCH2lSyEXoyB5Qum7UHLyrLCX2fpYsMo/s200/2011.jpg" width="150" /></a>The year that B was born, my sister took a photo of her sleeping, wearing a pair of beautiful angel wings. We made the photo into our Christmas card for the year, and so began our tradition of photographing the children in Nativity scenes to send out on cards.<br />
<br />
It serves two purposes: Season's Greetings and an opportunity to let friends and family we rarely see have a bit of an update on the children.<br />
<br />
As the years go by, it is getting harder to think up scenes without repeating too much. This year, we made use of a stuffed camel from Ikea and the fact that there are three children to turn them into the Wise Men. I'm already planning next year's card - with four to dress up, it's going to require some thought. There's only so many times we can do the Shepherds!<br />
<br />
<u>Pound Shop</u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwW9GQqIxdwALdO-Z0uYhNfzwDt5_1s4xwBzM2S0ztM0F15YK0gWc7PnLNfN5gQberHIHnwI7smUH03icrv6e4YPnjqQBn7kRDLFVW8IiSpPj9tMj-TvePvZoDxc7aMXN9z1EDcOehiG7/s1600/2014-12-25+13.19.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwW9GQqIxdwALdO-Z0uYhNfzwDt5_1s4xwBzM2S0ztM0F15YK0gWc7PnLNfN5gQberHIHnwI7smUH03icrv6e4YPnjqQBn7kRDLFVW8IiSpPj9tMj-TvePvZoDxc7aMXN9z1EDcOehiG7/s200/2014-12-25+13.19.08.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
This is one of our favourite traditions. When B was 3 we took her to Poundland before Christmas, in order to pick out a present for each family member. We've done it every year since, and M has joined in as well.<br />
<br />
Next year A will be allowed to choose his gifts too. When their gifts are handed out to grandparents, aunties and uncles, and us, it's hilarious to see their offerings.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZl-3Kz_fnEwCAZ57_m395NZm798x3Kxia7ay-0juuDntoFEqBztJlOOQ6s9gRe0rhIuNekfONbpmtCNW7owon3xa0v1WttPltcJiDaa5T68oENlaxbRnKmgIVuzVhhHlfnCWp4L_BJcf3/s1600/2014-12-23+14.59.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1181" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZl-3Kz_fnEwCAZ57_m395NZm798x3Kxia7ay-0juuDntoFEqBztJlOOQ6s9gRe0rhIuNekfONbpmtCNW7owon3xa0v1WttPltcJiDaa5T68oENlaxbRnKmgIVuzVhhHlfnCWp4L_BJcf3/s200/2014-12-23+14.59.38.jpg" width="200" /></a>From novelty Christmas glasses on Grandpa and Granddad to Tinkerbell hair clips for Grandma; birthday balloons for Nannie to a Trolls money box for an uncle. Last year I got an In the Night Garden soft ball, which slowly made it's way into A's toy box. Poundland Christmas has become a tradition that the extended family love as much as the children do.<br />
<br />
When there was a suggestion this year that we might be making Christmas presents instead, it was met with serious opposition. Everyone loves their Poundland gifts.<br />
<br />
<u>Epiphany </u><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkGOM7j4Cx0WN5VMUXsfqNsNEb6G1FlKTjSv_XEnFoqKvKITO_x6Vh1dhP0bSgoxtGjRuHDy2AKTd6Mm-tzRXAhDUv8dyn7KGVB40pkG8Zh9AJYOmnb9UaTzu4W_l2-xxO_w_m1OYm_VS/s1600/2015-01-06+18.20.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkGOM7j4Cx0WN5VMUXsfqNsNEb6G1FlKTjSv_XEnFoqKvKITO_x6Vh1dhP0bSgoxtGjRuHDy2AKTd6Mm-tzRXAhDUv8dyn7KGVB40pkG8Zh9AJYOmnb9UaTzu4W_l2-xxO_w_m1OYm_VS/s200/2015-01-06+18.20.39.jpg" width="200" /></a>For us, Christmas doesn't end on Boxing Day. We don't put our tree up until our wedding anniversary, which is a few days before Christmas, and so it lasts quite happily until Epiphany, 6th January, when we celebrate the visit of the Wise Men to the Baby Jesus.<br />
<br />
We don't add our Wise Men to the Nativity set until Epiphany, but rather they travel around the house. Each day from Boxing Day onwards, everyone enjoys hunting for the Wise Men, and there is always great excitement from the person that spots them first.<br />
<br />
We always have an Epiphany Party, sometimes with guests. Even when we don't have any extra people, we have a special meal and use up the last of the Christmas Crackers. I try to cook Eastern dishes to represent the regions that the Wise Men would have travelled from. It's a special time and gives a fitting close to the Christmas season for us.<br />
<br />
<b>What are your family's special traditions?</b><br />
<br />
<i>Today’s Codeword is: SHEPHERD</i><br />
<br />
<i>If you would like to read another post and gain another entry, then head over to <a href="https://mummieswaiting.com/2017/11/activities-keep-family-occupied.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mummies Waiting</a> for their take on Family Traditions Sorted.</i><br />
<i><br /></i> <i>To enter the grand prize draw, head over to <a href="https://mummieswaiting.com/12daysofparenting-2017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">12 Days Of Parenting</a> where you can also find all the #12DaysOfParentingPosts so you won't miss any!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="96d7ed7f10" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/96d7ed7f10/" id="rcwidget_3ywhh5yl" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></i></div>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsonthings/" target="_blank">My Thoughts on Things</a> on Facebook.Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-15769614943597018832017-12-16T06:00:00.000+00:002017-12-18T22:28:51.539+00:00On the Fourth Day of Parenting - Christmas Dinner De-Stressed<div>
<div>
<i>Hello and thank you for hopping over from <a href="http://bumpsbabiestotsandteensmummydiaries.com/challenges-linkies/12daysofparenting/on-the-fourth-da%E2%80%A62daysofparenting/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ff0a8d14-4e99-f088-c94f-d66dc9e75552" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Bumps Babies Tots and Teens Mummy Diaries</span></a> and welcome to the 4th day of #12DaysOfParenting. Today's sponsor is <a href="https://www.contrado.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bags of Love</a> who are offering a Personalised Apron and the theme is Your Christmas Dinner De-Stressed! My keyword to enter today’s giveaway is in this post below, good luck! Full details of the #12DaysOfParenting terms and conditions can be found on the <a href="https://mummieswaiting.com/12daysofparenting-2017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#12DaysOfParenting</a> page and all entries are to be completed via the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This year we are having our first Christmas at home with no extended family.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am so excited to be fully in charge this year!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I’ve made Christmas Dinner many times, but this will be the first year that I am responsible for cooking whilst only having one other adult around to supervise children. So I’ve been getting organised.</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCOlbl99yKGANoQaNc9CvsXRs7Of5dnp3S6FgOCoeUnMWqLDpUSUBg-tq9pvvyiKPcMIT8mj6nz8iJIBEVorwk00ndG_12baDUD-qPq1ZfL07X1f1fAtkC4rAopvCOV34azrpTkYotRTL/s1600/plan-2372176_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCOlbl99yKGANoQaNc9CvsXRs7Of5dnp3S6FgOCoeUnMWqLDpUSUBg-tq9pvvyiKPcMIT8mj6nz8iJIBEVorwk00ndG_12baDUD-qPq1ZfL07X1f1fAtkC4rAopvCOV34azrpTkYotRTL/s200/plan-2372176_1280.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With a decent pla, you can't go far wrong</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
My biggest tip is to make a cooking plan, with all the timings for everything written down. This has saved me many a time. One day I’ll save it somewhere or print and laminate, but today is not that day! Scribbled down in pencil on a piece of paper will have to suffice.</div>
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div>
Having the order of prep and timings for cooking written down means that if I am required for a feed or a cuddle, then the Hubby can jump in and take over for a while too. And it shows the times when I can be with the family in the lounge, rather than spending the whole morning running around the kitchen like a headless turkey!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To write my plan, I first of all list everything that needs to be served up - especially the red cabbage, because of the ridiculous number of years we’ve forgotten about it, only to find it dried out in the slow cooker at bedtime.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then I add in how long each item takes, putting down both the time needed to prepare and to cook.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then I work backwards from the time we want to eat, writing down the time each action needs to take place, always allowing for some leeway in case of longer cooking times being needed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And, voilà! I have a plan.</div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcjyUTvajjpgSwpt5Cg7t2HV6hmfErNw-p96TMAIQD2RK41sHEVQi_1g-7EAnG-FZUVe7gDYyH7oZ65djPt0gPxpwLAO3c8kHUqJopi_n32tuVQmqZdRW3KNIQXZIKu9tl7fWddmD-U8P/s1600/deadline-stopwatch-2636259_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="1280" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcjyUTvajjpgSwpt5Cg7t2HV6hmfErNw-p96TMAIQD2RK41sHEVQi_1g-7EAnG-FZUVe7gDYyH7oZ65djPt0gPxpwLAO3c8kHUqJopi_n32tuVQmqZdRW3KNIQXZIKu9tl7fWddmD-U8P/s200/deadline-stopwatch-2636259_1280.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's your meal - you choose when to eat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
