2 week in.

2 weeks in and it really seems like the holiday are a far off distance memory. James has settled into his year 1 class beautiful, though trying to get him to tell us about his day is like blood from a stone. We sometime get what he had for lunch and that's it. Penny has also settled in well, though she seems to bensure having a few blips. On Tuesday she told me she was sad because Mrspb Stew told her off because she wanted to go outside and wasn't allowed but went anyway and the week before she was sad because she went across the yellow line to see James and she wasn't allow. Think they may have their hands full. Though she is a year younger than when James started and still learning the rules. She has a friend call Girl Luke which is nice.
As for me I think I'm finding it more difficult then the lot of them and I've definitely shed more tears. Hope fully thinkg-string will settle down soon, either that or they will sack me.

Here a pic of Iz, she has just dis covered the art of climbing. The joy in her face when she see the door has been left open and she can get to the stairs. She is aL so on the cusp of walking. I'm trying to encourage it because I done want to miss her first steps.

Summers over.

So tomorrow is the kids are back at school and I start my new job. We are all very nervous and excited by this. The bags, schools are all ironed and ready to go. Penny is start James school but in the preschool class for two mornings a week. She is bouncing round about it. James is quiet I think the nerves are setting but he is looking forward to seeing his friends. The new Power Rangers are on tomorrow he is more excited about that.

Fun, sand and frolics

So Summer hols are all most over and we have filled every moment of it to the brim. We have been on lots of weekends away and days out. Just to list a few, Finding Dory, Bowling, amusements, Fox Talbot, Hot air balloons, Belton, picnics, play dates, camping, fires and marshmallows,  glamping, Wales and paddling. Dovedale, walks in woods, splash pools, rivers, dingys, rides, slides, Heckington show, BBQs, dentists, optitions and haircuts,  caravans, wooden huts, tents and hotels. Sand, donkeys and so much more.

Mummy Penny

Penny has recently enjoyed playing Mummy's with her babies. Up until now she her dollies have sat under her bed. Apart from Dolly who never leaves her side.
This is Penny feeding her baby.

Spa, picnics and Wooki es.

We have started our Summer holidays early. Thanks to a wowcher voucher i managed to get 5 hours at Belton Wood Spa for 2 people for  £12 including pastries and coffee. Bargain. Col and I went there Wednesday. Really enjoyed catching up and chilling out. The spa was OK, bit rough round the edges, building work was going on which didn't help. The pool was lovely though.
Yesterday Jamés was at the zoo with school so we ventured out to Belton house for aa play and picnic. Penny enjoyed all the attention, we even when on the train.
Penny has been watching Star Wars, thanks to Uncle Rod, both James and Penny play Where's Wooki while watching it. Much to my amusment and John embarrassment Penny has taken to shouting "there's Wooki." at men with beards.

Loving the allotment

So after a few days of not keeping up with the lottie, we all, including Iz who slept through the whole thing, desended on the alloment to venture war on the weeds. 2 hours later we manged to clear half of it. The kids had picked everything that was ready and eaten about half of it before we got home. They loved it, they found raspberries, peas, spring onions, the last of the strawberries, beetroot,  blackcurrants and lettuces. The excited of digging and finding potatoes. All of us were rooting looking for them. I'm surprised anything grows as the kids trample everything and John pulled up all the swedes thinking they were weeds. I love it.
Spend the rest of the afternoon freezing peas, boiling beetroots to make beetroot and brie pie, and making potato salad. Yummy.
Other news Iz is now crawling around, looking in drawers and generally being nosey. She is even trying to stand but can only get one leg up. Tonight she had a tooth peeping thought. My little girls gummy smile of going.

Level 2

This week something seems to have clicked with James reading. He has always read his school books most evenings. Last week his teacher went though all his words with him and as a result moved him up a reading level. I think this has boosted his confidence no end and suddenly ZOOOOOOM. He is engaged and excited to be reading and aiming to get to the next level.

