30 Days Wild | 3: The Really Wild Show

Today we went really wild with a trip to the safari park. We love seeing the animals in such close proximity whilst also having plenty of space to roam. But today's highlight, for me, was seeing a black squirrel. I've never seen one before, and at first I thought I was mistaken, because I had my sunglasses on, but there in the monkey enclosure was this little fella:

All thanks to my dad for this brilliant photo (and most of the others in this post).

52 Weeks of Memories | 22: Yum

 

Oh, we had the most delicious meal I have tasted in a very long time. The recipe card in our Abel & Cole box this week was for Cauli Coconut Curry. I made it (without the lime, because we just didn't have one) and served it with the paleo favourite, and new to me, cauliflower rice. I could have eaten it a second time. And the kids and the Hubby enjoyed it too. This yummy recipe is going into our family favourites.

Here it is, in all its delicious glory.

And the recipe, so you can enjoy it too.

30 Days Wild | 2: The Parable of the Weeds...

Day 2 of 30 Days Wild

In the words of Winnie the Pooh, today was, "A rather blustery day." It was raining when we got up and the wind was incredibly strong. I thought that the closest we would get to nature would be reading The Gruffalo, and watching our garden get a good watering, but then the wind blew away the rain clouds and the sun came out. It was a beautiful afternoon, so we went into the garden and I did some weeding, whilst B played with pebbles and M tried to get herself trapped behind the shed.

 

30 Days Wild | 1: From Tiny Acorns...

The other week I spotted 30 Days Wild being shared in a home-ed group on Facebook, and it grabbed my interest. We need to get out more - not just into our garden - so it seemed like the perfect way to inspire us to explore.

Me and Mine 2015 - May

May has felt like a long month, and yet it's difficult to believe we're in June tomorrow. We've had a lovely week in Cornwall with the Hubby's godmother, swimming, walking and relaxing. We went up to Tintagel Castle, which is something I have wanted to do for a long time. There have been disappointing results in the General Election and in the Eurovision Song Contest. M is trying to toilet train herself, and B is working on writing her own name. I discovered that the Health app on my phone keeps a record of my steps and have been trying to build up the number I do each day. This would have been successful, if I hadn't hurt my back carrying M. The Hubby has been to Athens on business, and has taken on the role of NCT Fathers Coordinator for our area.

It has been so good to have time together as a family. We really enjoy each other's company, and even more so when we can relax a little. I had my pick of photos this month, as our holiday provided several full family pictures. I picked this one of us at Lanhydrock in Cornwall, because we had such a great day there together. The gardens are beautiful and there's a brilliant play area. They're really friendly towards children and they serve great refreshments - the most delicious cheese scone I've ever tasted. I also love that we all have different expressions in this photo, almost summing up our characters with our faces. I was obviously in the throes of saying,"Cheese!" 

This month:

The Hubby has enjoyed...

Decluttering the house

Doing the Press Up Challenge

Warmer weather

Planning for the future

Going to the Eden Project

Seeing his godmother

I have enjoyed...

Holidaying in Cornwall

Our Pentecost Cheesecake Party

Decluttering the house

Gardening

Making Frozen themed cupcakes

Hearing M say more and more words

Watching Once Upon A Time

B has enjoyed...

Jumping in puddles

Painting on canvases

Playing in the garden

Going on holiday

The Eden Project

Eating a honey and lavender ice cream on the walk back from Tintagel Castle

Reading Fantastic Mr Fox with Daddy

Asking "Why?" 

M has enjoyed...

Helping around the house

Going on the toilet

Wearing other people's shoes

Talking

The Dingle Dangle Scarecrow

Watering the garden

52 Weeks of Memories | 21: Animal

M loves dogs. She gets super excited whenever she sees one, shouting, "Dak! Dak!" and gesticulating wildly. So when we got to meet our friends' new dog at the weekend, she was thrilled. This beautiful black Labrador is gentle and calm - and ever so patient with a small child who couldn't help her excitement at being able to stroke a dog. 

She was equally perfect with B, who is quite afraid of dogs. She didn't jump or bark, and it was lovely to see B stroking her, with a big smile on her face. 

52 Weeks of Memories | 20: From the Side

The hubby looking hot in the Rainforest Biome at the Eden Project.