In order for the plan to run as smoothly as possible, I also make and freeze several components of Christmas Dinner in the weeks running up to the big day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Cranberry sauce and bread sauce are great for freezing, and I have begun to make Jamie Oliver’s Get Ahead gravy because gravy tends to be the thing that slows me down at the end of cooking. It’s a joy to be able to simply warm it up as dinner time approaches, rather than trying to find space for the turkey roasting tin on the hob and frantically stirring, waiting for the gravy to thicken while the rest of the food gets cold.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just don’t forget to get all the frozen stuff out to defrost first thing!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdT_Esy7tQj7Zg16Bz1kY8UYv8i_WvX_FjAof0CL9KTB_BdNRuvPBi-NmPI3SatzesR1gq2KztLXzB0YGgh1mnHqujUYe_gga2P2P1S1_A9lbsyLycbr1yzy78158m3b81gRGYWONi_sEx/s1600/2009-12-25+11.08.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdT_Esy7tQj7Zg16Bz1kY8UYv8i_WvX_FjAof0CL9KTB_BdNRuvPBi-NmPI3SatzesR1gq2KztLXzB0YGgh1mnHqujUYe_gga2P2P1S1_A9lbsyLycbr1yzy78158m3b81gRGYWONi_sEx/s200/2009-12-25+11.08.54.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our least stressful Christmas - pre-kids!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On Christmas Eve I like to get the whole family involved in preparing the vegetables for the next day. When we’re all sat at the table together, working and listening to Christmas songs, it becomes a joyful experience, instead of a lonely and resentful one. Smaller children can remove the outer leaves from sprouts, while bigger kids can chop carrots and leeks. And the Hubby is a master of pigs in blankets, though we’re considering buying them ready made this year.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Vegetables can be parboiled and plunged into icy water before storing in the fridge to be warmed up on Christmas Day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have tried pre-boiling the potatoes for roasties, but we weren’t impressed with them, so it will be back to boiling on the day this year, though even potatoes can be peeled the day before and submerged in cold water in the fridge overnight.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We have a dishwasher, which is useful for warming to plates before dinner and cleaning them afterwards. But to avoid the peril of having to leave oven dishes to soak, we buy disposable trays. I know it’s not the most environmentally friendly idea, but sometimes being able to decrease the stress and increase the time spent with the family is of greater importance.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think it’s important to remember that Christmas Dinner is really just a roast with a few extra dishes. It shouldn’t be the stressful experience that it is thought to be. And if you’ve never made a roast before, then there is absolutely no shame in buying pre-prepared dishes. It’s far more important that you have a lovely day with your family.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, relax and enjoy. Let your cooking be fun. And bon appetit!<br />
<br />
<b>What are your tips for taking the stress out of Christmas Dinner?</b> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Today’s Codeword is: NATIVITY</i></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<i>If you would like to read another post and gain another entry, then head over to <a href="https://mummieswaiting.com/2017/12/christmas-dinner.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mummies Waiting</a> for their take on Your Christmas Dinner De-stressed.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>To enter the grand prize draw, head over to <a href="https://mummieswaiting.com/12daysofparenting-2017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">12 Days Of Parenting</a> where you can also find all the #12DaysOfParentingPosts so you won't miss any!</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a class="m_7060417939229271218rcptr" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/96d7ed7f12/&source=gmail&ust=1513232807977000&usg=AFQjCNFFW05kdqw21OkSGZai_cJItuzVEw" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/96d7ed7f12/" id="m_7060417939229271218rcwidget_p060zjr8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></i></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsonthings/" target="_blank">My Thoughts on Things</a> on Facebook.Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-91047845059932008502017-12-15T06:00:00.000+00:002017-12-18T22:28:36.024+00:00On the Third Day of Parenting - Keeping the Family Occupied<div>
<i>Hello and thank you for hopping over from <a href="http://thebutterflymother.com/2017/12/15/nine-family-friendly-christmas-activities/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Butterfly Mother</a> and welcome to the 3rd day of #12DaysOfParenting. Today's sponsor is <a href="https://www.itsaslingthing.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s a Sling Thing</a> who are offering an Ergobaby Original Carrier and the theme is Activities to Keep the Family Occupied! My keyword to enter today’s giveaway is in this post below, good luck! Full details of the #12DaysOfParenting terms and conditions can be found on the <a href="https://mummieswaiting.com/12daysofparenting-2017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#12DaysOfParenting</a> page and all entries are to be completed via the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post. </i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Even in the years when I’ve been super organised at Christmas, there have still been plenty of last minute things to do. Jobs that are just easier without children underfoot. So a few activities here and there to keep the family out of my way and out of trouble have come in very useful.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I’m not going to lie - I love a simple, no fuss activity that requires little planning or effort on my part and yet delivers</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h2>
Crafts</h2>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6VdI_xUubyWMwuHe7bMS8LbRaTOAhwTZiez1k9YM1G7mIa4pG5K89mLFTq795O0_tp5RzkCA-ZO46dPUSN3DZ-0JgtQ6NS6S5uPzJbfib9rAkxdf9WquWvdKxrdXd2l_krVzJIgo36Yr/s1600/2017-12-13+15.41.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6VdI_xUubyWMwuHe7bMS8LbRaTOAhwTZiez1k9YM1G7mIa4pG5K89mLFTq795O0_tp5RzkCA-ZO46dPUSN3DZ-0JgtQ6NS6S5uPzJbfib9rAkxdf9WquWvdKxrdXd2l_krVzJIgo36Yr/s200/2017-12-13+15.41.35.jpg" width="150" /></a>A pile of pine cones and some glitter glue make an easy craft that needs very little supervision. And with a piece ribbon attached to the top you have some lovely decorations to send to grandparents!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the past I have found a few cheap Christmas craft sets at Hobbycraft, Wilkinson’s, etc. These provide a good half an hour - usually - of space for me to potter and get things done. Even when requiring some help or supervision, I find I can do small tasks at the same time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h2>
<a name='more'></a>Books</h2>
</div>
<div>
At the start of December we get out a selection of Christmas books. They only come out at this time of year, which makes them an exciting novelty! I used to wrap them individually and the kids would open one a day, like an Advent calendar, but then I realised that I had better things to do with my life than wrap 24 books. Things like wrapping actual Christmas presents, or cleaning toilets! And so the Christmas bookshelf was born.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRp7nMc_jR3C2hAuGB_d3faLbhB6chlEmTtlHQbXuXiIAqNsfPygRQqzVbCubgeqlV_RKK7pkqKC0aC05jsM6E7SRS-8D7FT_48RU5FKvmJc9k2zgUhi9nnPCvl76QbO_hHwO_cWWuLI0a/s1600/2017-12-14+23.54.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRp7nMc_jR3C2hAuGB_d3faLbhB6chlEmTtlHQbXuXiIAqNsfPygRQqzVbCubgeqlV_RKK7pkqKC0aC05jsM6E7SRS-8D7FT_48RU5FKvmJc9k2zgUhi9nnPCvl76QbO_hHwO_cWWuLI0a/s200/2017-12-14+23.54.18.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
During the pre-Christmas cull we manage to clear a whole shelf and that is where the Christmas books live until they go away again at Epiphany. The books provide a great deal to occupy the family, and having a child of who can read has made this even more accessible, as she can read them to the other two.</div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<h2>
Biscuits</h2>
</div>
<div>
I like to mix up a small amount of icing or melt a bit of chocolate, set out the sprinkles and let the kids go to town on some of Lidl’s delicious spiced Christmas biscuits.</div>
<div>