Circle of life

So for the last few weeks we have had pets in our household. 5 tiny tiny catapillers in begin with. Both Penny and James have been totally fascinated by them, checking them every day, looking at how much them have eaten, pooped, grown. Penny made and painted a house for them to be transfered into once them had made their cystitis. Unfortunately, one of the catapillers didn't make it so we were left with 4. By golly they eat, no wonder my cabbages have suffered.
When the first butterfly emerged as instructed we put some sugar water is the bottom of the box. Unfortunately, the butterfly seemed to get the sticky stuff on its wings and struggled to fly. We let him every go with the hope it would survive.
When the next one was released it stayed in the garden for a bit. Penny was thrilled she was able to watch on the flowers. The next two however suffered, upon release one was promptly eaten by a sparrow much to James and my horror. The other was last seen being chased by a sparrow. James was quite put out by it and upset. Penny however was very excited and eager to tell John what hado happened. Tried to explain to James about the birds feeding the baby birds with it and that's how they survive. His response was he would rather have lots of butterflies than birds.
At times life sucks.

Funny Penny

Little things Penny says

What's up guys?

Bub bly = butterfly

I'm not monkey, I'm Penny.

I received a pair of shoes in the post. Penny was very excited to open one. The got a "WOW, there's two." As she opened the other one.

"James, wear Anne dress."
"No"
"Ohh, but it's lovely" stroking dress. "James wear Anna."
"No"
"But it's lovely, lovely."

Today she wanted Anna hair, after putting it into 2 little plaits, she popped on her Anna dress. I shown her herself I  the mirror. "I'm beautiful." Slightly narastic but complete correct.

"I love it" and "I don't love it"

"My foots got headache."

Penny doesn't do PE at nursery she calls it PE kits.

Because Penny doesn't like bangs. she wanted some ear gloves (ear muffs) for bonfire night.

16.2.17
Pennys brain has started talking to her. She keeps refering to it.

Me"Penny can yoi see the funny house?"
Penny "My brain talked to me and said yes"

Me"Penny would you like a drink."
Penny. "My brain says yes."

She also tell me her tummy says it is hungry.

I think it stems from reading James body book,

Learning to sew

As the title states I'm trying to teach myself to sew and dressmaking. So far I've managed to create some rather pretty pillow dresses using a pattern for Penny. It has taken a few attempts to get the seams right as I hate them left messy. I've mastered French Seams to keep the inside looking lovely and neat. I have also made aprons with pockets and a fabric box for James. Today make was a pair of shorts again for Penny. I'm quite pleased with them and Penny is a very grateful recipient who tells everyone she meets who has made her pretty clothes. She also helps me wind the bobbin up and does her own sewing by putting pins into fabric.

Nothing to give.

I have nothing to hold
No kisses to give
No cuddles to warm you
I can't dry your tears
I can't make you better
For a short time you were our world
Our future
Our family
Our joy
You were loved for the moment you were there
You will be loved always.

8 months

My little baby is getting more mobile by the day. In the last few weeks she has gone from a wobbly sitting position surrounded by cushions for protection to humping her bottom in a weird shuffle while sitting to get about to realising if she is sitting up and leans forward on to her tummy she can reach things. While she on her tummy she can spin herself round like a parashooter. I think it will only be days before she figures out that if she lifts her tummy up she will be able to crawl. I wonder if she will go backwards like her brother did.
Other news, Penny is back to her normal self, I think the chicken pox wore her out, hence the major tantrums. Luckily she is back to her fun loving self. Today she was mainly wearing her Skye from Paw Patrol costume. She acts like a dog and demands pats, flying and pup treats. She is a funny little thing.

Picnics and The National trust.

James' class invited us to join them on a picnic at Belton House. Despite the horrid rain yesterday they still decided to go ahead with it. This lead me to the dilemma, at nearly £14 entrance fee per person do I pay £30 for a few hours or join the National Trust for the year. Eventually bit the bullet and joined paying £9 per month, we just have to make sure we make the most of it.
So the day was great, it was nice to see James playing with his friends. It was also a good chance for Penny join in as she will be starting the preschool in September. Belton play area has been given a make over since we were there last. The play area is fantastic and huge. There are now toliets and baby changing near it and more importantly a coffee shop. There is also an indoor play area which is ideal when it is wet. I'm looking forward to a Summer of picnics and playing.

Camping in the rain.

Last weekend we had bit of a do at Mums. Katie, lianne, Vic and family all for a BBQ. It was bit of a washout but we stuck it out. The kids were suited and booted up and put outside. The thrill of riding bikes, trikes and tractor down the hill and hopefully stopping kept them entertained most of the weekend. Plus hidden dens, climbing mud banks, toasting marshmallows and walks in the rain splashing in puddle makes an excellent time. For the adults wine, fire, food and good company. There was the added excitement and celebration of not 1, not 2 but 3 engagements. Any reason for champagne.

