There was a time when we had the radio on every morning at breakfast but a some point, over a year ago now, I turned it off, a combination of sensory overload in the morning (tiredness and two demanding boys) and not enjoying the daily news report followed by questions from boys too young to grasp most of it. But today...I felt like listening to music in the morning and a dancing kind of day followed. We danced in the kitchen, the dinning room, on the chairs and the sofas. We danced to music we knew and songs that were new. We danced moves well established and new moves in the world of dance. The music stayed on all day until Bean got tired and it was irritating him. It was a good day.
We did manage to get out today. We went to Warnham Nature Reserve. I had thought there would be little to see but a walk around that normally takes about an hour, took us two hours! The place was full of people (unusual) and birds birds birds. We went adorned with waterproofs, Wellies, angrybirds hats and binoculars. (I wish my phone was working, there would have been some lovely photos) Plum rode in the sling as I had correctly predicted that it would be muddy and wet, and it was. Plum slept the whole walk around and me and the boys slipped and slid and squelched and squelched and jumped and splashed our way around. We stopped in all three hides and had great fun using our binoculars (even when the birds were right in front of us.) it was a great little trip out with nothing particularly in mind but we managed to cover topics like seasonal changes, hibernation, nocturnal animals (we w a fox,) naming birds, categorising and sorting, counting and recognising numbers (there is a number trail around the site) as well as the difference between salt water and fresh water, mushrooms, fungus, moss and mould, measuring the depths of puddles, seeing who could throw their stick the furthest, orientation and map reading and wearing appropriate clothing (observing those who had not come prepared and were covered in mud) and probably more but I think that's quite enough in two hours and all in the context of the real world and real living. I love home ed!
The rest of the day involved dinosaurs, constructing and knocking down angry birds sites, more teachyourmonstertoread, games and watching. Pumpkin asking why French bread is so frenchy and Bean picking up his space book and asking me to read it to him (not unusual) but pointing to some words and trying it out for himself...'mum, does that 'milky way'?' yes, it does (massive proud grin from mummy, big kisses and a little celebration army dance) I try not to place my own value and importance onto the smalls chosen activities. I try to enBcourage them and support them in the things they are interested in but it does excite me that Bean is on the road to reading for himself, the world will really open up to him when he can read and that excites me (I also have a personal love of reading and I would love for the smalls to enjoy reading for pleasure too)
Our Tribe
Sunday, 3 February 2013
Do what you want
Thursday 1 February 2013
The boys really did have a day of doing exactly what they wanted today and they were very good. By good, I mean, quietly and amicably getting on with their day solomio ...poorly mummy. I spent most of the day lying on the sofa being chilly, getting food for everyone and folding laundry (an easy sitting down activity) Bean was very keen to go to the local Nature Reserve but I couldn't face being cold and wet. I think it's the first time that we've cancelled a trip/day because of me.
The boys largely had a screen day. Games on the iPad, teachyourmonstertoread, using the children's laptop, cameras but the day was also peppered with books and colouring and sticking and a random kiss from Bean and Lego (lots of Lego, mostly transport vehicles) and Plum was happy cuddling and sitting and investigating various toys.
The boys really did have a day of doing exactly what they wanted today and they were very good. By good, I mean, quietly and amicably getting on with their day solomio ...poorly mummy. I spent most of the day lying on the sofa being chilly, getting food for everyone and folding laundry (an easy sitting down activity) Bean was very keen to go to the local Nature Reserve but I couldn't face being cold and wet. I think it's the first time that we've cancelled a trip/day because of me.
The boys largely had a screen day. Games on the iPad, teachyourmonstertoread, using the children's laptop, cameras but the day was also peppered with books and colouring and sticking and a random kiss from Bean and Lego (lots of Lego, mostly transport vehicles) and Plum was happy cuddling and sitting and investigating various toys.
Friday, 1 February 2013
Thursday, 31 January 2013
Home sweet home
Tuesday 29th January 2013
I got quite stressed today. The boys said they really wanted to go out but they did nothing to actually make it happen (getting dressed, as usual.) by 2.30pm we were finally ready! We took a walk to one of the new housing developments down our road and took a look around the recently opened show home. Bean was particularly interested in doing this. We have been watching them build there for almost a year and it all began with the complete demolition of the existing building (I'll try and dig out the first photos) So we have watched the entire process and other than creating a project book about it all, it has been its own ongoing project in our house.