This is an activity that can keep my children - and husband - occupied for a while. Even longer if I don’t supervise too closely, because then they secretly eat as many as they decorate too!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h2>
Screens</h2>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6G5tBfCYQWdl9Lt7UjH0c46aGPp3IF-FsSSf7533m9T7CFEcxXmCN3gmH_Q7_3hpRq_VgdIS9qzdC_a7JQAkW24lHmLdwyrR6WRITOTXJku5eAw_1cpdrwyg-ZXaD2VM-R5YmoSvi5T6/s1600/2017-12-14+23.51.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1600" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6G5tBfCYQWdl9Lt7UjH0c46aGPp3IF-FsSSf7533m9T7CFEcxXmCN3gmH_Q7_3hpRq_VgdIS9qzdC_a7JQAkW24lHmLdwyrR6WRITOTXJku5eAw_1cpdrwyg-ZXaD2VM-R5YmoSvi5T6/s320/2017-12-14+23.51.34.jpg" width="320" /></a>I’m not ashamed to say it, sometimes Netflix comes in super useful. And at this time of year, when the coughs and the sniffles are spreading like wildfire, I don’t feel at all bad popping something festive on the telly and plonking the children in front of it.</div>
<div>
We’ve added a specific Christmas profile to our Netflix account and filled the ‘My List’ section with all the family friendly Christmas shows and movies they have to offer. There’s some really weird stuff in there, but it’s great for half an hour of peace and quiet, when no one fights.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h2>
Snacks</h2>
</div>
<div>
And if all else fails, a selection of snacks always serves to keep everyone occupied for a decent amount of time. They don’t even have to be Christmas themed!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>What is your favourite simple activity to keep your family occupied?</i></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Today’s Codeword is: YULE. </i></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<i>If you would like to read another post and gain another entry, then head over to </i><i><a href="http://bumpsbabiestotsandteensmummydiaries.com/challenges-linkies/12daysofparenting/festive-family-fun/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a10cee54-54d6-623f-8b17-1ca3ddc13e9a" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Bumps Babies Tots and Teens</span></a> for their take on Keeping the Family Occupied.</i></div>
<i> </i>
<br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<i> </i>
<br />
<div>
<i>To enter the grand prize draw, head over to <a href="https://mummieswaiting.com/12daysofparenting-2017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">12 Days Of Parenting</a> where you can also find all the #12DaysOfParentingPosts so you won't miss any!</i></div>
<i> </i>
<br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<i> </i>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<i> </i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a class="m_7105064966949639215rcptr" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/96d7ed7f8/&source=gmail&ust=1513078484513000&usg=AFQjCNFp4DgrBfS2KlBG5fXKnTLjO7ECNw" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/96d7ed7f8/" id="m_7105064966949639215rcwidget_4aewywna" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsonthings" target="_blank">My Thoughts on Things</a> on Facebook.Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-80864474004773933632017-12-14T06:00:00.000+00:002017-12-14T06:00:05.156+00:00On the Second Day of Parenting - The Perfect Family Gift Guide<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><i>Hello and thank you for hopping over from <a href="http://thebutterflymother.com/2017/12/14/five-creative-educational-gifts-four-year-olds/" target="_blank">The Butterfly Mother</a> and welcome to the 2nd day of #12DaysOfParenting. Today's sponsor is <a href="https://www.wonderbly.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wonderbly</a> who are offering a My Golden Ticket book and the theme is the perfect family gift guide! </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><i><br />
</i></span> <span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><i>My keyword to enter today’s giveaway is in this post below, good luck! </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><i><br />
</i></span> <span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><i>Full details of the #12DaysOfParenting terms and conditions can be found on the <a href="https://mummieswaiting.com/12daysofparenting-2017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#12DaysOfParenting</a> page and all entries are to be completed via the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.</i></span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">If you’re anything like me, you’re filled with a mild sense of dread when Christmas approaches. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Oh, the excitement, the lights, the glitter, the food all serve to cover it up, but you know, deep down, that Christmas means clutter. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVWoL_02hHlzU0p634kffqKKqBwsHIDNNFO_VmjZzmLVLjAwh5aLoYFdhgWmgdADgUfMvGB4OYBNxCXfDdK48SqL0do3viGiS_rYED3ejBY7WL7H3VuhT1T1EkbxVurgM8Emelesf1INR/s1600/present-2891874_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVWoL_02hHlzU0p634kffqKKqBwsHIDNNFO_VmjZzmLVLjAwh5aLoYFdhgWmgdADgUfMvGB4OYBNxCXfDdK48SqL0do3viGiS_rYED3ejBY7WL7H3VuhT1T1EkbxVurgM8Emelesf1INR/s320/present-2891874_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many presents!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">So many toys that you will be responsible for finding a home for. Toys that need batteries. Toys that have tiny pieces for the baby to consume. Toys that are too big for your lounge. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">I’m sure you’ve all heard of the ‘Something you want, something you need, something to wear and something to read’ idea for gift giving. We subscribed to that for a while, but I found it quite restricting. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">I like the idea of having lots of presents to open, even though I hate having to find homes for everything. I don’t mean spending great amounts of money though. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">When I was a child our Christmas sacks were filled with gifts. My mum and dad would wrap up component parts separately, and give us lots of books from charity shops. It was exciting to see the gifts piling up as we opened them one by one around the room. Present unwrapping took a long time in our house - 4 children and 2 parents opening a present at a time and waiting for the turn to come back around the circle to you was fun, and helped with instilling patience and gratitude. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Most of our presents would be a surprise, with only one or two being what we’d asked Father Christmas for, and yet none of them were disappointing, because there were so many and they each had thought put into them. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">I have been forced to come up with a system for gift giving that both allows for lots of presents - both fun and useful -whilst still preventing the overwhelming clutter. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">So I offer to you my Perfect Family Gift Guide, in the hope that it might save your sanity: </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Something to Eat</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Something to Grow </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Something to Read</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Somewhere to Go</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Something you Want </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Something to Wear</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Something to Do </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Something to Share</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-semibold"; font-size: 19pt; font-weight: bold;">Eat</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlw13I-90ea71BHq2cU6k9ofh61vFIMQMGakOjM-oi7Me74uZhEJQ1C5LNWvZO5rABEAJU7lI-M36wTgDyGHJC5-VA5mpP0hyJWTnWj9DbauP-8ww1RI57dIntEgCRMN_-rOMujfBb304P/s1600/baking-2000142_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlw13I-90ea71BHq2cU6k9ofh61vFIMQMGakOjM-oi7Me74uZhEJQ1C5LNWvZO5rABEAJU7lI-M36wTgDyGHJC5-VA5mpP0hyJWTnWj9DbauP-8ww1RI57dIntEgCRMN_-rOMujfBb304P/s200/baking-2000142_1280.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Not me!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Ah, food! The perfect consumable gift. My kids usually ask for a chocolate Santa, though this year they’re upgrading to a Chocolate Orange, apparently. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Once B asked for olives, and last M wanted fish fingers. They were both granted their Christmas wishes!</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">It’s a great opportunity to gift a food that isn’t normally found in your home, or to make use of a seasonal treat that you would be buying anyway. I love a gift that serves two purposes!