Catch up

Feels like we are still going flat out- probably no sleep doesn't help. Mae has been up loads in the night, although the new star chart is out and last night we all slept well!! Star charts, hmmmm. A weird idea, something I wouldn't have thought would be my type of parenting thing, but, hell, if they work. And Geoff and I are even on the latest one, for yelling. We both got stars for not yelling yesterday so I will also keep you up to date on that....

Mae's latest thing is writing books. She brought this home from school last week and I almost died! Dana, doesn't this remind you of US?! Hopefully you can read it with these pictures.

And today she is working on one about planets (the arrows were her idea. this page is about the earth orbitting the sun!)

Catch up on the Mitra's visit- Geoff was sleeping too late so we sent the kids in.

And me and Mae being girly girls (no insects or reptiles anywhere!!!)

One week and one day

My name is Jennifer and I am a party planner. I am going to start PPA, a 6-step programme for over enthusiastic parents. (because if it is 12 steps you are trying too hard!!)

1- stop blowing up those balloons.

2- muffins create misery, and they don't want company

3-party bags create early onset psychosis (no comments, John!)

4- ANY party games for 5 years and under in groups of 15 children and more are destined to fail

5-guests demanding bread and butter only are reason enough not to invite them next year

6-ensure any birthdays are not followed by chocolate based christian holidays



There! Most of those I can cope with. Helen, Shubo, Maya and Jamie eased the blow for the next few days and the kids kept Mae very happy- most of the next few days were spent outside, at Mabie Farm, with a cool new giant pillow bounce thing that Helen loved!

At Keswick in the lake district, beautiful and full of dogs. (Iwent shopping during the scenic bus trip!!)


Out for a trip to the beach and a magical walk 1.5 miles to the next villiage.


Up to Edinburgh for a child free day while said child was with her nana and papa visiting Dynamic Earth. Fun-filled charity shop shopping and delis hooray!!


Friday was another parents only day, while Mae enjoyed a great monster cake at Liza's and a trip to the castle.


Saturday we went to the wildlife hospital and stumbled across a dalmation dog show. Crazy.


Today swimming with her dad and karate soon.

Tomorrow back to school. breathe.......

Lizards, Turtles and Snakes, oh MY!

Well, Mae is not quite 5 yet, but we had her party yesterday and it was a success! We had this one at the local community centre, which in some ways was much easier- but as Mae wanted to invite loads of friends from school then we figured that would be the best thing.

Lee, who owns a reptile shop, came with scorpions, bearded and chinese dragons, tortoises, a python, corn snake and other slithery things and the kids got to stroke them and learn about them- it was quite good and only a couple weren't interested. Mae thought it was great and ended up holding the snakes. Notice the birthday girl in her dino pyjamas- glad I didn't buy a new dress for this party!!

Dino cake and games came after, two kids cried, parents seemed happy and most just chilled. So it was good!!

I can't believe she is almost 5!!!

Spring madness sale

No, there is no sale, it's just spring Madness.

Been to Northampton last weekend to visit great and dear friends. Great time. This weekend is a birthday party (avec reptiles) and a visit from (different) great and dear friends. So it's a bit nuts around here. More pics when party happens.

And I probably won't explain this later, but Mae held a giant millipede in her hands today. I wasn't there, but she said she loved it. She also held a hissing cockroach, and wants one for her birthday. That won't happen. Unfortunately, it is now almost a year since we got her cousin two stick insects for her birthday, however as auntie is very pregnant (and looking good on it) I am hoping and praying they have forgotten this minor misdemeanor.