This was followed by a trip to the library, always a favourite, although they prefer to take books out than return them. This weeks collection includes a large number of space related books.
The boys had done a few things this morning. Lego plays a large role in our days atm which continues to be transport themed. Pumpkin has been especially pleased with his creations and it's nice to see I'm proud in the things that he has done.
Plum continues her fascination with socks and is making noises that sound like words and using them at the right times 'hello' being the most common.
I got quite stressed today. The boys said they really wanted to go out but they did nothing to actually make it happen (getting dressed, as usual.) by 2.30pm we were finally ready! We took a walk to one of the new housing developments down our road and took a look around the recently opened show home. Bean was particularly interested in doing this. We have been watching them build there for almost a year and it all began with the complete demolition of the existing building (I'll try and dig out the first photos) So we have watched the entire process and other than creating a project book about it all, it has been its own ongoing project in our house.
This was followed by a trip to the library, always a favourite, although they prefer to take books out than return them. This weeks collection includes a large number of space related books.
The boys had done a few things this morning. Lego plays a large role in our days atm which continues to be transport themed. Pumpkin has been especially pleased with his creations and it's nice to see I'm proud in the things that he has done.
Plum continues her fascination with socks and is making noises that sound like words and using them at the right times 'hello' being the most common.
Let's bowl
Wednesday 30th January 2013
A bit of a mixed day for us as our normal (?) rhythm was pleasantly interrupted by grandma and pops coming for a visit before they took the train to London. The addition of two adults mean the ratio is significantly increased to 1:1 and as one of those slept for some of the time it is a light relief during mid-week. We spent time mostly reading books and playing games, eating and trying out the teachyourmonstertoread programme. Pumpkin also got another two birthday presents as the snow had prevented them from coming to his birthday party.
This visit was sandwiched between a trip to the bowling alley and the farm shop.
The bowling alley was inspired by Bean who saw the sign that we drive past several times a week. We went only for one game to see how we liked it and, unsurprisingly, it was a hit. We shall be returning. The boys both did really well and both had a great time. Lots of fun and laughter.
The farm shop was the usual necessity trip for fruit and veg, although today the boys have largely eaten popcorn and refused anything else.
Plum has spent most of the day in the sling. We are all suffering in one way or another with a cold. Plum has very conjested eyes and is coughing :( Other than milk feeds, food, a cuddle with grandma and a car trip she has spent the day cosy on my back.
Pumpkin has gone to bed at 6pm with ear ache :(
Few photos still as my phone is still poorly.
A bit of a mixed day for us as our normal (?) rhythm was pleasantly interrupted by grandma and pops coming for a visit before they took the train to London. The addition of two adults mean the ratio is significantly increased to 1:1 and as one of those slept for some of the time it is a light relief during mid-week. We spent time mostly reading books and playing games, eating and trying out the teachyourmonstertoread programme. Pumpkin also got another two birthday presents as the snow had prevented them from coming to his birthday party.
This visit was sandwiched between a trip to the bowling alley and the farm shop.
The bowling alley was inspired by Bean who saw the sign that we drive past several times a week. We went only for one game to see how we liked it and, unsurprisingly, it was a hit. We shall be returning. The boys both did really well and both had a great time. Lots of fun and laughter.
The farm shop was the usual necessity trip for fruit and veg, although today the boys have largely eaten popcorn and refused anything else.
Plum has spent most of the day in the sling. We are all suffering in one way or another with a cold. Plum has very conjested eyes and is coughing :( Other than milk feeds, food, a cuddle with grandma and a car trip she has spent the day cosy on my back.
Pumpkin has gone to bed at 6pm with ear ache :(
Few photos still as my phone is still poorly.
Saturday, 26 January 2013
When you get a haircut
A second attempt taken today by Pumpkin to ride his pedal bike. He wanted daddy to take him out and this made sense as he could have a lot of 1:1 time. They didn't get far...out the front of the house! He reverted to his balance bike and off they went to he park around the corner and an epic walk.