Siblings - May 2015

In the last month, I've been so moved by how much these two love each other. They are just delighted by each other's company. They cuddle in the day time and snuggle close when sleeping; they kiss and hold hands; they share their food without being prompted. I'm so glad that I've been lucky enough to have the camera at hand to grab so many of these moments; I rarely have to stage photos anymore, because they do so much together that is photoworthy.

52 Weeks of Memories | 19: With Mum

Me and my girlies, trying out B's new headbands.

We're all feeling a bit healthier this week, and I'm enjoying spending some quality time with these two. I don't know two more gorgeous and funny people than these two.

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Following Your Conscience

It's Election Day. There are so many of us torn between tactical voting and following our hearts. In my day to day life, I follow my heart. Not in ignorance, but after a great deal of research. And that's why today I will be voting after my own heart.

I want the Tories out, believe me, but not at the expense of my conscience. A tactical vote may well ensure a change of government, but every time we ignore that little voice in our heads, it becomes harder to acknowledge it the next time. Every time we vote Labour to get the Conservatives out, or Conservative to get Labour out, we make it more difficult to vote for the policies we believe in the next time. 

A vote for the party I believe in may well seem ineffective this time around. But the more people who follow their hearts this time, the greater the numbers voting for someone other than Labour or Conservative. 

It's not pointless to vote the way your conscience points. Even if that means your party don't win this time, next time more people will be more likely to vote that way because they've seen the numbers grow. And if the Tories stay in for another 5 years, they will be in the great minority, and just perhaps those "blue through and through" never-read-a-scholarly-article voters might start to see them for who they truly are. 

52 Weeks of Memories | 18: Water

All this rain! The girls had a fantastic time splashing in puddles when we went for a picnic for my Grandma's birthday. B got completely soaked, and we had to return at least one puddle that she was hiding in her wellies. So many people commented on how they would love to be able to go puddle jumping themselves. Well, why can't grown ups splash in puddles? Give it a try!

Me and Mine 2015 - April

 

Here we are. Snuggled up on the settee, with duvet and pillows, at 4 in the morning. April has been the month of illness, so this picture is perfect. B had tonsillitis and was needing some paracetamol. I was feeding M, so woke the Hubby to deal with B; he sat up and promptly fell off the bed, attracting M's interest! And when he and B left the bedroom to go downstairs, M went hysterical, so seeing as everyone was awake, and there was little chance of getting anyone back to sleep, we all bundled downstairs to watch a film.

M was poorly the week before - teething and whatever virus B didn't manage to fight off - so it's been a pretty sleepless month. But, hey, we're still smiling!

There have been good times too. We had a great Easter with my family, and saw them all again, a few days later, when my niece and her mum came to stay with my parents. It was so lovely to see B and M running around and playing with their cousin, and amusing to listen to B and S - only 2 weeks between them - each complaining about how the other wouldn't share. 

I'm including this photo, because it's my extended Me and Mine - my parents, siblings and niece, all together for the first time in a very long time.

This month:

The Hubby has enjoyed...

Cuddles with the girls

The appearance of the sun

Seeing Easter through B's eyes

His new exercise regime

Having no back problems

I have enjoyed...

Seeing my niece

Getting out in the garden

Making a Teenage Mutant Nija Turtles Cake

Hearing all of M's new words

Discovering new a new (to us) National Trust location

B's drawings of us

B has enjoyed...

Egg and Spoon races over Easter

Eating chocolate star cereal

Gardening with Granddad

Painting a magical forest, a monkey and a butterfly 

Playing with her cousin

Reading Fantastic Mr Fox with Daddy

M has enjoyed...

Using a spoon

Talking

Watching The Gruffalo

Jumping on the trampoline 

Climbing things

Listening to our Colin Buchanan album

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52 Weeks of Memories | 17: Colour

My favourite colour is green. It's calming, it's fresh, and it's peaceful. I wore green shoes at our wedding. And our organic veg box this week was full of vibrant green produce, just begging to be turned into nutritious and tasty meals. So far we've had leek and potato soup, and I used half the asparagus in a risotto, while the rest was steamed and buttered to go with pork in a creamy mushroom sauce. It's been good to see both girls get their appetites back. And even better to see B choose to try a vegetable, and like it! Though I think her interest was piqued when she heard that it might turn her wee bright green!

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To My First Nursling

Little One, 

Today I realised that I don't remember the last time you nursed. I didn't savour it. Didn't take the time to reminisce our journey together. Did I rush you to finish? Did I stroke your hair?