</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-semibold"; font-size: 19pt; font-weight: bold;">Grow</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">What better gift to give at Christmas than the gift of new life! Christmas comes at the time of year when the light begins to return and we look ahead to Spring. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6V09jR93-ICaTITpl5le7GdeyEC_MLTlOdXgeExJXAOVHH17i2oCmHRfxi6GjhkDEmICAS_xm7kdZazKA2Nm3omyIfTDwbTf5FFRXR29mxlPHWf8XECdOFF5OUIAl8J1jYyZh8uBbt-e/s1600/germ-2871773_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1280" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6V09jR93-ICaTITpl5le7GdeyEC_MLTlOdXgeExJXAOVHH17i2oCmHRfxi6GjhkDEmICAS_xm7kdZazKA2Nm3omyIfTDwbTf5FFRXR29mxlPHWf8XECdOFF5OUIAl8J1jYyZh8uBbt-e/s200/germ-2871773_1280.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gift of Hope</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Packets of seeds are full of hope, and once they’re sprinkled, you get to watch them grow outside. No clutter in your house; a gift that’s also for the bees; and an opportunity for the whole family to take some responsibility for life and beauty. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-semibold"; font-size: 19pt; font-weight: bold;">Read</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBvGx2Hp-jPS_d6pbQXWsJCPGu1lJpypRjVuACgiYwdukNQ-chblKB57sc_f3aG0PSVgWrK03jiVhXYOfioB9LXeLIIK2nKGFWJsSBXku5a4aIyPLwa1ea5RxEq9Fd_kTL43_YBE-tZeT/s1600/books-441866_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBvGx2Hp-jPS_d6pbQXWsJCPGu1lJpypRjVuACgiYwdukNQ-chblKB57sc_f3aG0PSVgWrK03jiVhXYOfioB9LXeLIIK2nKGFWJsSBXku5a4aIyPLwa1ea5RxEq9Fd_kTL43_YBE-tZeT/s200/books-441866_1280.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's not a gift without a book!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">As a once - and future - avid reader (I barely find the time these days!) who is on a mission to ensure the family grow up loving books, I view every gift giving as an opportunity to provide more reading matter. There should always be books! Yes, we’re beginning to run out of bookshelf space, but that’s a wonderful problem to have. And I don’t consider books to be clutter! Everyone in the family gets at least one new book at Christmas. There will be a new Christmas book each for the children; a fiction book or two; and some non-fiction to top up our Finding Out Shelves with whatever topic they’re currently interested in. The Hubby will get a book, regardless of the fact that he never finds time to read either. And I insist on books being in my gift pile, so that I’ve got something to look forward to when the children leave home!</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-semibold"; font-size: 19pt; font-weight: bold;">Go</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">We love family days out. It’s so important to find time to spend together, and I look forward to being able to get out with another adult in the mix. We have various places that we mention throughout the year and I pop them down on a list of places we’d like to go. Then a little homemade voucher or some prebooked tickets to one or more of the venues makes its way into Father Christmas’s delivery. Even better, a year’s membership to National Trust or English Heritage provides places to go for the whole year ahead. Museums, train rides, zoos, exciting play areas, castles - whatever we choose, the real gift is the chance to get out of the house and spend quality time with each other. And the bonus: if we’re out of the house, we can’t make it even more untidy!</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-semibold"; font-size: 19pt; font-weight: bold;">Want</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Let’s face it - we can’t avoid this category, even in the pursuit of a clutter free home. It’s Christmas and there would be nothing worse than seeing the faces of family members who have been given only useful gifts and nothing that they actually asked Father Christmas for. This is the very reason we do a pre-Christmas clear out to make sure there are homes for new gifts. And when the rest of the gifts are useful and/or clutter free, then giving something that I wouldn’t necessarily choose myself isn’t such a chore after all. The big smiles and ‘thank yous’ on Christmas Day are the real gift here. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-semibold"; font-size: 19pt; font-weight: bold;">Wear</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8XAVO_nJxJCPPylt7QJopE_RnU_BvD1jam_65QkTPHTbhsD1v-whlDkrmo3vxxh3k9JZ1yuL6y6bJhiFOuPG4j0fzHx5pjGPtiLKf2zjgGzB8VNp_-UnEoIR5eCAxDTZ0qxqmCogY956/s1600/dresses-53319_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1280" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8XAVO_nJxJCPPylt7QJopE_RnU_BvD1jam_65QkTPHTbhsD1v-whlDkrmo3vxxh3k9JZ1yuL6y6bJhiFOuPG4j0fzHx5pjGPtiLKf2zjgGzB8VNp_-UnEoIR5eCAxDTZ0qxqmCogY956/s200/dresses-53319_1280.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Children ALWAYS need clothes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Children grow like weeds. Clothing is one of those things that we can’t avoid providing. So something to wear is another useful and clutter free gift. We use it as an opportunity to provide a new party outfit that can be worn on Christmas Day, as well as new vests or socks. The Hubby likes getting new socks every year. I request jewellery or clothes vouchers, personally. Knowing how difficult I find it to buy for myself, I wouldn’t expect anyone else to be able to do it for me. We also get the kids’ feet measured a week or so before Christmas in the hopes that new shoes can be delivered by Father Christmas. A is on the brink of walking, so he’ll definitely be getting some. </span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-semibold"; font-size: 19pt; font-weight: bold;">Do</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPAwtZvB3Um7uKFxzfxnee3p0iWhyak0UiiRKAHpT89ryJmN9u0Q8jxYIrJJzgS0lQKw99C5-Qs_4pNx8tCVIP0SPXxj6gPjGN7-a-eLTQt3jacuFxt5Ty-nqS3_Z8XhE6t12jfSIMF7H/s1600/valentines-day-background-1956849_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1280" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPAwtZvB3Um7uKFxzfxnee3p0iWhyak0UiiRKAHpT89ryJmN9u0Q8jxYIrJJzgS0lQKw99C5-Qs_4pNx8tCVIP0SPXxj6gPjGN7-a-eLTQt3jacuFxt5Ty-nqS3_Z8XhE6t12jfSIMF7H/s200/valentines-day-background-1956849_1280.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baking together is the gift of time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">I’m always on the hunt for activities to keep the children occupied and learning. Craft sets come in handy, especially through the cold and dark of January. Sticker and colouring books are always well received. Baking ingredients are perfect for covering the Eat and Share categories too, providing an activity that is both consumable and an opportunity to spend one on one time with a parent. Experience gifts are fun too - in the past we’ve given a Fairy photo shoot to the girls and tickets for us all to see a play or go to the cinema. Something to Do doesn’t usually need to find a home for long, if at all, fulfilling my love of clutter free. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-semibold"; font-size: 19pt; font-weight: bold;">Share</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JxQDctu_PMl__KvXo3mNKknGJQosbIRcfw-XCu5whNe9VrjXzbijES2xGDmP5WNCp8NQtnUMtt-XBUWLjqJj4MrlIw7GCtPTzkLS-xt5cPzAgStF9Zch-P9G51OHz2Jt0f-q7NbNJoxS/s1600/goose-game-2806291_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JxQDctu_PMl__KvXo3mNKknGJQosbIRcfw-XCu5whNe9VrjXzbijES2xGDmP5WNCp8NQtnUMtt-XBUWLjqJj4MrlIw7GCtPTzkLS-xt5cPzAgStF9Zch-P9G51OHz2Jt0f-q7NbNJoxS/s200/goose-game-2806291_1280.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Board Games are great for sharing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">In recent years I’ve started to give sharing gifts to the children. One present between two of three reduces the number of gifts and gives opportunities for cooperation. It’s not always easy, especially when the age gap is wide, but it is possible to find gifts to suit a range of ages at once. This year they’re getting a Grimm’s Rainbow, which I am assured is perfect for kids of all ages. When writing letters to Father Christmas, the girls have asked for board games, DVDs and gingerbread men to share with the family. I like that this gets them thinking about what other people might like, rather than just about their own demands. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">In changing up our Family Gift List, I’m hoping to see less clutter, more generosity, and a lot more time together as a family. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-italic"; font-size: 17pt;">What is on your perfect family gift list?</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-italic"; font-size: 17pt; font-style: italic;"><br />
</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>Today’s Codeword is: FRANKINCENSE<br />
