Where: Place the code in between the Writer, Mother and Reviewer: February 2012

Wednesday 29 February 2012

One, Two, Three, Oops!

Oh, noggin-sploggin! We love One, Two, Three, Oops! by Michael Coleman and Gwyneth Williamson.  This has got to be our all time favourite bedtime story.  The kids know the story off by heart and love to get involve.  In fact, many an argument has erupted before bedtime over who can say the words, the loudest, the fastest and the bestest.  (The kids words not mine.)


This book tells the tale of Mr Rabbit trying to count how many babies he actually has.  With so many little bunnies jumping round he loses count and everytime says "One, two, three - Oops! Oh, noggin - sploggin.  As the story progresses we see more and more bizarre words being added such as sniffy, whiffy, jingle bingle. 

It's a feel good, read aloud, laugh out loud story.  Brilliant!

Saturday 25 February 2012

Seaside Horror


We went to the Seaside yesterday.  It was a lovely day, the sun was shinning and it wasn't long before  wearing wellies and armed with buckets and spades the kids were happily exploring.  I took the opportunity to get out my notebook and scribble some notes.  It was so beautiful. The beach was deserted, the only sounds were the crashing of the waves on the shore and the odd squawk of a seagull soaring across the sky.  It was like being in another world. 




All of a sudden the peace was shattered by an ear piecing scream, turning round, Charlie was hurtling towards me at breakneck speed.  His face bore a look of pure terror and he was as white as a sheet.  "Muuuummmmmy, muuuummmy" came his screams.  scanning the beach I spotted Faye safely in the distance looking perplexed at Charlies reactions.  He threw himself into my arms and gripped my neck like a vice.

I managed to calm him down and he eventually managed to tell me that there was crabs, massive scary crabs.  Laughing, I went back for a closer look. There on the sand were 6 dead crabs each measuring 8 to 10 inches in width..  They were fairly hideous with twisted claws sticking out from the sand and beady little eyes. Charlie was not going back for a closer look, however Faye was definitely intrigued and couldn't look closely enough. Upon my return, He tugged my hand and ordered,  "Come on, lets go mum.  I don't like the beach anymore, it's scary.

His trauma was far from over.  We visited the chip shop and were soon settled on a bench tucking into lovely hots chips covered in salt and vinegar.  Charlie was patiently waiting for his sausage to cool.  When all of a sudden a seagull appeared a few feet away from us, closely followed by another and another.  Before long we were surrounded and being watched by beady little black eyes.  Just planning their moment to attack,  "Charlie" I whispered, "I think the seagulls are watching your sausage."  He looked at me, giggled nervously.  "Your joking" he laughed.  Then he proceeded to quickly wrap the paper round his little tray of dinner, placed his hand protectively over the top and said "Well, they aren't pinching my dinner.  I'm gonna eat it all up in my tummy because I'm very very hungry."

Tuesday 21 February 2012

Shreddies!

Charlie has just had my stitches.  He was getting undressed ready to jump in the bath and we were discussing the various items of clothng he was wearing.  "What's these?" I asked.  "My Socks, my trousers," etc etc.  Eventually he was stood there is just his little pants and I said to him, "Come on then get your shreddies off." He looked at me laughed and said "Stupid mummy, they aren't my shreddies, I eat them all up for my breakfast.  These are my pants."

Bless him.

Monday 20 February 2012

Big Bed!

It's official my baby is growing into a little boy.  Today I have been and ordered his big bed.  For the past two years he has been in a little toddler bed but he is rapidly outgrowing it and it has now got to the stage where he is waking himself up when he turns over and bangs himself on the toddler bars.  So, it's time for a proper single bed.  That's it now all the baby things are gone...and I very much doubt there will be anymore little babies.

I do feel a bit sad knowing that they are growing up and becoming more independent all the time.  But on the other hand it's nice to be able to have a little bit more time for me.  Take, for instance, writing this blog. I would only ever got to do any writing when the kids were in bed, but as I sit writing this they are sat playing in the middle of the living room, while I sit at the table happily typing away.

I had always said that I never wanted children; I'm so glad I changed my mind on that score.  Then after Faye was born I said I would actually like three.  Hmm I'm glad I changed my mind on that score as well.  Two is more than enough for me. 

Friday 3 February 2012

Single Parent Discrimination!

 I have been thinking for a while about taking my two children to Disneyland Paris.  It's a dream I have hindered for a while it's just never been a suitable time to take them.   Now that they are getting older and more independent I have decided that I want to take them before the magic disappears.  Before the realise that it's just a person wearing an outfit and not the real 'Mickey Mouse'. 

Last night I saw an advert in  the local paper for an organised coach trip that would pick us up in the city centre take us direct to the park for two days and then bring us home at the end.  Perfect.  Reasonable prices and very little hassle.  Being a single mum taking two little ones it sounded the ideal way to travel. 

I could hardly wait to ring up this morning and book my tickets.  I had calculated the cost to be just under £500 not to bad for a 4 day trip for the three of us.  So, to say I was shocked when the operator announced the total cost to be £750 I nearly choked on my coffee.  Why the difference in price between what is showing on the Internet site and the price you are charging me?  Quite simply as I am travelling as a lone adult there is a supplement.

Why should single parents be penalised.  I want my children to enjoy the things that a normal, mother, father and 2 kids, family would enjoy.  Holidays abroad, nights away, weekend breaks etc etc.  I work hard to pay for these luxuries and I'm most annoyed that I am being charged a double adult fare because I am travelling alone.  Why should my kids miss out just because their dad isn't around and I aren't in a relationship.  I do all kinds of activities with my kids, just because I'm on my own doesn't make any difference to the quality family time we spend together. 

How can this be justified?  I'm only taking up 3 seats on the coach, I'm only booking 3 tickets for the ferry crossing and 3 tickets for the admission to the parks, yet I am being charged an additional £250 because the room is not fully occupied.  So that £250 covers an empty bed for a period of 2 nights.  Well I think it stinks and I'm considering taking this matter further.

Needless to say I ended the call with "Thank you, I won't be booking this with you." I guess it's back to the drawing board and more searching on the Internet for the best possible, cheapest deal out there.  One things for sure.  I will make my kids dreams come true, somehow, someday.