Why didn't I notice you had stopped? After three and a half years, it was so everyday, so normal, I didn't even think. 

I was so excited to feed you

While I was having a hard time, nursing your teething sister, there you were, slowly growing up, without telling me.

We learnt breastfeeding together. We both fought for you to have my milk. I battled with ignorant doctors; you refused to give up nursing when there was so little milk there. We spent hours latching and relatching. You had your tongue tie snipped and fed for seven hours solid. You chose feeding from me over the easy meal from a bottle, weaning from those at eleven months. It wasn't an easy start, not by

52 Weeks of Memories | 16: Favourite

It's been a long week. M was poorly and teething, and then B got tonsillitis. We've not had much sleep, and we've not got much done in the house. My favourite moment of this week happened when I had managed to get both girls to settle in front of a film for a bit, so that I could get some washing done and make some food. I came back to the lounge to find this scene: M had her arm around a very poorly B. Such kindness.

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On Education

My Year 1 Class Photo

The reality of our decision to home educate hit me during the past few days, as I watched my Facebook feed fill up with posts about school places. We haven't even looked at schools near us, let alone found out when places needed to be applied for, so discovering that all that decision making had bypassed us was a bit of a surprise. If B was going to go to school, she would be starting in September, despite only being a few days over 4 years old. That was something I never wanted for her. Compulsory school starting age is the term after a child turns 5. That would be the following September for B, and yet, we would have had a fight on our hands to get the go ahead for her to start Reception at age 5.

Today I read this article entitled 8 reasons why summer babies face an uphill battle at school and in life.

Statistically, summer born children do worse at school than their autumn born classmates. They're at a higher risk of ending up on SEN registers. They are more likely to lack confidence and be unhappy at school. This isn't because of the time of year that they were born, but due to the huge difference in development and ability between them and their classmates who are almost a year older than they are. A year's difference in age is 25% of a 4 year old's life. That's a big difference.

Siblings - April 2015

The past month has seen M make some big leaps in development, which in turn has deepened the relationship between her and B. M has started to say a few more words, and her pronunciation of "B" has become quite clear. It's a joy to hear her shout it out frequently through the day. Her little face lights up whenever her big sister walks into the room, and cuddles are no longer initiated only by B; M has become a big hugger and loves to snuggle with B. It's incredibly cute!

There is a huge amount of laughter now. So much that B does makes M laugh hysterically. It's very difficult not to join in. And M is beginning to work out how to make other people laugh. We're sure she's the funniest person we've met, and B certainly thinks so too. They play together as well. I sometimes find them sat quietly together, both interested in what the other is up to, happily sharing a toy like the dolls' house or the building blocks. Of course, more often there are shouts and tears of frustration when one or the other has snatched a toy away, but B is learning to offer trades of more interesting toys in order to get hers back. M, understandably, thinks that anything B is playing with must be super amazing and so she wants it. There are brilliant games of chasethat go on too. I hear the thud of their feet running from one room to another, with screams of excitement and laughter as they catch each other. My heart is in my mouth when I hear them running on the upstairs landing - neither seem to have any fear!

Both girls help each other too. B cleans M's face and hands after meals; M fetches B's shoes for her when it's time to go out. It really is beautiful to see how much they love each other. I pray they always will.

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52 Weeks of Memories | 15: Reading

M "reading" her menu - almost as big as she is - when we went out for dinner with family. She loves to copy the grownups. 

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What is Attachment Parenting?

I've been asked several times recently what Attachment Parenting is, having shared various articles on my Facebook page, and writing about aspects of it here.

So, if you're new to Attachment Parenting, or you want to know what the heck I'm talking about, or you're looking to find out more about different ways to bring up children, then hopefully I'll be able to help.

Safe bedsharing promotes bonding

Attachment Parenting is a way of raising children that focuses on fostering closeness between parent and child, through respectful feeding practices, bedding close to baby, nurturing touch, responsiveness and balancing the needs of all family members. Attachment Parents are baby-led, respecting a newborn's needs for proximity and near-constant touch. 

The term 'Attachment Parenting' was coined by Dr. Sears to describe the philosophy based upon Attachment Theory. 

The general elements of Attachment Parenting are:

52 Weeks of Memories | 14: Easter

My whole family were together to celebrate Easter. Mum's lamb & plum casserole, followed by chocolate cake and ice cream. Laughter. Wine. Chocolate. And egg & spoon races at the park. Soul food. 