I took Bean and Plum to the shop at the end of the road. The charity shop has a great haberdashery section so we went to buy cord for the hood I am making Plum's sling ( I have to go with a specific purpose otherwise i'd come home with everything they have!) We also got a few food items in the supermarket next door. Fortunately it was at this point that Bean remembered his gloves which he had left in the charity shop.
They have opened up a show home in the new section of houses on our road that we have been watching them buid for almost a year now. Bean was keen to go in and have a look so we're planning a trip there this week.
Biggest news from today is probably that Bean had a hair cut! He's been asking for a couple of weeks but wanted to sit on daddy's lap so we had to find the right time and this afternoon we had a free hour (is there any such thing?) and I cut daddy's and Bean's hair. He only wanted the fringe done but I spent some time researching how to make it look part of his hair style rather than a fringe with long hair behind as it's not quite long enough for that look yet. I was quite pleased with the result.
Evening out at a church social event. Pumpkin fell asleep in the car on the way (it's only five minutes across town!) and we lay him on a bean bag where he slept for over an hour. We had a great time with our church family although SGS gave me a forfeit in one of the games so we have decided not to be friends with him anymore (only joking, obviously) I really can't emphasis enough what a lovely place it is to be, a true example of how it takes a good community to raise families and children. We're so blessed to be part of such a loving family.
I took Bean and Plum to the shop at the end of the road. The charity shop has a great haberdashery section so we went to buy cord for the hood I am making Plum's sling ( I have to go with a specific purpose otherwise i'd come home with everything they have!) We also got a few food items in the supermarket next door. Fortunately it was at this point that Bean remembered his gloves which he had left in the charity shop.
They have opened up a show home in the new section of houses on our road that we have been watching them buid for almost a year now. Bean was keen to go in and have a look so we're planning a trip there this week.
Biggest news from today is probably that Bean had a hair cut! He's been asking for a couple of weeks but wanted to sit on daddy's lap so we had to find the right time and this afternoon we had a free hour (is there any such thing?) and I cut daddy's and Bean's hair. He only wanted the fringe done but I spent some time researching how to make it look part of his hair style rather than a fringe with long hair behind as it's not quite long enough for that look yet. I was quite pleased with the result.
Evening out at a church social event. Pumpkin fell asleep in the car on the way (it's only five minutes across town!) and we lay him on a bean bag where he slept for over an hour. We had a great time with our church family although SGS gave me a forfeit in one of the games so we have decided not to be friends with him anymore (only joking, obviously) I really can't emphasis enough what a lovely place it is to be, a true example of how it takes a good community to raise families and children. We're so blessed to be part of such a loving family.
Park life
Attempted a trip to the park to give Pumpkin his first ride out on his new pedal bike. He was a little apprehensive and it was freezing! We didn't get very far and he really struggled with what he wanted to do: go home, stay at the park, go to a different park, play football, he really was all over the place. After I pushed him around a little bit we settled for going home and getting warm. Bean was extra specially amazing. I had a brief chat with him about how Pumpkin wouldn't be able to ride perfectly straight away and it was our job to encourage him and to tell him how well he is doing and show him how to pedal. Bean did a great job and even showed Pumpkin that he was peddling backwards too (which is all Pumpkin managed on the peddling front)
The rest of the day was spent telling stories. The boys found the recording facility on my phone and recorded a story each. Bean's big plan is to make it into a book and sell it in a shop in town. He's recorded the story and drawn two of the pictures so far.
Pumpkin has recorded a story and we drew one picture together and then he drew two more. The books are not yet finished but both seem keen to complete them.
There was also Lego building, den building, adding an extension to the den, building with bricks, more globe investigations and torch play.
Plum is continuing to find her way around the kitchen, the fridge seems to be a favourite.
The rest of the day was spent telling stories. The boys found the recording facility on my phone and recorded a story each. Bean's big plan is to make it into a book and sell it in a shop in town. He's recorded the story and drawn two of the pictures so far.
Pumpkin has recorded a story and we drew one picture together and then he drew two more. The books are not yet finished but both seem keen to complete them.
There was also Lego building, den building, adding an extension to the den, building with bricks, more globe investigations and torch play.
Plum is continuing to find her way around the kitchen, the fridge seems to be a favourite.
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