<br />If you would like to read another post and gain another entry, then head over to <a href="https://wemadethislife.com/family-christmas-gift-ideas/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">We Made This Life</a> for their take on Preparing to survive the holidays.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> <i>To enter the grand prize draw, head over to <a href="https://mummieswaiting.com/12daysofparenting-2017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">12 Days Of Parenting</a> where you can also find all the #12DaysOfParentingPosts so you won't miss any!</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="96d7ed7f7" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/96d7ed7f7/" id="rcwidget_b6xhwrhe" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<br />
Check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsonthings/" target="_blank">My Thoughts on Things</a> on Facebook.Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-79138956303235295292017-12-11T11:47:00.001+00:002017-12-11T11:54:16.452+00:00Getting Ready for Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhro3Zc8LbgOohOFlhKWPliFxMEKfDB2MhgbFIRObKuI5xbOmlHww8NO2lTZFn41yGvV6c0ypPawjQFWDEdrtygkY7eHJGbHS_hhOvbaXy-cxIxKDEP0jK-JUDpSHgRH9WtdF82jlbZYsoh/s1600/checklist-2077019_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1280" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhro3Zc8LbgOohOFlhKWPliFxMEKfDB2MhgbFIRObKuI5xbOmlHww8NO2lTZFn41yGvV6c0ypPawjQFWDEdrtygkY7eHJGbHS_hhOvbaXy-cxIxKDEP0jK-JUDpSHgRH9WtdF82jlbZYsoh/s320/checklist-2077019_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The school holidays obviously don’t affect us greatly, other than making places we like to visit much busier, and putting a hold on our term time groups. Usually the girls have clubs 3 evenings a week, so as we approach Christmas we get to cosy up on the settee instead, with blankets and Christmas films.<br />
<br />
The holiday season itself can be so overwhelming for children and parents alike. Sensory overload, lots of family and friends to see, so much sugar and so many presents! So here are a few things that we do to prepare for the onslaught ahead:<br />
<br />
<b>Clear Out</b><br />
With October and November birthdays here, swiftly followed by Christmas, the number of new toys, books, games and craft sets coming into the house sky rockets.<br />
<a name='more'></a>In the weeks running up to Christmas we try to do a clear out of things we don’t play with any more to make space for all the new gifts. It’s always a tricky activity, because the girls are so attached to everything. But I’m hoping that as the years go on it will become an easier habit to adopt. It helps to remind them that some children don’t get much for Christmas and that we can pass good quality toys and clothes on to Father Christmas to help make other children happy.<br />
<br />
<b>Calm Down</b><br />
There is so much going on at Christmas. Flashing lights, jingly music, rich food, shiny wrapping paper. Everyone gets overexcited, hyperactive, and tired, leading very quickly to grumpiness, arguments and tears. I try to give the girls an opportunity during each day to do Cosmic Yoga and Mindfulness. I’m hoping that this will give them the tools they need to centre themselves and calm themselves down when things are getting overwhelming. Getting outside in the fresh air helps too. The crisp winter air blows away the arguments and Mother Nature has a marvellous way of calming even the angriest of children. With fewer people in open spaces at this time of year, going for wintry walks allows us some moments of peace and quiet, and solitude - the perfect antidote to the overwhelm of the holiday season.<br />
<br />
<b>Craft</b><br />
Craft activities give us some quiet time too. We like to make Advent a big part of our Christmas celebrations. Every year we use a Jesse Tree to help us understand the biblical events that led up to Jesus’s birth. As a part of this we try do a related craft most days. When I first started doing this with B, I did one every day and it became a chore rather than a fun activity, so we’re much looser with it now. But as the girls are getting older they are better at working independently, so I can set them off and then keep A occupied. We don’t put up our Christmas Tree until much closer to Christmas, so our crafting activities double up as Christmas decorations, meaning that we can build up slowly to a fully decorated house.<br />
<br />
<b>Care for Others</b><br />
I find that the most effective way to survive the holidays in our house is to remember the reason for the season. By following our Jesse Tree stories, we are able to put Jesus front and centre of our Christmas celebrations. This helps to remind the children that it’s not all about the flashing lights, jingly music and masses of presents, but about celebrating the birth of Jesus. This also gives us opportunities to think about other people and to inspire an attitude of thankfulness. We try to talk about the biggest and best gift was Jesus, and so everything else is a bonus. We also use it as a time to provide for those less well off than us. We do a Reverse Advent Calendar, which involves filling a box with food for the Foodbank and gifts for Charities to give to others. Our church has a Giving Tree and the girls love selecting a few gift tags each for us to attach to presents that the Saint Vincent de Paul group pass on to those who need them most. I think it is so important that our children grow up seeing that for some people the most important and necessary gifts are what we could consider basics - underwear, tea bags, baby vests, a packet of biscuits, warm gloves. It enables us to be much more grateful for the fun, but frivolous, presents we find under the tree. And that in turn makes the holiday season a much happier place with less sulking and fewer arguments.<br />
<br />
<i>How do you prepare to survive the holidays? Please leave your comments below. I love to read them and try to reply to every one.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsonthings/" target="_blank">My Thoughts on Things</a> on Facebook.Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-283695952408282562017-10-31T17:21:00.000+00:002017-11-01T17:56:17.805+00:00Me and Mine: October 2017<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.dearbeautifulboy.com/p/me-and-mine-family-portrait-project.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="The Me + Mine Project - Dear Beautiful"><img alt="The Me + Mine Project - Dear Beautiful" src="https://image.ibb.co/heYf4a/me_mineprojectbadge.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVYYyFBOpLqh2mccQEiMpDwj5D__1DDeQZYLvDbKRbTrHSwb1N_Ub9trFLjLKPsMbV047YwZ3xDjFucxMAGggE37gnZOVFDdTzHcqatr2aWrFPVLUAnVwXoMsnRSbLoK4hW29qSlP5I7p/s1600/B8738930-D52F-4E7F-A7B3-4734F75E558F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVYYyFBOpLqh2mccQEiMpDwj5D__1DDeQZYLvDbKRbTrHSwb1N_Ub9trFLjLKPsMbV047YwZ3xDjFucxMAGggE37gnZOVFDdTzHcqatr2aWrFPVLUAnVwXoMsnRSbLoK4hW29qSlP5I7p/s400/B8738930-D52F-4E7F-A7B3-4734F75E558F.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-italic"; font-size: 17pt; font-style: italic;">This month...</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-bold"; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: bold;">The Hubby has enjoyed:</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Going on his friend’s Stag Do</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Seeing his sister a few times</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Watching ‘Star Trek: Discovery’</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Going to Stratford upon Avon</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Watching A’s personality develop</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Going to Wimpole for A’s birthday </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-bold"; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: bold;">I have enjoyed:</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">A turning 1</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Going to Apple Day</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Visiting a friend </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Seeing A learn new signs</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Reading ‘A Feast for Crows’</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Watching ‘Star Trek: Discovery’</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-bold"; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: bold;">B has enjoyed:</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Going to Drama</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Checking out the new cafe near home</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Visiting her friend</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Colouring in</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Going to a wedding</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Reading ‘Matilda’</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-bold"; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: bold;">M has enjoyed:</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Street Dance </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Putting on nail varnish</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Decorating pine cones</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Playing with A in the early hours of the morning</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Watching ‘Operation Ouch’</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Writing numbers </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-bold"; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: bold;">A has enjoyed:</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Signing “dog”</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Watching ‘Something Special’</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Eating bananas</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Standing unaided</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Crawling very fast up the stairs</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Being entertained by his big sisters</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Opening presents on his birthday</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Check out My Thoughts on Things on Facebook.</span></div>
Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-41940191567898006922017-01-15T06:43:00.000+00:002017-07-31T22:08:54.903+01:00Siblings - January 2017<center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://www.dearbeautifulboy.com/p/siblings-family-portrait-project.html" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: -webkit-center;" target="_blank" title="The Me and Mine Project"><img alt="The Me and Mine Project" src="http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll320/looby_boo/siblingsprojectbadge_zps1pltdh9d.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I love to see how much these three love each other. B and M still fight, but things seem to be settling down somewhat, and the periods of playing happily together are increasing, while the hugs and lovely conversations are more free-flowing. A's face lights up when he sees or hears his sisters, especially M, even though she spends a great deal of time poking his face!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtw7UbWGZYjslqCQdI0-zEeLCuxeE2V70nezDjajDrszb3JAICvPrR1EPWp79sUTNswKucql4qf3N1uz2f_rgUS0ZULiqI6aztNu7GSetSFEkrhUF9cREuVhXVCQcDbijFZz8QpKHem0v/s640/blogger-image-1288756308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtw7UbWGZYjslqCQdI0-zEeLCuxeE2V70nezDjajDrszb3JAICvPrR1EPWp79sUTNswKucql4qf3N1uz2f_rgUS0ZULiqI6aztNu7GSetSFEkrhUF9cREuVhXVCQcDbijFZz8QpKHem0v/s400/blogger-image-1288756308.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4op0fblkbFk1cTrx7fi_YYWyK1GRWrWidCZCNrAUIW21iL_7fJo8x7CFn7cLZb4lPkSc397Q_cXa-csB-Fw5X7D6DljL9yNMcZjOt4lDHYr2WE6uvbEzA4wLGrTQ7K5osC3hNNXHFAZZ/s640/blogger-image--102981437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4op0fblkbFk1cTrx7fi_YYWyK1GRWrWidCZCNrAUIW21iL_7fJo8x7CFn7cLZb4lPkSc397Q_cXa-csB-Fw5X7D6DljL9yNMcZjOt4lDHYr2WE6uvbEzA4wLGrTQ7K5osC3hNNXHFAZZ/s400/blogger-image--102981437.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Du19sl7vntPnqpi4JseH4qr7VRWptyFz2615Ll0YD6PK2gTzNWpCLYbkvQL9PdUxWbWoLNCt3EVPhGxe7XW8iT6lE-84E5BAOE50FlrNYh4m2ralX3mB68t8cC28cTSNgIj7YdVUJSBl/s640/blogger-image--2050300323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Du19sl7vntPnqpi4JseH4qr7VRWptyFz2615Ll0YD6PK2gTzNWpCLYbkvQL9PdUxWbWoLNCt3EVPhGxe7XW8iT6lE-84E5BAOE50FlrNYh4m2ralX3mB68t8cC28cTSNgIj7YdVUJSBl/s400/blogger-image--2050300323.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<pre class="code" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: whitesmoke; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Menlo, Monaco, Consolas, 'Courier New', monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.42857143; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 17px; overflow: auto; padding: 9.5px; text-align: left; word-break: break-all; word-wrap: break-word;">This blog has been verified by Rise: Rf8bcad73178580ef16baeb26a4f2c212</pre>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
</center>
<br />
<br />Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-39704347845928501082016-12-31T20:30:00.000+00:002017-01-18T16:13:39.414+00:00Me and Mine - December 2016<center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://www.dearbeautifulboy.com/p/me-and-mine-family-portrait-project.html" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: -webkit-center;" target="_blank" title="The Me and Mine Project"><img alt="The Me and Mine Project" src="http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll320/looby_boo/memineprojectbadge_zpsi9mzsfmv.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Happy New Year from the 5 of us!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMXSq-Dd1cpxw-Bwc03iEtlt7R9llW3SKURBQ4La-Eb5UPSxwpN0EbMz1fQA46OlQDmkjZrjIr5tHwjmfagUl9mlH5Qf3uMIBzdxvCY8UL38ErAp6xrR9ldUGDWKbIKe5m8OTFKjH6kpL/s640/blogger-image--1602510203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMXSq-Dd1cpxw-Bwc03iEtlt7R9llW3SKURBQ4La-Eb5UPSxwpN0EbMz1fQA46OlQDmkjZrjIr5tHwjmfagUl9mlH5Qf3uMIBzdxvCY8UL38ErAp6xrR9ldUGDWKbIKe5m8OTFKjH6kpL/s640/blogger-image--1602510203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</center>
<br />
<br />
<br />Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-58515603958445405182016-11-15T16:00:00.000+00:002016-11-16T05:59:57.067+00:00Siblings - November 2016<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.dearbeautifulboy.com/p/siblings-family-portrait-project.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="The Me and Mine Project"><img alt="The Me and Mine Project" src="http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll320/looby_boo/siblingsprojectbadge_zps1pltdh9d.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">So, my two beautiful girls have been joined by a lovely little boy. </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">They adore him. </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">I think he could be the most kissed baby ever. </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">They've had three weeks together - well, just shy of that due to him and me having to go back into hospital for a couple of days. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISfhWMjWqbpAIkcX-LJ-ACB9OiGhIoSkQDjy8mlFKwjURl_1VSTEqZtpOA4mv43bRXp9RlbCMOYeQs9OuNY4n0yZjTPf5j5AMHL6_1ZItl-iZw6f5-oEO3oHvKmDXtQSKrCBLLJuiJu3l/s640/blogger-image--1238327524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISfhWMjWqbpAIkcX-LJ-ACB9OiGhIoSkQDjy8mlFKwjURl_1VSTEqZtpOA4mv43bRXp9RlbCMOYeQs9OuNY4n0yZjTPf5j5AMHL6_1ZItl-iZw6f5-oEO3oHvKmDXtQSKrCBLLJuiJu3l/s400/blogger-image--1238327524.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sfuitext";"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sfuitext";">It is wonderful to see the love the girls have for their little brother. They want to look at his face constantly. They fight over who gets to be near him. When M gets up early in the morning, the first thing she asks is, "Can I see A?"</span><br />
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">I'm so proud of how they help with nappy changes and with comforting him on car journeys. </span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">M has struggled with A's arrival, but as B did when M was born, she directs her frustration at the Hubby and myself, and sometimes at B. </span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">B has settled in well to her role as big sister to two siblings. She seems so grown up now. </span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgZOFD-uUFisIoGkbAg3_zgwEwJBftqgFFVlhB_QFxYGbNAsvatJVyvAsmQ0RCmy6dDSYnyK_VS-0pEA4dIuN0_nr_kvJwlza3ZDAezrtZsrNXaP7Z73B1SDy-ZboedPh9hxSxPeGClkt/s640/blogger-image-694867814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgZOFD-uUFisIoGkbAg3_zgwEwJBftqgFFVlhB_QFxYGbNAsvatJVyvAsmQ0RCmy6dDSYnyK_VS-0pEA4dIuN0_nr_kvJwlza3ZDAezrtZsrNXaP7Z73B1SDy-ZboedPh9hxSxPeGClkt/s400/blogger-image-694867814.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their First Meeting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">With two there is only one sibling relationship to nurture, but with three children we will get the pleasure and struggle of three relationships. </span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">At the moment, we are trying to strengthen the girls' connection with one another. They both love A, and he gets most of their affection, but when it comes to each other they are more of a challenge. </span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">They can play so beautifully together that it makes my heart almost burst, and then, with seemingly no reason or warning, they explode at each other. 0 to 60 in 1 second flat! </span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">With adult guidance they resolve their issues and are back to being friends. </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnkPAS1QH2WjriugagMna9Cmd8DHhDiUspF3gOkn8eQW80lSg7fp3mulI2kt1y3xtvJj7a4KwFh3H_LUYrXLQY1b9WnfncE0y06Qj-Au_WVxlmjism6_T6eEW8xjl5Txu5NE2USUh90kM/s640/blogger-image-1893410938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnkPAS1QH2WjriugagMna9Cmd8DHhDiUspF3gOkn8eQW80lSg7fp3mulI2kt1y3xtvJj7a4KwFh3H_LUYrXLQY1b9WnfncE0y06Qj-Au_WVxlmjism6_T6eEW8xjl5Txu5NE2USUh90kM/s400/blogger-image-1893410938.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matchy Matchy After Three Weeks Together</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sfuitext";"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sfuitext";">I'm looking forward to seeing how A fits into the mix as he gets older!</span><br />