Mother’s Passion

Feet I kissed

Tiny toes counted

Now it is lashes, falls, bones that are numbered

Feet pierced and bloodied

I held you
Carried you on my hip

Slept beside you at night

Our bodies curved to fit perfectly 

Nursed away teething pain

Spent long hours soothing, singing, swaying 

Now you are held by nails

No way for me to offer comfort or release

It is your lifeless form I shall hold against my breast

Willing my broken heart to raise you up

Long hours of pain, agony, searing loss

52 Weeks of Memories | 13: Sharing

Sharing

Granddad sharing his gardening knowledge with B, as Spring tries to poke her head out. The rain moved the gardening indoors though!

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Me and Mine 2015 - March

I can hardly believe that we're a quarter of the way through the year already! The girls are growing so quickly. M's hair has grown a ridiculous amount since last month's picture; she's getting curls, which I'm quite excited about, because it's something we can share. B is getting taller - her long legs come from my side of the family - and it's getting difficult to find clothes that fit her in the body without being too short in the arms and legs. I'm pretty sure I'll end up being the shortest in the family one day.

March has seen us trying out Forest School and Theatre Bugs, getting outside more often, celebrating various birthdays, some family days out and a trip to the Ideal Homes Show where we met up with my sister and an old friend. We've read Bible stories and had family prayers every night at bedtime. I've made several cakes and we've done some art. M did her first painting, which I've photographed to immortalise; B has got the paints out of her own accord, which is a new development; even the Hubby and I have joined, painting some Easter scenes.

This month:

The Hubby has enjoyed...

M's increasing independence

Family days out

Taking some holiday

His parents getting back from New Zealand

The weather starting to warm up
Reading Mockingjay

I have enjoyed...

The Ideal Homes Show

Making a carrot cake look like sushi for my mum's birthday

The Hubby having some days off
Stroking an elephant
M making us all laugh
Reading and watching The Hunger Games

B has enjoyed...

Going to Ikea with Grandma

Theatre Bugs

Crossing her eyes

The eclipse
Pointing out the letter 'B' everywhere she sees it 

M has enjoyed...

Walking backwards

Swings

Learning to climb the steps to the slide
Stroking some dogs
Singing

Deliberately falling over

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Thankful Thursday - Myself

Self praise is difficult for me. I struggle -  as many do - with my self esteem. So, it's about time that I thought about myself and what about me I am grateful for. It has taken a lot of thought, but I've managed to select 5 things about myself that make me thankful.

1: My body conceived, grew and birthed two beautiful little girls. If I'd had to write this 5 years ago, I would have been unable to be feel grateful for my body. I hated it. Passionately. I considered myself ugly and my body to be a failure. Becoming a mother gave me a whole new view. How could my body be worthless when it could produce such marvels? When it could stretch and mould and contract in such amazing ways? When it could accomodate a growing baby and then push it out into the world? Women become mothers every day. It's hardly a rarity. I'm not unique. And yet, the miracle of pregnancy and childbirth was - for me - not just the new lives blossoming, but the realisation that, despite appearances to the contrary, I really am "fearfully and wonderfully made!"

2: I am organised. I like knowing what's happening, when and where, and this desire enables us to be much less stressed. There isn't so much running around at the last minute as there would be if I wasn't so good at organising. Oh, there's always some panic as we try to get out of the house, but we have two children now - they're not organised. Yet!

3: I get passionate about things I believe are important. I'm thankful for my passion and eagerness because there are changes that need to be made in the world. We are called to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves," and that's a gift I have in abundance. My passion has helped a good number of people. Friends and aquaintances have thanked me for articles I've shared and advice I've given; others have asked me for help for themselves or their friends, because they know my passions have led to knowledge that can assist. I'm so grateful that I can be passionate, because I'm making a difference, even if it's only in my tiny corner of the world.

4: I make really delicious cakes. Seriously. I'm my own worst critic, and my decoration is never at the high standard I aim for, but the cakes? They taste amazing. I can't even eat shop bought cakes now, because my own are a million times tastier. Shop bought cakes taste bland to me, with artificial flavours and strange textures. I'm proud of my ability to make great tasting cakes, even if people are running away from sugar these days. I'm hoping that my delicious cakes will be a great way of keeping my kids and their friends hanging around our house!