Teddy bears picnic

Due to havinget the chicken pox Penny and Izzy have missed out on Charles picnic birthday party. After waving Marley and James off and drying Pennys tears we did you next best and had a teddy bears picnic. I've also just dashed out to get an ice cream for us from the ice cream man. Delicious.

UNCLEAN UNCLEAN

The dreaded chicken pox has entered the Metcalf house hold. It started with James who got it from school. Thankfully it only seemed to wear him out rather than make him ill. So lots of cuddles and attention. We though Penny and Izzy has escaped it but 2 days ago we found a spot on Iz and yesterday on Penny. Izzy has it terribly, she is absolutely covered head to toe of red raw spots and blisters. I rang the doctors because it is so bad and they have given her some cream. She is so unhappy and sad at the moment, I feel so sorry for her. Penny is also feeling it, she is worn out but instead of sleeping she doesn't know what to do and melts down into a crying puddle. So lots of cuddles for her as well. Shame it has happened over half term, the only consolation is the weather has been rubbish so we haven't missed our days out. If anyone has any advice how to sooth Izzys spot I would be grateful. Thanks.

Answers at last.

Since Penny was a baby she has been blighted by health problems. Small niggling symptoms which come and go. I've been to and from the doctors a number of times for different reason with her, each time feeling like I was wasting the doctor time and they would think I was crazy over barring mother. The problem with our doctors is each time I go I see a different one, with a different problem and a few time I was dismissed with a wave of a hand. However, the last time I went it was because of a night hacking cough which Penny can't seem to get rid off. I happened to mention that she had skin scratches which wouldn't heal because of this the doctor realised the she has eczema and asthma because they go together. I also mentioned the fact that the health visitor thought she might be lactose intolerance as she couldn't tolerance formula when she was tiny. Apparently lactose intolerance is also linked to eczema and asthma. Result. So she not has potions, lotions and inhalers galore and fingers crossed they seem to be working. She cough has stopped therefore she is sleeping better and therefore much happier during the day therefore a happier and less tired mummy. Only downside is we are on a lactose free diet but that is not a problem.

Izzy

My gorgeous baby is now nearly 7 months old. She is such a happy, calm little thing, which is amazing as she has to put up with a lot. You would have thought the novelty would have worn off but no the other 2 are still obsessed with her and won't leave her alone. She has just learn to roll over and I don't think it will be long before she will be wiggling around and exploring.
She loves her food and we are doing the baby lead weaning where we give her the same as we are eating and she feeds herself, sometimes it goes in the right place, often enough it is even where else.
I'm blessed to have such a happy, chilled out baby, a lively, bubbly, brightens your day 3 year old and a bright, clever, thoughtful, relaxed and happy 5 year old.

At last a bit of Sunshine.

It is amazing how a little bit of sun brightens the whole family. I have enjoyed the last few days in the sun. Yesterday I spent the morning at the allotment while Penny was at nursery and Izzy was asleep. Managed to get quite a bit done. I'm feeling quite please with myself as so far, apart from a bit of digging, I've done it all by myself. James has decided he would, like a garden down there, so we pooped down after tea and found him a section and planted some lettuces.
Day Penny, Izzy and I when to Little Acorns followed by lunch at the cafe. Penvy got her haircut, then while we waited for Daddy we watched the ducklings. We also saw a ladybird. Then we all walked to meet James. James planted some seeds in his garden, then we had tea outside followed by John getting the swingball out. Lovely evening I'm now going to end the day with a special coffee followed by a glass of wine in the garden. I'm feeling rather happy and relaxed at the moment. All is good with the world.

Bank holiday

Yesterday we were invited to a BBC at Hollys. What with the sleet, snow, hail of the last few days we wondered if we were going to be inside. However, the sun shone and everyone enjoyed themselves and behaved.
Yesterday morning was also the first time I had left Izzy for 3hours. Normally she is attached to me because I'm  still feeding her and she refused to drink from a bottle. All went well and I enjoyed a sewing machine course. Hopefully I will be soon whizzing up some lovely little dresses for Penny. I one in the picture is a pillow dress.