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sfuitext";"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sfuitext";"><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 15.84000015258789px;">Check out </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsonthings/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; font-family: '.sfuitext'; font-size: 15.84000015258789px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">My Thoughts on Things</a><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 15.84000015258789px;"> on Facebook.</span></span>Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-71945270368993779142016-10-31T22:59:00.000+00:002016-10-31T23:13:28.697+00:00Me and Mine - October 2016<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.dearbeautifulboy.com/p/me-and-mine-family-portrait-project.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="The Me and Mine Project"><img alt="The Me and Mine Project" src="http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll320/looby_boo/memineprojectbadge_zpsi9mzsfmv.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">We are five. </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">For less than a week we have been a family of five, and it has surpassed the rest of the month. </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">A little boy, a son, a brother. </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjZlPxgLbgsowJjsnb0APOkRMMLt6Rgt6idWfTbid9Sm_qoIroPOEj4gp_SSQmX7SQVmdEkVhH5FS9KUtJdZf-xzSM7qQyNWD18Hwn25cavE7SM627hGBJ5oTPQxx-dW7jAPNOd4r_9rS/s640/blogger-image-969420189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjZlPxgLbgsowJjsnb0APOkRMMLt6Rgt6idWfTbid9Sm_qoIroPOEj4gp_SSQmX7SQVmdEkVhH5FS9KUtJdZf-xzSM7qQyNWD18Hwn25cavE7SM627hGBJ5oTPQxx-dW7jAPNOd4r_9rS/s640/blogger-image-969420189.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">We had special times together as a four in the run up to his birth - cinema trips, meals out, games together. Lovely memories. </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">And now we are forging ahead into the new. </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">It's exciting. And exhausting. And mind blowing. </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The girls love their brother. It's beautiful to see how they are with him - gentle, excited, helpful. Desperate to be close to him and to see his face. </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">But they're struggling somewhat with the changes and with the time that I had to spend back in hospital, and we're having to learn new levels of patience and understanding. </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The last week has been a difficult one, and we're looking forward to November being gentler on us. </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">But we have managed to get one whole family photo. </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-bold"; font-weight: bold;"></span> </div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">We're happy, and we're all together. Slowly learning how to manage the new dynamics, how to be with each other.</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-bold"; font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-bold"; font-weight: bold;">This month...</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-italic"; font-style: italic;">The Hubby has enjoyed:</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Submitting his professions</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Helping with the NCT Nearly New Sales</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Spending time with the girls</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Dinner out with our best friends</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">His new Apple Watch </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Miss Peregrine's School for Peculiar Children</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Having a son</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">I</span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-italic"; font-style: italic;"> have enjoyed:</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Catching up with an old friend and her new baby</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Going for an amazing curry with our best friends </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Miss Peregrine's School for Peculiar Children </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Autumn colours</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Meeting our baby</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-italic"; font-style: italic;">B has enjoyed:</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">A visit to the fire station with Rainbows </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Losing her first tooth</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Making apple juice at Apple Day</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Finding Dory</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Colouring</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Her new baby brother</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-italic"; font-style: italic;">M has enjoyed:</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Watching a Punch and Judy show</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Time spent with her Uncle Frankie</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Doing puzzles</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Watching B at jiu jitsu </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Time with us early in the morning before B is up </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Her new baby brother</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-italic"; font-style: italic;">A has enjoyed:</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Milk</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Cuddles</span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Sleeping</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"><br />
</span></div>
Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-66970672120503606372016-10-30T07:31:00.001+00:002016-10-30T10:16:47.361+00:00Silent Sunday - 30th October 2016<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NR9yU5qdG833IqbSShLov8uGBQOYNgtjX5N3zQ_jEctbFg6izrgbuFDwDjF37YtU_HoDF0nPDRjUhl_xSThAhIpxc0n4VHU5Ciu7b-c41NrY1iDFSDXDqt6OR9TsXnewDkzf52Hb8jxF/s640/blogger-image--1172780623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NR9yU5qdG833IqbSShLov8uGBQOYNgtjX5N3zQ_jEctbFg6izrgbuFDwDjF37YtU_HoDF0nPDRjUhl_xSThAhIpxc0n4VHU5Ciu7b-c41NrY1iDFSDXDqt6OR9TsXnewDkzf52Hb8jxF/s640/blogger-image--1172780623.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br>
<div align="center"><a href="http://hannahspannah.co.uk" rel="nofollow" title="Hannah Spannah"><img src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l543/cleverspanner/Weekend%20Blog%20Share%20Main%20image_1.jpg" alt="Hannah Spannah" style="border: none; height: auto; width: 200px;"></a></div>Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-35134584764813146442016-10-22T03:37:00.001+01:002016-10-22T19:02:09.696+01:00A Brief, but Miraculous, Update<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLJizeZpyb3lGRqN-w5CoGGj9Kq7Er_Rcywc_Z36SLkt6S_KT9lniDi5qaf358hOqrCIFqJ5fqzMwbz7sePA_WZHsXz5w4pTOGix8bX0-kNqy7uHTKlG5FFNCDzbezRHzCi8bOleNy8Sw/s640/blogger-image--1760645414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLJizeZpyb3lGRqN-w5CoGGj9Kq7Er_Rcywc_Z36SLkt6S_KT9lniDi5qaf358hOqrCIFqJ5fqzMwbz7sePA_WZHsXz5w4pTOGix8bX0-kNqy7uHTKlG5FFNCDzbezRHzCi8bOleNy8Sw/s320/blogger-image--1760645414.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Ray of Light Shining Through</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We had a scan.<br />
<br />
The Sonographer was so friendly.<br />
<br />
We saw a little hand. And the cutest little foot, attached to a chubby little ankle.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
But, even more amazing - my amniotic fluid levels have normalised!<br />
<br />
Thank you so much to all of you who have been praying.<br />
<br />
I could have a home birth now, because the high risk of cord prolapse has gone. And because there is no need for baby to be checked with a nasogastric tube straight after birth.<br />
<br />
But I've mentally prepared myself for a hospital birth. We've nothing ready for a home birth either. Plus, if we're in the hospital there's a higher chance that any tongue tie will be diagnosed and separated much more speedily.<br />
<br />
My Consultant has put in my notes that I can use the Midwife Led Unit.<br />
<br />