5: I have a way with language. I'm capable of being straight to the point and diplomatic at the same time. I know how to use big words correctly. I have always been a big reader, and that has given me a large vocabulary. I love that I can influence others with what I can say and write. I love writing letters to my MP, writing blogposts, holding my own in discussions, being able to give clear explanations. I'm so grateful for the opportunities my language skills have given me.

There. Not my easiest post ever. But a necessary and important one. It's so hard to think well of myself at times. And I know I'm not the only person in the world who struggles in this way. So it has been hard, yet rewarding, to really look at myself and pick out the things that I grateful for, that make me who I am.

What do you love about yourself?

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52 Weeks of Memories | 12: Playing

Oh, I know! It's a dreadful photo. A picture is supposed to paint a thousand words, but this one needs some explaining. The Hubby and I have designated Thursday evenings as Games Night. This is a shot of the 24 DVD Board Game that we are trying to complete. Some friends gave it to us as a gift before B was born, and we've only just got around to playing it - she's 3 and a half! It's great fun to be doing something other than watching TV though, and besides, why should the kids get to do all the playing? Thursday nights it's our turn to play.

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52 Weeks of Memories | 11: Hug

My parents snuggled up with B and M, reading The Gruffalo's Child. It warms my heart to see the love my daughters have for my mum and dad, and how comfortable they all are together. 

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Siblings - March 2015

The kisses and cuddles have decreased a little, with hitting and shouting filling the gap. There's still a great deal of laughter, but I find myself having to intervene and entertain and facilitate more often. As M's confidence grows, so does B's frustration. Where she's been able to be the boss of the toybox, she's now finding that sharing isn't so much picking out a toy for M as it is having a toy snatched out of her hand. It's not all theft and violence though. They do play together and watch TV together and egg each other on. M still finds much of what B does to be hilarious; she follows her around and wants to copy her, though M's increasing independence doesn't sit well with B's desire to have her do what she's told! The Hubby and I are doing what we can to face the challenge of making sure these two stay friends.

 

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52 Weeks of Memories | 10: Outside

M's first trip to the park near our house since she learned to walk. 

She loved every minute of it!

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Thankful Thursday - World Book Day

I love reading. There is nothing quite like getting lost in the pages of a book. I get so engrossed in the action and feelings expressed, that I can feel quite disappointed to be dragged back to reality! I don't get to read as often as I used to. There was a time when I could get through a few novels a week, but I am attempting to read one a month this year - not including the books I read to the girls.

I am so grateful to parents for instilling in me a love of reading. Being able to read well at an early age opened up an amazing number of worlds for me to escape into. I hope I am able to instill that same love into my children.

So, in honour of World Book Day, here are five books that I am most grateful for:

Red Sky in the Morning by Elizabeth Laird

This is the first book I can remember making me cry. I am in awe of authors who can weave words together in such a way as to cause my emotions to overflow. I recall lying in bed, reading this, and my dad coming in to turn off my light and seeing that I was crying. I must have been no more than 10. 

52 Weeks of Memories | 9: Fun

We had fun in the forest: getting muddy, making new friends, exploring, and swinging in hammocks at Forest School. This was organised by a group of Home Educaters, and was a great way for us to get to know some other families who already home educate. Just one way in which B and M will socialise in the future is by mixing with other children - of all ages - who learn at home instead of in school.

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Wishes for 2015 - Update 2

How have my New Year Wishes been panning out? I'm quite pleased with myself so far.

1) Blog more - Look back through the last few weeks and see for yourselves :)
2) Bible study - Not as good as it could be. Prayers for means, motivation and opportunities are most welcome.
3) Meal planning - It's been a struggle this month, but I've managed to use more of the ingredients already in our cupboards, which is encouraging.
4) Date nights - We've enjoyed some great films together. And we've got plans to go to the theatre this month.
5) Read - I read Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz. Recommended by my dad, who led me to believe it was going to be a tad more lighthearted than it was! An extremely dark book. Worth reading if you like murder mysteries and the supernatural. It was compelling. Despite scaring me a bit and making me feel quite sad in parts, I wanted to know what was going to happen and had to keep reading. If you want a slightly less dark version, watch the film.
6) Walk more - We've enjoyed more fresh air this month, though still not quite as many walks as I had hoped. Now that M is walking, she is keen to practice, so going for walks is much slower! 

7) Declutter - We've fallen behind this month, but are picking it up again.
8) Create an app - The Hubby has found a series of YouTube videos for us to watch together, to learn the skills needed for this.