She didn't push for an induction, and I declined the offered stretch and sweep. But she wants me back next week to discuss getting the baby out.<br />
<br />
Induction will come up again.<br />
<br />
I'll decline.<br />
<br />
I know I don't need one. B was 12 days over; M was 2. Both came without being induced. Although I did have a sweep with B, the midwife who performed it said she was coming anyway.<br />
<br />
I will suggest daily monitoring instead, if I'm still pregnant then.<br />
<br />
And, to be honest, I'll probably accept a sweep then too.<br />
<br />
Now we just have to pray this baby earthside. They're far too comfortable inside!<br />
<br />
I need to see that little foot for real.Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-17016794549516198422016-10-18T15:11:00.001+01:002016-10-18T15:23:42.026+01:0040 Weeks - Still PregnantI was wrong.<br />
<br />
The baby didn't arrive the day I thought it would.<br />
<br />
I'm still pregnant.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOonGw57i4jCM6bRfI86suuHvmanq5WHXOSKbMvjFPjkClojBDxm6BLsCYPVgn2sPVevqmgySUMi21X6AQKmFQs9CjNhyphenhyphenlZZOtQU-9NlONgXUk9lVr334Thd48iniWsSwQZuI4xUrPdNU/s640/blogger-image--1086565417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Due date bump" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOonGw57i4jCM6bRfI86suuHvmanq5WHXOSKbMvjFPjkClojBDxm6BLsCYPVgn2sPVevqmgySUMi21X6AQKmFQs9CjNhyphenhyphenlZZOtQU-9NlONgXUk9lVr334Thd48iniWsSwQZuI4xUrPdNU/s400/blogger-image--1086565417.jpg" title="Due date bump" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">40 Weeks Pregnant - Clearly<span style="color: #0000ee;">, my womb is comfortable!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And I'm angry.<br />
<br />
Like this enormous ball of pregnant rage.<br />
<a name='more'></a>This has been such a long and mentally tiring pregnancy. I've had to do so much fighting. I want a rest now.<br />
<br />
Instead, I'm gearing up for the next battle. Preparing myself for the inevitable conversation about induction when I see my consultant.<br />
<br />
Even though I'm desperate for this pregnancy to be over, for the next stage to begin, I don't want to be induced.<br />
<br />
I don't need to be induced.<br />
<br />
My body is capable of going into labour without assistance.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90UlJOoqEPzGV88TeoI997co402IsEcx7tPDMol8khlc6U0wli4g0ZCxHtUUmlq3JRS62Xd_5aVvLLEkv-PgYedfhzcPyfvToXHEDmsMfU79oD14JRb5y3rIvGbjqo6xOypH2URWJVLlb/s1600/cyprus-1166890_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fertility Goddess Sculpture" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90UlJOoqEPzGV88TeoI997co402IsEcx7tPDMol8khlc6U0wli4g0ZCxHtUUmlq3JRS62Xd_5aVvLLEkv-PgYedfhzcPyfvToXHEDmsMfU79oD14JRb5y3rIvGbjqo6xOypH2URWJVLlb/s200/cyprus-1166890_1920.jpg" title="Fertility Goddess Sculpture" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, that's me,<br />
a Fertility Goddess!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But do I have the energy to fight it?<br />
<br />
What I need now is to feel special, cherished, blessed.<br />
<br />
I want to be pampered and preened and looked after. To be massaged and celebrated and anointed.<br />
<br />
I want to feel like some sort of fertility goddess!<br />
<br />
Instead, I have to think of activities to do with the kids, plan and make meals, and do regular household jobs.<br />
<br />
This could go on for another two weeks!<br />
<br />
I won't be pregnant forever. I know that. Even though it's been an eternity already.<br />
<br />
And thank God I'm not an elephant! Can you imagine? Nearly two years of pregnancy.<br />
<br />
I've tried hot curries, jalapeños, sex, bouncing on the birth ball, squats, expressing colostrum, making exciting plans.<br />
<br />
Nothing.<br />
<br />
All I am now is exhausted and fed up.<br />
<br />
I want to be left alone, but when I am I feel lonely.<br />
<br />
I saw my midwife today. Baby is 3/5 engaged. Blood pressure perfect. Blood sugars fine. Urine as it should be. Baby's heartbeat and position are great.<br />
<br />
I have another scan tomorrow and my consultant appointment.<br />
<br />
It would be wonderful if I could have this baby before then, so I don't have to sit in that stuffy waiting room, before explaining again to the sonographer that I don't have a Growth chart, and having to discuss whether the consultant wants to set a date for induction.<br />
<br />
I don't want to have to explain why I'm not keen on a stretch and sweep.<br />
<br />
Come on, Baby. We're waiting for you.<br />
<br />
Everyone is impatient.<br />
<br />
We want to know what you look like.<br />
<br />
Are you a boy or a girl?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jThZD2xq_naWw79gN6vOuT6CEGKBjN_-BJN3R8nsQA6W6rA__dsFKfSaWpHLrWvTtK3xyue7zUZpcBv-9UZPS-GykYcjCyRRhp_DQh_DZZpqFIFxmvxRvrZllE1TQCog_rsnaaofxhvw/s1600/red-panda-981231_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="40 Weeks Pregnant Red Panda" border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jThZD2xq_naWw79gN6vOuT6CEGKBjN_-BJN3R8nsQA6W6rA__dsFKfSaWpHLrWvTtK3xyue7zUZpcBv-9UZPS-GykYcjCyRRhp_DQh_DZZpqFIFxmvxRvrZllE1TQCog_rsnaaofxhvw/s200/red-panda-981231_1280.jpg" title="40 Weeks Red Panda" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby is the size of a (tailless) red panda</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Who will you be?<br />
<br />
<u>Weekly Statistics</u><br />
Average after meal sugars: 5.0 mmol/L<br />
Average fasting sugars: 4.2 mmol/L<br />
Weight: 0 lb<br />
<br />
Catch up: <a href="http://laura-honeybee.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/39-weeks-counting-down-days.html" target="_blank">39 Weeks</a><a href="http://laura-honeybee.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/30-weeks.html" target="_blank"> </a><br />
Next:<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://farmerswifeandmummy.com/category/maternitymondays/" title="MaternityMondays"><img alt="MaternityMondays" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l26/farmerswifeandmummy/mm%20new%20badge%20april%2016_zps58mfugf0.jpg" style="border: medium none;" /></a></center>
<br />
<i>Check out <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsonthings/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Thoughts on Things</a> on Facebook.<br />
<br />Images: <a href="https://pixabay.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pixabay</a></i>Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239898940439223759.post-57600274924761982772016-10-15T09:22:00.003+01:002016-10-15T09:23:14.148+01:00Siblings - October 2016<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.dearbeautifulboy.com/p/siblings-family-portrait-project.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="The Me and Mine Project"><img alt="The Me and Mine Project" src="http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll320/looby_boo/siblingsprojectbadge_zps1pltdh9d.jpg" style="border: medium none;" /></a></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">No baby yet, so these girls are still a twosome. And you know you'll get a third sibling in my next Siblings Project post. </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVzIKHxQbj9sjockcQ-MNhYGEbc6oVuDROucA2qyFo9qrzvQ6hU_-KmTBy_J1awz9KOhU0JzGz7j5kw20bf1EUIkjDgOcH0e0LwzMH5mKReGjmtEiWIc13ZrL0Y7yPY3uPDtN_Emb-D1d/s640/blogger-image--1373666088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVzIKHxQbj9sjockcQ-MNhYGEbc6oVuDROucA2qyFo9qrzvQ6hU_-KmTBy_J1awz9KOhU0JzGz7j5kw20bf1EUIkjDgOcH0e0LwzMH5mKReGjmtEiWIc13ZrL0Y7yPY3uPDtN_Emb-D1d/s640/blogger-image--1373666088.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">It's tricky to get photos of them together because they're both always so busy. Whether it's playing Mums and Babies, Schools or Doctors, running around outside, or fighting with each other, they do a lot together. Sometimes they're quietly engaged in an activity - reading, colouring, secretly putting on the telly - and I feel torn between being grateful for the peace and being suspicious of what they're up to. </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">They do love each other, but they're both at ages where they can't understand the other's wants, which frequently results in shouting, crying and fisticuffs. And at other times they are so kind and helpful towards each other. </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Soon they will have a baby to share, and argue about. And we'll see how things change. </span></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">My two beautiful girls. One who made me a mother; the other who taught me I had enough love for more than one child. They make me smile and they make me cry and they make me prouder than I could have ever imagined. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Check out <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsonthings/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Thoughts on Things</a> on Facebook. </span></div>
Laura Honeybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10196782114283856233noreply@blogger.com0